Baldwin Star Search winners announced

ORANGE BEACH, Ala. (WALA) - The fourth annual Baldwin Star Search, sponsored by Project Rebound and presented by Baldwin County Community Alliance, was a huge success. The event, which took place March 16th at The Orange Beach Event Center at the Wharf, drew a crowd of nearly 500 students, families, volunteers, and community members. Winners included 1st Place – Rebecca Womack from Spanish Fort High School, 2nd Place – Harley Rowell from Baldwin County High School and 3rd Place – Jody Hatcher, Foley High School.

The 1st Place Winner received a 4-day, 3-night family vacation courtesy of Clear Channel Radio, a $100 cash card courtesy of Family Security Credit Union, a $50 Wal-Mart card (Fairhope), and a plaque. The 2nd Place Winner received a $75.00 cash card courtesy of Family Security Credit Union, a $50.00 Wal-Mart card (Bay Minette), a $25.00 Wal-Mart card (Fairhope), and a huge Dillard's gift basket filled with perfume. The 3rd Place Winner received a $50.00 cash card courtesy of Family Security Credit Union, a $25.00 Wal-Mart gift card (Orange Beach), a $15.00 Wal-Mart gift card (Fairhope), and a $20.00 gift card from Books-A-Million.

All students who attended the event signed alcohol and drug-free pledge cards. The goal of this event was to show high school students, during their most impressionable years, that they do not need alcohol or drugs in order to have fun. All students and attendees enjoyed free pizza and popcorn which where compliments of Baldwin EMC as the Snack Sponsor. Intermission consisted of video clip messages where students were encourage to live an alcohol and drug free lifestyle. Foley High School students performed a Flash Mob that consisted of students dancing and singing an impromptu performance.

The Baldwin County Community Alliance (BCCA)

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 that target underage drinking and drug use among area youth. The

Baldwin County Community Alliance also works to inform parents about underage drinking, which the Alliance cites as a precursor for more involvement with alcohol and other drug use. For more information about the Baldwin Star Search, you can visit the BCCA website at www.proudtobefreebaldwin.org.

Project Rebound

Project Rebound is a nonprofit organization funded by a $12 million dollar grant from BP to the State Mental Health Department. The organization is designed to assist in coastal recovery as a result of the 2010 Deep Water Horizon/BP oil spill. If someone needs assistance whether it be financial, emotional or deeply personal Project Rebound is here to help. Project Rebound teams are also trained to help survivors of the April 2011 tornadoes that have been displaced and may be living in Baldwin or Mobile counties. Counselors are available 24/7 by calling 1-800-639-REBOUND (7326) or by visiting the Project Rebound website at www.ProjectRebound.org .

The Baldwin County Community Alliance would like to thank all of our event sponsors in helping to make the event a huge success: Title Sponsor-Project Rebound, Snack Sponsor-Baldwin EMC, T-Shirt Sponsors: New Horizons Credit Union, Kohl’s, Baldwin EMC, City of Orange, and Baldwin County Community Alliance. Contestant and Volunteer Food Donation: Subway. Drink Sponsor: Pepsi. Masters’ of Ceremony and Judges’ Dinner: LIN Media. Contestants’ and Door Prizes: BABB Fitness, Books-A-Million (Gulf Shores), Clear Channel Radio, D.A.R.E. Program, Dillard’s, Eastern Shore Toyota, Fairhope Tire, Family Security Credit Union, Lulu’s, Planet Beach, Private Gallery (Daphne), Project Rebound, Rave Motion Pictures (Daphne), Smoothie King (Daphne), State Farm (Frances Holk-Jones), Studio 10, Terry Thompson Chevrolet, Timber Creek Golf Course, University of South Alabama, WALA TV, WFNA TV, Wal-Mart (Bay Minette, Fairhope, Orange Beach), and Zundel’s Jewelry (Mobile).

The Masters of Ceremony were Cherish Lombard, host of WALA-FOX Studio 10 and Q-Tip with WABD 104.1. Judges included; Paige Rucker-Project Rebound, Robin Kelly-WALA FOX10/WFNA The Gulf Coast CW, Mike Kelly-LIN Media, Guy Busby – Mobile Press-Register, Mason Lafayette-WMXC Lite Mix, and Nick Fox-WABD.

Baldwin County Public School System should be commended for their efforts in coordinating their school winners and promoting this alcohol and drug-free event throughout their schools. The Baldwin County Public School System should also be commented on their efforts in providing transportation to and from the Baldwin Star Search for all seven high schools.

In partnership, the Baldwin County Public School System and Baldwin County Community Alliance offered transportation to and from high schools to the Baldwin Star Search. Special thanks to Baldwin County High School for coordinating two bus loads of students to and from the event.