James Ungaretti, a 7th grader at Brooks Middle School, was named the winner Tuesday night of the first Teen Substance Abuse Awareness through Art Contest for his video, “Choose a Better Life.”
More than 160 middle school students from Oak Park and River Forest submitted 125 entries into the contest, which was put on by IMPACT (Parents and Community Together to Reduce Youth Alcohol and Drug Use).
Participants were asked to create an original advertisement or piece of art that celebrates healthy choices and substance-free living or shows the risks and dangers of smoking or drug and alcohol use.
Winners were announced during a reception at the Oak Park Art League, where all entries were on display. Ungaretti and the six other winners—one each from Oak Park and River Forest for first, second and third place—received Apple gift cards donated by the village police departments and the River Forest FOP 46.