Monmouth County Teen Takes Second Place in Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey's Statewide Music Competition

NEWARK, NJ –New Jersey has a new ambassador to shout down drugs.

Michelle Greco from Wall Township was given second place honors for her song “Stand Away”, in the 12th Annual Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Shout Down Drugs Prevention Concert. Michelle is a student at Wall Township High School.

On Wednesday, May 25, twenty-nine New Jersey high school student finalists, representing 14 different counties, competed at the Rutgers University Nicholas Music Center in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Coming in first place was the trio, AJAni and in third place was Ricky Persaud Jr. of Essex County.

Michelle’s song, “Stand Away”, was selected by online voters and a judging panel of prevention industry professionals and past Shout Down Drugs participants. The song entries were evaluated by the prevention message in the lyrics, originality, and performance.

“Simply by being here tonight, these amazing teen musicians have affirmed their commitment to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle,” said Angelo M. Valente, Executive Director of the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey. “We are proud of each one of the participants and are always impressed with the level of talent in the state of New Jersey.”

The New Jersey Shout Down Drugs music competition challenges high school students to create original music with lyrics that contain powerful peer-to-peer drug prevention messages. The high school students competed for one of three music contracts with the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (PDFNJ), worth a total of $10,000, to perform their winning song at statewide events.

Finalists’ photo and interview opportunities are available upon request.