June 24, 2009 - Over the past three years, youth have been called on by The 84, a teen-focused anti-tobacco movement, to create messages promoting smoke-free living.

Anthony Price, the 2009 grand prize winner for his song "Live Life," and Yorling Valdez, second place winner of the most hip brand category for his song "Peligro," recently discussed their experience in the contest and tobacco prevention work with the Neighborhood Network News in Boston.



In Massachusetts, 84% of youth choose not to use tobacco.  The 84 is a program of Health Resources in Action (HRiA) that seeks to engage and educate Massachusetts teens and leverage their experiences to promote the tobacco-free lifestyle.

This year's Digital Media Contest asked young people to express themselves and their unique "brand," as well as to showcase their tobacco-free lifestyles. An expanded format for 2009 accepted videos, music, spoken word, illustration and animation entries. More than 100 youth statewide participated.

Entries were judged based on their creativity, originality, unique brand and message. The panel of judges included youth from different regions of Massachusetts and staff of both HRiA and The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Tobacco Control Program. Additionally, youth from all across the state were invited to vote for their favorite digital media entry online. All the winning entries are featured on The 84.

The 84 is funded by The Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Tobacco Control Program.

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