Announcing the 2025 winners
Youth in grades 6 to 12 across the IH region were invited to submit an original form of artwork that shares their views on the impacts of commercial tobacco*, cannabis, vaping and alcohol use for a chance to win a $150 gift card of their choice. It’s important for adults and peers alike to understand the impact these substances have on you, your friends, family, school and community.
*Commercial tobacco is not reflective of traditional, ceremonial, sacred and medicinal uses of raw tobacco by Indigenous and other cultures.
2025 Winners
| Commercial Tobacco - Jude |
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| Vaping - Mana |
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| Cannabis - Maverick |
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| Alcohol - Tom |
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| Commercial Tobacco - Sam |
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| Vaping - Ysha |
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| Cannabis - Willow |
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| Alcohol - Devynkayne |
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Who can participate
- You can participate in the contest if you are a grade 6 to 12 student living in the IH Region of B.C.
- The contest will be split into two separate grade brackets: grades 6 to 8, and 9 to 12. The contest themes will remain the same for both age groups.
How to enter
Note: Entry deadline has now passed and submissions are closed.
- Create an original poster, illustration or an infographic that match one of the contest themes
- Submit your poster and a completed entry form
Artwork designs must be no longer than one page, and either 8.5 x 11 or 11 x 17 inches in size. All artwork submitted must be original and created by the person making the submission.
- Read the contest rules to make sure your entry will be valid.
- Please note: The winning posters will be professionally printed and the successful artists will receive a copy. Artists retain the copyright to their work but agree that it may be used by IH in the promotion of national, regional, and local substance-prevention awareness campaigns, and be featured in schools, community settings, and on IH’s social media platforms, website, and in hospitals and health-care centers.
- Download, print and fill out the entry form. Artists may submit one entry per contest theme. IH will screen submitted posters into either the grade 6 to 8 or grade 9 to 12 bracket.
- Submit your artwork and entry form in one of two ways:
- Original artwork can be mailed to:
- Interior Health – Population Health, Legal Substances, 1440 14th St., Vernon, B.C., V1B 2T1
- Digital artwork (print quality PDF) can be emailed to LegalSubstances@interiorhealth.ca.
- Original artwork can be mailed to:
Your poster, illustration or infographic must match one of the following themes:
- Alcohol: Choices on Tap: Alcohol, Youth & Consequences
- Tobacco: Tobacco impact: Commercial Tobacco’s Environmental and Community Impacts*
- Vape: Unmask the Vapour: Nicotine, Addiction & Hidden Dangers
- Cannabis: Mind at Risk: Cannabis, Brain Development & Youth Well‑Being
*Commercial tobacco is not reflective of traditional, ceremonial, sacred and medicinal uses of raw tobacco by Indigenous, and other cultures.
Prizes
The successful artists in each theme category will be awarded $150 in the form of a gift card of their choosing.
A panel of youth judges from IH’s YOUTHWISE Advisory Council will select a winning poster for each of the four themes, and for both grade brackets (grades 6 to 8 and 9 to 12). The posters are judged based on scientific content, impact and persuasiveness, creativity, and presentation.
For more information or if you’re a student aged 13 to 19 and are interested in joining the YOUTHWISE Advisory Council, please email LegalSubstances@interiorhealth.ca.
Contest forms, FAQs and additional information
Find all information you will need to participate in the contest, with helpful information for schools and adults.
See our past winners
Interested in participating and need a little inspiration? Browse previous winners - you never know, you could see yours posted here next!
Driven by a passion for helping others, former lifeguard Tomas Hucul entered health care to make a positive impact on people’s health and well-being.
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Kathleen Johnson cares full-time for her 88-year-old father, Don. Apple Valley Adult Day Services gives her much-needed respite a few days each week.
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Keep you and your loved ones safe with these tips to prevent drowning when enjoying water activities.
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Learn about the many steps you can take to reduce exposure to wildfire smoke and protect your health.
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Bats play an essential role in our ecosystem, but can carry diseases like rabies. Learn the steps to take if you come in contact with a bat, alive or dead.
/stories/what-you-need-know-about-bats-and-rabies
After 16 years in the UK, nurse Chinenye “Phina” Uwakwe chose Interior Health and Vernon, B.C., for a new chapter in her nursing career.
/stories/uk-nurse-moving-vernon-looks-forward-new-chapter
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