3:06pm: Hotline with Dave Weekley

NO School Spirit winners tout dangers of underage drinking

CHARLESTON, W.Va. — The state Alcohol Beverage Control Administration says Mt. Hope Christ Academy is the winner in the agency’s 7th annual NO School Spirits PSA (Public Service Announcement) contest.

The educational program challenges students to produce a short video highlighting the dangers of underage drinking.

ABCA Commissioner Fred Wooten said he expanded the recognition to fourth and fifth place in this year’s contest because of the large number of entries.

“Clearly the program is successfully serving a great need and public interest continues to grow. The contest was very competitive this year with many high-quality video entries,” Wooten said.

The agency said nearly 400 students in 38 high schools and middle schools participated.

Mt. Hope Christian Academy receives $5,000 for its first place finish. Nitro High finished second and will receive $2,500. Two separate entries from Cabell Midland High School finished third ($1,000) and fourth ($750). Students at Independence Middle School in Raleigh County were the fifth place finishers and will also receive $750.

The winning video will be broadcast on radio and television stations this spring during prom and graduation seasons.