HARRISBURG — In a heartfelt ceremony, Attorney General David Sunday celebrated the artistic achievements of 13 fifth-grade students from across Pennsylvania, whose compelling artwork has been selected for the 2026 Drug-Free Calendar.

Each year, during National Substance Abuse Prevention Month in October, the Office of the Attorney General invites fifth graders statewide to create original pieces that convey the importance of a drug-free lifestyle. This year, over 1,300 submissions poured in from 148 schools spanning 44 counties, showcasing the students' creativity and commitment to this vital cause.

Attorney General Sunday emphasized the dual purpose of the contest: "This isn't just about celebrating the incredible art of our students; this campaign is also about preventing drug use." He highlighted the ongoing challenges Pennsylvania faces with opioid and mental health crises, stating, "Prevention is the key to victory, and it takes all of us to be voices for prevention in our friend groups, schools, and communities."

In recognition of their efforts, each winning student received a $529 contribution to their Pennsylvania 529 College Savings Program, a gesture made possible through collaboration with the Pennsylvania Treasury Department. Treasurer Stacy Garrity, who attended the ceremony, praised the students: "The winners of this contest are a great example of how we can all use our own special talents to encourage others to make positive decisions."

The selected artworks will grace each month of the 2026 calendar, with one piece featured on the cover. The honored students are:

Cover: Nico Nicklin, Greenville Elementary School, Mercer County

January: Lilian Gearhart, Cecil Intermediate School, Washington County

February: Benny Root, Union Canal Elementary School, Lebanon County

March: Benjamin Goodbred, S.S. Palmer Elementary School, Carbon County

April: Stella Siegrist, Our Lady of the Angels Catholic School, Lancaster County

May: Nora Bothell, United Elementary School, Indiana County

June: Brynn Watlock, St. Nicholas – St. Mary School, Luzerne County

July: David Fallen, Christ the King School, Philadelphia County

August: Eva Lily Madeira, Pleasant Valley Intermediate School, Monroe County

September: Michael Kihonge, Wilson Area Intermediate School, Northampton County

October: Makenna Bachman, South Fayette Intermediate School, Allegheny County

November: Marcus Zawarski, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School, Northampton County

December: Kaitlyn Lytle, Forest Hills Elementary School, Cambria County

The Drug-Free Calendar Contest is funded through the Community Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, which utilizes fines and penalties from offenses like driving under the influence to support educational initiatives. Throughout the year, agents and specialists from the Office of the Attorney General visit schools to deliver interactive presentations, emphasizing the importance of staying drug-free.

For more information on these programs, individuals are encouraged to contact the Office of the Attorney General.