PEM Students Reach Top Five in Escape the Vape Contest
Three students from Plainview-Elgin-Millville (PEM) have made it to the finals of a statewide video contest called Escape the Vape. Out of more than 650 students who submitted 30-second videos about the dangers of vaping, these talented PEM boys have reached the top five. In this article, we will delve into their story, the importance of their message, and the impact their video has had on their school and community.
The Idea: From a Road Trip to a Creative Video
The idea for their video was conceived when the students were on their way back from the state One Act competition. They found a beat on YouTube and built their concept from there, according to PEM junior William Ryan.
The Production: A Catchy Rap with a Serious Message
The students created a video that combined an engaging rap with a gloomy ending shot. Despite the cold weather, they dedicated time and effort to make their video stand out. As PEM senior Ryan Gostonczik said, "We put a good amount of time and effort into it. We stood out in the snow for half an hour."
The Support: Classmates Rally Behind Their Video
Upon finding out that their video made it to the top five, the boys received an outpouring of support from their classmates. "Classmates that I've never even talked to have been mentioning that they voted, which is really cool to know that we have that kind of support," Gostonczik shared.
The Problem: Vaping Among Teens
According to the CDC, 1 in 4 teens vape daily, and the students acknowledge that it's still a common issue at their school. They hope their message can reach young people in a more relatable way, as PEM senior Cameron Bluhm explained, "It's not some PSA about this fact, this fact, and this fact. It's fun. It's entertaining, and we still get a good point across."
The Competition: A Close Race to the Finish Line
With their video garnering the most views, the students are hopeful about winning the contest. Voting for the contest ends on April 6, and the winner will be announced on April 7. The winning team will receive $500 to split between themselves and another $500 to give back to their school. If victorious, the boys plan to donate the prize money to their school's One Act program.
Conclusion
The determination and creativity of the PEM students in the Escape the Vape contest highlights the importance of spreading awareness about the dangers of vaping. As these young creators continue to inspire their peers and community, their message can make a lasting impact on the lives of teens and encourage healthier choices.
FAQs
Q1: What is the Escape the Vape contest? A1: The Escape the Vape contest is a statewide video contest where students create 30-second videos about the dangers of vaping. The PEM students' video has made it to the top five finalists.
Q2: How did the students come up with their video idea? A2: The idea for their video was conceived on their way back from the state One Act competition. They found a beat on YouTube and built their concept from there.
Q3: How has the community reacted to their video? A3: The students have received an outpouring of support from their classmates and the community, with many people mentioning that they voted for their video.
Q4: What is the prize for winning the contest? A4: The winning team will receive $500 to split between themselves and another $500 to give back to their school. If the PEM students win, they plan to donate the prize money to their school's One Act program.
Q5: When will the winner of the Escape the Vape contest be announced? A5: Voting for the contest ends on April 6, and the winner will be announced on April 7.
Vote for the PEM team: https://www.mnescapethevape.org/2023-voting