Got something to say about the dangers of meth? If you are a Pierce County high school-aged youth, here is your chance.
The Safe Streets Campaign, in association with Pierce County Meth Action Team (PCMAT), is sponsoring a media contest where you can create a meth prevention and awareness message and deliver it in the form of a poster, documentary, poem, essay, news article — even a musical, comedy or dramatic play — or other vehicles that you dream up.
Those interested should register by Feb. 24 and turn in completed projects by Apr. 14. Judging will take place Apr. 17-24 and an awards ceremony will take place May 12.
High school students who attend any Pierce County area public, private, alternative high school, or home school may participate.
The event categories, with a limit of one entry per category per individual or group, include:
Broadcast Video/Radio — A 30 to 90 second public service announcement (PSA) designed for public television or radio broadcast.
Documentary Video — A documentary-style video program designed for public television broadcast with a maximum duration of 16 minutes.
Writing — A current news Article (500 words maximum designed for public/newspaper publication) or a creative writing essay (500 words maximum) or poem (200 word maximum) for publication in various periodicals.
Print Media — A poster art project with a maximum size of 27 x 41 inches, designed for reprinting and distribution in various public venues, billboards, or transportation services.
A panel of judges will evaluate all entries. Judges will include representatives from the media, professional artists, public outreach specialists as well as Pierce County Meth Action Team members.
Organizers will award prizes such as merchandise gift certificates to the first, second and third place winners in each of the four categories. They will also award a grand prize of a $2,000 PCMAT Educational Scholarship Grant distributed through the Washington State Guaranteed Education Program. Each entry will receive recognition at the May 12 event.
Contest sponsors include the Pierce County Meth Action Team and its participating member agencies, including the Safe Streets Campaign, the Pierce County Sheriffs Department, the Tacoma Police Department, U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration, the Greater Pierce County Community Network, Pierce County Alliance, Metro Parks, the News Tribune and Costco.
To learn more about the contest, contact Kim Anderson at (253) 272-6824 or kanderson@safest.org.
