Sociedad Latina wins the "Getting Real on Reel" video contest with youth anti-smoking message

"You should have thought about your skills before you started smoking"- is the central message in the dance battle video that launched Sociedad Latina's newest video production endeavor into the spotlight of a statewide competition of over 125 contestants. S.L. was recently named the Grand Prize Winner and Viewer's Choice Award for the84.org's Getting' Real on Reel video contest.

Managed by The Medical Foundation and funded by the Massachusetts Tobacco Control Program of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, The 84 is a movement led by young people from all over the state whose mission is to take back control of the health and minds of youth from the influence of tobacco companies. The Getting' Real on Reel video contest tasked youth with planning and producing a video with anti-smoking messages, celebrating the 84% of youth in Massachusetts who choose not to smoke. Grand Prize Winners were selected by a committee of adults and youth; the Viewer's Choice Award was selected by online voting from the84.org website.

How does it feel to be the statewide winner among over 125 applicants? Youth leader and participant in the videos production, Monique Bailey affirms, "It feels good to win. I hope when they think of our winning video, they think of how three girls can make a difference, and think of all the accomplishments Sociedad Latina has had overall."

As part of winning the Grand Prize of the Get Real on Reel video contest, the video will be turned into a Public Service Announcement to be aired on Channel 5 in the coming months. Stay tuned and watch for our SL youth! In the meantime, check out the ward winning video: http://www.youtube.com/v/Mf9ZMAgbrTU&hl