For over two decades, the Lubbock Lions Club has hosted a "Drug Awareness Poster" contest. Students across Lubbock utilize their art skills to highlight the importance of saying “no” to drugs and recognizing the dangers these drugs present.
The focus of this year’s contest was to educate and inform students about the dangers of Fentanyl, pills, and drugs that can look like candy. Several students from Frenship Elementary Schools entered the contest, showcasing their creativity and drug awareness knowledge.
At the awards ceremony earlier this month, Annelise Coker, a fourth-grade student at Oak Ridge Elementary School, was crowned Grand Champion in the third through fifth-grade category. Coker’s poster, titled “Shut the Door on Drugs,” featured 'Scare Doors' from the Pixar movie Monsters, Inc. Each door encouraged everyone to love life and live drug-free. As Grad Champion, Cocker received $100 cash, a medal, and a Lubbock Lions Club coin.
Frenship art teachers encouraged their students to participate in the contest as it provided an opportunity to research and learn about drug awareness while expressing their creativity. Misty Lester, Oak Ridge Art Teacher, expressed pride in her students for using their artistic talents to raise awareness both on their campus and throughout the community.
“All of the students that entered did an amazing job,” said Lester. “Students love art and when they get to do something they love and use that talent to bring awareness to themselves and other students it makes my heart so proud!”
The Lubbock Lions Club visited Oak Ridge and Ridgewood Elementary earlier this semester to congratulate and recognize all the students who participated in the contest. Stephanie Lara, the Ridgewood Art Teacher, explained that art is the perfect way to express beliefs and passions in a way that onlookers can be curious about.
“When it comes to relaying important messages like "Say no to drugs" art lets kids think about that message creatively as opposed to just reading a pamphlet or watching a video,” said Lara. “It allows the kids to take in information and really use their creativity, and critical thinking skills to express their viewpoint in an engaging way.”
The Lubbock Lions Club's "Drug Awareness Poster" contest continues to inspire local students to use their creativity to promote important messages about drug prevention. With the support of their dedicated art teachers, Frenship students learn to turn their passion for art into a platform for positive change.
Congratulations Annelise!