A sixth-grade student at Rogers Middle School has been awarded first place in the state for his grade level in ACT Missouri’s Red Ribbon Art Contest.

Max Loring was awarded a $100 gift card for art supplies, and his art will appear in the Missouri’s Youth Adult Alliance, or MYAA, 2013 Year in Prevention calendar, as well as at various statewide drug and alcohol prevention activities.

“Max is a talented artist who always works hard,” Mandi Tripoli, Rogers Middle School art teacher, stated in a news release. “His love of art, attention to detail and his choice to be drug-free come together creatively in this successful piece of art.”

MYAA’s annual art competition drew artwork from 35 schools across the state that showcased the message, “The Best Me is Drug-Free.” The top four pieces of artwork from each grade were judged by a panel of art professionals and substance-abuse prevention professionals. The entry from each grade that demonstrated the highest artistic talent as well as the most solid prevention message was selected as the winner.   

“I’m constantly amazed by the talent of our kids in Missouri,” Mona Lara, MYAA project director, stated in the release.  “This contest not only gives us a chance to recognize their creativity, but to show the state that most Missouri kids choose to live healthy, drug-free lifestyles.” 

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