Barnegat Girl Wins Music Contract With Drug-Free Song

BARNEGAT, NJ — Barnegat High School sophomore Shannon Harrington won the 2020 New Jersey Shout Down Drugs Contest for her original song, "Gonna Be Drug Free." The contest challenges New Jersey high school students to write, produce and record a song about substance-abuse prevention.

Harrington was one of 13 finalists from six different counties. Finalists were chosen through peer judges and online voting.

“I’m so excited to perform at different events and present my message of being drug-free," Harrington said. "It’s an honor and I love that I get to represent those values as a Barnegat student so people throughout the state will associate our district with this positive message.”

As the winner, Harrington earned a $5,000 music contract. She was also featured with the second- and third-place winners on WRAT’s Jersey Rock show last week.

Finalists typically perform songs live at the Statewide Prevention Concert held each spring. This year's concert became an audio show that aired April 3 on the Shout Down Drugs website because of the new coronavirus. Harrington was announced the winner live on-air that night on 95.9 WRAT radio.

Harrington will perform her winning song at different events once they are reinstated.

“This is a perfect example of how Barnegat Inspires,” said Superintendent Dr. Brian Latwis. “We are so proud of Shannon and her exceptional work."

Click here to hear Harrington's song. You can find the audio show on the Shout Down Drugs website and on the Jersey Rock page of WRAT.com.

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