listen to the whole concert here

This week, I would like to take the time to congratulate all of our finalists from the 12th Annual Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Shout Down Drugs Music Competition!

Twenty-nine finalists representing fourteen counties competed with songs they composed themselves that express deep and thoughtful messages about substance abuse prevention. The talent that was showcased on the stage at Rutgers University’s Nicholas Music Center in New Brunswick on May 25 was incredible. It is gratifying to know that these amazing teen musicians are devoted to a healthy and drug-free lifestyle.

I would also like to take the time to recognize our three winners of the competition. In first place was the Hudson County trio Ayman Abdalla, Alexia Velazquez, and Juan Ferreira known as AJAni , in second place Michelle Greco of Monmouth County and receiving third place honors was Ricky Persaud Jr. of Essex County.  

These teenage performers received thousands of votes online not only by New Jersey residents but also by people throughout the country and the world. Their messages on substance abuse prevention will be heard when the entire concert is broadcast June 1st at 6 p.m. on 1450 WCTC Talk Radio. Information will also be available this summer for the 2017 NJSDD Music Competition, so keep an eye on www.ShoutDownDrugs.com for any new information.

Again, congratulations to all of our finalists. Everyone at PDFNJ is impressed with your levels of talent and commend you for your outstanding efforts in helping to keep New Jersey drug-free.

Congratulations to our winners! Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey Executive Director Angelo M. Valente,  is pictured (left to right) with New Jersey Shout Down Drugs 1st place winners Juan Ferreria, Alexia Velaquez and Ayman Abdalla of the group AJAni, students at County Prep High School,  Jersey City, Hudson County, second place winner  Michelle Greco of Wall High School, Wall Township, Monmouth County, third place winner Ricky Persaud Jr. of Shepard Prep High School, Morristown, Morris County and Bert Baron, morning show host from WCTC 1450 AM and host of Shout Down Drugs. #shoutdowndrugs​‬