Essex Co. Teens Win PDFNJ’s Statewide Drug Prevention Music Competition

April 17, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:	Matt Scuteri
	Media Coordinator
	Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey
	Phone: (973) 467-2100 x24
	E-Mail: matt@drugfreenj.org

Friday, April 17, 2015

Essex County Teens Wins Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Statewide Drug Prevention Music Competition

NEWARK, NJ –New Jersey has a new ambassador to shout down drugs.

Josiah Valerius, Millie Diaz, Carlos Duran, and Hennesis Encarnacion members of the band Dominant Collective were named the first place winner for their song “The Drug PSA”, in the 11th Annual Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert. The statewide champions are students at Arts High School in Newark, Essex County.

On Friday, April 17, thirty-eight New Jersey high school student finalists, representing 15 different counties, competed at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC) in Newark, New Jersey.  Coming in second place was Jonathan Johnson, also of Essex County and in third place was Sarah Kertesz of Morris County.

Dominent Collective’s song, “The Drug PSA”, was selected by online voters and a judging panel of prevention industry professionals, law enforcement, and past Shout Down Drugs participants.  The song entries were evaluated by the prevention message in the lyrics, originality, and performance.

“Simply by being here tonight, these amazing teen musicians have affirmed their commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle,” said Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey.  “We are proud of and each one of the participants and are always impressed with the level of talent in the state of New Jersey.”

The New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition challenges high school students to create original music with lyrics that contain powerful peer-to-peer drug prevention messages.  The high school students competed for one of three music contracts with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), worth a total of $10,000, to perform their winning song at statewide events.

Finalists’ photo and interview opportunities are available upon request by contacting Diane Higgins, New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Coordinator, at 973.467.2100, ext. 19 or via e-mail at diane@drugfreenj.org.

 

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On Friday, April 17, thirty-eight New Jersey high school student finalists, representing 15 different counties, competed in the 11th Annual New Jersey Shout Down Drugs (NJSDD) competition.  Pictured with NJSDD host Bert Baron, (R), of WCTC 1450-AM “the Voice of Central Jersey” and Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey, (L) are the first place NJSDD winner, the members of the band Dominant Collective, second place winner Jonathan Johnson, also of Essex County and third place winner Sarah Kertesz of Morris County.