Lakewood student earns kudos in MADD contest

From more than 130 entries nationwide, Lakewood Ranch High School student Nikelle Kelly has earned top honors.

Kelly’s music video entry, which aimed to discourage underage drinking, ranked in the top five of entries submitted in national Power of You(th) video contest by Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD).

Kelly, whose own mother has struggled with an addiction to alcohol, said she decided to participate in the contest because she wanted to encourage youth to make good choices about drinking.

“I see the effects (alcohol) has on (my mom),” Kelly said. “That was a motivator.

“I thought someone about their age (teenagers), giving a clear message, would help,” she said. “I like helping people.”

Kelly said she also loves to sing and hopes the video may help spur her toward a career in music.

MADD representatives honored Kelly at an awards ceremony May 23, at Southeast High School. Her friend, Christian Alvarez, a sophomore at Southeast, won the grand prize award for his video.