For Immediate Release: Tuesday, Feb. 24, 2026

Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services Announces Student Contests to Promote Alcohol-Free Celebrations

Montgomery County Alcohol Beverage Services (ABS), in partnership with the Keeping It Safe (KIS) Coalition, is sponsoring two student contests to raise awareness about the risks of underage drinking and promote safe, alcohol-free celebrations during prom season. Winners will be recognized at a spring awards reception hosted by the KIS Coalition.

The Sober Vibes Essay Contest and the Keeping It Safe Student Video Contest are open to Montgomery County public and private school students. The deadline to submit entries is March 31. Contest guidelines and submission information are available on the KIS Coalition website.

“The most powerful messages young people listen to do not come from adults; they come from their peers,” said County Executive Marc Elrich. “These contests give young people a chance to talk honestly about peer pressure, social media, and the real risks of underage drinking. When students step up and say they’re choosing to celebrate without alcohol, that sets a tone for the entire community. Our goal is simple: we want our kids to have a great time, make it home safely, and carry those good decisions with them long after prom is over. I appreciate Alcohol Beverage Services for providing Montgomery County students the opportunity to use their voices to protect their friends and help create a culture where safety comes first.”

Sober Vibes Essay Contest

High school juniors and seniors enrolled in Montgomery County public or private schools may submit an original essay written as a persuasive letter to their peers, pledging not to consume alcohol before, during, or after prom.

Two winners will receive a limousine ride for themselves and up to nine friends.

Keeping It Safe Student Video Contest

Middle and high school student teams of two or more may submit a 30-second public service announcement addressing topics such as peer pressure, the impact of underage drinking, and the influence of social media.

Cash prizes of up to $1,000 will be awarded to the schools of the top four video entries. An additional prize will be awarded to the video that receives the highest number of online “likes.”

“Both initiatives encourage students to think critically and creatively about preventing underage drinking,” said ABS Director Kathie Durbin. “We appreciate their leadership in promoting messages that support safe and healthy choices.”

The KIS Coalition is an independent stakeholder group working to deter underage drinking, reduce youth access to alcohol, and lessen the impacts of alcohol use among people younger than 21.

ABS is the alcohol wholesaler of beer, wine, and spirits for Montgomery County and operates 27 retail stores throughout the County. In addition, ABS manages alcohol licensing, enforcement, and education for more than 1,000 businesses. Generating tens of millions in net income annually, its profits are used to pay down County debt, with a large portion deposited in the general fund to pay for resident services that otherwise would be funded by County tax dollars. Follow ABS on Facebook and X.

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Media Contact: Jocelyn Rawat, jocelyn.rawat@montgomerycountymd.gov or 202-604-7289