Vestal Middle School sixth-grader Gabby Laubisch decided to enter Broome County Family Violence Prevention Council's third annual "Be the Light" art contest because she enjoys drawing and thought she could create an inspirational message to share. Gabby's design was selected as the first-place winner, and Kristin Beylo, the Family Violence Prevention Council Coordinator, stopped in to Vestal Middle School the morning of April 12 to present Gabby with her certificate.
VMS Art Teacher and Art Club Advisor Chris Gilligan, Gabriella Laubisch, and Kristin Beylo with the Family Violence Prevention Council.As first-place winner, Gabby's art work has been made into a billboard that will a beacon of hope during April, Child Abuse Prevention Month. The billboard with her design displayed is on I-81 in Binghamton, near the Route 7 exit.
Gabby's billboardMr. Gilligan, VMS Art Teacher and Art Club advisor, shared the contest details with his students last fall.