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Top Prize: Stop Smoking Project Wins Big at State
When it comes to animals, the biggest often win prizes at the fair … but a jumbo, walking cigarette? This summer, it won big at the Ohio State Fair, too, because the young man inside the costume is a champion when it comes to spreading the stop smoking message.

But before Brandon Semer ended up at state, he got caught smoking.

So how did he go from having a cigarette to being one? “I wanted him to really understand why smoking is bad,” explained Michelle Semer, Brandon’s mother, “and I figured a good way to do that was to make him do a presentation on the harmful effects of tobacco.”

The 12-year-old created a poster titled “The Web of Truth.” Illustrated with a spider, it focused on smoking facts and encouraged other young people, “Don’t get caught in the web of lies.” The more Brandon learned, the more enthusiastic he became about sharing the stop smoking message. And before long, the family was constructing a cigarette costume and Brandon was off to the fair.

After the Striker Elementary School student took top honors in Williams County, he earned the chance to compete for prizes at the Ohio State Fair. There, Brandon walked the halls in costume handing out freebies and asking smokers to exchange a cigarette for free, bendable pens. He also won ribbons and a special clock trophy for his efforts.

“Brandon was able to share the facts on the harmful effects of tobacco with so many young people ready to listen, ” Michelle Semer said. “The parents were very grateful, too.” She also acknowledged the support of the Williams County Health Department: “We really appreciate all of their encouragement, support and donations in helping to make Brandon’s experience such a success.”

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