The Mineola High School's Creativity Contest began two years ago, the brainchild of Substance Abuse Counselor Fran Knabbe and TV Technician Drohr Kahn, as a way to use the media's intimate influence on children to a positive end.

"We want students to not be victims of the medium, but use the medium," said Kahn.

Putting the high school students behind the cameras, the computers and the instruments, it is they who are now crafting messages about society, life choices and consequences in poems, stories, performances, videos and music.

With attention now focused on teenagers, sparked by the high school shooting in Littleton, Colorado and numerous copycat crimes, the creators find their contest, entering its second year, as a bit visionary.

"I do a lot of counseling. I see an incredible amount of problems faced by kids." said Knabbe. "(The contest gives) almost free range to express things that are concerns to them."

Take for instance Justin Fong, the first place winner of the video category. To music most sullen, the images on the screen cuts back and forth between different students interacting explosively, from verbal altercations to actual physical abuse. Then an abrupt change to simple lighthearted piano music, and the students are shown holding hands, even hugging. The message at the end advises students to stay friends with those who actually are their friends.

"(It is) my way of dealing with what happens, and to do something to change the people in this school," explained Fung.

Along with the message, the video is also a clear example of the student's talents. This particular work was produced with an entirely improvisational air. Fung took a camera to a hall outside the TV studio in the high school and directed random students. In his own creative direction, Fung incorporated the creativity that is abundant in many of the students of the high school.

In fact the creativity is so abundant that to some extent it surprised school administrators. The turnout for last year's contest was large in number and diverse in who entered. Many students not known to the teachers for their creativity were ready to share their artforms for the first time.

"There was a better response than anticipated from students who wouldn't normally participate," said high school Principal Jay Lewis who was very enthusiastic about the uniqueness of this contest.

The contest's lack of limitations makes it very attractive to students, said the creators. The contest is run totally within the confines of the school, and judged by a secret panel of district volunteers.

Support for the contest also comes in a more direct manner. Prizes for the contest are donated by the unions of the district; the Mineola High School PTSA, Mineola Teachers Association, Bus Drivers and Custodians, Clerical and Secretarial Employees Association, Mineola Teachers Aids Association, Dr. Harry Jaroslaw and Massaro's restaurant.

"It is a good idea it inspires kids to be creative," said Diane Caporaso, winner of the first place in the short story category. Caporaso, who considers herself more of a novelist, was inspired by a movie to author a tale of a girl suffering from anorexia.

Jenette Holwedell said she writes poems all the time as a way for her to safely and creatively express what is on her mind. The contest has given her the opportunity to share her voice with an audience. Her poem Visions of You took first prize in the poetry division of the Creativity Contest.

Margarete Finneran is a fellow poet. She said by entering in the contest her poem Daddy, which took fourth place in the poetry category, she was given a chance to send a message to would-be strangers that they are not alone.

"I think that's the idea," said Kahn, "by sharing ... the kids become included."