The winners have been announced in a poster and video contest hosted by the Abbotsford Police Department (APD), the school district and the Abbotsford Police Foundation (APF).
The contest was held as part of the Youth Making Positive Choices program.
Manraj Aulakh from John Maclure Elementary won for the top poster submission, while Bryce Matties and Russell Peters from Abbotsford School of the Integrated Arts Sumas won for the top video submission.
The APF was able to fund this new APD initiative as a result of donations from citizens and sponsors.
The 2017 program was developed by the APD in partnership with the school district and was designed to empower youth in the community to make good life choices.
The program educated students on the dangers of drug use, supported youth in developing critical-thinking skills, and encouraged teens to create their own messages that inspire peers to make positive choices.
“This is a very important initiative that will help our youth stay safe,” said Kevin Boonstra, APF president.
School district superintendent Kevin Godden said today’s youth are learning about drug use at an earlier age than ever before.
“It is important that, as educators, we do our part to ensure active conversations take place around the impact and prevention of drug use,” he said.
The APF supports APD community programs and helps enable the APD to achieve their goal of making Abbotsford “the safest city in B.C.”
Visit abbypf.ca for more information or to view the winning posters and videos.