Montgomery County middle and high school students now have extra time to submit entries for the 3rd Annual “Speak Up, Save a Life” student video contest, which has been extended through January 4, 2026. The initiative, hosted by the Montgomery County State’s Attorney’s Office, invites students to create original public service announcement (PSA) videos aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of illegal drug use, fentanyl, and opioid misuse among teens.
The contest is held in honor of Michael Pisarra and Matthew Loudon, two Montgomery County residents who tragically lost their lives to illicit fentanyl. Their stories continue to inspire ongoing efforts to educate young people about the realities and risks associated with fentanyl and other illegal substances.
Originally scheduled to accept entries from October 9 through December 7, the deadline has been pushed into the new year to allow more students the opportunity to participate. In total, the contest will award more than $10,000 in prizes, including:
• $5,000 for first place
• $3,000 for second place
• $1,000 for third place
• $1,000 for the fan favorite award, selected by a vote open to all MCPS middle and high school students
Multiple honorable mention winners will also receive monetary awards. All MCPS students who submit a qualifying video will earn 10 Student Service Learning (SSL) hours.
The competition is open to all students in grades 6–12 who live in or attend school in Montgomery County. Winners will be announced during the Save a Student Summit on January 31, 2026.
Organizers emphasize that the contest is more than a creative project, it’s an opportunity for young people to help save lives. “This contest is not just a competition; it’s a platform for students’ voices to be heard,” the announcement reads. “The videos can make a real difference.”
Submissions must:
• Include a title
• Be in English or Spanish
• Run 50–70 seconds
• Address at least one prompt related to illegal drug use, including opioid facts, overdose awareness, mental health impacts, peer pressure, healthy choices, or bystander intervention
• Display the link knowtherisksmc.org, or include the official QR code and logo
• Use only original, open-source, or student-created music—no copyrighted material is permitted
Students can view previous winning videos, read full contest guidelines, and register using the links provided through the State’s Attorney’s Office.
The extended deadline gives students additional time to create content that may ultimately help prevent overdoses, encourage conversations, and inspire their peers to make safe and informed choices.
