The Throggs Neck Community Action Partnership (TNCAP) hosted the 2023 Annual Poster Contest on June 7 at Jeanne Jugan Residence. This annual event engages the youth in the Throggs Neck community to visually depict their understanding of a certain topic that is related to the prevention of alcohol and tobacco use. This is done through the coordination of local schools and their respective art departments.
This year’s theme was “My Future Looks Bright.” The competition was conducted throughout the local elementary and middle schools and after-school programs in Throggs Neck. Students received a lesson on what they want their future to be. Students created a vision board or art depiction of their future goals and aspirations.
A variety of artwork was submitted from four school art programs, PS 304, PS 72, Preston Center of Compassion after-school programs and P&J Beacon Afterschool Program. Twelve winning art pieces were selected by the committee. The winning students, their families, the art teacher, the principal and all TNCAP coalition members, were invited to attend the in-person awards ceremony where they received certificates, goodie bags and photo opportunities to pose with their displayed art.
“Through their amazing artwork, these students truly demonstrated their understanding of the curriculum about creating a healthy, happy, and goal-oriented future,” said Christine Cavallucci, executive director of the Archdiocese of NY Drug Abuse Prevention Program.
The winning students were: PS 304: Andreia Ciarleglio, grade 3, and Mia Encina-Montoya, grade 3; P&J Beacon Afterschool Program: Jermain Dickerson, grade 3, Savannah Esposito, grade 5; Preston Afterschool Program: Leyla Colon, grade 5 and Joseph Ruiz, grade 7; PS 72: Amelia Gomez, grade 3, Amelia Prescott, grade 3, Arianna Modesti, grade 4, Jared Lisojo, grade 3, Malik Towobola, grade 3 and Hyder Saad, grade 3
Additional certificates of recognition were presented to each student on behalf of City Councilmember Marjorie Velázquez and state Sen. Nathalia Fernandez’s office. TNCAP Chair Patrick Caruso also acknowledged each winner with a certificate on behalf of Community Board 10.
During the program, representatives of TNCAP and each school program presented the TNCAP award certificates to the students; Caruso, presented the TNCAP Members of the Year Award to Peter Del-Debbio, a TNCAP member since 2018, and Lisa Schiliro, a TNCAP member since 2004. Both Del Debbio and Schiliro exemplified steadfast dedication and go above and beyond, to promote the mission of TNCAP throughout the community.
Del-Debbio has served New York City since 1984, while concurrently serving in the U.S. Army and U.S. Army Reserve from 1980-2005. He served in two wars, both during Desert Storm and Iraqi Freedom. He has served on numerous deployments throughout the world. During his military service, he accumulated numerous awards. Concurrently, he also served in both the NYPD and Department of Sanitation, where he achieved the rank of supervisor.
Schiliro is the parent coordinator at PS 304 and has been a NYC public school family advocate for parents/caregivers in the Throggs Neck community for the last 20 years.
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