May 26, 2010

Radio Star contest winners hit the airwaves with Save a Life

KELOWNA, BC: Beginning today, three radio stations in Kelowna will begin playing the short song/advertisement Save a Life.  This year’s winning Grad Safety – Radio Star entry is a unique collaboration by writer and singer Patrick Kelly from Rutland Senior Secondary, guitarist Lonny Eagleton from Kelowna Senior Secondary and certified education assistant and professional musician Ryan Donn. Click here to listen to the winning entry.  "Music is a great tool for bringing attention to a subject whether it is orphans in Haiti, homelessness in Kelowna, or encouraging people not to drink and drive,” says Donn.  “It’s also great to see young upcoming songwriters supported by their local school district and staff."

Student safety is a paramount concern for parents, District staff, the Board of Education, the Central Okanagan Teacher’s Association and CUPE.  This contest and the final radio advertisement are intended to raise awareness of the dangers of alcohol and driving, especially during graduation festivities.  The 60-second advertisement will be played at least 70 times until June 24.

The Grad Safety Radio Star contest, which opened in March, invited entries from secondary students throughout the District.  Students were asked to write an original 55-second song or other creative entries (ie. spoken word, theatrical pieces, or radio advertisements).  The main criterion was that the entries have a clear focus on grad safety and/or not drinking and driving.  Entries are judged entirely by their merit, uniqueness, entertainment potential, and suitability as a reminder about grad safety/not drinking and driving. 

Thank you CUPE and COTA for assisting the District in funding the radio advertisements and student prizes.  Special thanks to Ryan Donn, Music BC, The Juice 103.9 and BiG Audio Productions for mentorship, encouragement and Breakout West tickets for the winners.  A combination of paid and complimentary airtime was generously provided by Astral Media (Sun FM), Power104 and The Juice 103.9.

Click here to read more about the contest.

Approved by the Superintendent on May 26, 2010

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For comments, please contact:

Ryan Donn, CEA and professional musician, (250) 878-1254 and info@ryandonn.com

Hugh Gloster, Superintendent of Schools (250) 860-8888

For background information, please contact Lisa Harrison lharriso@sd23.bc.ca or 470-3284.