The 18th Judicial District Attorney’s Office kicked off their
teen multimedia contest on Nov. 20 at Agate High School. The
contest is designed to get teens to reflect on and understand
healthy relationships and encourage them to develop nonviolent,
respectful relationships with peers, family and the community in a
creative manner.
This the second year of the contest and after having only an
essay contest last year, the developers decided to mix things up by
allowing teens to be more creative with their ideas and entries.
Students in 11th and 12th grades in Elbert, Arapahoe, Douglas and
Lincoln counties are eligible to participate. Students are invited
to apply research, be creative, use critical thinking skills and
explore this issue through writing, artwork or audio/visual
entries.
The top three entries will receive prizes — grand prize is a
$1,000 scholarship and an iPod Classic, second prize is a $500
scholarship and an iPod Nano and third prize is a $250 scholarship
and an iPod Shuffle. The deadline for entries is Jan. 9.
Kimberly Wheeler, Rural Domestic Violence Outreach Specialist,
and Joy Zarra, Diversion Counselor, spent their time at Agate High
School providing information and education on domestic violence.
Wheeler said is it important to inform teens about domestic
violence because domestic violence is the number one violent crime
in the 18th jurisdiction.
“I think the contest will raise awareness about teen dating
abuse,” she said. “Sometimes the way we behave in relationships
when we are younger carry on to adulthood and this way teens can be
aware and know if the relationship they are in is a healthy or
unhealthy one.”
Students at Agate High School were able to speak openly about
anything regarding domestic violence and relationships. Wheeler
said it was important to let the students voice their opinions and
ask questions and those who did were also on film that in the
future may be a public service announcement.
For complete contest information and rules, contact Wheeler at
720-874-8574 or visit www.da18.org
