Creative posters by Bay students fight drug, alcohol and tobacco use

Bay Middle School poster design winners. From left, front row: Emilia Gully, Sara Keh, Elizabeth Carney, Ava Galinas, Avery Tenerowicz. Second Row: James Best, Brigid Fox, Ethan Fisher, Liam Pellow, Jonah Papp, Cian O’Leary, Paul Lentes, Sean Mitchell. Third Row: Lillian Capretto, Nikki Hartman, Lucy Mastromatteo, Maggie Beverly, Ryan Mowchan, Alexis Knapp. On far left is Mr. Russ Bauknecht​ of Kiwanis; on far right is Bay Middle School Principal Sean McAndrews. Not pictured: Sydney Geise, Helena Abramov.

More than 200 Bay Middle School students spent some of their free time this spring creating posters with compelling graphics and messages meant to dissuade others from abusing drugs, alcohol or tobacco. Twenty-three of the poster entries won Malley's gift certificates provided by Bay Village Kiwanis, with five top winners named.

The first-place prize went to Elizabeth Carney for her "Don't let smoking BURN you ..." poster. Second place went to Sara Keh for "Why Fall In the First Place?" Mia Gulley won third place for "Fly Away from Temptation." Ava Galinas and Avery Tenerowicz shared the fourth-place spot, each with her own version of "Be Smart, Don't Start." Eighteen other students received a Judges Choice award.

“Our annual drug prevention poster contest is such a wonderful opportunity for the students to personally reflect on ways to avoid alcohol and other drugs, and then convey their thoughts in a unique and creative way," said Peter Winzig, parent advocate and Bay Village Ward 4 councilman. "The ideas and creativity this year were really special.”

Posters are on display in the Bay Middle School cafeteria.