Orange County Films
Directing Change is an evaluated suicide prevention and mental health program with the mission to educate young people about critical health topics through art and promote social justice and health by changing conversations in schools and communities.
Suicide Prevention
Through A Different Lens
Third Place Regional (Tied) - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Michael Stanphill and Griffin Henninger
Orange County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Alex Graham
"Through a Different Lens" is about how a person who seemingly has a great life can become depressed and not know how to deal with it. The filmmakers wanted to spread awareness about this important topic.
That’s What Friends are For
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Samuel Otuc, Jeremy Zavala, and Bradley Peinder Zamacona
Orange County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Shayan Vaziritabar
"Our film 'That's What Friends Are For' highlights a friend helping another who's struggling with thoughts of suicide. It emphasizes the power of friendship and taking action when noticing warning signs, aligning with the goal of raising awareness on how to prevent suicide among teens."
The Burden of Pressure
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Pierre Balta, Samir Ayoub, Jasper Woo, George Balta, Oscar Mendoza, Blaise Wilson, Sebastian Barkman, and Othon Estrada
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Caroline Tran-Ryan
"Our video was created simply to provide hope. A lot of people our age struggle with the multitudes of responsibilities they have and often times feel overwhelmed. Our video also serves to pass the message that no matter where you are, you are not alone."
Unsaid
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Caleb Cibrian and Angel Herrera
Orange County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Jeri Barber, Nia Tucker, Gabraeel Jibral
"Unsaid is a short film targeting Suicide Prevention. We face the difficulty of fully expressing our true thoughts and emotions during moments where we feel defeated. Many things are left unsaid as we struggle to be honest with ourselves and others. In retrospect, saying what is actually on our minds is the first step in receiving...
We Care
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: AJ Sanchez and Cole Chastain
Orange County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Alex Graham
"A black and white world showing people who are depressed and feel sad. Then, they see someone reaching out to them and they take their hand. They are then brought into color and feel welcomed and happy again."
Designing Help
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Andy Pham and Eric Huynh
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Tina Heiland
"It is a short film about a student/designer who struggles due to him comparing himself to others. He does not think he is good enough or will ever become what he wants to be. He feels alone and lost, and is stubborn to get help. Once he finally does get help, he learns to work with...
Missed Moments
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Hailey Zuniga and Sidney Tran
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
"Hailey is a teenager who struggles with suicidal thoughts. We are introduced to her with her parents arguing in the background, and later showing signs of isolation and giving away her prized possessions to her friend, Sidney. After a long day, Hailey opens up about her feelings to Sidney when she texts to check up on...
A Friend in Need
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: India Howerton, Karis Howerton, and Nathan Broxton
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Kirby Piazza
"In this short film, two friends notice changes in their friend Sarah's behavior and talk about what to do. I used this film as an opportunity to reference some of the symptoms of depression (pulling away from friends and activities, not caring about things) and also to reference the advice about getting an adult involved. Her...
I See Through Your Smile
Honorable Mention Regional - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Vivian Nguyen, Steven Ninh, and Vy Tonnu
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
"I See Through Your Smile is a film that specifically brushes on the topic of suicide, speaking on the not-so-subtle signs one can easily miss. Told in the perspective of an 'outsider,' we are able to understand the hardships of those having these thoughts and the facade they carry to mask their pain."
That’s What Friends Are For
First Place Regional - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Marleen Juarez, Pauline Nguyen, and Mahi Thakkar
Orange County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Megan Humphreys
A supportive friend reaches out to a girl who shows the warning signs of suicide, and goes to a school counselor with her.
The Note
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Julian Bautista, Makala Jones, and Mikaela Deveroux
Orange County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Mark Switzer
A film that shows that those who are considering suicide may mask their feelings in front of others and the importance of reaching out to someone who is struggling, even if it may be a difficult conversation to start.
Piece by Piece
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Hailey Zuniga, Kellan Nguyen, and Teresa Le
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
A girl's bracelet, which represents her mental health, breaks apart, but a friend steps in to support her.
