Four Sanford High School freshmen have been recognized as state winners in the annual Elks Drug Awareness Video Contest. The group of ninth-grade students—Joshua Fogarty, Anna Brown, Allison Horton, and Adeline Fraser—created a video centered around this year's theme: "Don't Let Drugs Ruin Your Future."
The winning team learned about their victory on February 27th. Their achievement continues a remarkable streak of success, as members of the group have previously won at the state level in sixth and seventh grades as well.
What began as a school activity during the COVID pandemic has evolved into both a creative outlet and a strengthening bond for these four friends.
"We've done it in years past," Fogarty said. "It was originally just us three—me, Allison, and Maddie—and then we won states. We did it again the next year, and Anna actually made a separate video with a couple of her other friends. She won states over us that year."
The students, who have grown closer through their collaborative work, decided to join forces this year. "All four of us had become a lot better friends. So we were like, 'Hey, us four should do one together this time.' And so we did," Fraser said.
The students took their project seriously, conducting research about drug awareness and developing their storytelling approach over several weeks.
"I think the most fun part was just coming up with ideas together and being able to hang out after school and spend time together," shared Horton.
Brown added, "I thought researching was also really interesting when we had to look up all new topics about drug awareness. I found out a whole bunch of stuff that I didn't know about before."
Their creative process was dynamic and collaborative. "We would brainstorm and bounce ideas off each other," Fogarty explained. "Allison and I for like a month prior to the filming had been brainstorming ideas, and then we would tell them to Anna and Addie, and they would give us their feedback."
The students recognized the importance of delivering their anti-drug message in an engaging and accessible way.
"It's definitely important because it's definitely a very big issue for teenagers," Fogarty said. "I think it's just important that we spread awareness about why you shouldn't be doing that stuff."
Horton emphasized that their message has broader relevance: "I also think that it's not just important for teenagers. I feel like it's honestly important for anybody, because adults could be fine right up until a certain point and then they want to do it. I think it's an important message for anybody, not just kids."
The students will be honored at a state banquet in Waterville on May 3-4, where they will stay overnight and have their video showcased. A local banquet will follow shortly after.