CREATIVE TEEN VOICES for SAFE & DRUG-FREE COMMUNITIES
Compete at TeenFest(ival) 2K11
Join Wade Banner at TeenFest as local teens compete with original drug-free and violence-reduction themed acts for the $1,000 top prize at TeenFest 2K11 Public Health Education event, Saturday, March 26 at North Carolina School of Science and Math in Durham, NC from 10am to 4pm. TeenFest(ival), a free, annual public health education event also offers teen and adult workshops, resource information, give-aways, and a memory wall.
The interactive teen workshops launch the day’s activities at 10am, focused on how dating is impacted by under-age smoking and drinking, illegal substance use, and violence. A concurrent parent workshop gives tips on talking to teens about drugs and violence. The workshops are facilitated by local experts from Wake County Gang Prevention Partnership, Wake Teen Medical Services, Wake County 4-H, and North Carolinians Against Gun Violence.
The education continues with the talent showcase at 1pm, featuring the ten highest-scoring teen acts from auditions held earlier this month in Wake and Durham counties. The teen talent range in age from 14 to 18. Entertainment industry professionals will select the top three acts to receive cash prizes: $1,000 – 1st place; $500 – 2nd place; $250 – 3rd place. The winners also receive trophies and represent TeenFest Foundation for one year, with opportunities to perform their drug-free/violence-reduction acts in front of live audiences around the state.
“Audiences will see a higher level of talent and greater variety of acts this year,” said TeenFest Foundation Founder and Program Manager, Donna-maria Harris. “The creative energy these teens have put into their performances is amazing. They prove that entertainment can be hot, and still have a relevant, positive message.”
K-97.5 FM on-air talent Wade Banner will co-emcee the talent showcase with TV professional Donna-maria Harris. Entertainment and industry professionals make up the judging panel that will select the top three acts. They are: Los Angeles-based entertainment entrepreneur and producer Christopher Brooks; Atlanta-based journalist, author and music critic Edward Garnes; FOX 50 Promotions Director Kevin Kolbe; communications expert, talent scout and founder of Brett Chambers and the Usual Suspects band, Brett Chambers; national spoken word artist and poet Petrina Bryant; supermodel, photographer and talent coach Sheree Betts; and Assistant Marketing Director/ Networking Specialist for Shifin Gearz online motorcycle magazine Shanicka Porter.
TeenFest Foundation is a non-profit organization under United Charitable Programs and works to help teens become immediate peer health educators using their own creative voices. Project R.I.D.E is a coalition of concerned citizens, agency representatives and law enforcement officials in Franklin and Vance Counties who are working with the Five County Mental Health Authority and the Kerr-Tar COG to increase safety and improve health by reducing the incidence of drunk driving and underage drinking. Chick-fil-A at Hillsborough Road in Durham, NC School of Science and Math, and K 97.5 FM radio are TeenFest 2K11 community partners. FOX 50 is the television sponsor.
