DelCo Council Announces ‘Walk for Wounded,’ Awards Drug Awareness Poster Contest

The announced the 4th Annual Walk for the Wounded sponsored by Operation First Response at its meeting Tuesday.

The Walk for the Wounded will be held on May 21 at 1 p.m. at .

The two-mile walk raises funds to help wounded veterans and their families.

Tore Fiore, executive director of the Brandywine Conference and Visitors Bureau, said they raised $191,600.00 last year and they are looking to raise $200,000 this year.

He said the event not only helps local veterans but also national veterans as  well.

"The walk is free. But if you can give us a $1, then give us a $1," Fiore said. "Anything helps."

The military men and women sacrifice for us, the American people, he said, so it’s great to honor them.

"Come out and enjoy the day and appreciate what these service people do for you. It’s even more special after the events that took place last week," Fiore said referencing the

Operation First Response provides emergency financial assistance to wounded veterans and their families that may require multiple surgeries and rehabilitation sessions. The organization also helps with career training for wounded veterans.

Fiore thanked Operation First Response Senior Advisor Nick Constantino and Director of Parks and Recreation for Delaware County Marc Manfre for their commitment to the event and organization.

Area Students Receive Drug Awareness Poster Contest Awards

In separate Delaware County news, the council presented awards to 15 area grade school students from Kindergarten to Eighth Grade for their winning entries in the 23rd Annual Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Awareness Poster Contest.

More than 1,100 posters were received from students in 34 schools.

The purpose of the contest is to encourage students to think about the consequences of drug, alcohol and tobacco use.

The winning posters will be featured in next year’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug Awareness calendar, which is distributed throughout Delaware County. The student winners will each receive a U.S. Savings Bond.

The contest is funded by the County Council through the County Office of Behavioral Health, Division of Drug and Alcohol and coordinated by Holcomb Behavioral Health Systems.

The 15 student winners accepted their awards from council Tuesday and their posters were also on display.

The following students were recognized as the 2011 contest winners.

Best Overall: Halle Robinson, 5th grade at Russell Elementary School, $200 Savings Bond

Best Art: Mary Anne Young, 8th grade at Annunciation BVM School, $200 Savings Bond

Best Message: Marissa Archacki, 8th grade at Notre Dame de Lourdes School, $200 Savings Bond

Grades Kindergarten through Second Grade

First Prize: Andrew Konieczny, 2nd grade at Annunciation BVM School, $100 Savings Bond

Second Prize: Sabrina Smith, 2nd grade at Coebourn Elementary School, $75 Savings Bond

Third Prize: Mackenzie Serafino, Kindergarten at Annunciation BVM School, $75 Savings Bond

Fourth Prize: Anna O’Reilly, 2nd grade at Annunciation BVM School, $75 Savings Bond

Grades Third through Fifth

First Prize: Hannah Nguyen, 4th grade at PA Leadership Charter School, $100 Savings Bond

Second Prize: Anna-Colette Haynes, 5th grade at Coeburn Elementary School, $75 Savings Bond

Third Prize: Evan Rosenberg, 5th grade at Rose Tree Elementary School, $75 Savings Bond

Fourth Prize: Jimmy Ziegler, 5th grade at Rose Tree Elementary School, $75 Savings Bond

Grades Sixth through Eighth

First Prize: Lynn Dieu, 7th grade at St. Laurence School, $100 Savings Bond

Second Prize: Morgan Smith, 7th grade at Norwood School, $75 Savings Bond

Third Prize: Isabelle Rosini, 7th grade at Annunciation BVM School, $75 Savings Bond

Fourth Prize: Vinnie Caroselli, 7th at Main Street Elementary School, $75 Savings Bond