Contest winners honored
NEWTON. The theme of the 2025 Alcohol Awareness Youth Public Service Announcement Contest was ‘Achieving My Dreams, Alcohol-Free.‘
Winners of the 2025 Alcohol Awareness Youth Public Service Announcement Contest were honored April 7 at a ceremony at Sussex County Community College’s Student Theater Center.
The event was hosted by the Coalition for Healthy and Safe Communities, a program of the Center for Prevention & Counseling in Newton.
Nearly 100 people attended the event.
The theme of the contest was “Achieving My Dreams, Alcohol-Free.”
Students throughout Sussex County were asked to use art, video and essays to share their dreams, goals and aspirations and how they are healthy choices.
The Kittatinny Regional High School Incorruptible.Us group, coordinated by Tania Bansemer, began the ceremony with an activity highlighting the importance of building a strong “web of support” to help young people navigate challenges while making healthy choices.
State Sen. Parker Space, R-24, presented the winners with state citations and Gayle Carrick, executive county superintendent of schools, spoke about the impact of youth-led advocacy and positive decision-making.
“It was an honor to attend the Center for Prevention & Counseling’s town hall ceremony and recognize the outstanding students who have demonstrated exceptional leadership through their commitment to promoting healthy choices,” Parker said.
“The event was a powerful display of community support for such an important cause, and I commend these young leaders for their inspiring advocacy and dedication to building a better future for us all.”
Edith Lynch, associate executive director of the Sussex County YMCA, gave each winner of an honorable mention a three-month family membership and the Mountain Creek Resort provided all winning students with two complimentary passes to Mountain Creek Water Park.
The event, during Alcohol Awareness Month, was part of a national effort to educate communities about the impact of alcohol use and the importance of making informed choices.
The Coalition for Health and Safe Communities’ mission is to prevent underage drinking and promote healthy, substance-free lifestyles, especially during upcoming events, such as prom and graduation.
For information, go online to centerforprevention.org/coalition/