Transcript Staff
The seventh annual "Be Smart -- Don't Start!" storyboard contest is open to elementary students through March 26. The statewide contest is designed to educate kids about the dangers of tobacco, while giving them the chance to share the tobacco-free message with their peers.
Through the contest, Oklahoma elementary school students in kindergarten through fifth grade write and draw a 30-second commercial to teach other kids and adults about the dangers of tobacco. Teachers and parents can receive educational anti-tobacco materials to aide in the creation of storyboards.
Judges will choose a grand-prize winner and first, second and third place winners in three grade categories (kindergarten to first grade, second to thrid grades and fourth to fifth grades) in eastern and central/western Oklahoma. The grand-prize winners will win $100 and have their creations animated into 30-second commercials featuring their own artwork and voices. The commercials will be distributed to television stations, posted on multiple Web sites and promoted across the state.
First, second and third place winners will receive $75, $50 and $25 respectively. All winners, along with their parents and teachers, will be invited to an awards celebration at the State Capitol. Plus, teachers of the winning students will receive a gift certificate for classroom supplies.
Free contest materials can be requested online at www.bcbsok.com/dontstart.html.
