Jacksonville University: Red Ribbon Week PSA Contest

Jacksonville University: Red Ribbon Week Winning PSA Contest Nationwide

The PSA was conceived and led by senior student-athlete Elerte, Agija; a Theater and Visual Design major with a passion for storytelling through movement and visual expression. Given just one month to complete the project, she dedicated more than 100 hours to its development and execution—all while managing a demanding academic schedule, daily sailing practices, and work. Sleep was often sacrificed, with several nights stretching well past 4 A.M. Determined to bring her vision to life, she assembled a dynamic team of undergraduate and graduate students and collaborated with faculty members who contributed their expertise and mentorship throughout the process.

In the end, the countless hours, creative risks, and unwavering commitment paid off. The finished PSA delivers a compelling and timely message that has the potential to reach thousands—if not millions—of viewers across the country, sparking important conversations and raising awareness.

“I wanted to challenge the idea that having fun or feeling confident and attractive requires alcohol or drugs,” Elerte said. “There’s something far more powerful about owning the dance floor, being fully present in the moment, and expressing yourself authentically through movement than there is in over=consumption.”

In recent years, far too many lives have been tragically lost to drug poisoning and drink spiking—issues that continue to impact communities nationwide. If this PSA can help raise awareness, encourage vigilance, and potentially save even one life, then the effort behind it has been entirely worthwhile. "Most importantly, this message comes from a deeply personal place. I have experienced what it means to be drugged, and it is something I would never wish upon anyone. Through this project, I hope to foster safer environments, empower individuals to make informed decisions, and contribute to a culture where enjoyment and self-expression never come at the cost of personal safety or well-being."

“Music, Dance, and Art carry immense power—they represent Freedom, Expression, and Influence,” Elerte said. “I am committed to using that power responsibly to inspire others to say 'No' to anything that doesn’t serve their lives, and to remind them that setting those boundaries is not only valid, but deeply empowering.”