Mental Health Matters
Seasons of Hope
Second Place Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Claire Ng, Ciana Gonzales, Tahlia Pompel, River Santiago, and Zoey Rodriguez
Orange County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Mark Switzer
"Seasons of Hope" shows that even when you feel like the world is moving too fast for you to keep up with, you can still find hope. The film is a reminder to slow down and take a breath and encourages mental health understanding and support.
Look at you now
Honorable Mention Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Zoey Rodriguez
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Mark Switzer
"Look at You Now is a short film relating to looking at how much one can grow and change. It's a reflection of someone's mental health journey and how enlightening it is to see a positive change as opposed to giving up."
A Call Away
Honorable Mention Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Jimmy Aguilera and Joseph Zambrano
Orange County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Tina Heiland
"My video submission is based on the focus of how mental health may be hard to speak up about for some people. The focus is on what the end result may be for a person who builds up the courage to reach out for assistance against their mental health struggles."
The Green Ribbon
Honorable Mention Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Allison Crain and Emilie Crain
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Alex Graham
Mental health comes in many colors, each with a different meaning and a different story. Told through the metaphor of mental health's symbolic green ribbon, this entry aims to inspire young adults to reach out, break the stigma, and come together to face the challenges life throws at us.
The Silent Battle
Honorable Mention Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Sydney Mitchell, Katherine Newman, Andrea Lopez, Dana Khalili, Emily Huang, and Mona Sayedsalim
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Alex Graham
"This PSA is for the 'Mental Health' prompt. Our PSA follows a high school girl as she struggles with anxiety symptoms. Her friend notices and reaches out to help . The PSA attempts to help destigmatize mental health by showing both how common struggles with mental health are and how to reach out to those who...
Am I Ok
Honorable Mention Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Berlly Gonzales
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Alex Graham
"My submission is about a video representing someone with mental health problems and how she feels it."
Beyond the Surface
First Place Regional - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Kyan Whiten, Jessica Bae, Brooke Tomooka, Emily Fitzgerald, and Ella Shapiro
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Conner Brown
"Beyond the Surface" takes a creative approach to telling the story of someone experiencing a mental health challenge and shares the message that no matter the circumstance you are going through regarding mental health, there is help available.
The Helper
Honorable Mention - Mental Health
2023
Artist: Hope Wellikson, Ellie Irianto, Angie Baik, Jay Han, Isaac Kim, Cadence Yip, and Lana Alsamawi
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Elizabeth Keller
A student checks in on a friend she's concerned about and offers help, and then connects her friend to counseling.
The Promise
Honorable Mention - Mental Health
2023
Artist: Tyler Song and Mia Hester
Orange County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Mark Switzer
A student texts another to voice their concerns, and the recipient student decides to reach out to a trusted adult.
Starting Line
Honorable Mention - Mental Health
2023
Artist: Jaden Men, Ivan Chang, and Jordan Haddadin
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Alex Graham
A film about running as a metaphor for mental health, showing that having friends' support helps in the mental health journey.
Sensory Overload
First Place Regional - Mental Health
2023
Artist: Moses Fleischman, Alex Lu, and Harrison Roberts-Dahlgren
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Hali Kessler
A film depicting how sensory issues can impact day to day life and how to be a supportive friend to someone who is struggling.
Always There
Second Place Regional - Mental Health
2023
Artist: Bryant Saban, Brianna Ramirez, and Maryam Jalali
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Elizabeth Keller and Rebeccah Phillips
A youth struggling with their mental health seeks out help from a crisis line.
Through the Lens of Culture
Who Am I to Complain
Third Place - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Sophia Kabir, Vivian Nguyen, Kayleen O’Connor, Kiara O’Connor, and Megan Le
Orange County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
"Who am I to Complain" centers on the eldest daughter in a Vietnamese family who struggles with mental health due to stress and the pressures of perfectionism. Though she is initially unsupported, she doesn't lose hope and decides to get help.
HALF-RINSED
Second Place - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Kevin Nguyen, Orbal Farhad, Audrey Pham, and Kevin Le
Orange County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
This film explores mental health through the lens of Vietnamese culture, touching on identity, communication, and inter-generational barriers.
