NEWS RELEASE
May 18, 1999

St. Clair High School Scores Big with Partnership for a Drug-Free Michigan: "Winners Don't Do Drugs Because..." Contest

Michigan Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr., and Office of Drug Control Policy Director Darnell Jackson, today announced the 40 winners of the recent Winners Don't Do Drugs Because. . ." contest. More than 6,800 students entered the contest and four of the forty winners are from Mrs. Cindy Whisman’s art class at St. Clair High School in St. Clair. More than 6,800 students entered the contest.

"St. Clair High School’s artists really illustrated the dangers of drug use in the most creative ways. I applaud Mrs. Whisman and her students for striking a chord with powerful imagery," said Michigan Department of Community Health Director James K. Haveman, Jr. "As a statewide contest, this proved to be an excellent opportunity for our kids to get involved in Michigan’s anti-drug efforts."

Forty winners won cash awards, made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. Ten, first place winners were awarded $100; ten, second place winners were awarded $50; and twenty, third place winners received $25. In addition to the cash awards, four students were selected in a drawing to win grand prizes, provided by Stanley Cup Champions Detroit Red Wings, and the Detroit Pistons.

The winners from St. Clair High School are:

Will Pothoff, First Place, of East China
Eva Hermesmeyer, First Place, of St. Clair
Carter Debski, Second Place, of St. Clair
John Schumacher, Third Place, of St. Clair

This was the first year for the poster and essay contest, which was coordinated by the Partnership for a Drug-Free Michigan -- an aggressive public awareness campaign designed to warn every child, teen and parent in Michigan about the dangers of drug use. Many parents, teachers, and counselors have written or called to congratulate the partnership for arranging the contest.

"This contest would not have been possible without the public and private collaboration between Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Detroit Red Wings, the Detroit Pistons and the partnership for a Drug-Free Michigan," said Jackson.