Leah Marine
CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Leah Marine, a junior at Washington High School, was recently named Fayette County’s Red Ribbon Scholarship winner.
The Paint Valley Alcohol, Drug Addiction, and Mental Health Board (ADAMH Board) held the 11th-annual Write in Red Essay Contest during Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 21-25, according to a news release.
The essay contest was for all middle and high school students in Fayette, Highland, Pickaway, Pike and Ross counties. Students are provided a red pen and asked to write an essay about ways to prevent drug, alcohol, and tobacco abuse. There were 15 school districts in the Paint Valley ADAMH catchment area that participated in this year’s essay contest.
Scholarships in the amount of $500 were awarded to the winning contestant of each county. Scholarships can be used by the student toward any accredited college or university.
“Each year the students provide the best essays, touching our hearts and opening our eyes as we realize how the environment impacts their lives,” said Paint Valley ADAMH Board Executive Director Melanie Swisher. “It is so energizing to see our youth take a proactive stand against drug, alcohol and tobacco abuse by sharing their personal stories, doing research into relevant issues and sharing their determination to remain drug free.”
The 2024 winners are:
• Leah Marine, Washington Court House High School – Fayette County
• Lily Layne, Lynchburg Clay High School – Highland County
• Savanna Vulgamore, Westfall High School – Pickaway County
• Karley Brust, Piketon Middle School – Pike County
• Lilliana Neal, Bishop Flaget Middle School – Ross County
The following is Marine’s essay:
Some people are able to tell you why to stay drug and alcohol-free because they’ve experienced it, but this is not the case for me. I have been fortunate enough to have lived my life up to this point without anyone I love being heavily affected by alcohol or drugs. I hope that this can stay true for the years to come, and I want to help others remain/become drug and alcohol-free by letting them know what they would be missing out on.
When substances take over a person’s life, they often become their priority. This causes an issue in relationships that the individual is involved in. Growing up, my siblings and I have always been my parent’s first priority, resulting in a strong relationship with them. Someone who struggles with substance use can cause issues in family dynamics, friendships, and even relationships. It makes it difficult for users to comprehend and express emotion, connect on a personal level, communicate, and even simple interactions become difficult. It is important to put your family before substances so you feel loved and so they do too.
Looking at the effects that drugs and alcohol have on your health is another reason to stay away from them. On the outside, you start to lose your spark. You become tired-looking, and can even lose weight in some cases. Internally, your brain, nervous system, immune system, and much more are affected as well. You will see an increase in anxiety, loss of memory, sickness more often, and shaky hands. No one wants to watch someone they love struggle with this, and you shouldn’t want that for yourself either.
Put your well-being first, and say no to drugs and alcohol. If you’re struggling, there are people here to help you—just take that first step.

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