Cyberbullying, sexting, suicide, low self-esteem, and body image are pressing issues high school teens face now more than ever before. Nine St. Louis area high school students will be rewarded for using their talents in art, videography and creative writing to voice their perspective on these challenges as an avenue to motivate other teens through health advocacy as part of the Walgreens Expressions Challenge.
Recognition for these youth leaders will take place on Friday, January 24, 2014 in the AT&T Multipurpose Room at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St Louis, Mo. 63112 from 4:30 PM to 5:30 PM.
Hundreds of high school teens from St. Louis and surrounding counties joined the Expressions movement to use their artistic skills to tackle hard to discuss topics including teen dating violence, plastic surgery, STD prevention, and teen pregnancy. From those who participated, six were selected as outstanding peer-to-peer leaders for this crusade.
“Participating in the Expressions Challenge was an eye-opener to the stimulating abilities one positive message can send,” said. aid Jasmine Davidson, media arts finalist for the Expressions Challenge and senior at Carnahan High School of the Future. “I wrote this song [and created a video entitled “You Are Beautiful”] for everyone who has ever felt insecure or doubtful about the person they are. I once thought I was not deserving of my aspirations, but I soon realized I am here for a greater purpose. Life is about following your dreams and accomplishing your goals, while inspiring others along the way. We cannot let someone’s opinion shape our life choices. When someone hears my song, I want them to feel content with the person they have become, never conforming to absurd society standards.”
John Gremer, director of Community Affairs at Walgreens, sponsor of the Expressions Challenge, encourages participants by saying “it’s okay to have your own voice and to express your individuality. When you speak, people will listen because they know your voice is different from everyone else and it matters.”
“The Walgreens Expressions Challenge gave me the confidence I needed in order to better my writing and be comfortable with people reading it,” said Dyamond Robinson, Creative writing finalist for Expressions and junior at Parkway South High School.”Honestly, I didn’t think my writing was good enough until I entered the contest. I feel like it greatly improved my self-esteem, and it brings me great joy to know that people have read what I had to say and liked it.”
In addition to Jasmine and Dyamond the other finalists who will be in attendance at Friday’s award ceremony include:
Creative Writing
• Chellsy Carter, Riverview Gardens High School
Media Arts
• Group entry from Better Family Life:
1. DaBreonna Douglas
2. Antwonisha Murray
3. Aaron Prayer
4. Dajah Jones
5. Jada Marshall
Visual Arts
• Jason Vongnaraj, Metro Academic & Classical High School
• Marina Claunch, University City High School
In addition to their recognition, these teens will receive up to $12,000 in cash as a collective.