Ypsilanti's Dymond Harding is the winner of the PAVE (Preventing Abuse and Violence Through Education) the Way Project, a pop music competition designed to raise awareness of teen dating violence.

Harding competed with six other youth artist groups from across the country for the opportunity to record a new song written by Grammy Award winner Salvador Santana, collaborating alongside his father, 10-time Grammy Award winner, Carlos Santana.

A collaboration between Verizon Wireless, Cornerstone and MTE Inc., the PAVE the Way Project was created to promote healthy relationships and empower local teens to take a stand against dating violence through the expression of pop music. Launched April 10, the PAVE the Way Project gathered competing teen musicians, aged 13 to 20, who share a passion for ending teen dating violence and are willing to share their stories. Fans were encouraged to vote for their favorite song over the course of two weeks to determine the winner.

“We are proud of Dymond for her hard work and dedication to the PAVE the Way Project,” said Michelle Gilbert, public relations manager-Michigan/Indiana/Kentucky Region for Verizon Wireless, in a press release. “It is important for teens to speak out against issues that directly affect them, like dating violence, and encourage their peers to be aware and get involved.”

Harding’s original song, “Selfish Love,” is available for free from the campaign’s website and can be checked out on her Web page, along with a personal video describing her involvement in the project and motivation behind getting involved. Data rates may apply when downloading the song.

For more information on the PAVE the Way Project and to view the artists’ pages, visit www.pavethewayproject.com.