Solo Pero Seguro
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Alex Hernandez, Benjamin Hernandez, Alejandro Hernandez, and Catalina Hernandez
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Tina Heiland
This is a film about the struggles and pressures of living in a traditional Hispanic household and shows the impact of not allowing people to express their emotions.
Hues of Hope
Honorable Mention - Animated Short
2024
Artist: Alexa Lai, Ethan Tran, Ethan Vu, Dylan Tran, and Natalie Gonzalez
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
"Hues of Hope" centers on Billy, a character that could represent anyone suffering from mental illness. The story of Billy shows his growth as he gains strength from his friends to advocate for himself, eventually getting the help he needs.
La Lucha Invisible
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Mel Medina and Sophia Acosta
Orange County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Mark Switzer
"La Lucha Invisible" acknowledges how difficult it can be to reach out in the Hispanic community and encourages those who are struggling to find the courage to seek help.
Walls
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Madison Gallacher and Ara Andrews
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Alex Graham
This film provides insight into mental health in Jewish culture and encourages those who may be struggling to speak out.
Cambiemos el Pasado
Fifth Place - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Arantza Villarroel, Melanie Lopez, and Natalia Reyes
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Monika Robles
“Cambiemos el Pasado” tackles the burdens put on youth when they feel pressured to live up to the expectations of immigrant parents. The film discusses the stress and anxiety that unachievable standards can cause and asks parents to break the cycle of generational trauma.
Hot Pot
First Place - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Charlize Fan, Isabella Kira, Kolyana Si, Branden Reyes, and Shilah Shurki
Orange County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Conner Brown
“Hot Pot” shows an Asian son not knowing how to confide in his father. The son is struggling in school and with his mental health; he does not want to disappoint his father who came to America for his education. By the end of the film, the son works up the courage to express his stress...
No Estas Solo
Fourth Place (Tied) - Through the Lens of Culture Group A
2024
Artist: Marleen Juarez
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Franklyn Belsey
This film seeks to uplift those struggling with mental health in the Latino community, showing them that there's support and hope.
We Will Listen
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Diego Garcia-Taborga, Alexander Carney, and Juan-Camacho
Orange County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Jim Stevens
A parent and youth have a dialogue in Spanish about the youth's mental health and the parent does not understand, but the film offers a positive message of support.
I See You
Second Place - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Jenny Nguyen, Kevin Le, Jeslyn Le, Ruby Chau, and Jessica Truong
Orange County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
A first-generation Vietnamese youth feels misunderstood by his parents, but opens up to a supportive friend.
Hablar Con Confianza
Honorable Mention- SanaMente
2020
Artist: Denisse Arzate, Jesse Munoz & Valentina Torres
Orange County
Grade: 10
Samueli Academy
Advisor: Aimee Bilderback
A news announcement about the importance of talking about mental health in the Latinx community.
SanaMente
Find Your Superpower
Honorable Mention- SanaMente
2021
Artist: Mayson Iames, Kevan Meeks, Audrey Romo, and Ashelyn Kelley
Orange County
Grade: 11
Santiago Charter Middle School
Advisor: Danny Chiang
Students help each other cope with stress by finding their strengths and getting support from trusted adults.
Salud Mental
Fourth Place- SanaMente
2019
Artist: Jaqueline Lujan, and Andrea Solis
Orange County
Grade: 10
Katella High School
Advisor: Jeff Numainville
A Latina youth shares the difficulty she and others in her community have sharing their feelings with their families. She is inspired by SanaMente, California's mental health movement, and decides to help herself and others in her community by talking openly about mental health
Primera Generacion
Honorable Mention- SanaMente
2020
Artist: Grace Feliciano
Orange County
Grade: 11
Innovation High School
Advisor: Marla del Rosario
A girl is feeling pressured and struggling with anxiety from being the first in her family to get an education. She found help on the SanaMente website. Una niña se siente presionada y esta batallando con ansiedad de ser la primera en su familia a recibir una educación. Encuentra ayuda en el sitio de SanaMente.
