Teens warning other teens about the effects of using alcohol is one of those times.

“This is a meaningful and impactful message,” said County Executive PJ Wendel. “These are school-aged kids who are applying positive peer pressure.”

In honor of Alcohol Awareness Month, Prevention Works of Jamestown Inc. hosted its 23rd Alcohol Awareness Month Poster Contest Award Ceremony recently at the Hotel Jamestown’s Crystal Ballroom. Assemblyman Andy Goodell, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, and representatives from Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office and New York State Senator George M. Borrello’s office also presented the winner awards.

“Alcohol Awareness Month offers community organizations concerned about individuals, families and children an opportunity to work together, to not only raise awareness and understanding about the negative consequences of alcohol, but to highlight the need for local action and services focused on prevention, treatment and recovery,” said Melanie Witkowski, executive director for Prevention Works.

Prevention Works Inc. of Jamestown hosted its 23rd Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest Awards Ceremony, at the Crystal Ballroom, Tuesday. Pictured are the 13 contest finalists with State Assemblyman Andy Goodell, R-150th District, Chautauqua County Executive PJ Wendel, and representatives from Congressman Nick Langworthy’s office and state Senator George M. Borrello. P-J photo by Christopher Blakeslee

This year’s poster theme is “I’m Not Alone in Saying NO!”

“This year’s theme has been integrated in more than 212 posters which were entered into this year’s contest by students from all around Chautauqua County,” said Laurie Reynolds, Prevention Works Inc. associate director. “This contest is divided into three categories. Category A: third grade through fifth grade; Category B: sixth grade through eighth grade and Category C: ninth grade through 12th grade.”

Renyolds, then explained the breakdown of the prize pool for all the finalists.

– All 13 finalists will go home today with a prize.

– The highest score overall will be awarded the Grand Prize ribbon, a billboard to display the winning poster in their hometown, and a cash prize of $100,” she explained.

– There will be three first place winners, one per category; each will receive $75. There will be three second place winners, one per category; they will each receive $50 and the third place finalist, in each category; will receive $25 each.

– The other three posters in two categories that do not include the Grand Prize will receive an honorable mention ribbon and a $15 prize.”

The grand prize winner is Tala Abuhmeidan of Chautauqua Lake Central.

Other winners are as follows:

First Place: Category A- Hannah Raynor, Westfield Central School and Category B- Lucy Bullaro, Panama Central School; Category C- Illva Tusha, Chautauqua Lake Central School.

Second Place: Category A- John Strassel, Homeschooled; Category B- Trinity Norton, Falconer Middle School and Category C- Eulalia March, Chautauqua Lake Central School.

Third Place: Category A- Aurora Maring, Westfield Central School; Category B- Annalisa Krug, Southwestern Middle School and Category C- Jocelyn Miller, Chautauqua Lake Central School.

Honorary Mention- Category A- Jackson Swant, Westfield Central School; Category B- Callee Reyda, Southwestern Middle School and Category C- Lucy Gates, Chautauqua Lake Central School.

Goodell said the ability to support Prevention Works and the youthful finalist was a real honor. Furthermore, they both believe this year’s focal theme message is not only meaningful but impactful as well.

“It’s an honor to be a part of this event,” said Goodell. “I’m excited to post all this amazing artwork in the state’s capitol.”

Researchers estimate that each year there are more than 178,000 alcohol-related deaths, making alcohol a leading preventable cause of death in the United States. In addition, more than 200 diseases and injury-related conditions are associated with alcohol misuse.

“Peer pressure done for a good cause, and done in the right manner can be positive,” said Kristian Reiber, a prevention specialist with Prevention Works Inc.