News Release
201 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD. 21201
Karen Black
Office of Public Relations
410-767-6490
 

Student Winners Announced In Stop Smoking Public Service Announcement Campaign
North Carroll Middle School and Boonsboro High school student entries voted best

Contact:    J.B. Hanson 410-767-6493  

 

BALTIMORE, MD (March 29, 2004) – Two student winners have been announced in a campaign for middle and high school students to write and develop radio Public Service Announcements (PSA’s) designed to discourage tobacco use.

 

The contest, sponsored by Maryland-Smoking Stops Here and Maryland Teens Rejecting Abusive Smoking Habits (T.R.A.S.H.), challenged students to develop a 60-second PSA script that exposes the ways in which tobacco companies manipulate kids and young adults. The winning scripts are available on the following websites: www.smokingstopshere.com and www.marylandtrash.com.

 

The contest sponsors are supported by the Maryland Department of Health and Mental Hygiene.

 

“Encouraging these young people to get involved and enjoy a creative competition is a great way to have them learn about the dangers of tobacco use,” said Joan Stine, DHMH Director of the Center for Health Promotion, Education and Tobacco Use Prevention. “These students are the best ones to communicate such an important message to others in this age group.”

 

The student winners are Nick Jordan and Sean Smith of North Carroll Middle School, and Dana Mills, Jessica Grim, and Amanda Eisel of Boonsboro High School.

 

The PSAs will be broadcast on many radio stations during the week of March 29 in celebration of the ninth annual Campaign for Tobacco-Free Kids Kick Butts Day (March 31, 2004).  This nationally recognized event encourages youth leaders of all ages to empower themselves and others to take personal action against tobacco use and secondhand smoke.  Hundreds of events across the country will take place on Kick Butts Day 2004, including events in several dozen Maryland communities. 

 

More than 60 PSA entries were received from students throughout the state.  Only 10 entries advanced to the semi-finalist round, as selected by both the public and a judging panel comprised of tobacco prevention professionals, advertising professionals, and members of the media.  Entries were judged based on various predetermined criteria, including originality, creativity, and message appropriateness.