FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 14, 2010
Contact Information:
Michelle Vernuccio Media Coordinator
Phone: 973.467.2100, ext. 24
E-mail: michelle@drugfreenj.org

SALEM COUNTY'S AMANDA TAYLOR WINS 2010 NEW JERSEY SHOUT DOWN DRUGS STATEWIDE MUSIC COMPETITION

2010 New Jersey Shouts Down Drugs Winners Announced

From LEFT to RIGHT: Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the PDFNJ, Third Place Winner Brian Beckford of Union County, First Place Winner Amanda Taylor of Salem County, Second Place Winner Michael Hardy of Middlesex County and Molly Adams, Government Affairs Manger of Comcast.

(MILLBURN, N.J.) - On Thursday, May 13, 2010, 38 high school students from 19 counties performed their original music as finalists in the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's (PDFNJ) Sixth Annual Shout Down Drugs music concert, a statewide drug prevention initiative, sponsored by Comcast.

High school students throughout the state performed their original songs with drug prevention messages at a concert held at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC). The students competed for music contracts to represent the PDFNJ at prevention events throughout the state.

Statewide winners include Salem High School Senior Amanda Taylor who captured first place honors, East Brunswick Vo-Tech High School Sophomore Michael Hardy and Elizabeth's Trinity Christian Academy Senior Brian Beckford who were awarded second and third place honors.

"As an organization, we are committed to helping young people educate themselves about the dangers of drug and alcohol abuse," said Partnership Chairman Joseph A. Miele. "Music is a tremendous influence in the lives our young people. We are excited to launch New Jersey Shouts Down Drugs, a program that will encourage young people to tap their creative abilities and generate a positive anti-drug message."

"Comcast is proud of our long-standing relationship with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey," said Bill Kettleson, regional vice president of government and community affairs for Comcast. "The Shouts Down Drugs event is effective in spreading the important anti-drug message, and we are happy to extend its reach through our On Demand platform."

On April 15, the PDFNJ unveiled the New Jersey Shout Down Drugs premiere website, www.shoutdowndrugs.com, allowing fans to view the finalist's profiles, listen to their music and cast their vote for their favorite song. Over 150,000 votes were cast.

Comcast will produce a one hour special on the performances that will be available beginning Tuesday, June 1 through the end of July for Comcast Digital TV customers throughout New Jersey to watch On Demand, at no additional cost and with the ability to pause, fast-forward and rewind. The program can be found by tuning to Channel 1 On Demand, selecting "Get Local" from the main menu and then choosing "Community Investment".

Photo and Interview Opportunities of the winners will be available by contacting PDFNJ.

Best known for its statewide anti-drug advertising campaign, the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey is a private not-for-profit coalition of professionals from the communications, corporate and government communities whose collective mission is to reduce demand for illicit drugs in New Jersey through media communication. To date, more than $50 million in broadcast time and print space has been donated to the Partnership’s New Jersey campaign, making it the largest public service advertising campaign in New Jersey’s history. Since its inception the Partnership has garnered over 50 Advertising and Public Relations Awards from National, Regional & Statewide Media Organizations.

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