We're BlueService... BlueService is the difference that makes the difference.

Be Smart-Don't Start! winners in eastern Oklahoma

(TULSA, May 7, 2007) – Kyndle Kirby, a second grader at Maryetta Elementary in Stilwell, Okla., will produce her own 30-second TV public service announcement (PSA) about the dangers of tobacco use.

Her drawing and narrative was selected from hundreds of entries from eastern Oklahoma in the Be Smart-Don’t Start! storyboard contest for students, grades kindergarten through fifth.

The program is co-sponsored by the American Lung Association of Central States Serving Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Cox Communications, the Oklahoma State Department of Education and the Oklahoma State Department of Health.

Nine more students were chosen as winners in their divisions:

K – 1st Grade Category
1st Place        Cassidi Hindman, Pawhuska Elementary, Pawhuska
2nd Place       Tiara Fleming, Eufaula Elementary, Eufaula
3rd Place        Roberta Wasserman, Jenks SE Elementary, Tulsa
 
2nd – 3rd Grade Category
1st Place        Molli Provine, Jenks SE Elementary, Tulsa
2nd Place       Landes Wiscaver, Jenks SE Elementary, Tulsa
3rd Place        Hannah Shelton, Jenks SE Elementary, Tulsa

4th – 5th Grade Category
1st Place        Jake Mason, Will Rogers Elementary, Vinita
2nd Place       Bryant Cole, Krebs Elementary, Krebs
3rd Place         Madelynn Grace,  Southside Elementary, Coweta

The students were honored at a May 7 awards ceremony in Tulsa. In addition to producing the public service announcement, Kirby received a scooter and safety helmet. First-place winners received art kits, second-place winners received volleyball/badminton sets and third-place winners received sleeping bags with flashlights.

 “Our Be Smart - Don't Start! winners are to be commended for not only their talent, but also their leadership in helping teach other children to avoid tobacco,” said Margaret Crump, senior vice president of community initiatives, American Lung Association of Central States Serving Oklahoma. “These children set the example, and their commitment has helped us grow the program and reach more Oklahoma kids with the Be Smart - Don't Start! message.”

 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma President Wyndham Kidd said Be Smart-Don’t Start! helps promote a healthier lifestyle for Oklahomans.  “Education and prevention programs like Be Smart-Don’t Start! make a difference in children’s health,” Kidd said. “We are proud to be a leader in this program, which is reaching a generation of young people and their parents and teachers statewide.”

Additional contributors to the program include Tulsa Area Safe Kids; SYGMA, a food service distribution company in Pryor; and Wal-Mart Supercenter, 6625 S. Memorial, Tulsa.