Barron places second in national poster contest

“Get High on Life” has proven to be a winning philosophy for David Barron of Barwick.
After placing first in both the district and provincial Elks and Royal Purple anti-drug poster contest (grade five/six category), the sixth-grader at Sturgeon Creek School was runner-up in the national contest.
“I’m excited–I’m happy with it,” enthused Barron, who yesterday was presented with a $150 cheque, certificate, plaque, and framed copy of his poster (the original is being kept for display at the Elks and Royal Purple national convention in Edmonton in July).
“I think that part might be the best part,” he noted.
“You are to be commended on your excellence and achievement in this national youth competition that focuses on drug and alcohol awareness,” said Tony Kadikoff, past president of the Elks Lodge #313 in Fort Frances.
Elks treasurer Eivend Haugo and secretary Arnold Brown also were on hand for the presentation.
Barron is no stranger to having his work in the public eye. He also wrote and illustrated a book, “The Adventures of Bob and Red,” which was published last year.
Sturgeon Creek also received a certificate of recognition for having a national winner and for participating in the contest.
“Staff and students are to be commended for their interest in this national youth competition that focuses on drug and alcohol awareness,” said Kadikoff.
Barron’s picture certainly has seen a lot of miles since the contest closed last winter. After winning in the district in March, it was sent to Sault Ste. Marie and then Belleville for the provincial judging.
It then went on to the Elks and Royal Purple national office in Regina for the final judging, where it went up against posters from each province and territory.
The winning poster in Barron’s age group was done by Clayton Kashuba of Balgonie, Sask.
Rules for the annual poster contest were handed out back in September in conjunction with the district Drug and Alcohol Resistance Education (DARE) program.
“The DARE program teachings have been greatly appreciated and were evident in the posters that were submitted,” noted Kadikoff.
An avid artist, Barron noted he’ll likely enter the contest again next year. “I enter every poster contest there is. I think there’s only one I can ever remember not entering,” he remarked.