Courtenay videographer Errol Lazare has won a province-wide public service film competition in Burnaby. The top 10 public service announcements (PSA) in the second annual "Through the Lens: A Student's View" competition were screened at a gala event at Metropolis at Metrotown last week. The 30-second PSA entries were received from all over the province including northern B.C., Vancouver Island, the Kootenays and the Lower Mainland. In total, 75 PSAs were submitted by students, all expressing a pressing safety issue that they feel needs to be addressed in their schools and communities. The grand prize of a $2,500 scholarship was awarded to Lazare, a Grade 12 student at Mark Isfeld Secondary, for his entry "Tracing Violence". Using an animated video technique called rotoscoping, Lazare's PSA addressed the escalating violence and bullying amongst teens. As part of his prize, Lazare's PSA will be aired across the province on Global Television later this spring. "This year's event again drew in an impressive response from across the province," commented David Jang, public and community relations manager, Metropolis at Metrotown. "The idea behind the competition is to hear what students recognize as some of the most pressing issues in their communities and schools. It's about giving them a voice and a chance to showcase their talents in a productive and eye-opening way. And thanks to Global Television, the entire province will get to see the winning PSA message." Topics covered by this year's entries included racism, bullying, drunk driving, drug use, speeding, and smoking. Interestingly, judges also noticed the presence of PSAs that addressed obesity in youth and teen self-image this year. The gala screening, hosted by Global Television's Mark Madryga, showcased all 10 finalists. Each PSA was introduced by the students themselves so that the audience could hear in their own words why they chose their topics and how they accomplished the finished product. After the screening, the winning entry was announced and awarded his scholarship cheque, and the students along with their families and supporters enjoyed a gelato sundae buffet and gourmet cupcake reception with "mocktails". In attendance at the gala to assist in the awards presentations were John Nuraney, MLA, Burnaby-Willingdon; Richard T. Lee, MLA, Burnaby North; Burnaby Councillor and Acting Mayor Doug Evans; David Jang, public and community relations manager, Metropolis at Metrotown; and Brian Castle, senior vice-president, Western Region, Ivanhoe Cambridge. "Through the Lens: A Student's View" was open to students 25 years of age or younger, enrolled in a secondary school, college, university or in trade or technical schools in B.C. There was no charge to enter the competition. A panel of broadcast professionals, community members and student peers judged the entries on the PSA's ability to convey its message effectively, creatively, believably and powerfully.