Congressman Danny Davis Brings Ask, Listen, Learn to Anna Langford Community Academy

Program encourages kids to "say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and 'NO' to underage drinking"

CHICAGO, Feb. 22, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ --Today, Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) partnered with The Century Council's Ask, Listen, Learn: Kids and Alcohol Don't Mix program to embolden 100 students at Anna Langford Community Academy to "say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and 'NO' to underage drinking."

Congressman Davis cheered on students as they enthusiastically competed for high scores in the running competition on Ask, Listen, Learn's interactive game. The game enables middle school kids to learn about the negative consequences of underage drinking and the benefits of making healthy decisions while they exercise. The premise is based on research by Harvard Medical School's Dr. John Ratey, showing that for a person's brain to function at its peak, the body needs to move.  The multimedia program includes the game and print materials, with the website presenting a pledge to live a healthy lifestyle, online games and pages featuring Ask, Listen, Learn Superstars. 

"Middle school students are at a critical time in their lives when making good choices matters- the decisions they make in these formative years have an impact on their future success. I want all young people in Chicago to start off on a healthy track to success, and that's why I'm proud to be here today with the Ask, Listen, Learn program," said Davis.

Anna Langford Principal Lynn E. McGinnis-Garner commended The Century Council's efforts to reach her students on this key issue. "It's no surprise that Ask, Listen, Learn has been popular at schools across the country. The way in which it encourages collaborative conversations about underage drinking in the classroom and at home with family is invaluable to our students."

"While we're proud to note the availability of alcohol to underage youth has continued to decline for more than a decade, 11 percent of 8th graders report they have consumed alcohol in the past month," said Ralph Blackman, President and CEO of The Century Council. "It's important for parents and trusted adults in the school to begin the conversation about underage drinking early and to have it often – which is exactly what we are trying to jumpstart here today in Chicago."

Along with the interactive game, teachers at Anna Langford will also receive newly-published Scholastic materials featuring US Gymnastics team captain and Ask, Listen, Learn Ambassador Aly Raisman for their classrooms.

About Ask, Listen, Learn

Ask, Listen, Learn is the most widely distributed alcohol education program of its kind. Ask, Listen, Learn's initiatives include Asklistenlearn.com, a website that encourages kids to "say 'YES' to a healthy lifestyle and 'NO' to underage drinking" by offering kids interactive and educational games and videos. On the site kids can read about positive role models and take a pledge to make healthy choices. Parents and educators are also encouraged to visit the site to find tips on how to facilitate these conversations with kids.

About The Century Council

The Century Council, is a national not-for-profit leader in the fight to eliminate drunk driving and underage drinking and is funded by the following distillers: Bacardi U.S.A., Inc.; Beam, Inc.; Brown-Forman; Constellation Brands, Inc.; DIAGEO; Hood River Distillers, Inc.; and Pernod Ricard USA. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, The Century Council promotes responsible decision making regarding beverage alcohol and develops and implements innovative programs and public awareness campaigns which ignite action through strategic partnerships. Established in 1991, The Century Council's initiatives are highlighted on its website at www.centurycouncil.org and www.asklistenlearn.org.

Contact: Tyler Allen, The Century Council
[email protected] or (202) 637-0077

SOURCE The Century Council