Carly Johnson was unanimously selected from a team of judges. Take a look at her inspiring video here.
“This is a new contest that highlights the inspiring ways that youth around the United States are “Living The Example.” Carly’s amazing story and abilities and willingness to spread the message of prevention to her peers is why she was unanimously selected as the contest winner.” remarked Gunilla Girardo, President & CEO of Mentor Foundation USA.
Carly’s passion for animation evolved following the inability to continue working towards her first love of gymnastics. She has been using animation to spread awareness on issues such as water conservation, environmental preservation, animal rights, and drug prevention.
“Creating and animating is not only something that I love, but it gives me a voice. And through that voice, I have the opportunity to make a difference, and even change the world and encourage a drug free lifestyle” says winner Carly Johnson. “I truly believe that being drug free is more than just two words; it can make or break your future, which is why I created the video, I’m Only Me If I’m Drug Free”
This annual contest, sponsored by H&M, has morphed from a T-shirt anti-drug slogan contest to a national “Living the Example” video contest. H&M has been a key partner in prevention to Mentor Foundation USA since 2011. This year the campaign took off internationally, garnishing over 30,000 views and votes from 73 different countries in just one (1) month. The contest jury was extremely impressed and inspired by all the amazing submissions. The jury encourages all contestants to continue being change agents in their communities, promoting healthy drug free living to their peers.
As is tradition, the announcement of the winner was made in conjunction with “Shattering the Myths” Youth Rally in front of a big peer audience of 250 high school students. Special guests Dr. Ruben Baler, of the National Institute on Drug Abuse; Olivia Farrow, Deputy Commissioner with the Baltimore City Health Department, and Dr. Lonise Bias, parent of two sons lost to drugs and a internationally motivational speaker, trainer and family coach where also at hand to congratulate Carly.
As part of her grand prize Carly and her mother Tammy flew to Washington, DC, from Texas to take part in our 2016 “Shattering he Myths” Youth Rally. She began her whirlwind DC visit by enjoying cup cakes with the entire Mentor Foundation USA team at their office, received a tour of the House of Sweden before she headed to an unforgettable shopping spree at a local H&M, where she was able to rack up on the latest fashion.
Third and second place winners of our 2015 “Living the Example” video contest also received amazing prizes from H&M. Third Place winner Samiyah Broxton, a senior at Atlantic County Institute of Technology in Mays Landing, New Jersey was awarded a $100 gift card from H&M. Second place winner Veronica Glick, a Junior at Egg Harbor Township High School in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey was awarded a $150 gift card from H&M. View all the amazing contest entries click here. Stay tuned to www.livingtheexample.org for further contest announcements.