The annual Keeping It Safe contest challenges students to create 30-second public service announcements focused on educating young people about the risks of under-21 alcohol use. Winning schools receive cash prizes to support student activities and programs.
This year also marked the launch of the Sober Vibes Essay Contest, which invited Montgomery County high school juniors and seniors to write persuasive letters encouraging classmates to avoid alcohol before, during, and after prom. Winners of the essay contest will receive limousine service for up to 10 people.
County officials said both programs are designed to promote safe decision-making and reduce underage alcohol use through peer-led messaging and student involvement.
Keeping It Safe Student Video Contest Winners
High School Division
First Place: Richard Montgomery High School Students: William Baranick and Gabriel Lange
Second Place: Winston Churchill High School Students: Aron Matsuyama, Jessica Tang, and Amy Chen
Third Place: Walt Whitman High School Student: Zixuan Wang
Honorable Mention: Northwest High School Student: Tihun Oler
Middle School Division
First Place: Herbert Hoover Middle School Student: Isis Li
Second: John Poole Middle School Students: Eva Pandey and Charlotte Kline
Third Place: Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School
(Contest winner is represented by school affiliation only due to privacy preferences.)
Honorable Mention: Shady Grove Middle School Students: Thomas Rudmann and Brian Healy
Sober Vibes Essay Contest Winners
