Show your creativity and win one of four $1,000 scholarships
Underage drinking is a serious problem in Kansas, and you can help by expressing yourself in a creative way that encourages people under 21 to say “No.” Your art, writing or music could inspire others to be safe. If you win, your creativity could mean $1,000 for accredited post-high school education or training.
Here are some potential topics to get your creative juices flowing:
- Finding more to life than drinking
- Peer pressure; the need to be liked and fit in
- Problems created or made worse by alcohol
- Why waiting until you’re 21 is smart
Think of your favorite songs, stories and works of art. Many tell a very personal story that resonates with you. It doesn’t have to be something you went through. Put yourself in the place of someone whose life has been negatively affected by alcohol or whose life is better because he/she has avoided alcohol.
Here are some statistics and other pieces of information you might find interesting:
- Alcohol is the drug of choice for Kansas youth.
- There were 556 alcohol-related youth (ages 15-20) automobile crashes in Kansas in 2008 that killed 18 persons and injured 354 others.
- Youth who drink before the ages of 15 are four times more likely to become dependent on alcohol as adults.
- 96% of adult alcoholics begin drinking before they’re 21.
- 65% of kids who drink get their alcohol from family and friends.
- You don’t have to drink to be in the majority. In 2009, 35% of 8th-12th graders in Kansas reported drinking in the previous 30 days.
Best Original Song (lyrics, music & performance) – individual entry
Best Original Writing (short story, poetry, essay) – individual entry
Best Original Art (graphic design, painting, mixed media) – individual entry
Best Original PSA (script or storyboard for :30 TV spot) – individual entry
Prizes
Best Original Song (lyrics, music & performance): $1,000 Scholarship
Best Original Writing (short story, poetry, essay): $1,000 Scholarship
Best Original Art (graphic design, painting, mixed media): $1,000 Scholarship
Best Original PSA: $1,000 Scholarship
Scholarships may be applied to any accredited post-high school education or training.
Winner selection
All entries will be judged by a panel of instructors in each discipline (music, art and writing), Kansas Department of Transportation representatives and professionals from youth services (who help stop underage drinking). Judging will be based on creativity, originality, craftsmanship, and the passion of the message.
Instructions
- Scholarship prizes will be awarded in each of four categories: 1) best original song, 2) best original writing, 3) best original art, 4) best original script or storyboard for PSA.
- You may enter as many times as you like in each category, and as many categories as you like, but you MUST fill out a SEPARATE entry form for EACH entry you submit.
- Read the contest rules carefully. Signing the entry form signifies that you have read and agreed to all contest rules.