Essay Contest to Address Underage Drinking Prevention

Every day 5,400 young people under 16 have their first drink of alcohol. In an effort to raise awareness about the risks and prevent underage drinking-related problems, the Safe Communities Coalition of Somerset County has announced its second annual Underage Drinking Prevention Essay Contest, being offered in collaboration with Somerset County Department of Human Services, local Municipal Alliance Commissions and EmPoWER Somerset.

“Somerset County proclaims every April as Alcohol Awareness Month,” said Freeholder Brian D. Levine, human services liaison. “County government is glad to join with our community partners to provide useful information about alcohol abuse through this essay contest. We have confidence in our youth, as well as our community partners, to continue to make Somerset County the safe and educated community that we all know it to be.”

All public and private Somerset County high schools are invited to participate in this year’s essay contest, which is open to juniors and seniors. Each participating school will have the opportunity to select its top three student essays and submit them to the countywide essay contest by March 14. One countywide winner, to be announced April 8, will receive a $500 scholarship and public recognition from the Somerset County Board of Chosen Freeholders.

1. What is the “911 Lifeline Legislation” and how will you tell your peers about it?
2. For teenagers, what are the harmful effects of using alcohol?
3. How can we prevent underage drinking as a community?

For more information about the essay contest, contact Manny Kyei at 908-722-4900 or Manny@empowersomerset.com. More information about the Safe Communities Coalition is available at www.safecoalition.org.