NEWS RELEASE
May 17, 1999

Partnership for a Drug-Free Michigan "Winners Don't Do Drugs Because..." Contest a Success!

Michigan Department of Community Health Director, James K. Haveman, Jr. and Office of Drug Control Policy Director Darnell Jackson today praised the more than 6,800 Michigan students who demonstrated why "Winners Don't Do Drugs" in the recent Partnership for a Drug-Free Michigan poster and essay contest.

Forty winners won cash awards, made possible by Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan. 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.

Ten, first place winners were awarded $100; ten, second place winners were awarded $50; and twenty, third place winners received $25. Grand prizes ranged from a Detroit Pistons Family Fun Pack to Red Wings tickets and a zamboni ride.

"This proved to be an excellent opportunity for our kids to get involved in Michigan’s anti-drug efforts," said Haveman. "Whether by illustration or by words, these kids showed they had an excellent understanding of the dangers of drug use."

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.

The winners in the Poster Category are:

First Place

Will Pothoff, East China
Eva Hermesmeyer, St. Clair
Sara Ethridge, Beverly Hills
Alishia Ferrell, Ypsilanti
Tonya Contratto, Romulus

Carter Debski, St. Clair
Jana LoBello, Whitmore Lake
Ryann Fugate, Algonac
Laura Cascos, Detroit
Kathy Porembiak, Southgate

John Schumacher, St. Clair
Randy Neibauer, Iron Mountain
Kelsey Meek, Burton
Danielle Weber, Wyoming
Chris Kabzinski, Bloomfield Hills
Miranda Stuart, Saginaw
Mike Burdick, Livonia
Dustin Burns, Melvindale
Lynne Lee Kierney, Alger
Nathan Kinnunen, Atlantic Mine

Sarah Patterson, Rogers City
Seylon Dudley, Ypsilanti
Laura Greve, Harper Woods
Hannah Kauffman, Au Gres
Christin Fordham, Detroit

Sarah Kropiewnicki, Oxford
Derrick Smith, Bay City
Annie Racine, Traverse City
Robyn Kuula, Farmington Hills
Tino Aquilina, Detroit
Shantalita Bailey, Harper Woods

Matthew Flanery, Rogers City
Sarah Bepler, Lansing
Justin Stusek, Southfield
David Flynn, Sterling Heights
Jenny Smith, Rogers City
Nicole Grulke, Rogers City
Bethany McCaffrey, Warren
Melinda Mazur, Newport
Stephanie Vibbert, Farmington Hills

The winners in the drawing for the grand prizes were:

Mark Szabo, of Cadillac, won 4 Red Wings Tickets and a zamboni ride

Chris Szalba, of Detroit, won a Red Wings autographed jersey and puck

Amanda Wayne, of Riverview, won a Pistons Family FunPack and the chance to serve as an Honorary Ballgirl at a Pistons game

TJ Burgess, of Lewiston, won a Pistons Fan Basket