The Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) today announced the winners of the Third Annual “Teen TV/Radio Commercial Challenge”. Awards were presented to high school students last Friday evening during WBRU’s Summer Concert Series kickoff in Providence.
“We were pleased to, once again, join our partners in encouraging students’ creativity to promote various safety messages including buckling up, not drinking and driving, and driving responsibly. The video and audio commercials created by these talented teens delivered important safety messages in a way that other teens not only recognize, but appreciate.” said RIDOT Director Michael P. Lewis. He added “These safety messages are important for all Rhode Islanders, not just area students.”
The contest is a prelude to RIDOT’s “Click It or Ticket” campaign. The “Click It or Ticket” campaign is a two-week period of intensive education and enforcement of Rhode Island’s seat belt and child restraint laws to save lives and prevent injuries on the State’s roadways. The campaign runs from May 19 - June 1, 2008.
Cranston West High School students Joe Cerep, Matt Chianesi, AJ Faviccio, Austin Milan, Marcus Garceau, Adam Aktchian and Thomas Dunigan took the First Place prize of $500, donated by WBRU, in the Audio Category for their rap song promoting designating a sober driver before going out.
Cranston West High School also took First Place in the Spanish Video Category. Students Lauren Pannone, Macie Marchetti, Kim Tamuleviz, and Brianna Reinsant put a comic twist on an important message, seat belts save lives and it is cool to wear your seat belt. Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island sponsored the $500 first place prize.
The team of Woonsocket High School students Ryan Laferte, Jason Allard and Suthi Seneth took First and Second Place respectively with terrific TV commercials about the dangers of reckless driving and seat belt safety. Their efforts netted the students prizes of $500 and $300, respectively, thanks to AAA of Southern New England.
Westerly High School students Elizabeth Francese, Desmond Moran and Cameron Nigrelli took third place by creating a video utilizing a Rube Goldberg approach for a simple message to a deadly problem. Their complex contraption included cue sticks, shot glasses, playing cards, and beer mugs on strings to show that drinking and driving is never a good combination. AAA provided a cash award of $200 in this category as well.
RIDOT, along with the Rhode Island Interscholastic League, AAA of Southern New England, the Rhode Island State Police, Neighborhood Health Plan of Rhode Island and 95.5 WBRU sponsored the Third Annual “Teen TV/Radio Commercial Challenge”.
Entries can be found by the end of this week on the RIDOT website at www.dot.ri.gov.