KCRA Channel 3, KQCA Channel 58, Mothers Against Drunk Driving (M.A.D.D.), and the California Highway Patrol sponsored Students Offering Solutions, a contest for 12 to 18 year old students from public and private schools in Sacramento County. The goal of the contest was to encourage students to think about the dangers of drinking and driving; to discourage them from driving while under the influence of alcohol; and to discourage them from getting into a car with a driver who has been drinking. It was hoped that students speaking to their peers would be more effective than commercials created by adults.

Entries were judged on the following seven criteria:

Originality of message
Clarity of message
Effectiveness at reaching target audience
Effectiveness at addressing issue
Creativity
Clarity of "call to action"
Execution

Judges included selected representatives from KCRA Channel 3, Q58, M.A.D.D., the California Highway Patrol, and other organizations working to prevent teenage drinking and driving, plus students from area high school media classes.

Sarah Dettmer, former 8th grade student at Joseph Kerr Middle School, was the winner for the 1998-1999 contest. Veronica Rockwood, a former 8th grade student also at Joseph Kerr, was the winner for the 1999-2000 contest, giving our school a sweep of the top spots for both years that the contest has been active! Their Art classes, both taught by Ms. Peterson, had more entries than any other classes in the county. Sarah's and Veronica's storyboards were translated into 30-second Public Service Announcements which where shown on Channels 3 and 58, but may be found locally by clicking the appropriate links above.

Congratulations, Sarah and Veronica!

It may be homework, Ms. Peterson, but they sure enjoyed it.