Panther Valley Intermediate School fifth grader RossLynn Gasker loves drawing. In particular, she loves drawing animals.

Her talent recently earned her statewide recognition as she was chosen as one of 13 winners of the Attorney General’s Annual Drug Free calendar contest.

“I was super excited and happy,” she said.

As a reward, Gasker and a teacher were treated to a luncheon with Attorney General Josh Shapiro, as well as a donation to her college savings fund. And her work will be displayed around the state on calendars throughout the month of February.

Gasker was one of more than 1,000 fifth graders from 157 schools across Pennsylvania created drawings during National Substance Abuse Prevention Month as part of the contest. She was one of two students at Carbon County schools who received recognition.

Gasker said her drawing took her about two class periods to complete. It includes a white cat and the message “Take it from me and be drug free.”

Gasker says that drawing is a great way to express creativity.

“You can create whatever you want,” she said.

Panther Valley Intermediate teachers encouraged kids to create drawings during their Lions Quest class and submit them to the contest.

Gasker’s teachers said she’s a great student who is very creative.

Melissa Wickersham, one of Gasker’s teachers, joined her for the trip to Harrisburg. They got to tour the capitol and attend a lunch where the 13 winning students were recognized.

“It was great to see the students get recognized for their work and for such a great cause. They’re trying to help with the drug problem across the state,” Wickersham said.

During the luncheon, all the winners received a certificate signed by Shapiro and a contribution of $529 to their Pennsylvania 529 college savings program.

The annual calendar contest is funded through the Community Drug Abuse Prevention Fund, which generates income from fines and penalties from crimes including driving under the influence.

Shapiro said the goal of the contest is to encourage smart choices. Combating the opioid epidemic is his number one priority as Attorney General.

“Children must learn about the real dangers of substance abuse, and the benefits of being drug free. The calendar contest helps spread these messages throughout Pennsylvania,” he said.