May. 11, 2022
BUTLER - Marking Autism Awareness Month held during April, Rep. Marci Mustello (R-Butler) sponsored a poster coloring contest across the 11th Legislative District as a vehicle for students to become better informed about and able to access the resources available to help children with autism.
“I am thrilled that more than 200 students participated,” said Mustello. “The purpose of the contest was for our students to learn more about this bio-neurological developmental disability. Knowledge is important for everyone. It is necessary to highlight and celebrate all people and embrace our differences.”
A total of nine winners were selected from schools throughout the 11th District. The age groups were K-5, 6-8 and 9-12 with a different poster appropriate for each group. A three-judge panel chose the winners in each age group. Mustello presented a special prize to the winners.
The following students finished first, second, third or honorable mention in their grade classification:
Elementary – grades K-5
• 1st place - Paige Singer- McQuistion Elementary School - grade 4
• 2nd place - Olivia Bartolicius- South Butler Elementary School – grade 5
• 3rd place - Zeke- Broad Street Elementary School – grade 2
• Honorable Mention-Justice - His Kids School - grade 5
Intermediate – grades 6-8
• 1st place - Tegan Perez- First Baptist Christian School – grade 7
• 2nd place - Noah Simmons- Butler Catholic – grade 6
• 3rd place - Sofia Matonak- Butler Catholic School – grade 6
• Honorable Mention- Isla Leyland – grade 6
Senior High – grades 9-12
• 1st place - Noah Wolford- Butler Sr High School - grade 12
• 2nd place - Vaydon Crawford- Knoch High School – grade 12
• 3rd place - Chloe Drew- First Baptist Christian School – grade 12
• Honorable Mention - Leah Legters- Knoch High School - grade 11
Autism Awareness Month is designed to help empower autistic individuals and their families, and to ensure improved support and opportunities in education, employment, accessible housing, affordable health care and long-term support services. It is estimated that at least 55,000 Pennsylvanians, and maybe as many as 185,000 or more, are on the autism spectrum in the Commonwealth. Autism now affects 1 in 44 children; more than half are classified as having an intellectual disability or borderline intellectual disability.
Representative Marci Mustello
11th Legislative District
Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Media Contact: Rick Leiner
717.260.6437 (office), 717.497.8478 (cell)
Rleiner@pahousegop.com
RepMustello.com /
Facebook.com/RepMustello