The secondary schools stage competition is supported and organised by a community project of the Christchurch City Council. Looking at the issue of drunk driving, it was held last Friday (7 June) in the Town Hall’s James Hay theatre. This year 146 students from 13 schools were competing to win the five awards.

Christ's College’s production, directed by Ed Lust, also won the Best Drama Award. Performing Alone at Christmas were Nick Hodgson, Dave Winter, Arthur McGregor, James Mills-Kelly and Nick Zwart and Christchurch Girls High School students Jess Benson, Anna Veale and Lauren Barry.

Their drama juxtaposed “office culture” with images of employees drinking themselves to death. The finale portrayed the hollow friendship of sales colleagues who allow their “employee of the month” to drive his wife to death after drinking at the Christmas party.

Special guests at this year’s awards included David Wright, the Wellington-based director of the Land Transport Safety Authority, and regional Road Policing Manager, Derek Erasmus who presented the top award.

Avonside Girl's High School won the Best Dance category with Avenging Angels, choreographed by Louise Sutherland. The Students Against Driving Drunk Award went to Ashburton College's Haunted, directed by Jane McKenzie.

Hurunui College won the Runner Up Award for In Our Mailbox by Mistake. Second Runner Up was I Heard Myself Scream, performed by a team from Rangi Ruru Girls' School and directed by Angel Bright and Kylie Alexander.

The judges -- Chloe Johnston, Greer Robertson, Barry Grant, Jeff Clark, Steve Langley and Barry McDonald -- said this year's standard was very high which made their job difficult.