Announcing the Beyond the Buzz 2.0 youth poster contest winners

Grades 6–8  

Tom, grade 7, age 12, Penticton - Winner, Alcohol  

“I wanted to send a message that would reach young people. Every decision counts. Don't let alcohol decide your future. Substances often seem harmless, but they can cause problems faster than you think. You don't have to consume to belong.” 

Maverick, grade 7, age 12, Penticton - Winner, Cannabis  

“I hope that this poster will get the message across that you should have fun in life and not be on drugs. No matter how hard your life is don’t do drugs or drink alcohol instead replace it with a healthy habit like working out. It may seem hard at first, but I know that you can do it.” 

Jude, grade 8, age 12, Peachland - Winner, Tobacco  

“I wanted to let people know how harmful smoking is and hopefully stop some people from smoking. My message to other youth about substance use is - don’t start!” 

Mana, Kelowna - Winner, Vape  

“I wanted youth to know how damaging vaping is, and its long-term effects so that they are never tempted to vape. Your health is important, and you have the power to make decisions to keep yourself strong. Choosing not to use these substances is the best way to make sure you can reach your full potential.” 

Grades 9–12  

Devynrayne, grade 12, age 17, Keremeos - Winner, Alcohol 

“I was hoping to convey the struggle and sympathize with the individuals that use alcohol as a medicine for their hardship and bring awareness to mental health struggles and addiction that go hand in hand. I hope that my poster and the words I used stick with others and remind them that they always have another choice.” 

Willow - Winner, Cannabis 

Another winning teen contestant, Willow, used their poster submission to help inform other youth of the repercussions that substance use can have on mental health.

Samantha/Sam, Okanagan Indian Band - Winner, Tobacco 

"The poster is completed in Okanagan language as I am of Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) and utilized this contest as a way to also connect with my language and culture. The contest allowed all of our Native language class (Okanagan) to learn about vaping, alcohol and smoking consequences."

Ysha, grade 9, age 14, Sparwood - Winner, Vape 

“The fact that vaping can cause long-term damage to your health or even death. Using substances is not worth it. It doesn't make you cool or anything; it just damages your health, both physically and mentally.” 

• Why vaping isn’t harmless and other facts you should know 

• Health Information for Youth  

• Quitting Tobacco or Vaping  

• Quash Smoking/Vaping Cessation App 

• Your Vape Free Life (Quit Now) 

• How Young Adults Can Reduce Risks Related to Alcohol (Health Canada) 

The Interior Health Legal Substances Team offers resources to school district staff and other youth allies who are working to address the use of commercial tobacco, alcohol, cannabis and vapour products among youth: 

• Vaping Toolkit for Schools  

• Tobacco & Vaping Resources for Schools  

• Safety First Educator Guide  

• Vaping Health Education Toolkits for Parents & Teachers (BC Lung Foundation) 

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