Skagit Prevention Council hosted its 17th annual Very Important Prevention Person (VIPP) recognition and awards banquet April 24 at McIntyre Hall in Mount Vernon.

Timm Forthun and Morgan Curry were the masters of ceremony, Rep. Dave Quall was the keynote speaker and Luis Alaniz spoke about his perspective as a youth in the schools.

Jere LaFollette, vice president of the Skagit Prevention Council, acknowledged the following Skagit County residents for their support and ongoing work in providing opportunities for prevention of substance abuse and violence in their communities: Eric Johnson of Anacortes, Meagan Dawson of Burlington, Savanah Youngren of Conway, Dr. Kenyon A. Knopf of La Conner, Jocelyn Palmer-Perry of Mount Vernon, Juan Cerrillo of SeaMar/Hispanic Community and Amy Collins of Sedro-Woolley.

Karen Peterka was recognized by the Board of Directors of Skagit Prevention Council for her lifetime of contributions to the prevention of alcohol and drug abuse and violence in Skagit County.

Entertainment was provided by Jessie Spangler, Weibke Blaszcyk and Patricia Ruth, members of Irene Simpson’s Advanced Drama class at Burlington-Edison High School.

The entire evening was a celebration of youths and adults in Skagit County who care about making it a better, safer place.