The Fountain Hills Coalition has kicked off its fourth annual Above the Influence poster contest.

The contest is open to all middle school students who live in Fountain Hills. This year’s theme is, “Your future is key; so stay drug free.”

Coalition Executive Director Shelly Mowrey said she believes that recognizing certain influences, both positive and negative, makes it easier for teens to make important choices about who to hang out with and whether or not they try drugs or alcohol.

As part of the contest, students will create a poster depicting a message on how they stay above the negative influences that may lead to the use of drugs and alcohol in their lives. They must convey their message without using words.

Cash prizes are awarded to first, second and third place winners of each grade (respectively $200, $100 and $50). The classroom with the most entries from each grade will also win a McDonald’s smoothie party.

“When we wheel in the smoothies for the winning classrooms each year, the kids get so excited,” Mowrey said. “We have great discussions about being healthy, what it takes to reach their goals and the importance of staying alcohol- and drug-free throughout their teen years.”

The cash awards are donated by the Verne C. Johnson Family Foundation.

All first place winners will also have their artwork showcased as pizza toppers at Papa Murphy’s Pizza. The contest deadline is Friday, February 9. More information can be found at the school’s front office.