Purpose: The goal of this contest is to advance youth voices in drug prevention by providing a creative platform through art, essay or video, for them to express their perspective, raise awareness and inspire others to make healthy choices when it comes to alcohol and/or drug use. All appropriate entries will be showcased on the Coalition’s website, and winning entries and author of the entry will be featured on the website, media and other public outlets. Top 3 entries receiving the most votes will be awarded as follows:

• 1^st place – $300
• 2^nd place – $200
• 3^rd place – $100

Eligibility & Entry Rules

• Open to Ray County youth in 5th-12th grades
• A signed entry and consent form is required with each entry.
• Entries are limited to one entry per category per person or one designated team entry per category.
• Entries must be original and primarily student produced.

Submission Guidelines

• Entries can be in one of 3 categories in the following format
  • Written words/essays
  • Artwork
  • Audio or video up to 1 minute submitted with YouTube link.
• Entries shall be submitted along with signed entry & consent form via Email or in person.
  • In-person entries may be submitted to:
    • Ray County Library, 215 E. Lexington, Richmond, MO 64085
  • Email entries to info@raycountycoalition.com with subject line “Youth Prevention Contest” with entry and consent forms.
• Entry and consent forms for publishing work are available at the library or can be downloaded using the link below.                                                        
• Deadline for submission March 15, 2026. Late or incomplete entries will not be accepted.

Judging

• Voting will begin March 20th and end April 3rd. 
• Entries will be voted on by the general public (1 vote per person) through the Ray County Coalition website.
• Message should focus on preventing youth use of alcohol, marijuana or other drugs.

Entries will be examined by committee for appropriate messaging, prior to public posting. Entries containing explicit, violent or discriminatory content will be disqualified from the contest.