U.S. Senator Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) announced a competition for high school students across Alaska to help raise awareness about the dangers of fentanyl in their community on Tuesday, Nov. 19. Students who participate in the competition will gain valuable experience in media and public affairs campaigns—important life experiences that will also serve their communities. More information on the competition can be found below and by clicking here.
The competition is part of the statewide “One Pill Can Kill—Alaska” public awareness campaign that Senator Sullivan launched in May. Since then, Senator Sullivan has highlighted the campaign in community visits, roundtables, and student listening sessions across the state, including in Anchorage, Fairbanks, Wasilla, Ketchikan, Cordova, Valdez, Glenallen, Kotzebue, and Utqiagvik.
Sullivan met with student leaders in Wasilla and Anchorage in October to preview the new competition.
“In May, Governor Dunleavy and I began a fentanyl awareness campaign to combat an epidemic that has tragically taken the lives of a record number of Alaskans,” Senator Sullivan said. “I said then that we would work hard to enlist the help of all Alaskans to fight this crisis. After hearing from youth across our state, it became clear that in order for this campaign to succeed, young Alaskans, in particular, would need to play a big role. As one student told me during my listening sessions across the state, the ‘One Pill Can Kill’ message is a lot stronger when it comes from your peers. That’s why we’re launching this One Pill Can Kill competition for high school students across our state. By harnessing the creative and bright minds of Alaska’s next generation of leaders, I hope we can finally turn the tide against this horrendous plague on our communities.”
“I completely agree with Senator Sullivan that one of the most powerful tools in the fight against fentanyl is the voices of young Alaskans speaking the truth to their peers,” Sandy Snodgrass, mother of fentanyl victim Bruce Snodgrass, and director of the AK Fentanyl Response Project said. “I believe young Alaskans will hear the message that all illicit drugs must be presumed to be contaminated with fentanyl when they hear the facts directly from their peers. I would like to thank Senator Sullivan for holding this awareness competition. It will save Alaskan lives!”
Competition Details:
What: We are asking students to launch a “One Pill Can Kill” media campaign to reach high school students. The campaign can reach students in various ways, such as posters in hallways, advertisements in student newspapers, or videos on social media. Creativity is key.
The campaigns should use the “One Pill Can Kill” messaging and highlight the dangers of fentanyl, the risks of non-prescription drug use, and the importance of staying informed and seeking help.
Who: This competition is open to groups of high school students in Alaska. Schools are encouraged to submit one campaign per school but may submit more. Each entry must include at least two students’ participation. Home-schooled students may also participate by launching a media campaign that reaches youth in locations other than school, including online.
How: After launching the campaign, contestants must submit a report to Senator Sullivan’s communications team explaining their campaign, how it was executed, and what they learned. Keep in mind the judging criteria below. Examples of the campaign’s media materials must be included or linked to in the report.
Judging Criteria:
- Effectiveness – Is the campaign effective?
- Targeted Audience – Does the campaign reach the intended audience?
- Messaging – Does the campaign incorporate the theme of “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska?”
- Creativity – Is the campaign innovative?
- Accuracy – Are the facts about fentanyl and its risks correct and well-researched?
- Lessons Learned – Does the report explain what they learned from the experience?
Prize:
While all campaigns will be featured on Senator Sullivan’s website, the winning campaign will work with Senator Sullivan’s communications team to design public service announcements featured as part of the statewide “One Pill Can Kill – Alaska” campaign. It will be shared on Senator Sullivan’s social media channels and offered for distribution to local television, radio, and print media across Alaska.
Timeline:
- Report Submission Deadline: February 28, 2025
- Winners Announced: March 14, 2025