Baldwin Star Search a success

BALDWIN COUNTY, Ala. - The Baldwin Star Search sponsored by Project Rebound presented by Baldwin County Community Alliance was held on April 30, 2011.

This event was held at the Wharf’s Conference Center and was open to students, parents, and community members as a drug and alcohol free family fun activity. High School students in Baldwin County signed drug-free pledge cards and were given a wrist-band as their free admittance. There was a total of 11 acts and 25 contestants competing in this county-wide talent show. Each high school in Baldwin County held talent competitions where their top winners advanced to perform at this event.

The first place winner was Daphne High School student, Rachel Goodman, who performed the song “White Falls.” The second place winners were Daphne High School students, Pierce Parker, Jacob Bridges, Adam Loftin, David Warner, and Ross Burroughs. Their group, Daphne FFA String Band, performed an original song “She’s FFA.” The third place winners were from Baldwin County High School, “The Jokers,” Kaysha Jones, Taylor Robbins, D’Andre Austin, Patrick Bolden, and Steven Thompson. They performed a Hip Hop Dance Routine.

Paige Rucker with Project Rebound spoke during the first intermission. Project Rebound was very excited to participate as the title sponsor for Baldwin Star Search. It was a great way to promote our services to families and students in Baldwin County. Project Rebound is currently working with students in the schools with its anger management and anti-bullying curriculum and plans to continue with day camps this Summer.

Deputy Jeffrey Spaller with the Baldwin County Sheriff’s Office spoke during the second intermission and discussed being a leader and role model to younger family members. He also spoke about the impact that being arrested for underage drinking and DUI will have on them and their families. Additionally, Deputy Spaller recounted the story of one of their Deputies that was struck head-on while on a patrol by a drunk driver and stressed the importance of the pledge cards.

Mac McClurkin with Alive @25 also spoke during the second intermission. Preventing deaths among teen drivers and young adult drivers is the mission of Alive at 25. Teaching teens and young adults to drive safely is very important. Alive at 25 takes pride in accomplishing this. Most driving accidents are preventable, meaning deaths relating to teen driving accidents are preventable. Teen driving accidents do not have to be the leading cause of death in the US. Alive at 25 contributes to this cause by saving lives through education.

The final intermission had two performances from Robertsdale High School and Foley High School. Robertsdale High School performed a Hip Hop dance routine. Foley High School performed a portion of the play from Grease.

The Baldwin County Community Alliance (BCCA) operates through Baldwin County Mental Health Center, Prevention Services. The BCCA is comprised of community agencies that meet regularly to discuss and implement strategies to target underage drinking and drug use among area youth. The BCCA’s main focus for this year has been to decrease the access and availability of alcohol to minors.

Baldwin County Public School System should be commended for their efforts in coordinating their school winners, and promoting this drug and alcohol-free event throughout their schools.