Conquering Bullying Through Music: Kids Speak Up Against Bullying

LongIsland.com

During the announcement, Anker called upon Suffolk County students to submit music video clips to help raise awareness about the impacts of bullying.

Print Email

Mount Sinai, NY - November 7, 2014 - On Thursday, November 6th, Suffolk County Legislator Sarah Anker partnered with the Mount Sinai School District to announce a countywide music video contest. During the announcement, Anker called upon Suffolk County students to submit music video clips to help raise awareness about the impacts of bullying.

Anker, who recently initiated Suffolk County’s first bullying awareness website, was inspired to launch the music video contest as a creative opportunity for teens to speak up against bullying. The contest is open to Suffolk County middle school and high school students, ages 13-18, and will require entries to be submitted in the form of one minute music videos. The videos must communicate the issue of bullying and illustrate ways that teens and their peers can address this serious issue.

Contest entries will be judged by local celebrities, including Mike DelGuidice of Big Shot, The Ultimate Billy Joel Tribute Band, Anthony Mingoia, Drummer for the band Patent Pending, and Danny “Energetic Rivera” of the anti-bullying organization Asking Myself Association. The First Place Winner will have his or her video posted on Suffolk County’s website, receive a $500 cash award, and will be invited to perform at Legislator Sarah Anker’s Summer Concert Series.

“Music has the ability to convey powerful messages and a unique way of showing us that we all have something in common,” said Legislator Anker. “This music video contest will let teens know that they are not alone in being bullied. It will also allow them the opportunity to make a positive impact on someone’s life. I encourage our county’s young musicians to submit creative, original music videos to help their peers take a stand against bullying.”

“Most of us have been on the receiving end of bullying at one point in our life,” said Anthony Mingoia of Patent Pending. “The important thing to know is that you are not alone. Talk about it, make it known, and don't be afraid to share your feelings with others. I guarantee you will find someone who can relate to you. If we open our hearts, we won't feel alone, and together we can make bullying a thing of the past.”

Contestants should email a YouTube link of their music video to musicvideo@suffolkcountyny.gov. The deadline for the entries is February 1, 2015. For more information, visit the website.

Pictured Above: Legislator Anker is joined by Anthony Mingoia of Patent Pending, Janene Gentile of North Shore Youth Council, Mt. Sinai Middle School Principal Peter Pramataris, and Danny Rivera’s Asking Myself Association to announce Suffolk’s Bullying Awareness Music Video Contest.