Nine local teens have earned recognition for original substance-use prevention songs created for the 15th annual New Jersey Shout Down Drugs high school music competition, sponsored by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.

The statewide program challenges high school students to create original music with lyrics that contain peer-to-peer, substance-use prevention-messages.

Zon’ya Lanier, a senior at Burlington Township High School, was selected as the Burlington County finalist for his song, “Alone.”

Lanier will perform his song at the annual Prevention Concert 7 p.m., May 10 at Rutgers University’s Mastrobuono Theatre.

Eight other Burlington County students from Northern Burlington County Regional High School will join Lanier at the concert after earning wild card berths: Grace and Bee, Grace Quackenboss and Briana Daniels, “Trust in What You Know”; 502, Gianna and Nicola Fusco, CaRon Barham and Ashlee Walsh, “The Tribute”; and Mourning Sunrise, Aja Martinez and Katelyn Whyte, “Free Falling.”

In all, 13 musical acts, comprised of 24 students from nine counties, will compete for $10,000 in music contracts.

For profiles of the 2019 finalists and to cast votes for your favorite song, visit ShoutDownDrugs.com. Voting is open through May 9, and the results will factor into finalists’ scores.

Tickets to the concert are free and can be reserved online or by calling 973-467-2100 ext. 19.