Rexburg Teen Wins Statewide ‘IDontDrink.com’ Contest

A Rexburg teen is the winner of a statewide video contest aimed at encouraging kids to stay away from alcohol.

The IDontDrink.com campaign is operated by the Idaho Beer and Wine Distributors Association.

The first place anti-underage drinking video may only be 30 seconds long, but it took almost four weeks for Jessica Julander and her team to put together.

“That’s the message you needed to have and it needed to be creative and original,” said Julander, 15.

The Madison Junior High student found out about the video contest in November through her online school. The campaign is open to all Idaho students grades K-12.

“And so I looked into it and thought, ‘I can do this,'” said Julander.

She was right. Julander rallied friends and cousins, and with her mom’s digital camera, created the winning video.

Julander said she understands there is more to drinking than just partying; it can bring some big consequences. And what better way to hear that message than from your peers?

“I guess it makes it more personal and you’re able to relate more than if it’s just a statistic,” Julander said.

“I’m really impressed with the message she conveyed when it was all put together, so I’m really proud of her,” said Jessica’s mom, Amanda.

Julander’s iPad award came in the mail on Thursday, but an even bigger prize: Having her video air in a television ad campaign all across Idaho.

“One of her friends from the video called and said, ‘I just saw it on TV,’ and that was fun,” said Amanda Julander.

The family doesn’t have a TV in their house, but with her iPad, Julander can watch the clip anytime she wants.

Phase two of the IDontDrink.com contest is now underway. Students can submit a video clip until Feb. 29.

For more information, visit: idontdrink.com.