Posters created by several Butler County students were selected as winners of a state Liquor Control Board contest.

The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board recognized 46 students from across the state who participated in the 26th annual Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest, part of Alcohol Awareness Month.

In their winning designs, students focused on positive messages about the benefits of being alcohol-free and healthy alternatives to drinking, such as hobbies and extracurricular activities. The PLCB will use the designs to create folders, notebooks and magnets to distribute throughout the state.

In addition, grade winners will have their artwork reproduced in a calendar. Students who created the best pieces received cash prizes.

Nearly 770 students from 15 counties participated in this year’s contest, using crayons, ink, colored pencils, paint, and computer-generated imagery to create their posters.

Entries were judged on presentation and message. Since the poster contest began in 1992, almost 36,000 entries have been submitted.

Winners of $100 prizes included Mei Lien Mansfield and Gabriella Rossi, who are both third graders at Mars Elementary School. Grade winners, who receive $50 prizes, included Emilia Carrabba, a third grader at Mars Elementary, and Sara Biaggini, who is in fourth grade at Mars Elementary.

Special recognition was given to second graders Sage Mahan and Abigail Schirato, third graders Camden Hoffman and fourth grader Carter Snyder, all Mars Elementary; and Lucas Boyle, sixth grade, Haine Middle School.

“The Alcohol Awareness Poster Contest is a great way for students across the commonwealth to show off their artistic talents and deliver positive messages that can influence their peers to avoid underage drinking and instead find fun, safe, healthy activities to do,” said Tim Holden, PLCB chairman. “The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board commends these young artists, and encourages them to make smart choices as they go through life.”

This year’s winning posters were displayed April 2 to 5 in the State Museum of Pennsylvania.