By Isabella Armellino
Three Branford High students were recently honored for designing posters for the Be Vape Free in 2023 billboard contest, and one student has her work featured on a billboard along Route 1 in town.
The Prevention Council of Branford celebrated the achievements of the three students at a recent event November 28 at BHS.
The first prize went to BHS junior Olivia May, who was awarded a $250 Amazon gift card. BHS freshman Ella Banks secured the second prize and a $100 Amazon gift card, while the third prize winner, sophomore Joey Arcangelo, received a $50 gift card. All winners received certificates of achievement, legislative citations, and an invitation to join the Branford Local Prevention Council.
“I’ve always loved to spread awareness through my artwork,” May said. Her design is featured on a billboard on Route 1 near the intersection with Cedar Street.
The council, run by Branford Counseling & Community Services, stands as Branford’s Local Prevention Council, operating as a grant-funded initiative under the Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services prevention and health promotion division. Its core objective revolves around heightening public consciousness regarding alcohol, tobacco, and other drug prevention, with a focus on youth-oriented activities, according to Kimberly Mitchell, co-chair of the council and director of the town’s youth service bureau.
The contest, launched at BHS in the fall, urged students to generate original designs aiming to educate youth about the dangers of vaping. A committee selected the top three designs, and on Nov. 28, a ceremony at BHS recognized these students. Presentations were delivered by Pamela Davies, Clinical Director of BCCS, along with BHS Principal Lee Panagoulias, Superintendent Christopher Tranberg, Branford State Representative Robin Comey, and Mitchell.
“Branford High School was chosen for this event because we already have several members in the council working in the high school who are passionate about the issue,” Mitchell said.
The Prevention Council’s main objectives include increasing awareness of vaping risks and prevention, with a target of reducing vaping rates by 5% among 12-18 year-olds through identifying and addressing related risk and protective factors.
