By Meghan McCormick
Seventeen-year-old Jerrett Fowler found out Tuesday it pays to practice healthy habits.
Fowler, a Norman High School senior, was named the weekly drawing winner in the MyTakeOnHealth Oklahoma Video Challenge.
Oklahoma's First Lady Kim Henry presented Fowler with a Wii and Wii Fit at Norman High School Tuesday morning. Henry also spoke to Fowler's classmates about the video contest.
"What I want you to do is create a video on healthy habits," Henry said. "Do this and at the end of every month, you can win a $3,500 cash prize."
According to a press release from Gov. Brad Henry's office, the video challenge began Oct. 1 and runs through December, with first and second place winners voted on each month. First prize is $3,500 and second prize is $1,500. The school of each month's winning entry receives $1,000. Winners are determined through online voting.
Fowler said he produced a short PSA about smoking.
"The grand prize is $3,500 and it seemed like an easy competition," he said.
Fowler said his media teacher, Judith Blake, told him about the contest. He saw the contest as a chance to use his video skills.
"It tested my editing and shooting skills," he said.
Blake said she saw the competition as an opportunity for her students to practice the lesson she has tried to teach them.
"I ride bikes and I encourage kids to be healthy, to eat right and to exercise," she said.
According to the release from Henry's office, video entries must be between 30 and 60 seconds and need to demonstrate the importance of a healthy lifestyle, prevention of chronic disease or drug prevention. A student or group of students can submit up to two videos per month.
Meghan McCormick 366-3539 mmccormick@normantranscript.com
