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Wirt County students place third in West Virginia PSA contest (with video)

(Photo Illustration - MetroCreativeConnection)

ELIZABETH — A team from Wirt County High School took third place in the West Virginia Alcohol Beverage Control Administration’s 12th annual NO School Spirits PSA contest, a statewide competition aimed at preventing underage drinking.

Nearly 350 students from 29 schools across West Virginia submitted 51 public service announcement videos that highlight the dangers of underage alcohol consumption. The student-created videos addressed topics such as drinking and driving, alcohol poisoning, violence and the impact of alcohol on academics and athletics.

WVABCA Commissioner Fred Wooton emphasized the importance of engaging young people in efforts to prevent underage drinking.

“Involving our youth in a program to prevent underage drinking can be an effective tool to save lives,” he said. “If we save just one life, the program is well worth it.”

The Wirt County entry, entitled “You Booze, You Lose,” can be viewed on the WCTV High School News YouTube channel.

Sophomore Sophie Awan directed the project, which featured senior Nathan Frye in the lead role. Wirt County business and media instructor Eric “Doc” Benson, a former motion picture director and producer, helped guide the student project.

“I am very proud of the hard work and raw talent that my students put into this effort,” Benson said. “I know they are already thinking of ideas for next year’s competition.”

Other winning schools include Point Pleasant, Wheeling Central Catholic and, Morgantown High Schools and Robert L. Bland Middle School in Lewis County.

WVABCA plans to hold award ceremonies this spring to recognize the winning schools.

The contest is funded by grants from the National Alcohol Beverage Control Association, State Farm and the Governor’s Highway Safety Program.

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