Animated Short
Their Room
Fifth Place - Animated Short
2023
Artist: Moses Fleischman
Orange County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Hanna Adessi
A 3d animation that takes place in one room, where narrator asks their friend directly if they are thinking of suicide.
Know Who To Lend A Hand To
Fifth Place (TIED) - Animated Short
2022
Artist: Mariana Juarez, Kimberly Sanchez, and David Maciel
Orange County
Grade: 11
Samueli Academy
Advisor: Aimee Bilderback
An animated film about a friend who noticed warning signs that their friend needed help.
Reach Out
Statewide Third Place- Animated Short
2019
Artist: Mila Daniel, Markov Zarate, and Camryn Lujan
Orange County
Grade: 10
Samueli Academy
Advisor: Aimee Bilderback
Our film is an animated short focused on reaching out to loved ones who may be suffering with depression or suicidal thoughts. It focuses on a boy in emotional pain, and he exhibits many signs of somebody with suicidal thoughts. His friend notices these signs in him and she decides to reach out in order to...
Audience of One
Statewide First Place- Animated Short
2020
Artist: Keanu Hua, Brian Ly, Kayla Nguyen and Alexa Wright
Orange County
Grade: 10
La Quinta High School Creative Writing
Advisor: Amanda LaPera
A protagonist, depressed at the hopelessness of their life, goes to his desk and tears out the pages of his life, his memories. Ultimately, though, his actions draw the sympathy of a dear friend of his, who reminds him that, even when everything seems terrible, every moment of his life means something.
Walk in Our Shoes
You Are Not Alone
Third Place - Walk in Our Shoes - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Jesus Ruiz, Camila Hernandez, Christopher Camargo, Jesus Ortega, Jason Valencia, Natalie Avila, Arashel Pacheco, Emma Hernandez, and Miley Diaz
Orange County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Jedediah Jack
"You Are Not Alone" provides positive examples of how to get help when faced with depression and other challenges.
Depression & Empathy
Third Place (Tied) - Walk in Our Shoes - Empathy
2024
Artist: Ryan Bernald
Orange County
Grade: 7
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
This film is about showing empathy to those who are going through a tough time and being open to understanding others' situations.
Rabbit Hole
Second Place - Walk in Our Shoes - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Sophia Li and Anya Nguyen
Orange County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
This unique and creative film reimagines "Alice in Wonderland" to tell a story about youth mental health.
Giving It All Away
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Emma Hernandez, Arashel Pacheco, Christopher Camargo, and Jesus Ortega
Orange County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Jedediah Jack
"Jessica got out of a relationship where she gave a lot, but her boyfriend didn't. Now she is giving all of her favorite things away to her friend in her plan to commit suicide. Her friend notices the warning signs and directly asks if she is planning suicide."
Listening
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Empathy
2024
Artist: Joseph Soria and Joecelyn Soria
Orange County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Jeri Barber, Nia Tucker, Gabraeel Jibral
"In the film, "Listening" we wanted to bring awareness of the seriousness of mental health and how beneficial it can be to listen to our peers and loved ones when it comes to mental health."
The Butterfly Effect
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Empathy
2024
Artist: Jackson Spencer and Pedro Gava
Orange County
Grade: 7
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
"A story about a student in middle school with depression. He strugles to find friends but someone steps up."
Missing Sammy
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Suicide Prevention
2024
Artist: Arashel Pacheco, Emma Hernandez, Jesus Ortega, and Christopher Camargo
Orange County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Jedediah Jack
"Tim is missing his brother Sammy who passed away less than a year before. He decides he his going to end his life and see Sammy that night. His friend Ronald sees the warning, Tim's anger and that he has made suicide plan and gets him help."
Harmony at Home
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Empathy
2024
Artist: Adriana Matagi, Evelyn Matagi, Quin Valenzuela, and Tam Tu
Orange County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Kurt Reisig
"Our entry relates to the required content submission criteria (walk in our shoes) because we showcase the struggles of family relationships and how there is always someone who wants to help. Some families face the struggle of mental or physical abuse, lack of communication, dissociation, or toxic family situations. In this video, we specifically focus on...
