A Mercer County teen used his musical talent to shout down drugs by creating a unique substance use prevention song to win first place in the Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey’s Your Song! Your Voice! music competition.

Jordan “Swizzy” Wilson, of Lawrence High School in Mercer County, won first place for his original song, “Intervention Intentions”. Tina LaRosa, of Hanover Park High School in Morris County, earned second place for her original song, “Wasted’. Matthew DiTizio, of Egg Harbor Township High School in Atlantic County, took home third place for his song, “Revealed”.

In its 19th year, the Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey competition, supported by 95.9 WRAT, is designed on the premise of music’s ability to sway and move people.  It challenges New Jersey high school students to be peer leaders and take a stand against substance abuse and misuse by creating original music and lyrics with substance use prevention messages.

 “These talented New Jersey high school students are true leaders – creatively sharing important substance use prevention messages with their peers,” said PDFNJ’s Director of Opioid Response Angela Conover. “Each of the participants should be commended for their creativity, musical talent and resolve to use their talent to spread important prevention messages.”

The concert aired on ShoutDownDrugs.com, and featured the musical performances of 27 finalists comprised of 21 solo artists and groups from throughout the state. WRAT Creative Director and PM Drive DJ Jimmy Steal announced the winners live on 95.9 FM WRAT at the conclusion of the concert.

The winners were chosen by a panel of independent judges, as well as online voting. The contestant who received the largest amount of online votes, was Leela Kumar of Howell High School in Monmouth County.  The contest website featured a profile of each musical act, and the public was able to vote for their favorite songs.

The first-place winner received a music contract worth $5,000. Second- and third-place winners earned $3,000 and $2,000 music contracts, respectively. The winning students will perform their original songs at statewide events throughout the next year.

To listen to a recording of the Prevention Concert Audio Show, please visit ShoutDownDrugs.com. Each of the winning musical acts will be featured on WRAT’s Jersey Rock show.

Learn more from Partnership for a Drug-Free New Jersey (USA, April 2023)

Formerly known as New Jersey Shout Down Drugs since 2005, Your Song! Your Voice! Shout Down Drugs New Jersey has been rebranded with a new name that fully encompasses what the competition is all about – challenging teens to create peer-to-peer original music, songs and lyrics in their own original style, whether it be hip-hop, rock, folk or any other genre. Each year the contestants’ songs are featured on ShoutDownDrugs.com.