MILLBURN, N.J. — Two Middlesex County fourth graders have been named statewide winners in the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s 2025 “Fun Things to Do Instead of Doing Drugs” contest, the organization announced Thursday.
Adrian Camilo of John F. Kennedy Elementary School in Jamesburg and Madison Gunsch of McDivitt Elementary School in Old Bridge were recognized for their standout artwork promoting healthy, drug-free lifestyles. Their submissions were selected from thousands of entries by fourth-grade students across New Jersey.
The contest encourages children to share positive messages about staying drug-free through creative artwork. The winning entries by Adrian and Madison will be featured on bookmarks distributed across the state to raise awareness and promote prevention.
“This contest is a great way to engage students early about the value of making positive choices,” said Angelo Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “Adrian and Madison’s artwork shows they understand the importance of living a drug-free life.”
The winners were celebrated during a virtual awards ceremony held Tuesday, May 6. Finalists from throughout New Jersey participated in the event.
Statewide campaign highlights student leadership and prevention
The Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a nonprofit coalition focused on reducing demand for illicit drugs through public service campaigns and prevention education. The organization is best known for its statewide advertising campaign, which has received over $200 million in donated broadcast time and print space.
Since its founding, the Partnership has earned 230 awards for its communications work and continues to support school-based programs that promote early intervention and substance use education.