Lehman High School Takes a Final Stand on Teen Dating Violence

BASKING RIDGE, N.J., May 31, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- One in three teens will experience some form of dating abuse in their relationships.  A group of high school students from Lehman High School in Bronx, N.Y., decided to take action to end this destructive cycle.  On Monday, May 30, Lehman High School was announced the winner of the national "Let Your Heart Rule" competition, sponsored by Break the Cycle, HopeLine®, from Verizon and DR. PHIL, which challenged teens to raise awareness and end the cycle of dating violence through the power of film and television.  

Teens throughout the country were asked to collaborate with classmates to create their own video public service announcements (PSA) on the topic of teen dating violence.  Lehman High School was chosen as one of the four finalists for its impactful, creative video and was ultimately selected as the winning school through a nationwide vote.  The students who created the PSA received tablets from Verizon Wireless; a $1,000 stipend for their school; and a nationwide spotlight on DR. PHIL, Verizon FiOS and Verizon V CAST Video.

Members of the winning team from Lehman High School include Bryan Padua, Jazmine Moore, Daniel Torres and Miranda Rodriguez.  When asked why they joined the competition, the students said they wanted to encourage teens to speak up on dating violence.  According to Padua, "I thought teen dating violence was a serious matter.  I hoped our PSA would inspire people to speak up about their problems with teen dating violence."

To see how Lehman High School expressed its passion for ending teen dating violence, check out its winning PSA at www.letyourheartrule.com.  For more information on Break the Cycle, visit www.breakthecycle.org.  To learn more about HopeLine from Verizon, visit http://verizonwireless.com/hopeline.

About Verizon Wireless

Verizon Wireless operates the nation's fastest, most advanced 4G network and largest, most reliable 3G network. The company serves 104 million total wireless connections, including more than 88 million retail customers. Headquartered in Basking Ridge, N.J., with 85,000 employees nationwide, Verizon Wireless is a joint venture of Verizon Communications (NYSE, NASDAQ: VZ) and Vodafone (LSE, NASDAQ: VOD). For more information, visit www.verizonwireless.com.  To preview and request broadcast-quality video footage and high-resolution stills of Verizon Wireless operations, log on to the Verizon Wireless Multimedia Library at www.verizonwireless.com/multimedia.

About Break the Cycle

Break the Cycle is leading the movement against dating violence. Break the Cycle partners with Hazelden Publishing to offer the most comprehensive, best practice model for addressing abuse on campus – Respect WORKS! (respect-works.com). Break the Cycle, along with the National Dating Abuse Helpline, operates the ultimate healthy relationship resource for teens and young adults at loveisrespect.org. This national nonprofit organization also works directly with youth by providing free legal services, violence-prevention education and activism opportunities. To learn more about Break the Cycle, visit breakthecycle.org or call 310.286.3383.

About DR. PHIL

The syndicated series, DR. PHIL, was created by Harpo Productions, and is produced by Peteski Productions in association with CBS Television Distribution. It is broadcast on 215 stations representing 100% of the country and airs in over 40 countries. Since its debut in September 2002, the series has been ranked second among all daytime talk shows and consistently ranks among the Top Ten of all syndicated strips (Source: NSS Ranking Report). Given Oprah's recent departure, DR. PHIL is now poised to become the top daytime talk show.

SOURCE Verizon Wireless