The annual Healthy Choices Art & Poetry contest, hosted by WNY United, is held to help spread the message of living a drug- and alcohol-free lifestyle through artistry.

The members of WNY United judged the submitted artwork for creativity, clarity of the message, and craftsmanship. The student who meets all three of these expectations with their work gets to have their art recognized on the Expo Building of the Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights during the month of December. This year, Ajax Perry, one of our very own Bulldogs, won the contest.

Ajax created a drawing speaking on the importance of not falling into the trap of a smoking addiction through popularity. Ajax said that the message of “the smoke looks cool, but do you?” was to persuade people to not succumb to peer pressure, and this artwork demonstrates that perfectly.

Make sure to support to Ajax’s piece by visiting the Hamburg Fairgrounds Festival of Lights this holiday season and check out my interview with him about this competition.