Six Orange Middle School students were recognized for outstanding achievement in the Partnership for a Drug Free NJ's Middle School PSA Challenge. As part of a drama class assignment, students envisioned and scripted a public service announcement for television with an anti-drug abuse message. From over 500 script submissions, in a contest with over a thousand students participating, the OMS PSA tied for Second Place Honors. Dr. Judith Kronin, Principal, was present to offer her congratulations to team members Jeff Njenga Kamau, Fristo Marc, Trecia Clerie, Takia Williams, Mecca Smith and Sade Spivey and when Mrs. Maren Sugarman, Drama Teacher presented their certificates of achievement. "We are so proud of these students," commented Dr. Kronin. "It is a pleasure to congratulate them personally for this important achievement."

The PSA Challenge was integrated into drama class lessons with the objectives to master the creation of basic dialogue for a script and understanding the concept of the film technique "story boarding." Students worked in cooperative learning groups to accomplish their objective of creating a PSA script suitable for submission to the Partnership for a Drug Free NJ's annual challenge. The winning script was one of five scripts selected for submission from all of the OMS first semester drama classes. The winning script and other OMS script entries are accessible for viewing through the district Eboard: click here.

Photo (from left to right): Mrs. Maren Sugarman (Drama Instructor), Jeff Njenga Kamau, Fristo Marc, Trecia Clerie, Dr. Judith Kronin (Principal), Takia Williams, Mecca Smith and Sade Spivey.