Middle Schooler Wins Red Ribbon Week Regional Photo Contest

Washougal, WA – Congratulations to Jemtegaard Middle School sixth grader, Carson Kanzler, and his family, who won a regional first place in the 2017 Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest. Kanzler, who also won an iPad, was awarded a check for $1,000 for JMS at a school pep assembly April 12.

Cam Strahm, Assistant Special Agent in Charge from the Drug Enforcement Administration for Oregon and Southern Washington, made the presentation.

“There were hundreds of photos entered into this contest and winning is a really big deal,” said Strahm. “Carson did a wonderful job!”

Kanzler’s photo featured him next to a poster he created supporting the message that staying drug free is the key to a successful future.

“The poster design is a door with a key hanging up on the wall and it inspired me because your future is key, so the door was labeled your future, and you had to do multiple things to get the key so that your future is drug free,” said Kanzler. “It’s so you can have a happy future.”

Carson Kanzler poses in front of the poster he designed for Red Ribbon Week.

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Kanzler wasn’t expecting the public presentation, so it was a total surprise to him.

“I am so very excited that our student has won this award,” said Wendy Butler, ESD Prevention and Intervention Specialist. “Drug prevention is important. Our students are our future and they deserve to know the facts about how drugs can harm their brains and forever impact their lives. It is important for them to understand there are positive choices in their lives that will lead them towards success and happiness.”

The 2017 National Red Ribbon Week Photo Contest received hundreds of submissions and votes in support of entries last October. The contest was an opportunity to involve families and schools in spreading the Red Ribbon Week message widely in neighborhoods, communities and on social media.

“It is a wonderful way to celebrate families, schools and communities working together to promote healthy, drug-free kids,” Butler said.

From left: Cam Strahm, Carson Kanzler, and Wendy Butler at Thursday’s pep rally at Jemptegaard Middle School, in Washougal.