The class delivered a video that is creative and contemporary, with a strong message to parents about how to talk to their teenagers about drug and alcohol use. They will work with professionals at WBNG-TV to produce their commercial.

 

“Often, adults are too busy to talk to adolescents about pressing issues such as drug and alcohol abuse,” said Newark Valley theater teacher Stacy Mallery. “Students face these issues daily and they need to be comfortable enough to talk to their parents or guardians without fear of judgment, rejection or punishment. Therefore, it truly is a relationship and not just a talk.”

 

The ad will run on WBNG-TV. The contest is sponsored by the KYDS Coalition, a Broome County Youth Prevention Partnership organization. There were 11 entries to the contest this year, from high schools across the Southern Tier.

 

Kristie Mozgawa, a 12^th grader and student winner, said, “We did this because we wanted to show the value of a strong bond between a child and a parent and how that bond can either help or hurt them in the future. Plus the ability to connect with their child is something that a parent should never take for granted.”

 

The KYDS Coalition sponsors programs that enhance community collaboration in order to combat youth substance abuse, ultimately creating a healthier and safer community. For more information on KYDS Coalition, go to www.kydscoalition.org.