Lookin’ Up to Lookin’ Out
“I want to be just like my big sister,” says six-year-old Sophie Markle in this year’s winning Erie Insurance Group Lookin’ Out public service announcement (PSA).
Teen drivers are not only responsible for their own lives; they’re also responsible for the lives of others. That’s the message the Lookin’ Out committee from Selinsgrove High School is sending with this year’s Lookin’ Out PSA, titled “My Big Sister.”
Although not old enough for a driver’s license of her own, Sophie knows you’re never too young to learn safe driving habits.
Selinsgrove sophomores, Courtney Lester and Gabby Damiano, came up with the winning idea for this year’s PSA after being part of a seat belt safety presentation for elementary school students put on by their school’s Lookin’ Out committee. As winners of the eighth annual PSA contest, they were featured in the commercial which was filmed on location in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. Ms. Katie Robbins is the committee’s faculty advisor while Mark Dersham of A.A. Shaffer, Jr. & Son Insurance Agency serves as their agent advisor.
“Every time, every ride”
The PSA begins with six-year-old Sophie reading a report about her big sister to her Kindergarten class. Scrapbook pictures of Sophie and Gabby, who plays the big sister, flash across the screen as Sophie narrates.
The scene dramatically changes as the girls are shown in the back of an ambulance with Sophie on a stretcher and Gabby looking on with her arm in a sling. Courtney Lester adds a voiceover that reminds viewers to wear their seat belts, “every time, every ride.”
Medics from D.H. & L. Ambulance Co. in Selinsgrove donated their time and use of an ambulance to film the final scene of the PSA. To make the final shot more believable, representatives from Susquehanna Emergency Health Services Council used makeup to make Gabby and Sophie appear bruised.
Role models
“Teenagers take for granted the potential they have to be good influences,” says Gabby Damiano. “We want to remind teens that even small actions make a big difference.” Gabby was recently elected president of the Lookin’ Out committee at Selinsgrove for the 2008-09 school year.
Selinsgrove High School was motivated to get involved with Lookin’ Out after a tragic one-car accident that claimed the life of their classmate, 17-year-old Lauren Harris, two years ago.
“Actions have consequences,” says Ms. Robbins, “Your decisions affect others whether you realize it or not.”
While Selinsgrove is enjoying the spotlight as “My Big Sister” currently airs on the local cable television network, agent advisor Mark Dersham says, “Look out for next year.” The Selinsgrove Lookin’ Out committee is already discussing possibilities for next year’s Lookin’ Out PSA contest.
Gabby Damiano and Sophie Markle pose as sisters to illustrate the opportunity teens have to be good role models in the 2008 Lookin’ Out PSA “My Big Sister.”
Shane Brown, cinematographer, reads lines to Sophie Markle while filming on location in Selinsgrove, Pa.
The final scene was filmed in the back of an ambulance with the help of medics from D.H. & L. Ambulance Company of Selinsgrove, Pa.
Faculty advisor Katie Robbins with Selinsgrove sophomores, Courtney Lester and Gabby Damiano, as well as six-year-old Sophie Markle and Erie Insurance agent advisor, Mark Dersham of A. A. Shaffer, Jr. & Son Insurance Agency.
