Special to the Times

In recognition of Kick Butts Day on April 2, sixth-grade students at Demopolis Middle School had a chance to &8220;kick butts&8221; during a poster contest demonstrating the dangers of tobacco use. The students joined thousands across the country who were taking part in Kick Butts Day, a nationwide initiative that makes kids leaders in the effort to stop youth tobacco use.

Two sixth-grade classes participated in the contest sponsored by the Marengo County Smoke-Free Coalition. The winning posters were chosen from more than 50 entries.

Students were asked to design their poster based on one of the three categories: &8220;Why I won&8217;t start smoking,&8221; &8220;What smoking does to the body&8221; and &8220;How smoking affects others.&8221; Posters were judged on artistry, creativity, originality and theme.

The three first-place winners received a $50 gift certificate from Game Stop. Winners were Charlie Parten in Addy Card&8217;s class and Alicia Pickens and Gabby Lay in Deborah Brown&8217;s class.

Posters will be showcased at Bryan W. Whitfield Memorial Hospital during the month of April.