The South Carolina Department of Education and South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control have launched a COVID vaccine jingle contest for K-12 students.
Winners of the propaganda contest will bring in thousands of dollars for their school's music programs.
According to the "Sing It to Win It" campaign website, "the adults need help" coming up with a catchy tune to get kids vaccinated."We get it. No one wants a lecture from an adult about why it’s important for students to get vaccinated. But it is the best way to end virtual learning and quarantines for everyone, including teachers and parents. So, how do we get learning in the classroom back on track? That’s where you come in," the website states. "We want you to use your imagination, creativity and talents to write a song about the importance of students getting vaccinated against COVID-19. It’s your chance to make a real difference and help keep everyone in school safer – all while having a little fun."
Students who wish to participate must enter a song that is 30 seconds or less. The winners will be chosen through social media polling, which could end up being a massive mistake for the state, unless they screen all of the entries.
The top three winners will be invited to a professional recording studio to have their song produced as a radio advertisement, which will start airing state-wide in the spring of 2022. The first place jingle will receive $10,000 for their schools’ music program, second will bring in $5,000, and third will receive $3,000.
Winners of the contest will be announced in February.
In a statement about the contest, State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman said that "this innovative jingle campaign is way to get students involved and tap into their creativity."
"Music has a way of bringing people together and we’re thrilled this program will also invest in school music programs," Spearman added.
DHEC Director Dr. Edward Simmer said that "our hope is that this contest will be a fun way for South Carolina’s students to express their creativity while also playing a role in our state’s vaccination efforts."
"This contest is a win for all parties involved, with the overall goal of protecting our students, teachers, and school faculty through safe, effective COVID-19 vaccinations," Simmer continued.
