The HMSA Teen Video Awards Contest, now in its seventh year, is presented by the Department of Education's Safe and Drug-Free Schools and Communities Program and Mothers Against Drunk Driving.

The contest is open to students from middle and high schools statewide. Students are asked to create an original 27-second public service announcement in one of the following categories:

• Fitness/nutrition
• Drug-free
• Tobacco-free
• Underage drinking prevention
• Social health (i.e., sexually transmitted diseases, Internet safety, etc.)

Winning PSAs will be broadcast on local television stations.

Winners and their schools will also receive:

• Cash to purchase video equipment or software:
  • 1st place in each category - $1,000
  • 2nd place in each category - $500
  • 3rd place in each category - $250
  • Best of Show - An additional $1,000
• Recognition in aired television PSA.
• Additional recognition in post-contest media interviews and/or promotional pieces.

Win a Flip Video Camcorder for the Not Even Once category!

The contest gives students the opportunity to create health messages that reach and impact their peers. In the process, students will learn about the video creation process, which includes script writing, video production, and copyright and privacy laws.

The contest entry deadline is March 1, 2010.

- For more information, go to http://hmsa.com/community/awards/teenvideo/default.aspx.
- For entry forms, go to http://hmsa.com/customerservice/forms/community/tva_entry.aspx.

If you have any questions, please call HMSA at (808) 952-7989 on Oahu.