MILWAUKEE - This Thursday, 1,500 students from 65 public schools will come together for the 15th Annual Time Warner Cable Hang Tough Video Contest.

In Positively Milwaukee, TODAY’S TMJ4’s Carole Meekins meets the woman behind the program.

The program features the creative work of finalists in Time Warner Cable’s Hang Tough Video Contest.

“Don’t let drugs control you.”

“The program was started to have kids talk to other kids about how dangerous it is to get involved with drugs,” Vice President of Public Affairs Bey Greenberg said.

Topics can also denounce violence and bullying.

“Bullying stinks…hang tough.”

Vice President Bey Greenberg came up with the idea 15 years ago. She’s proud that former student contestants will be judging this year’s videos.

“We have three judges who are teachers who were students in our first hang tough programs who were winners in that program, and they’ve gone on to talk to hundreds of others about our Hang Tough programs against drugs and violence and today they’re teachers in Wisconsin schools,” Bey Greenburg said.

“Hang tough against drugs and violence.”

The PSAs were produced by students in grades five through eight and the educational endeavor has earned impressive acclaim.

“Our Hang Touch Video Contest has received more Beacon Awards from the Cable Television Public Affairs Associated than any other cable program in the industry in the country. Last year, the contest even earned an Emmy,” Bev Greenberg said.

These videos have reached some 40,000 students in the past 15 years. In fact, some 300 schools have been involved in the program.

“Drugs: some drugs help, but if abused, they can kill.”

Students feel like stars, with a special statue, T-shirt and medal.

A way to thank young people for capturing positive images and giving us all hope.

“We’re helping send a message we need. To hear how creative and inspirational our students messages are is a great feeling for all of us. Hang tough Wisconsin!” Bev Greenberg said.

The premiere of the finalist videos takes place this Thursday at MATC’s Cooley Auditorium. It’s presented by the Assurant Health Foundation.