For Immediate Release: Monday, March 4, 2019
The Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) will announce the seven student winners of its annual Keeping it Safe (KIS) video contest on Wednesday, May 1, at Montgomery County’s Public Safety Headquarters, located at 100 Edison Park Drive in Gaithersburg.
This year, the DLC received 44 submissions from middle and high school groups who created a 30-second public service announcement to educate their peers about the risks of underage drinking. In addition to trophies and award certificates, the seven contest winners will receive cash prizes of up to $1,000 for their schools.
Founded in 1992, KIS is a coalition of County departments, local organizations and concerned residents that work together to deter underage alcohol use and reduce access of alcohol to youth. The DLC is leading the group’s programming.
DLC Marketing Manager Emily DeTitta, who was recently awarded the regional Youth Leadership Award for her role in sustaining the coalition by the Washington Regional Alcohol Program, said student participation was up this year.
“I’m really proud of the students who took the time to produce these amazing videos,” said DeTitta. “They are changing our culture. Creative peer messaging can have a huge impact on teens.”
The May 1st award ceremony, which takes place from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m., will be hosted by DLC Director Robert Dorfman and the Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD).
“Every year we tragically lose teen lives to underage drinking,” said MCPD Chief Tom Manger. “More needs to be done to help protect teens from the negative consequences under 21 alcohol use brings. This program gives youth an opportunity to make an impact on their peers in a very positive way.”
The contest is funded by a DLC grant from the Montgomery County Red Light Camera fund.
The winning videos will be distributed to schools, posted on YouTube and shared with several local television channels. For more information about the KIS coalition, and to view last year’s winning videos, visit the KIS website.
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