A Mt. Pleasant Township girl’s love of animals inspired her drawing with a message that won a spot in the Pennsylvania Attorney General’s 2021 Drug-Free Calendar.
Aubrey Wadsworth’s winning entry in the 24th annual calendar contest illustrates the month of July. In a play on words, her slogan, “You Toucan Stay Drug-Free!” appears alongside her rendering of one of the colorfully billed birds, sunning next to a palm tree on a tropical shore.
As a bonus, the fifth grade Ramsay Elementary student — the daughter of Randy Jr. and Jennifer Wadsworth — will receive a certificate and a $529 contribution to her Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program.
“Every child in Pennsylvania deserves a bright future, and deserves to be free from weights like the opioid crisis and the student debt crisis,” said Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella, whose department supervises the 529 program. “This program manages to help in both of those areas.
“These kids have the potential to be leaders among their classmates and to show their peers how they can stay on the right track.”
Fifth graders from across the state were encouraged to enter the contest last October, which is National Substance Abuse Prevention Month. The 13 entries judged to be best were included in the calendar.
“Aubrey has always been interested in art, especially drawing and painting,” said her father, noting her next goal is learning to play the piano. “Art is truly a passion of hers, and we support her in what she loves. Her inspiration for the drawing was due to her love of animals and vacationing at the beach, two of her favorite things.”
The Wadsworths will receive 20 copies of the calendar, and Aubrey’s school will get 100 copies.
In past years, calendars were handed out to the public at various January events, including the Pennsylvania Farm Show in Harrisburg. Since that show has shifted to a virtual event for 2021, calendars will be mailed out by request.
For more information about the drug-free calendar and contest, visit attorneygeneral.gov or call 800-525-7642.
