Meadow Lakes student wins anti-drinking poster contest

JUNEAU -- Alaska First Lady Susan Knowles recently announced the winners of a statewide poster contest for Alaska elementary and middle school students.

The poster contest paralleled a campaign of television and radio public service announcements targeting 9- to 15-year-olds to think about the consequences of drinking. The "Cool Spot" PSAs show that it's cool to say no to beer, wine or liquor. The spots don't preach or lecture to kids, but focus on giving them the verbal tools to turn down a drink politely, but firmly.

The spots were developed by the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.

One hundred-seventeen students ages 6 to 16 participated in the poster contest. From Metakatla to Anchorage to Tanana, the children created posters that capture the eye with colorful drawings and compelling messages on the dangers of drinking alcohol and positive activities that kids can do instead of drinking.

The best anti-drinking poster was awarded to Kiersten Wilber, 10, of Meadow Lakes Elementary, submitted by Goose Bay Elementary Boys and Girls Club in Wasilla. Wilber was a winner in one of six age-based categories.

Knowles noted that national statistics show children are drinking more and at younger ages than ever before.

Thirteen is the average age when kids first drink alcohol, surveys indicate. The long and short-term effects of early drinking are potentially devastating in terms of brain development, safety and success and future alcohol dependence.

Knowles and more than 30 other governors' spouses have joined in a fight against underage drinking, through "Leadership to Keep Children Alcohol Free."

The primary sponsors of this initiative are the NIAAA and the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation. The goal of this national and statewide initiative is to raise awareness, provide access to existing resources, and promote action at all levels.

Every child who participated in the Alaska poster contest will receive a certificate signed by Gov. Tony Knowles and Mrs. Knowles. Prizes will be sent to winning students and schools.

Photos and video from the judging and display of the posters can be found on Mrs. Knowles' Web site at http://www.gov.state.ak.us/alcoholfree.