Arkansans Urged to Support Area Students - April 16th, 2009
Dr. Carolyn Dresler of the Arkansas Department of Health announced today a voting initiative that urges all Arkansans to rally around Stamp Out Smoking, the media and public relations campaign of the ADH Tobacco Prevention and Cessation Program.
“We are asking the public to participate in the selection of their favorite entry in the ‘The Big Pitch’ drama contest,” Dresler said. “This year we have 48 entries, more than ever before. It’s so easy to vote for your favorite. Just go to the stampoutsmoking.com homepage and look for ‘The Big Pitch.’”
Entries will be posted on stampoutsmoking.com and will be open to the public for voting from April 8 until noon on April 20. A $25 iTunes gift card will be awarded to each member of the People’s Choice winning team.
In “The Big Pitch” drama contest, students from across the state write and star in their own television spots about the dangers of tobacco. Winners can receive up to $2,000 in-store credit to purchase media equipment or supplies for their schools, and their spots are considered for inclusion in the 2009-2010 SOS statewide media campaign. This year, winning teams will also receive iTunes gift cards for each team member.
Now in its sixth year, “The Big Pitch” drama contest is including the People’s Choice Award for the second time.
“Last year, the People’s Choice Award was incredibly popular,” said Dresler. “More than 1,000 votes were cast to select the winning spot. We are excited to bring back this contest, which allows Arkansans to get involved and get a sneak peek of potential SOS ads and the creative talent of students in Arkansas.”
“Because of grassroots initiatives such as ‘The Big Pitch,’ smoking rates among Arkansas high school students have been steadily decreasing. These initiatives give students an opportunity to take ownership of the historically low numbers and be part of promoting tobacco-free lifestyles.”
Last year’s first-place winners were Nathan Trucks and John Couch of Fayetteville High School. The winning spot was selected to be a part of the 2008-2009 SOS media campaign and is currently airing statewide. Last year’s People’s Choice winner was Haas Hall Academy from Farmington. Students received iTunes gift cards, and the winning spot is featured on the SOS Web site, stampoutsmoking.com.
This year, students from the following schools are eligible for the People’s Choice Award:
• Arkansas High School
• Atkins High School
• Batesville High School
• Catholic High School
• Conway Christian School
• Fayetteville High School
• Haas Hall Academy
• Harrisburg Middle School
• Jessieville High School
• Magnolia High School
• Mena High School
• North Little Rock East Campus
• Oak Grove Middle School
• Pulaski Academy
• Southside High School
• West Fork High School
• West Memphis Christian
• Wynne High School
For more information about “The Big Pitch,” contact Luis Gonzalez at luis.gonzalez@cjrw.com or 501-975-8322, or visit stampoutsmoking.com to cast your vote.
