Clearview Elementary students in second through fifth grade recently participated in the Clearwater Lions club’s annual drug awareness poster contest. The winners in each grade advanced to the Lions’ district contest, where Clearview student Katie Gramke was awarded first place in the third grade category.

The students created their posters in art teacher Anna Barton’s classes in December. Each student came up with his or her own anti-drug message and then illustrated that message on their poster. The project gets the students to stop and think about the effects of drugs and why they should avoid them.

In January the students’ completed posters were brought to the Clearwater Lions, who selected winners from each classroom based on the student’s message, neatness, creativity, and overall effort. Cash prizes were awarded to the winners.

“It was really hard to choose,” said Clearwater Lion Mary Abraham. “They were all really awesome, so if yours was picked it was an honor.”

Winners this year include second graders Grace Dold (1st), Elena Castro (2nd), Molly Atkinson (3rd); third graders Katie Gramke (1st), Myla Mclean (2nd), Jude Schnabel (3rd); fourth graders Ali Simard (1st), June Leffingwell (2nd), Anabelle Castro (3rd); and fifth graders Hali Lieser (1st), Zoe L. (2nd), and Elise Eldred (3rd). 

The students got the ideas from their posters from a variety of places.

“I got my idea from my brother’s t-shirt, that said, ‘That’s too much bacon said no one ever,’” said fourth grade district convention winner Katie Gramke. “My poster says, ‘One drug is too many drugs said everyone always.’”

Fifth grader first place winner Hali Lieser said her idea came from candy, which most people like to be sweet, not sour, and drugs are sour.

Grace Dold, the second grade first place winner, likes cute things because they make her happy. Her poster read, ‘Too cute for drugs.’

“I drew a bee flying through flowers because spring is my favorite season,” said fourth grade first place winner Allie Simard. “My poster says, ‘Don’t bee the one to use drugs,’”

First place winners from each grade advanced on to the 2020 Midwest Convention drug awareness poster contest, where they competed against winners from other clubs in the Lions District 57, which is made up of 52 clubs. Each club works with an elementary school within their community. 

Gramke was named the 1st place convention winner in the third grade category, beating out all the other contestants. She was honored Feb. 24 during the Clearwater Lions’ governor’s dinner, where she received a plaque and cash award.