Teens can enter anti-tobacco design contest

McHenry County Department of Health will hold its 11th annual Anti-Tobacco Media Design Contest for McHenry County high school and college students.

Since 2004, the contest has sought to highlight local talent while educating the community of the ill health effects of smoking and secondhand smoke. The theme this year is "The Dangers of Nicotine." The deadline is Friday, Dec. 12. This project was made possible by funds received from the Illinois Department of Public Health.

Entries are judged on originality, peer appeal, and simple, colorful design. Students can work individually or as partners. Making the final selection are teens from McHenry County Anti-Tobacco Advocacy groups, McHenry County Department of Health's health promotion staff, as well as representatives from health departments throughout northern Illinois.

Three designs will be chosen. Winning entries will have the student's name, design and school name displayed on billboards, community posters and signs throughout McHenry County.

Past winners have included students from Woodstock High School, Woodstock North High School, Marengo Community High School, Crystal Lake Central High School, Cary-Grove High School, Crystal Lake South High School and McHenry County College.

For a contest announcement and entry form, students should contact their school's art teacher. For more information about the contest, call MCDH at (815) 334-4525. Get the latest news from MCDH at www.mcdh.info, on Facebook or Twitter.