Students and guests gathered for an assembly in the auditorium of Joseph Melillo Middle School on Nov. 17 with one of reasons being to recognize student Angelica Alfano, an international award winner in the 2017 Knights of Columbus Substance Abuse Awareness Poster Contest.

Alfano was presented with her winning poster in a frame, as well as a $100 check. Tim Anderson, contest chairman for Knights of Columbus Council 11245, said thousands of posters are submitted every year, and there have also been two previous winners from the middle school in 2014 (Makenzie Fiorillo) and 2016 (Kendall Cordaway).

Middle school art teacher Alphonse Camera said he’s proud that students’ works were recognized on both a national and international level, and of the positive message they’re delivering.