LANCASTER COUNTY (June 17, 2011) –Tonight, at a ceremony held at the Millersville University Lancaster campus, the Lancaster County C.A.S.E. Task Force recognized 55 young artists who submitted artwork for the 2011 Poster Contest – “I Only Get One Childhood” – and announced the contest winners. 

“We are very impressed with the thought and design that the children put into these posters,” stated Commissioner Martin, Co-Chair of Lancaster County C.A.S.E.  “Each artist should be extremely proud of the work they’ve done as we are of them.”

The Lancaster County Campaign Against Sexual Exploitation of Children (C.A.S.E.) Task Force, which was announced in May 2011, operates with the mission of engaging the community in protecting children from sexual exploitation and abuse and empowering all victims to speak out against their offenders. 

“The Task Force’s first public awareness initiative was the 2011 poster contest in which Lancaster County Youth grades Kindergarten through 12 were asked to draw a picture reflecting what it is like for them to be a child”, explained Bethany Woodcock, Co-Chair, Lancaster County C.A.S.E. Task Force.  “The intent of this contest provided an avenue for parents and teachers to speak with their children about safety issues and for children to think about what makes their childhood special.” 

A pinwheel, which the Lancaster County C.A.S.E. Task Force adopted as their symbol and is also seen as a universal symbol for childhood, can be found in each artist’s poster. 

Lancaster County C.A.S.E. received 55 posters from students in grades 6-8.  All the children and their parents/caregivers were invited to attend a reception, held in their honor, and were acknowledged with a certificate from the Task Force.   Three entries were selected as the top winners and received additional prizes. Five additional entries were recognized as Honorable Mentions.  All posters will be displayed at Millersville University until June 30, 2011.

“We want to say a special ‘Thank You’ to our panel of judges, Congressman Joseph R. Pitts, Liz Hess and Kevin Lehman, who graciously took on the difficult task of selecting the winning posters,” stated Commissioner Martin.  “As local artists and community leaders in their fields we were honored to have them as judges and greatly appreciate the time and thought they put into making their selections.”

“We also want to extend our appreciation to our prize donors, Lancaster General Health, Kevin Lehman Pottery, Dutch Wonderland, Strasburg Railroad and Auntie Anne’s and also an especially big thank you to Millersville University and their Family Arts Collaborative Program for hosting the reception and displaying the posters,” stated Bethany Woodcock.

“Lancaster County C.A.S.E. is a ‘community’ awareness  campaign and to be truly successful it will take the involvement of the entire Lancaster County community.,” commented Commissioner Martin.  “We are encouraged by the support we’ve received so far with participation, donations, involvement .  This contest was a fantastic example of community collaboration from the student artists and the teachers who made the contest available, to volunteer judges, prize donors and event hosts.”

For more information about Lancaster County C.A.S.E. please visit www.LancasterCountyCASE.org or call 717/295-2058.

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