July 17, 2012
Harkin Congratulates Carly Loew of Carroll on Winning the “Tar Wars” Poster Design Contest
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Senator Tom Harkin (D-IA) today met with Carly Loew of Carroll, and her mother Michelle Loew, in Washington to congratulate her on winning the “Tar Wars” contest. Carly participated in the program, which is designed to teach 4th and 5th graders about the short-term, image-based consequences of tobacco use, the cost associated with using tobacco products, and the advertising techniques used by the tobacco industry to market their products to youth. After completing this training, students may enter a poster contest to reinforce the “Tar Wars” message.
“Carly, and students like her, are evidence that health-consciousness has infected our youth and young people are becoming more aware of the dangers associated with tobacco use,” said Harkin. “Her poster is a much needed reminder that the future is bright for young Iowans.”
Carly’s winning poster can be viewed at: http://harkin.senate.gov/documents/pdf/5005797d96e4f.pdf. A photo of Carly with Senator Harkin can be found here: http://harkin.senate.gov/images/50059102a00b3.jpg.
The program, which is owned and operated by the American Academy of Family Physicians (AAFP), is implemented in classrooms across the United States and abroad by committed volunteer presenters. “Tar Wars” is the only youth tobacco education program offered at this time by a medical specialty organization in the United States and reaches approximately 400,000 students annually. More information of the “Tar Wars” program can be found on their website: www.tarwars.org.