Keeping It Safe Coalition Announces Video Contest Winners at Awards Ceremony

For Immediate Release: Wednesday, May 1, 2019

The Montgomery County Department of Liquor Control (DLC) and Department of Police hosted the annual Keeping It Safe (KIS) Coalition’s Student Video Contest Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, May 1 at Public Safety Headquarters in Gaithersburg.

DLC Director Bob Dorfman and Acting Police Chief Russ Hamill recognized winning Montgomery County middle and high school students for creating 30-second public service announcements to educate young people about the risks of under 21 alcohol use. There were 44 video submissions from student groups this year.

The winning students received trophies, certificates and cash prizes for their respective schools.

The high school award winners include:  

• 1st Place: James Hubert Blake High School, Cameron Coleman, Darren Forbai, Natalia Umanzor and school sponsor Heather Emory received a trophy and $1,000 prize.
• 2nd Place: Albert Einstein High School, Briana Manzanarez, Jenssel Soto, Alfredo Marin, Henry Ramirez and school sponsor Ellen Daniels received a trophy and $500 prize.
• 3rd Place: Albert Einstein High School, Gian Whigan, Brighton Munjeyi, Lennart Carpio and school sponsor Ellen Daniels received a $250 prize.
• 4th Place: Montgomery Blair High School, Jacob Holland, Calvin McGlade and school sponsor George Mayo received a $100 prize.

The middle school award winners include:

• 1st Place: Roberto Clemente Middle School, Sophia Deng, Anna Jurgena, Ally Jones and school sponsor James Dempsey received a trophy and $500 prize.
• 2nd Place: Roberto Clemente Middle School, Nitya Donthi, Sandra Baigal, Geraldine Pangaribuan and school sponsor James Dempsey, received a trophy and $250 prize.
• 3rd Place: Roberto Clemente Middle School, Renee Kim, Anusha Krishnan, Sabrina Steale, Sophia Wong and school sponsor James Dempsey received a $100 prize.
• Honorable Mention: Roberto Clemente Middle School, Libby Newton, Daria Melikova, Ava Milisits and school sponsor James Dempsey received Honorable Mention certificates.

The KIS Student Video Contest has long been supported by former Montgomery County Police Chief Thomas Manger, who recently retired.  Manger attended this year’s ceremony and received the first Meg Baker Spirit of Prevention Award for his support of the coalition. Baker, who presented the award, served as the volunteer KIS coordinator for decades.  Since her retirement two years ago, the DLC has stepped in to manage programming.

Montgomery County Police Officer Jaime Derbyshire was also recognized with the Walter Milam Enforcement Award for her efforts in underage drinking prevention.

“Preventing underage drinking is a priority for the DLC,” said Dorfman. “This program gives youth an opportunity to make a positive impact on their peers, helps support in school programming and recognizes community leaders.”

The contest was funded by a grant held by the DLC from the Montgomery County Red Light Camera fund.

Founded in 1992, KIS is a coalition of County departments, local organizations and concerned residents that work to deter underage alcohol use and reduce access of alcohol to youth. For more information about the KIS Coalition, and to view the winning videos, visit the KIS website.

For more information about the DLC, visit its website.

Follow the DLC on Facebook and Twitter.

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Release ID: 19-141
Media Contact: Emily DeTitta 240-777-1904