Join Together Atlantic County, a countywide substance misuse prevention coalition, held an underage drinking PSA contest for 6th through 8th graders in Atlantic County.
The theme of the contest was the dangers of underage drinking or providing alcohol to those under 21.
Organizers are honored to recognize winners. In first place, Farhana Siddiquei, 8th grader from Sovereign Avenue School, second place, Cynthia Galindo Chavez, 7th grader from Texas Avenue School, and third place, Aleshba Shabbir, 7th grader from Texas Avenue School.
The winning submissions will be turned into stickers that will be placed on pizza boxes at local pizzerias throughout Atlantic County.
Winners will also receive gift cards to The Walk outlets in Atlantic City.
JTAC would like to thank all middle school students who participated in this contest and the powerful messages they created about underage drinking.
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 their mission: “to prevent, reduce and/or delay substance use among youth of Atlantic County in a long term and sustainable manner.”
Join Together Atlantic County is located at 626 N. Shore Road in Absecon.