The Power of the Pencil Takes on Fight Against Drug Addiction

click to expand

BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- Baltimore County middle school students are fighting drug addiction with art.

It's part of an annual contest from the Baltimore County State's Attorney's Office.

The middle school artists were selected as winners by the state's attorney for their anti-drug art projects.

"I just wanted to do something that would have an impact. I wanted it to be dark and gory, so that's what I did," said grand prize winner Ashley Keister.

The prize money, posters and calendars are all paid for by money confiscated from drug offenders.

"The prize you receive today, paid for with money taken from drug dealers, is the only good thing a drug dealer will ever do for any of you for the rest of your life," said Baltimore County State's Attorney Scott Schellenberger.

The posters and calendars will make their way to schools, libraries and doctors offices all across the County.

The kids found inspiration in everything from video games to the family dog.

"I did love pugs not drugs, because I love pugs and I think you would rather love a pug than a drug," Katrina Hall said.

All of them are remarkably in tune with the very real addiction crisis Maryland faces.

"Drugs are such a big issue in the world and the country right now," Amia Dvorak said.

"I created something to tell them to stop, and just tell them to fight your weakness," Simeon Brooks said.

The state's attorney had about 2,000 entries. He says the themes have changed through the years, recently focusing more on alcohol and tobacco use.

This is the 28th year for the program in Baltimore County.

Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook