First Lady Announces Territory-Wide Vote for Healthy VI Contest, VI Residents Encouraged to Select Favorite Videos Online June 1-30

Winning Entries to be Broadcast as Public Service Announcements on Radio and Television as Part of Larger Public Awareness Effort for a Healthier Virgin Islands

First Lady Cecile de Jongh is pleased to announce the start of the Territory-wide voting period for the Healthy VI—School Video Contest. The contest was launched in February 2009 amongst grades 7-10 in all public, private, and parochial schools. With the close of the submission deadline, all Virgin Islands residents are encouraged to select their favorite videos online from June 1st-June 30th. The winning entries will be broadcast on radio and television stations as part of the First Lady’s larger public awareness effort for a healthier Virgin Islands.

“This contest has been a wonderful opportunity for students to lend their creative skills and ideas to a project that truly benefits the entire Virgin Islands community. During the voting period of June 1st-June 30th, students and all Virgin Islanders are encouraged to vote as many times as they wish by logging on to the Ourstage web site and selecting the videos that best represent a message on healthy living. I look forward to this exciting part of the contest as we promote a healthier Virgin Islands together,” de Jongh said.

Residents are encouraged to vote for their favorite videos at www.ourstage.com/go/healthyusvi. Once at the site, click the “Join Ourstage” tab and follow the instructions to vote. First and second place winners will be determined based on the results of the online vote. Winners will be announced in a special ceremony in the fall.

As part of First Lady Cecile de Jongh’s Healthy Virgin Islands initiative, public service announcements will also run throughout the month of June to remind residents to log on and join the Territory-wide vote.