A collaborative project between the Town of Smithtown Horizons and Youth Bureau and Suffolk County Community College’s Radio/TV program has led to the creation of a new series of Public Service Announcements developed for radio broadcast. Local students researched, wrote, and starred in their own PSAs that provide information on topics relating to drug usage.
“I couldn’t be more impressed with the work that our young people have done. And I am so proud of our Youth Bureau and Horizons team for Teaching our youth about addiction and bullying through the power of hands on public awareness. They have spread powerful messages to the community that will resonate for the foreseeable future, all while educating our residents both young and old.” -Supervisor Ed Wehrheim
The students were encouraged to find their voice and use it to spread positive messages regarding critical issues facing today’s youth: Vaping, Underage Drinking, Peer Pressure, and Marijuana Use. Student volunteers worked with Suffolk County Community College’s Radio/TV program students on the technical production of the PSAs. The messages will be aired on five local radio stations and online.
“We are proud of the social awareness and creativity demonstrated by our youth volunteers in the development of these PSAs. Partnering with Suffolk County Community College was a great way to professionally produce these messages and spread them throughout the community for all to hear.” - Horizons Director of Drug and Alcohol Counseling Services Matthew Neebe
Additionally, the announcements are now added onto the schedule for Smithtown Government Television. The audio will be accompanied by images of the youth participants hard at work in the radio studio.