Legion announces poster contest winner

Last Updated on Friday, June 08, 2012 04:51 pm Written by Suzanne Marino Wednesday, June 06, 2012 06:44 pm

LONGPORT – The Longport American Legion Post 469 recently sponsored a safety poster contest for the 20th year.

The American Legion Department Safety Committee strives to include challenged youth into their activities.  The contest is open only to physically, mentally disabled or handicapped children. Participants are judged on originality along with understanding and coverage of the topic and each account for 50 percent of the score. 

According to poster contest chairman Herb Stern, the students work with their art teacher at the Atlantic County Special Services School, Lisa Confora, to create the posters based on a safety theme.

At the local level and at that county level, the three winning efforts came from ACSSSD students.

The first-place winner is Michael Riley of Mays Landing. Riley did a poster warning skaters and bikers to wear a helmet.

The second-place winner is Jorge Fornia of Egg Harbor City and third place went to Destiny Chinnici of the Smithville section of Galloway Township. 

Each of the 16 contestants that entered the contest received a 160 piece art supply kit compliments of Post 469.

A number of past Longport and Atlantic County winners have gone on to win at the national level, according to Stern.