News Release
December 1, 2009
HMSA launches 2010 Teen Video Awards Contest
Laura Lott
(808) 952-7566
laura_lott@hmsa.com
The Hawaii Medical Service Association (HMSA), in conjunction with Hawaii Department
of Education (DOE) and Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD), today announced the
launch of the 2010 HMSA Teen Video Awards Contest. The annual video contest challenges
local students in middle and high schools to create public service announcements
(PSAs) focusing on important teen health issues.
Contest categories include fitness/nutrition, drug-free, tobacco-free, underage
drinking prevention, and social issues. Socials issues may include topics such as
teen pregnancy, Internet safety, bullying, teen suicide, date rape and more.
Middle and high school students must submit fully produced PSAs that do not exceed
27 seconds in length. Winners will be selected based on content, impact/effectiveness,
creativity and videography. Winning videos will be broadcast on local television
stations.
Each winning school will receive funds to purchase additional video equipment or
software. Winners in each category will be awarded as follows: 1st place receives
$1,000, 2nd place receives $500, and 3rd place receives $250. The Best of Show will
receive an additional $1,000.
Deadline for submissions is March 1, 2010. Finalists will be notified in early April
and winners will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on May 13 at Ward Consolidated
Theatres.
Information packets, including contest rules, entry forms, release forms and copyright
information, have been distributed to schools statewide. All forms must be signed
and submitted by March 1, 2010, along with the finished PSA. Group or individual
entries will be accepted. Contest information and entry materials are also available
online.
The HMSA Teen Video Awards Contest was started in 2003 as a way to raise awareness
of health issues affecting Hawaii’s youth. The program involves teens in a
way that is fun, creative and thought-provoking. It is intended to inspire youth
dialogue and support nontraditional learners.
HMSA is a nonprofit, mutual benefit association founded in Hawaii in 1938. It is
governed by a community board of directors that includes representatives from health
care, business, labor, government, education, clergy, and the community at large.
HMSA is a member of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of
independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. Nationally, HMSA and 38 other Blue
Cross and Blue Shield plans provide worldwide coverage to more than 100 million
members.
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