Over 40 vibrant yard signs now decorate the lawns of local homes in Skamania County, but these aren’t your usual seasonal decorations. They are works of art created by youth in a recent community-wide contest organized by One Prevention Alliance (OPA), and they carry a meaningful message: drug and alcohol prevention begins with conversation.

This fall, students from Skamania Elementary, Carson Elementary, Wind River Middle School, and Stevenson High School were invited to participate in the “Decorate a Yard Sign, Win a Prize” contest. Participants received blank yard signs to take home and decorate with any weatherproof materials of their choice, from markers and paint to yarn and collage. Along with the signs, they received something even more meaningful: informational resources to help parents discuss the risks of substance use with their children.

Karen Douglass hands out blank yard signs to families

Karen Douglass hands out blank yard signs to families at Skamania School District

OPA, a local prevention coalition dedicated to reducing youth drug and alcohol use, viewed the contest as a creative way to engage both youth and families in a topic that can often be difficult to discuss.

“We know that one of the most effective tools in prevention is simple: open, ongoing communication between parents and their kids,” said Karen Douglass, Community Prevention Project Coordinator for OPA. “But starting those conversations isn’t always easy. This contest gave families a reason to sit down together, create something, and talk.”

A Creative Approach to Prevention

OPA operates within Washington State’s Community Prevention and Wellness Initiative, utilizing data-driven strategies tailored to the specific needs of the Stevenson-Carson School District. By combining youth engagement with parent outreach, the coalition continues to find innovative ways to ensure prevention messages resonate in meaningful, age-appropriate ways.

The decorated signs, now proudly displayed in front yards across the county, serve as a visible reminder of the community’s commitment to youth well-being. Each sign not only reflects a child’s artistic expression but also symbolizes a family’s participation in creating a safer, healthier environment.

Community Comes Together

OPA’s yard sign contest gained strong support. Over 100 yard signs were handed out at participating schools, and 45 decorated signs were submitted by youth ages 4 to 18.

Prizes, donated by generous community partners, ranged from exciting experiences to local goodies. Prizes include:

  • Participants Gavin, Elora, Holden, and Zealyn enjoyed a ride in the Starlight Christmas Parade, courtesy of the Skamania County Sheriff’s Office and Fire District #2.
  • Local gifts like a Logtoberfest Beanie from Wind River Business Association and a drink card from Crosscut Espresso & Deli.
  • Special group prizes included a team lunch for the Stevenson High School Cheerleading Team, which had 100% participation, and a make-your-own snack experience for Mrs. Shumway’s TK/Kindergarten class, also with full participation.
  • Other rewards included OPA-branded T-shirts, hot cocoa mugs from the Skamania County Chamber of Commerce, a JENGA game for a family entry, along with other assorted prizes.

Building Conversations That Matter

At its core, the contest was more than just about prizes. It focused on encouraging meaningful conversations.

“Every sign tells a story, of a young person expressing themselves, of a family having a conversation that could change a life, and of a community showing up to support prevention in a creative, inclusive way,” said Douglass.

As the colorful signs continue to brighten local neighborhoods, they also reflect OPA’s mission in action: empowering youth, engaging families, and building a thriving, drug-free community, one creative effort at a time.

About One Prevention Alliance

OPA is a coalition of community members and organizations working together to prevent underage use of alcohol, marijuana, tobacco, opioids, and other substances. Focused on the Stevenson-Carson School District and broader Skamania County, OPA uses data-informed strategies to address root causes of substance use and strengthen protective factors within families and schools. To learn more or get involved, visit onepreventionalliance.com.

If you wish to learn more about a prevention coalition in your area, please visit Community-Based Prevention.