Throggs Neck Community Action Partnership hosts annual poster contest for community youth – Bronx Times

The Throggs Neck Community Action Partnership (TNCAP) hosted the 2024 Annual Poster Contest on June 5 at the Jeanne Jugan Residence. This annual event challenges youth of the Throggs Neck community to visually represent their understanding of a specific topic related to alcohol and tobacco use prevention.

This year’s theme was “How to Build a Healthy Community.” The contest was held in local elementary and middle schools, as well as in the after-school programs in Throggs Neck. Students received a lesson on what they wanted their community to look like. Students created poster art of their vision.

Various artworks were submitted by six school art programs: PS 304, PS 14, PS 72, St. Frances de Chantal School, the Preston Center of Compassion afterschool programs, and the P&J Beacon afterschool program. The committee selected twelve winning artworks. The winning students, their families, the art teacher, the principal, and all members of the TNCAP coalition were invited to the in-person awards ceremony where they received certificates and gift bags and had the opportunity to pose with their artwork on display.

“With their amazing artwork, these students truly demonstrated their understanding of the curriculum to create a healthy, alcohol and smoke-free community,” said Christine Cavallucci, executive director of the Drug Abuse Prevention Program (ADAPP) of the Archdiocese of New York.

The winning students were:

• PS 304: Laila Jai ​​Romero, 4th grade; August Lidh, 4th grade;
• St. Frances de Chantal School: Alejandro Wong, 5th grade; Victoria Lobanov, 7th grade;
• PS 14: Olivia Tong, 5th grade; Irelia Estevez, 3rd grade;
• PS 72 Journie Preston, 3rd grade; Ben Niass, 3rd grade; Julia Lin, 3rd grade; Hyder Saad, 4th grade;
• P&J Beacon Afterschool Program: Azarah Adams, 5th grade;
• And the Preston Center of Compassion afternoon program: Leyla Colon, 6th grade.

Additional certificates of recognition were presented to each student on behalf of the office of State Senator Nathalia Fernandez, the office of Bronx Council Member Kristy Marmorato, and Patrick Caruso of Bronx Community Board 10.

Highlights of the program included the presentation of TNCAP certificates to all students for their winning artwork and the presentation of TNCAP Member of the Year awards to Lakiema Alexander – Program Director at Phipps Neighborhoods – and Felicia Mitchell – Assistant Program Director at Phipps Neighborhoods.

“Both women are valued members of TNCAP and embody unwavering commitment to the coalition and the community,” said Christine Cavallucci.

Lakiema Alexander (left) and Felicia Mitchell (right) receive the TNCAP Member of the Year award. Photo courtesy of Dawn Insanalli

Cavallucci delivered a welcoming speech, co-presented awards, and introduced adult attendees to resources from the “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign. The “Talk. They Hear You.” campaign aims to reduce alcohol and substance use among minors under 21 by providing parents and caregivers with the information and resources they need to address these issues early and often with their children.

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