All Hampden County high school students are encouraged to participate in an Impaired and Distracted Driving Public Service Announcement/Billboard Challenge; prizes to be awarded to area schools
Hampden District Attorney Anthony D. Gulluni is inviting high school students across Hampden County to take part in the 2026 Stop the Swerve Public Service Announcement (PSA) and Billboard Challenge, a countywide initiative aimed at raising awareness about the dangers of impaired and distracted driving.
The contest challenges students to create original PSAs and/or billboard designs that deliver powerful, prevention-focused messages about safe driving. Submissions will be reviewed by a panel selected by the Hampden District Attorney’s Office, with first-, second-, and third-place awards presented in both categories. Submission guidelines below.
Winning schools will receive:
- First Place: $2,500
- Second Place: $1,000
- Third Place: $500
Prize money is awarded directly to the winning students’ schools to support educational or school-based initiatives. In past years, award funds have been used for items such as classroom technology and student presentation equipment.
In addition to monetary awards, winning PSAs will air on 22News, and the selected billboard submission will have the opportunity to be displayed on one of Lamar Advertising’s digital billboards in Hampden County.
“This program gives students a real voice in preventing tragedies before they happen,” said Gulluni. “By creating messages for their peers, students are helping shape safer behaviors and stronger communities.”
All submissions must consist of original student-created content and be approved and submitted by a designated adult representative at each school. Schools may submit multiple entries, though each submission requires its own entry form. The submission deadline is March 20, 2026.
Contest winners will be recognized during the Stop the Swerve prevention event, taking place on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 5:30 p.m. at the Basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield. The event is free and open to all Hampden County parents and driving-age students and will feature a locally produced documentary examining the real-world impact of impaired and distracted driving, along with interactive safety activities such as driving simulators and impairment-goggle exercises.
Eligible high school students in attendance will also have the opportunity to enter a raffle for free driving school tuition.
The public Facebook event page is available at: https://www.facebook.com/share/189Cm6LEZm/
For more information, please contact the Hampden District Attorney’s Office at (413) 505-5671. Submission guidelines can be found below.
Hampden DA Office Adult Media Release Form
