Highlights from the 2024 Art of Prevention Event
by Adapt Prevention & Education
On Wednesday, 05/15, Adapt Integrated Health Care hosted the annual “Art of Prevention” event, showcasing the incredible artistic talents of youth from Douglas County. Held from 5-7pm, the event featured 45 thought-provoking art pieces that explored themes of substance misuse, suicide prevention, problem gambling, and resilience. The gallery was filled with vibrant colors and profound messages, each piece reflecting the personal experiences and insights of our young artists.
The evening was not just about art but also about community engagement and raising awareness on critical issues. Attendees had the opportunity to interact with the artists, understand their perspectives, and cast their votes for the People’s Choice Award. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, with light refreshments served, allowing for meaningful conversations and a shared appreciation for the transformative power of art. The support from family, friends, and community members made this event truly special, emphasizing the importance of coming together to support our youth and their creative expressions.
Our young artists addressed critical themes such as substance misuse, suicide prevention, problem gambling, and resilience through their creative expressions.
Meet Our Winners!
Middle School Age Division
Substance Misuse Prevention Category:
- 1st Place: Amira Mathis, 7th Grade, “Don’t Smoke”
- 2nd Place: Nymara Gideon, 8th Grade, “Stained Glass”
- 3rd Place: Kierynn Smith, 8th Grade, “Emy”
Suicide/Self-Harm Prevention Category:
- 1st Place: O’ryah Grimes, 7th Grade, “There is Always a Reason”
- 2nd Place: Brenna Myler, 8th Grade, “Never Alone”
- 3rd Place: Breanne Ball, 6th Grade, “The Talk”
General Prevention/Resilience Category:
- 1st Place: Vivian Pimentel, 8th Grade, “The Way You Made Me Feel”
- 2nd Place: Elaina Cumming, 7th Grade, “You’re Not Alone”
- 3rd Place: Isabella Leiby, 7th Grade, “Bully”
High School Age Division
Substance Misuse Prevention Category:
- 1st Place: McKenna Yancy, 9th Grade, “New Beginnings”
- 2nd Place: Luke Wilson, 10th Grade, “Drugs and Rains Face”
- 3rd Place: Caydence McCurry, 11th Grade, “Choices”
Suicide/Self-Harm Prevention Category:
- 1st Place: Jaiden Adams, 10th Grade, “Reigning Choices”
- 2nd Place: Ashton Edwards, 9th Grade, “Heal Before It Hurts”
- 3rd Place: Jack Bechtel, 11th Grade, “Can You See Me?”
Problem Gambling/Gaming Prevention Category:
- 1st Place: Jaiden Adams, 10th Grade, “What Are The Odds?”
- 2nd Place: Ashton Edwards, 9th Grade, “Isolated”
General Prevention/Resilience Category:
- 1st Place: Felicity Clayton, 11th Grade, “He Said He Was Sorry”
- 2nd Place: Jayde Hollingsworth, 9th Grade, “Focus More on Reality Then Screens”
- 3rd Place: Amanda Colerick, 11th Grade, “How Do We Go On?”
Overall People’s Choice Award
McKenna Yancy, 9th Grade, “New Beginnings”
This event not only highlights the artistic prowess of our local youth but also emphasizes the importance of addressing pressing issues through creative outlets. The evening was enriched by the participants’ enthusiasm, the audience’s support, and the thoughtful discussions sparked by the artwork. To learn more about our incredible Prevention & Education program and all they do for our Douglas County Community, visit their webpage!