By Derek Offitzer, photos by Casey Murphy
Junior Nick Patel, who recently won the Don’t Drive Distracted New Jersey teen safe-driving awareness contest, directed the filming of a public service announcement for his “Drive 2 Live 2 Drive” campaign, a call to stop driving while texting or talking on a phone.


Patel gathered the students in the commercial together through social networking. From the soccer team to cheerleaders to teachers, Patel got as many people involved as he could.
The opportunity was offered to Patel through a contest that more than 250 teens entered. The winner was determined by an essay, Facebook contest and evaluation by judges.  Along with the chance to make his public service announcement, Patel was rewarded a trip to California as well as a college scholarship.