A class of middle schoolers from Correia Middle School in Ocean Beach participated in a nationwide documentary contest called StudentCam, held by the C-Span cable television network, with three winning an honorable mention in the contest. C-Span received 2,887 films from almost 6,000 students in the nationwide contest, with the winners announced last month.
Tristan Cooper made a document about the Syrian refugee crisis, and he noted he would want that issue to be discussed in presidential election. He had seen the crisis in the news and thought that he would help the refugees by making the issue known. “At first,” Cooper said, “I thought that this was only a school project and I was just going to get it done. But after talking with everyone, it was really a good learning experience, and I learned a lot about Syrian refugees.”
He also interviewed 52nd District Congressman Scott Peters for his documentary.
“Going to Scott Peters’ office was the most fun I had with this project. It was a really cool opportunity to meet and interview him,” Cooper said.
Jacqui Power and Stella Bruce made a documentary about ocean pollution. They have always lived by the ocean and love animals. They note they are concerned about the fish and sea animals dying because of waste and pollution in the sea, adding they are interested in politics.
“We talk a lot about politics in class,” they said. “Our teachers really helped us being involved more in politics and have our own opinions.”
Anyone passionate about anything or anyone who likes making videos can participate in C-Span’s contest; those interested are advised to visit studentcam.org. Meanwhile, for the three local children, getting recognized for classwork was great. “It was a pretty challenging project, ” Bruce noted, “but overall it was really fun, because I got to do it with my best friend. It was cool to make something that we will remember our whole lives.”