Zachary Vessels won last year’s video contest, and this year he’s returning to reclaim his title.

Of course, he was one of two people participating.

That’s why this year members of the Recreation and Wellness Department are trying to increase participation.

A $700 prize is being offered to the first place winner of the Party Smart Video contest right before spring break. The submission deadline is Feb. 20.

“The Party Smart Video contest is a way for students to get creative and make a video to promote safe partying,” said Graduate Assistant Karen Grajczyk, who is in charge of the event.

Any University student over the age of 18 can become involved, said Grajczyk.

“Last year, I kind of just threw the video together,” said Vessels, president of Sigma Nu Fraternity. “I was able to get some of my fraternity brothers involved and we just goofed around and made it more of a funny video. This year I think I am going to go a little more serious on it.”

Vessels said he is working on his submission and is looking forward to seeing everyone else’s ideas.

“Even if you’re not super involved with technology or video production, it gives you a chance to work towards something either by yourself or with a group of friends to help promote a good cause like alcohol awareness,” Vessels said.

The video submissions can be no longer than 60 seconds and need to follow the guidelines listed specifically for the contest, said Grajczyk.

For specific rules and paperwork, visit the University website through the Recreation and Wellness Department.

“First place winner will receive a $700 pre-paid Visa gift card, second place is a $200 pre-paid Visa gift card, and third place is a $100 one,” Grajczyk said.

The event was piloted last year with a different name and did not receive as many participants as expected, said Faith Yingling, the director of Wellness and a judge in this year’s contest.

“What we really want to do is have some great quality videos, which we know students are capable of,” Yingling said. “We would really like to channel that creativity into some promotional material for partying smart.”

Yingling hopes to get as many submissions as possible and encourages any student to become involved and try to win the money.

The videos will be judged after they are submitted. The winners will be unveiled at Big Playground at the Perry Field House during a late night event on Feb. 28 at midnight.

“I think it’s important because one of the things we like to promote through the Wellness Connection is your education,” Yingling said. “I think it is important for peers to educate other peers on these important topics.”