A Monmouth County student shared her unique message about substance use prevention in a virtual Prevention Concert to win the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s “Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey” music competition, supported by WRAT-FM and the New Jersey Broadcasters Association.
Samantha Yannarelli of Mater Dei Prep in Middletown won first place for her original song, “They Swore.” The concert played on ShoutDownDrugs.com and featured the musical performances of 14 finalists from seven counties throughout the state who created original songs promoting substance use prevention messages, according to a press release.
WRAT-FM Creative Director and PM Drive DJ Jimmy Steal announced the winners live on WRAT-FM at the conclusion of the concert.
Samantha received a music contract worth $5,000. The second- and third-place finishers earned $3,000 and $2,000 music contracts, respectively. The winning students will perform their original songs at statewide events over the next year, if permitted, according to the press release.
To listen to recording of the Prevention Concert Audio Show, visit ShoutDownDrugs.com
The YMCA of Greater Monmouth County has announced the addition of seven new members to its Board of Directors, recently elected to three-year terms.
The board is composed of 42 members who help guide the nonprofit organization’s strategic direction, set policy and raise support to strengthen the community through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility, according to a press release.
The new appointees, elected at the Board of Directors meeting on April 21, are:
• Latonya Brennan, CSRM, area executive vice president of Gallagher Public Sector Practice, Princeton, and a resident of Shrewsbury;
• Ming Chen, co-owner of A Shared Universe podcast studio and partner of Coral Sword, a gaming and comics café in Houston. He is a resident of Shrewsbury Township;
• Lori Ferguson, director of diversity at New Jersey Resources, Wall Township, and a resident of Newark;
• Marilyn Grabowski, president of Atlantic Infra, Wall Township, and a resident of Point Pleasant Beach;
• Itzel Perez Hernandez, an immigrant rights organizer with the American Friends Service Committee, and a resident of Red Bank;
• Glenn Alonzo Richardson, a certified public accountant and owner of Glenn Richardson, CPA, in Perth Amboy, and business administrator for three charter schools. He lives in Perth Amboy;
• David Stout, PH. D, president of Brookdale Community College, Lincroft, and a resident of Wall Township.
