OAKVILLE, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - Aug. 2, 2011) - Every year, students put pen to paper and climb into the director's chair to express their views on impaired driving, as part of MADD Canada's Writing, Poster and Multi-Media contests. The winning entries in the 2011 contests have been announced and are now available on MADD Canada's web site.
"Students understand the issue of impaired driving and they bring unique and innovative perspectives to the discussions," said Denise Dubyk, MADD Canada's National President. "MADD Canada's contests give them creative forums to convey their thoughts and feelings artistically."
The projects these young people undertake have particular meaning among their peers. Parents, teachers and MADD Canada try to instill the importance of sober driving to young people, but there is added meaning and connection when the issue is discussed by their own friends and peers.
"Quite often, we see entire classes of students undertake these projects," Ms. Dubyk said. "Educators find it's a great way to initiate discussions about impaired driving and provide students with a creative outlet to explore the issue, express their feelings and be recognized for their efforts."
The contests are run annually. Winning entrants receive cash and other prizes, and have their entries posted on MADD Canada's web site at www.madd.ca. Wherever possible, the first place winners are presented with their prizes by local MADD Canada Chapters and Community Leaders.
"We offer our thanks to every student who entered the contest," Ms. Dubyk said. "We are consistently amazed by the creativity of the projects and the power of their messages."
MADD Canada is pleased to announce the 2011 winners of its writing, poster and multi-media contest:
2011 Matthew Paul Carvalho Poster Contest Winners
Named in memory of Matthew Paul Carvalho who was killed by an impaired driver in 1990, this contest gives youth an opportunity to express their views on impaired driving through art and illustration.
| 10 Years and Under |
| 1st - Celeste Lau, Scarborough, Ontario |
| 2nd – Paige Jenkins, New Germany, Nova Scotia |
| 3rd – Teodora Milos, Bridgewater, Nova Scotia |
| 11 – 14 Years |
| 1st – Amy Zhang, Richmond Hill, Ontario |
| 2nd – Nicole Lam, Richmond Hill, Ontario |
| 3rd – Fiona Wang, Markham, Ontario |
2011 MADD Canada National Writing Contest
Youth put pen to paper to creatively and effectively convey their feelings on the issue of impaired driving.
| 10 Years and Under |
| 1st – Shreya Chakrabarty, Toronto, Ontario |
| 2nd – Kara Drechsler-MacDougall, Antigonish, Nova Scotia |
| 3rd – Abrianna Melanson, Antigonish, Nova Scotia |
| 11 – 14 Years |
| 1st – Abbey Martin, Red Deer, Alberta |
| 2nd – Katie Brent, Oakville, Ontario |
| 3rd – Nathan Ryan, Thunder Bay, Ontario |
MADD Canada's 2011 Multi-Media Contest
Our Multi-Media Contest puts youth in the director's chair to create short films or public service announcements (radio or television) that encourage audiences to put a stop to impaired driving.
Short Film
| 16 and Under |
| 1st – "Choices" by Griffin Yandt |
| 2nd – "A Choice Made, A Life Saved" by Paige Jamieson |
| 3rd – "Shattered People" by Karl Behrend |
| 17 to 24 Years |
| 1st – "Hearts" by Kate Morrison |
| 2nd – "Victims Voices" by Ashley Hugo |
| 3rd – "Premonition" by Emily Zdunich |
Audio PSAS
| 17 to 24 Years |
| 1st – "The Moments That Change Everything" by Nancy Nguyen |
| 2nd – "The Choice is Yours" by Julie Service |
| 3rd – "Just One More Drink" by Jordan Swann |
Multi-Media PSA
| 16 and Under |
| 1st – "It's Not Child's Play" by Jenice Kim |
| 2nd – "Bottle Spins, Car Spins, Life Spins" by Jade Chen |
| 3rd – "You're Not Yourself When You're Drunk" by Ruby Pyke |
| 17 to 24 Years |
| 1st – "Prom Night" by Teale Poirier |
| 2nd – "Don't Take That Chance" by Tyler Moyer |
| 3rd – "I'm MADD" by Ryan Underwood |
About MADD Canada
MADD Canada (Mothers Against Drunk Driving) is a national, charitable organization that is committed to stopping impaired driving and supporting the victims of this violent crime. With volunteer-driven groups in more than 100 communities across Canada, MADD Canada aims to offer support services to victims, heighten awareness of the dangers of impaired driving and save lives and prevent injuries on our roads.
Contact Information:
Wanda Kristensen
Director of Programs
1-800-665-6233, ext. 229