Hackensack Teen Channels Personal Loss Into Award-Winning Song
May 12, 2025
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 12, 2025
Contact: Lisa Batitto, news@drugfreenj.org
Hackensack Teen Channels Personal Loss Into
Award-Winning Song for
Statewide Drug Prevention Contest
Hackensack, NJ—Inspired by losing a close friend, Hackensack High School junior Martin Rojas Ortiz poured his heart into an original song titled “Bruno,”a raw, emotional tribute that earned him first place in the 21st Annual Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs music competition. Hosted by the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), the contest gives high school students a platform to use music as a tool for substance use prevention and advocacy.
Martin’s song, written from a place of grief and reflection, stood out among submissions from students across New Jersey for its vulnerability and powerful message.
“When I first saw the message of the contest, it clicked completely for me as I had been wanting to make a song about one of my closest friends; this song is sadly dedicated to him,” Martin said. “This was an honest and emotional story, and I believe that transparency resonates with people better.”
Martin’s lyrics warn of the devastating impact that drug misuse can have, drawing on personal experiences and his observations of peers who lost their way.
“I’ve seen people with great talents throw it all away because of the influence of drugs and vices,” he said. “This song is meaningful to me because it urges society to be careful about drugs and all vices in general.”
The contest, sponsored by the New Jersey Broadcasters Association and 95.9 WRAT, culminated in a virtual Prevention Concert on May 7, where Martin’s win was announced following a showcase of finalist performances.
Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of PDFNJ, called Martin’s contribution “a deeply moving example of how young people can lead through vulnerability and creativity. His story is exactly why this competition exists. We want to give youth the chance to speak up, support one another and inspire change.”
Martin believes the victory represents both a personal milestone and professional advancement.
“This means everything for me. It’s proof that all the hard work and consistency over the last three years were worth it,” he said. “This is the first big step toward my professional artistic career. Thanks to the support from this competition, I can now upgrade the quality of my equipment and sound. I’m grateful that something so personal to me could turn into a voice for others.”
Musically, Martin draws inspiration from artists like Jeremy Zucker, Dannylux and Feid, musicians known for their authenticity and dedication. He now joins them in using music to build connection, raise awareness and offer healing.
To listen to“Bruno” and all the finalist performances, visit shoutdowndrugs.com/contestants
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Best known for its statewide substance use prevention 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 $200 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 230 advertising and public relations awards from national, regional and statewide media organizations.
