The sixth annual "Words to be Heard" scholarship competition, sponsored by Edgar Snyder and Associates, asked high school students to take a stand against drunk driving.

Nicholas Pardini, a Cathedral Prep senior, was recognized as one of eight winners in western Pennsylvania for his video on the subject.

His entry stood out from the group of four hundred submissions.

Pardini wanted to enter the contest because he sees the issue affecting his peers.

"You know peer pressure's huge, that's the whole line of the movie it was all about peer pressure," Pardini said. "Peer pressure's probably the biggest effect and that's what I wanted to single out when I made this."

His willingness to stand up for something that might not be popular impressed his parents.

"I think his words you know should be heard by all young people, and realize the seriousness of drinking and driving or texting and driving," his mother, Christine Pardini, said.

While drinking and driving is a well known concern for teens, texting and driving is a growing issue among young drivers.

"I think texting and driving is just as bad as drinking and driving, cause it's distracting you from the road, it might not- it lowers your reaction time," the teen said.

Pardini received a one thousand dollar scholarship, and plans to attend Syracuse university in the fall.

The winners were honored last night at a ceremony in Pittsburgh.