Watch Avika, Amanda, & Jeffrey's video!
NEWS Walnut Valley Unified School District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 880 S. Lemon Avenue
March 23, 2012 Walnut, CA 91789
Contact:
Kelli Gile, Office of Community Resources
(909) 595-1261 ext. 31204
Walnut High Students Honored with National C-SPAN Award
WALNUT, CA--C-SPAN television network representatives traveled all the way from Washington D.C. to celebrate three Walnut High School juniors named top winners in the 2012 StudentCam contest on March 22.
Avika Dua, Amanda Ong, and Jeffrey Chen won 3rd Place for their “One Vote, One Voice” documentary.
“We’re so proud of you!” said Principal Jeff Jordan congratulating the students on their national award.
The StudentCam contest is open to students all across the country. This year a new record was set with nearly 1,200 entries, with only 75 winners named, said C-SPAN Marketing Representative Jennifer Curran.
“Avika, Amanda and Jeffrey have truly achieved something great”, Curran said.
And because they are 3rd Place winners it will be featured on a national level to a hundred million homes, she said.
The I.B. students’ eight-minute winning video was shown during the assembly held in the Performing Arts Center. It featured clips of Walnut High students, first-hand interviews, and C-SPAN footage.
This year’s theme was “The Constitution and You” and students were asked to look at an amendment or provision and make it their own.
“Tell us how it affects you and why its important to you and that's’ what these students have done,” Curran explained.
The Walnut High students chose the 26th Amendment and focused on the voting rights of 18 year-olds.
“They’re in the 11th grade and are already thinking ahead. It’s very encouraging and we’re excited to recognize their achievement,” said Curran.
The students were presented with certificates of special recognition from the Offices of Senator Bob Huff, Assemblyman Curt Hagman, and the City of Walnut.
“You’ve made your school proud!” said Senior Field Representative Jody Roberto representing Senator Bob Huff.
“Walnut High, you continue to excel in so many ways and this video is just a sign of it,” she said to the audience.
Tim Shaw, La Habra Mayor and District Director for Senator Huff said he got a phone call from some students wanting to do a video. I had no idea what I was getting into and how great it would turn out, he explained.
“I’m very proud to have been a part of it. You guys did a great job!” he said to the trio.
“Voice your opinion. We need your input because you have fresh ideas,” said Walnut Mayor Pro Tem Mary Su.
The team took the microphone for a few minutes after the presentations to discuss their project.
We wanted to appeal to students and the youth of America, make it relatable and “something that will empower people to get up and take action,” Avika said.
Amanda said they thought because 2012 is an election year the 26th Amendment would be really relevant.
Jeffrey said the group’s goal was to encourage students to vote and “let your voice be heard.” They worked on the project for two months and edited for four days to meet the January 20 entry deadline.
The student team was also treated to a private tour of the C-SPAN 2012 Campaign bus with Matthew McGuire, National Accounts Executive.
Brief bus tours of the interactive classroom and kiosks were then held for WHS students for about two hours.
The student contest is co-sponsored with Charter Communications. The video will air on C-SPAN on Monday, April 2 at 3:50 a.m./6:50 a.m. ET, followed by an interview at 6:15 a.m. PT/9:15 a.m. ET during “Washington Journal”.
Avika, Amanda, and Jeffrey’s award-winning documentary can be also viewed at www.studentcam.org
Shown:
The proud students and their principal watched the winning video “One Vote, One Voice” during the ceremony.
StudentCam top winners Avika Dua, Amanda, Ong, and Jeffrey Chen with C-SPAN’s Jennifer Curran.
Tim Shaw and Jody Roberto from Senator Bob Huff’s Office, Avika Dua, Amanda Ong, Jeffrey Chen, and C-SPAN Marketing Representative Jennifer Curran.
WVUSD Superintendent Dr. Dean Conklin and Walnut Mayor Pro Tem congratulate students Avika Dua, Amanda Ong, and Jeffrey Chen.
Following the awards presentation, C-SPAN’s Matthew McGuire gave the students a tour of the 2012 Campaign Bus.