CSM Students Earn Awards for Vehicle Theft Prevention Public Service Announcements

'You Hold the Key'

Did you know that a vehicle is stolen once every 32 seconds in the United States, and once every 47 minutes in Maryland?  What about that 60% of cars stolen were unlocked, and 50% had the keys left inside? 

These facts and more were shared by College of Southern Maryland (CSM) students in video and audio Public Service Announcements (PSA) they created to raise awareness of vehicle thefts and how to prevent them as part of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention PSA contest.  The annual contest, which allows students to show off their skills for a real-world project, is presented by the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council, in partnership with the Maryland State Police and the Maryland/DC Anti Car Theft Committee.

“It’s so exciting to see all of the creativity from all of these students who are making a difference in our community and our state,” said CSM Dean of the School of Liberal Arts David Robinson at an event honoring the winners last month.

Robinson was joined by CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson, Associate Dean of Liberal Arts Dr. Stephen Johnson, Digital Media Production Program Coordinator Professor Olaniyi Areke, Director of the Maryland Vehicle Theft Prevention Council Chris McDonold, and President of the MD/DC Anti-Car Theft Committee John Cadigan who handed out cash awards to the student winners.

The PSAs will be available on the Maryland State Police website and used in public awareness campaigns throughout the state. 

Twelve students were honored for nine winning entries. They were: 

Video Winners:

Jack Goodwin and Madelyn Minichino

Michael Couch and Joseph Strine 

Sean Coffren

Aiden Kaleta and Monique Butler

Giovann Beard

Audio Winners:

Abigail McDanal

Christopher Bowen

Grady O'Neill 

Rebekah Beverly