From left, Amber Cutano, Community Coalition Assistant Join Together Atlantic County; Amanda Brown, 1st Place winner 8th grade Alder Avenue Middle School EHT; Maryanne Giardina, Principal Alder Avenue Middle School EHT; and Lee Ann Dragovits, Student Assistance Counselor Alder Avenue Middle School EHT
ABSECON – Join Together Atlantic County, a countywide substance misuse prevention coalition, announced the winners of a public service announcement contest for middle school students in Atlantic County. The theme of the contest was a message to parents from youth about the dangers of underage drinking or providing alcohol to those under 21.
Amanda Brown, an eighth grader from Alder Avenue Middle School in Egg Harbor Township took the top prize.
First place, Amanda Brown.
Taylor Sutton, an eighth grader from Atlantic Christian School, took second place.
Taylor Sutton, second place.
And Kalee Tardif, sixth grader from Atlantic Christian School placed third.
Kalee Tardiff, third place.
All three winners received gift cards and Amanda Brown’s submission will be turned into a billboard.
The younger a person starts drinking, the more likely he or she is to have alcohol problems later in life. A person who starts drinking as a young teen is four times more likely to become an alcoholic than someone who does not drink until age 21. The brain is still forming in teenagers and teen drinking can cause permanent brain damage. If you really want to fit in, stay sober. Most young people do not drink alcohol. Research shows that more than 70% of youth aged 12 to 20 have not had a drink in the past month. Providing alcohol to those under 21 is illegal and can result in 6 months in the county jail, up to a $1,000.00 fine, and a permanent criminal charge on your record if convicted.
By participating in this contest, youth have helped to support Join Together Atlantic County in its mission to prevent, reduce and/or delay substance use among youth of Atlantic County in a long term and sustainable manner.
