Sussex County Students Honored at Alcohol Awareness Ceremony
Morgan Lee
Image created and provided by Shannon Derstine, Marketing Coordinator at The Center for Prevention and Counseling
The Sussex County Coalition for Healthy and Safe Families, a program of The Center for Prevention and Counseling, celebrated Sussex County students' achievements at the 26th Annual Alcohol Awareness Month Youth PSA Ceremony.
The event highlights student creativity and promotes healthy decision-making and alcohol prevention among teens.
The ceremony was held Thursday, April 23, at 6 p.m. in the Student Theater Center at Sussex County Community College in Newton. Family members, educators, and community members were invited to attend as student winners of the Alcohol Awareness Contest were recognized for their work.
Beginning in February, students across Sussex County were encouraged to participate in the contest by submitting creative projects in categories including posters, essays, and videos. Each entry was focused on the theme, “Achieving My Dreams, Alcohol-Free.” The contest is designed to empower Sussex County youth to voice their dreams and share how avoiding alcohol supports their future goals.
“This contest is all about showcasing the youth and recognizing them as peer leaders,” said the coalition coordinator, Kaitlyn Decker. “It’s about showing them they are making a positive impact within their schools and their community spaces by being a part of the Alcohol Awareness Contest.”
This year's contest had more than 110 participants, with winning entries selected from 14 schools across Sussex County. On March 25, a total of nine winners and 10 honorable mentions were chosen to receive awards.
“The students that submit entries into the contest have a true passion for sharing creative media that inspires a life free of alcohol,” said Decker. “It has been rewarding for not only the student to receive recognition, but for parents to know that their youth was selected as a winner.”
With April recognized nationally as Alcohol Awareness Month, winning entries have been shared across multiple platforms. Five poster winners are featured on CFPC’s website. Three essay winners recorded their messages at iHeartRadio, which are broadcast on 102.3 WSUS and 103.7 WNNJ. The winning video entry appears on CFPC’s social media channels and in more than 40 digital advertisements through a collaboration with True Productions. All winners will also be featured in the summer/fall edition of RISE Magazine, New Jersey’s only youth-focused magazine publication.
Community partners, Mountain Creek and Sussex County YMCA, are also recognizing the passion and dedication of the youth by providing prizes to winners. Mountain Creek is giving all winners two one-day passes to the water park, and the YMCA is donating a one-month family membership to all winners and honorable mentions.
At the ceremony, students' work will be displayed for all attendees. Awards will be presented by Sen. Parker Space and Dr. Gayle Carrick, the executive county superintendent of schools. Students will also receive a citation from Sen. Space, an official certificate recognizing youth for their achievements.
“I think it is so important for youth to see that there are so many adults in different sectors and parts of the community that want to support them; it's impactful and meaningful for the students,” said Decker.
The Alcohol Awareness Ceremony is an opportunity to encourage conversations in schools and communities about healthy decision-making while celebrating students' commitment to making positive, alcohol-free choices.
