originally published: 01/11/2020



(TRENTON) – New Jersey Human Services is accepting entries for the 25th Annual New Jersey Teen Media Contest, which highlights Human Services’ mission to support families. The contest run by Human Services’ Division of Family Development is open to all New Jersey middle and high school-aged students. This year, the contest will accept entries in the hand-painted, hand-drawn and written word categories. The deadline for entries is March 11th.

This year’s challenge to teens is to illustrate through art, including the written word, a valuable life lesson or moment that you will never forget. Teens are invited to show when parents and other loved ones provided valuable life lessons and teaching moments.

“We always look forward to seeing the amazing talents and abilities of New Jersey’s high school and middle school students,” Human Services Commissioner Carole Johnson said. “We are excited to continue this great tradition as part of our ongoing commitment to support New Jersey children and build a foundation for stronger families.”

“The contest focuses on celebrating family and the importance of parents and loved ones and their deep involvement in a child’s life,” said Human Services Assistant Commissioner Natasha Johnson, who oversees the Division of Family Development. “The Teen Media Contest has been part of our enduring effort to foster that understanding. Year after year, the entire Human Services team is struck by the creativity, vision and talent that students bring to the contest. Once again, we eagerly anticipate the creative works of this year’s entrants, and how they creatively conceptualize the essence of family.”

All entries must be postmarked no later than March 11. Staff from the Division of Family Development and its Office of Child Support Services will judge the contest. Winners will be selected in first, second, and third places in both the middle and high school groups, for each of the two entry categories, with each receiving a prize package at an awards ceremony in May.

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Winning entries will be included in the 2021 Office of Child Support Calendar and be placed on display in the New Jersey State House in Trenton shortly after the awards event. A number of honorable mention entries will be selected for possible inclusion in the State House exhibit and possibly the calendar.

The 2020 calendar can be viewed or downloaded from the contest homepage, www.NJTeenMedia.org to serve as inspiration for the teens. The website also provides the official rules, frequently asked questions, entry forms, a look at the winners and honorable mentions from previous contests and other important contest information.

Entries can be submitted via the students’ art or English/language arts teachers, if their school is registered. Teachers and administrators can register their school by visiting www.NJTeenMedia.org or by contacting Matthew Cossel at 973-799-0200 or info@winningstrat.com. Teens whose schools are not registered can submit entries directly.