High school students are being recruited to produce anti-drinking television ads

Drawing the Line, a combination of 30 to 40 organizations and individuals dedicated to decreasing underage drinking in the community, is sponsoring the "Commercial Challenge" for Montgomery County high school clubs and organizations. Students are asked to create television advertisements that discourage the consumption of alcohol.

A high school organization may only enter one student-produced commercial. The ad should last 30 seconds during which time students highlight one of the following three issues Drawing the Line has selected: "The Consequences of Drinking and Driving," "I'm Underage And I Don't Drink, Here's Why" and "Alcohol and the Negative Impact It Has on Your Body." Students must also write a four-page essay to accompany the VHS tape. The essay should be double-spaced in 12-point font with standard margins and should include a coversheet with the club's name, students' names, and their contact information. Drawing the Line also requires organizations to outline how they would use the money if they won the competition.

Submissions must be received by December 31 at 4 p.m. at the following address: Mid County Services Center, Substance Abuse Prevention Office, Attn: Meg Baker-DTL Coordinator, 2424 Reedie Drive, second floor, Wheaton, MD 20902. The tapes will not be returned to participants and are the property of Drawing the Line. The clubs that win first place will receive $1,000 and the two second place winners will receive $250 each. Comcast will air the first and second place commercials on cable, and the essays may be printed in local newspapers.

For more information about Drawing the Line and the competition, email Drawing the Line coordinator, Meg Baker, at m.e.baker@mindspring.com or call her at 240-777-1311.