On October 8, CADCA’s Drug-Free Kids Campaign Awards Dinner brought our community together to honor leaders and organizations who are making a real difference in the lives of young people. Here is a look at this year’s honorees.  

Major General Arthur T. Dean Humanitarian of the Year Award: Joe Boczek and the Team at GameChanger 

This is the highest honor the Drug-Free Kids Campaign gives to an individual or company. It recognizes outstanding philanthropy and national leadership, along with a specific commitment to our cause. 

Joe Boczek, CEO, and the GameChanger team were honored for empowering youth through peer leadership programs and GameChanger University. Their work inspires young people to make healthy choices and become leaders in their own communities. 

Raiko Mendoza Pagliarello Champion for Drug-Free Kids Award: Responsibility.org 

The Champion for Drug-Free Kids Award goes to nationally recognized leaders and organizations that have distinguished themselves as ardent defenders and supporters of drug-free kids. 

Responsibility.org was recognized for its longstanding national leadership in preventing underage drinking. The organization promotes healthy decision-making and advances evidence-based education and youth-focused prevention. 

Emerging Leader in Prevention Award: Lisa Tabb, CEO and Filmmaker, Screenagers Project 

The Emerging Leader in Prevention Award honors individuals and organizations that show exceptional leadership and commitment to substance use prevention. It celebrates those who have made significant contributions to their communities by promoting healthy lifestyles and inspiring others to take action. 

Lisa Tabb was recognized for using film, education, and community engagement to address youth mental health, digital wellness, vaping, alcohol, and substance use prevention. 

Nathaniel J. Sutton Advocacy in the Arts Award: Andre Drummond, Center, New York Knicks 

This award is named in memory of Nathaniel J. Sutton, a beloved, long-serving member of CADCA’s Board of Directors and a passionate supporter of the Drug-Free Kids Campaign. It recognizes leaders and organizations that have made an outstanding impact as advocates for drug-free youth. 

Andre Drummond received the award for using his platform to help young people embrace his pillars of mastery, vision, and persistence, both on and off the basketball court. His focus on mental health and on increasing protective factors for young people is worthy of emulation. 

Congratulations to each of our honorees and thank you for everything you do to fuel prevention efforts that keep young people healthy. Save the date for the 29º Annual Drug-Free Kids Campaign Awards Dinner on October 14, 2027.