Contest For Teens To Spread Anti-Smoking Message

A Tobacco Use Prevention Public Service Announcement contest called "Teens (and Tweens) Kick Ash!" is underway and middle and high school students throughout Alameda County are invited to enter posters, videos and audio clips.

The contest is being sponsored by the Alameda County Office of Education's School Wellness and Safety Program.

Middle and High School students, grades 6 through 12, living or attending school in Alameda County (public, private, home schooled) can participate. 

Students may enter individually or as a team of up to five members per entry.  Entries must be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, March 30.

Organizers want youngsters to express what they think about smoking by producing a home-grown video or audio clip or creating a poster.

Some of the types of messages organizers hope will be conveyed include the fact that most teens (and tweens) do not smoke and that choosing not to smoke saves lives. They are looking for entries that can communicate to teens and tweens around the world why they shouldn't smoke.

Participants must enter at least one category (Video, Audio Clip or Poster). It is optional to enter more than one category but you can only submit one entry per category.

A complete list of rules and guidelines and the entry and release forms can be found here. 

According to the contest web page, entries will be judged on creativity, originality, clarity, adherence to the theme, and overall appeal. 

Winners of the contest will be announced at an award ceremony on May 31.

You can see some sample public service announcements created by students in other communities here, here and here.

For more information contact Josephine Young at jyoung@acoe.org or 510-670-4524.