For the past 16 years, The Partnership For A Drug-Free New Jersey has hosted a competition, challenging NJ high school students to produce original music with an anti-drug message. That competition is called NJ Shout Down Drugs. 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners receive a recording contract with Partnership For A Drug-Free NJ and will perform at events across the state throughout the coming year.
Under normal circumstances the finalists would compete in a live “Prevention Concert” in front judges and a crowded auditorium. However, in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, this year’s show was moved online. You can listen to a recording of the live audio concert below:
The winners were selected by online voting and a panel of judges. Tune to Jersey Rock on 95.9 The Rat Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at 11:30 pm to hear from the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winners of NJ Shout Down Drugs! Here’s the rundown:
Tuesday 4/7 – MK Sophomore Vocal Academy (3rd Place)
MK Sophomore Vocal Academy took 3rd Place in this year’s competition. The group is made up of Jocelyn Morales, Maggie Waldron, Sarah Levin, Lexi Thibodeau, and Emma Shaw. All 5 ladies are Sophomores, currently studying to pursue professional music careers. Their Vocational technical training is based out of Morris Knolls High School in Morris County. Their song “Make A Choice” was inspired by the film “Basketball Diaries.” The entire group will call in to Jersey Rock Tuesday night at 11:30 pm on 95.9 The Rat!
Wednesday 4/8 – Nicole Pinella (2nd Place)
Nicole Pinella is a Senior at Wall High School. She is something of a renaissance artist with singing, song-writing, and multi-instrumental skills. In addition to musical performance, Nicole is also into acting and dancing. Her goal is to study musical therapy in college. Her song “One Night” deals with the theme that while drug use may provide a moment of fun, it can destroy a lifetime of possibilities. Tune to Jersey Rock on 95.9 The Rat Wednesday night at 11:30 to hear “One Night.” Nicole will call in to the show!
Thursday 4/9 – Shannon Harrington (1st Place)
Shannon is a Sophomore at Barnegat High School. She is a singer/songwriter skilled in guitar, harmonica, and mandolin. She is also an actress with Broadway experience. Shannon drew from that experience to create Broadway ArtsReach, a music education community outreach program, with her sister. Her song “Gonna Be Drug Free” was selected as this year’s 1st place song. Hear that track this Thursday night at 11:30 pm on 95.9 The Rat along with a call-in from Shannon Harrington!
PDFNJ is a not-for-profit coalition of communications, corporate and government communities whose common mission is to reduce the incidence of substance abuse and misuse throughout New Jersey. PDFNJ serves as a prevention alliance to localize and strengthen prevention efforts in our state and educate the public about the dangers of substance abuse and misuse. All programs are offered at no charge throughout New Jersey to schools, families, communities and businesses. Learn more at shoutdowndrugs.com!
