CSM Students Earn Awards in Statewide PSA Contest

Fifteen College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students earned top awards in a statewide competition to produce public service announcements (PSAs), taking home $6,200 in cash awards.

The contest is sponsored by the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, the Maryland Department of State Police (MDSP), and the Maryland/DC Anti Car Theft Committee. College and university students from across Maryland are invited to create PSAs to help educate the public about vehicle theft prevention and other related crimes.

Under the guidance of Digital Media Production (DMP) Professor Olaniyi Areke, the students produce 30- and 60-second videos, or 15-and 30-second audio clips sharing information and statistics about vehicle theft and how to prevent it. Winners were announced during an award ceremony on June 4. In addition to the cash prize, the winning audio and video clips will be shared on the Maryland State Police website and social media pages. They may also be used in statewide awareness broadcast campaigns.

CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson congratulated the students, praising the high-quality submissions they produce.

“This contest is wonderful opportunity to see the amazing work our students have done throughout the year, their diligence, and commitment to academic excellence,” Wilson said. “Congratulations to our students and Professor Areke for walking in excellence.”

Video contest winners

• Brooke-Lynne Glover
• Ana Martinez and Leila Ellis
• Allison Kempson
• Cyrus Howell and Tia-Leana Ebanks Austin
• Mycah Burley and Hannah Gee
• Andrew Scott and Abdullah Arenas

Audio contest winners

• Amanda (Mandolin) Roberts
• Brooke-Lynne Glover
• Carrico Vela
• Joseph Lennon
• Koen Crytser 
• Sophia (Simon) Ringling

Areke applauded the students for rising to the challenge with originality while remaining committed to their academics.

“CSM students are fantastic,” Areke said. “Every year, they find new, creative ways to share the same message. I truly admire their creativity, and the sky is the limit to how far they will go.”

This marks the tenth year CSM students have participated in the contest, which saw a record number of award recipients and the largest prize amount awarded to the winners.

While most of the participants are enrolled in the DMP program, the contest is open to all CSM students. The winning videos will be made available on the MDSP website.