Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown (CTC) is proud to announce the winners of its 5th annual Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drug (ATOD) Prevention Youth Video Contest. The contest invited students in grades 7 through 12 who reside within the Downingtown Area School District to create short, motivational videos that give voice to the realities of being a teen today—focusing on topics like substance use, mental health, and student life.
Taking home first place this year is a team of four impressive 9th and 12th grade students: Anush Vadla, Ethan Szoke, Gabby Leonmelo, and Siddharth Macherla. Their powerful and informative video spotlighted the emotional challenges youth face and highlighted what teens need from the adults in their lives for support and understanding.
Second place was awarded to Quinn Staszowski, an 8th-grade student whose video explored how parental behavior directly impacts a child’s choices regarding drugs and alcohol. Quinn’s message emphasized the importance of positive role modeling and communication between parents and teens.
All winners will receive cash prizes of up to $250 and will have their videos featured on CTC of Greater Downingtown’s social media channels. In addition to the cash award, the first-place team received four tickets to a Philadelphia Phillies home game.
CTC launched this video contest to highlight and celebrate the positive choices that the majority of youth are making every day. According to the 2023 Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS) data for the Downingtown Area School District, 88.8% of students reported not using alcohol in the past 30 days, and 94.1% reported not using marijuana during the same timeframe.
Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown (CTC) is a coalition of organizations, businesses, schools, faith communities, law enforcement, and healthcare providers using evidence based prevention programs and policies to foster positive mental health and youth development. Through a Collective Impact Approach, CTC helps communities identify and implement changes that can help students be successful at school, at home, and in the community. CTC’s mission is to empower youth to make positive choices to reach their full potential.
Learn more about Communities That Care of Greater Downingtown here.
Kick off the summer at Downingtown’s upcoming artisan market! Details here.
