HARRISBURG, PA — Thirteen fifth-grade students from across Pennsylvania are turning crayons and creativity into a statewide weapon against drug abuse after their artwork was selected for the 2026 Drug-Free Calendar, a program aimed at keeping young people away from drugs, alcohol, and tobacco.
Attorney General David Sunday and Treasurer Stacy Garrity honored the student artists at a ceremony in Harrisburg, marking the 29th year of the Office of Attorney General’s Drug-Free Calendar Contest. The competition drew more than 1,300 entries from 148 schools in 44 counties, making it one of the state’s largest youth-focused prevention campaigns.
The contest, held during National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in October, challenged students to create original artwork with a clear drug-free message. Thirteen winning pieces — one for each month and one for the cover — were selected based on creativity, artistic skill, and the strength of the anti-drug message.
“This isn’t just about celebrating the incredible art of our students; this campaign is also about preventing drug use,” Sunday said, calling the fight against opioid addiction and mental health crises a top priority for his office. He emphasized that prevention depends on students, families, and communities working together to promote healthy, drug-free choices.
Each winner will receive a $529 contribution to a Pennsylvania 529 College and Career Savings Program account, administered by the Pennsylvania Treasury Department, to help them save for future education. Garrity said the students are “a great example of how we can all use our own special talents to encourage others to make positive decisions.”
The 2026 calendar will be circulated statewide to educate families about the dangers of substance abuse and highlight how young people can protect themselves.
The student selected for the calendar cover is Nico Nicklin of Greenville Elementary School in Mercer County. Monthly winners include
- Lilian Gearhart of Cecil Intermediate School in Washington County for January;
- Benny Root of Union Canal Elementary School in Lebanon County for February;
- Benjamin Goodbred of S.S. Palmer Elementary School in Carbon County for March;
- Stella Siegrist of Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School in Lancaster County for April;
- Nora Bothell of United Elementary School in Indiana County for May;
- Brynn Watlock of St. Nicholas–St. Mary School in Luzerne County for June;
- David Fallen of Christ the King School in Philadelphia County for July;
- Eva Lily Madeira of Pleasant Valley Intermediate School in Monroe County for August;
- Michael Kihonge of Wilson Area Intermediate School in Northampton County for September;
- Makenna Bachman of South Fayette Intermediate School in Allegheny County for October;
- Marcus Zawarski of Our Lady of Perpetual Help School in Northampton County for November; and
- Kaitlyn Lytle of Forest Hills Elementary School in Cambria County for December.
The Drug-Free Calendar Contest is funded through the Community Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, which receives money from fines and penalties tied to certain offenses, including driving under the influence.
Beyond the calendar, agents and specialists from the Office of Attorney General visit schools throughout the year, delivering interactive, age-appropriate lessons designed to teach students about the risks of drugs and the importance of making healthy choices — using education, art, and engagement to help keep Pennsylvania’s next generation drug free.
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