Video Public Service Announcement2nd annual video public service announcement competition

Students from Western and Eastern Connecticut State universities were among teams of college students participating in the second annual video public service announcement competition for college students sponsored by the Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut, Inc. (WSWC) in conjunction with organizations including The Governor's Prevention Partnership.

The competition, which challenged college students to write, direct and produce a 30-second public service announcement (PSA) highlighting the Connecticut law that makes it illegal for adults to host parties during which beverage alcohol is supplied to, and consumed by, persons under the age of 21.

The PSA contest was judged by a distinguished panel of experts including representatives of the Connecticut State Police, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) and the Connecticut Department of Consumer Protection.

Thirty-three teams comprised of 108 students from Eastern Connecticut State University, Quinnipiac University, Western Connecticut State University, and University of New Haven, submitted PSAs. The top three submissions received prizes of $2,500 for first place, $1,500 for second place, and $1,000 for third place.

The student team "Diversity" from Western Connecticut State University placed second in the competition. Diversity team members include Daniel Choi, David Duncan, Michael Lukaniec, and Robin Moravsky. Faculty advisor was JC Barone of the Communications Department.

"Last year, the goal of the WSWC was to develop a PSA Campaign which encouraged parents to talk to their children about choosing not to drink," said Peter Berdon, Executive Director of the WSWC.

"We decided to use this year's contest as an opportunity to raise awareness about another side of the underage drinking issue - the legal side. Connecticut's House Party Law makes it illegal for adults to host parties during which beverage alcohol is supplied to, and consumed by, persons under the age of 21. Period. The law does not include any exceptions. We, as parents, need to observe this law for the good of our children," Berdon said.

The May 4, 2009 awards ceremony included Lieutenant Governor Michael Fedele; Jeffrey Levy, National Director of Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD); and Lieutenant J. Paul Vance of Connecticut State Police.

"Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD) Connecticut supports the initiatives of the Wine and Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut to educate parents about the serious consequences of underage drinking and the laws that are in place to prevent it" said Janice Heggie Margolis, Executive Director of MADD in Connecticut.

"Public Service Announcements are a great way to assist in mobilizing community members to create lasting changes and change community norms," said Patricia Andriole, Department Head at Branford Counseling Center.

The first place winner of the PSA Contest 2009 was "Team UNH" from the University of New Haven. Team UNH is comprised of Andy Pop, Chelsea Fowler, Stephanie Balesano, Jonathan Gorton, Katie Morris, Thomas Stanley, and Janic Maysonet. Third place went to Ian Fisher and Kyle Garrity of team, "Playatech", from Quinnipiac University.

The WSWC is working in collaboration with The Governor's Prevention Partnership and other community stakeholders to achieve the common goal of reducing underage drinking. The contest was announced in January 2009 and was open to any Connecticut college student.

For additional information, contact Brian Sherman, Wine & Spirits Wholesalers of Connecticut, Inc., brian.sherman@wswc.org, 203-624-9900

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