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November 2002
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| Have a newsworthy item? Comments? Questions? Contact Paula Byrne, editor |
Maryanne O'Brien
As the chair of the 16th annual Student Video and Electronic Media Contest, it was truly my pleasure to have presented our young producers with their first place awards on October 28th at the MSLMA Conference in Sturbridge. These award-winning student producers are imaginative, talented, and able storytellers and communicators. They have the media skills necessary, not only to create their own messages, but hopefully, because they understand production, to be savvy media consumers as well. No small accomplishment in this media-driven world.
As library media specialists, we play an active role in fostering these skills. Our programs help students acquire both media literacy and information literacy skills. Moreover, media production is a key component in developing these essential competencies.
The contest is underwritten by our organization, MSLMA, as well as by WGBY's Educational Services, and AT&T Broadband. The contest is open to all Massachusetts students who compete in categories based on grade level.
This contest is a vehicle for showcasing student-produced videos, and it offers a statewide venue for students' unique voices and visions. As we know only too well, students' voices are seldom heard in the mainstream media, and this contest offers kids a forum for self-expression, as well as that key component, an audience for their messages. It is important work, as we library media specialists know.
A panel of media professionals, including Sarah Cothran, the Director of WGBY's Educational Services judged the entries. WGBY, the PBS station in Springfield, along with MSLMA, has had a long-standing commitment both to this content, and to media literacy. Ms. Cothran urged students to stay involved with production, and offered the support of PBS internships to interested and qualified students.
The 1st place in the Elementary Magazine Category was awarded to Mrs. Erikson's fourth grade class, at Thoreau School in Concord, for their piece, Concord Ecological Issues. This piece was tied to the Science Frameworks, especially the Life Sciences Strand, as well as to the English Language Arts Media Strand. It was informative, creative, and featured wonderful camera work. Additionally, this imaginative group took top scores in the Elementary Documentary Category for their entry, Talking Tombstones, a fine historical piece, featuring good production values, a lively narrative, and in-depth research.
A 1st place in the Middle School Educational Category was awarded to Eoghan and Oisin Conway for their skillful documentary, The Fenian Invasion of Canada. This project was intensely researched, well scripted, and expertly constructed. Eoghan and Oisin are students at the Kennedy School in Somerville. Their video also took top honors in History Day Competition.
A first place in High School News Category goes to the Medway Newswatch Team for a thoroughly professional news show. These students continue in a long tradition of awards to Medway High school for their news programming.
A first place in the High School Educational Category was awarded to Nathan Ellis, of Westford Academy, for his piece, Matthew. This was an emotionally riveting piece, expertly crafted, beautifully written, and shot, and magnificently acted. The judges all commented on the power of this piece.
A Best of Show was awarded this year. This award is not automatically given yearly; it is only given when the judges deem an entry worthy of this prestigious honor. This year, the Best of Show was awarded to Nathan Ellis, for his superb piece, Matthew.
We salute all of our young producers. They are all so accomplished, and their productions inspired many MSLMA members to begin the process of making media with their students. Be sure to enter your young producers' pieces in the 2203 Student and Video and Electronic Media Contest. We look forward to screening your students' work at the 17th Annual Awards Ceremony next October.