SPEAK WITH CONFIDENCE
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Empathy
2024
Artist: Yessenia Acteopan Reyes and Brianna Murillo
Orange County
Grade: 7
Advisor: Kurt Reisig
"The video realates back to the required criteria since it is about Walk in our shoes. Our video shows the perspective of a girl who has social anxiety, and is scared of talking to people and had a fear of making new friends. Untill she meets someone who starts talking to her and she's unsure of...
Walk in Our Shoes: My Mom’s Expectations
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Empathy
2024
Artist: Tien Do, Kurt Reisig, Robin Kirk, Khoa Pham, Khang Lai, Lisa Nguyen, Duy Tran, and Karlee Vo
Orange County
Grade: 7
Advisor: Kurt Reisig
"My submission relates back to the required content submission criteria by showing how a girl gets her mental health and how she solves it."
A Shoulder to Lean On
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - Empathy
2024
Artist: Ismael Cuevas, Nathan Maldonado, and Khang Tran
Orange County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Jeri Barber, Nia Tucker, and Gabraeel Jibral
"Culture can be shown in different perspectives and characteristics throughout our communities. Our video shows a representation of how we use different language, shared experience, and emotion to portray how we deal with expressing how we are feeling around others. It is hard to be vulnerable in front of others that may be from a different...
Dealing with Anxiety
First Place - Walk in Our Shoes - Mental Health
2024
Artist: Anne Rowe and Luke Orologas
Orange County
Grade: 7
Advisor: Roxanne Smathers
This film is about causes and symptoms of anxiety, as well as how to handle them.
Hope and Justice
Turning the Page
Honorable Mention Monthly Prompt - High School
Artist: Alize Galvan, Johni Morillo, and Hector Pena
Orange County
Grade: 11
Buena Park High School
Advisor: Shayan Vasiritabar
We want viewers to be able to relate to the film, but our true goal was to share and express the feeling of overcoming a hard time in life and to share hope through a personal story. We just have to keep that hope alive no matter what.
You Are Never A Bother
Honorable Mention Monthly Prompt - CBO
2024
Artist: Frida Rodriguez, Angelica Ardiles, Alex Alarcon, and Ruben Rodriguez,
Orange County
Grade: 12
OCAPICA (Community Based Organization)
Advisor: Jenny Correa
It is important to us that people know they aren't a bother. Their problems matter, and there are people who care about what they are going through. We have seen people feel like they don't have anyone to talk to, and we want to help make our school and community a more welcoming and caring place.
You Are Never A Bother
Honorable Mention Monthly Prompt - CBO
2024
Artist: Evelyn Torres and Ashlyn Ward
Orange County
Grade: 8
OCAPICA (Community Based Organization)
Advisor: Jazmin Trujillo
It is important for my friends to know that they are never a bother. They can come to me with any problems, and as a peer mentor, I want to be there for my friends and point them in the right direction.
What I Wish My Parents Knew
First Place (Tied) Monthly Prompt CBO - Tied
2024
Artist: Mia Quintana-Vega, Stephanie Villa-Acuna, Maria Martinez, Stephanie Palacios, Jada Delgado, Melanie Arce, and Kaitlyn Chavez
Orange County
Grade: 12
OCAPICA
Advisor: Jenny Correa
It is important for our parents to know what we are going through. We have different experiences from them, and they can't always relate. This can affect our mental health and our relationship with them. We want to bring more awareness to this struggle that students have with their parents.
What I Wish My Parents Knew
Second Place Monthly Prompt CBO
2024
Artist: Samantha Mutuku and Gabriel Macias
Orange County
Grade: 8
OCAPICA
Advisor: Jazmin Trujillo
Sometimes it is hard for my parents to understand me and for me to open up to them. Working with my team helped me to feel better knowing that my friends go through similar things. We want our parents to understand how important mental health is to us.
What I Wish My Parents Knew
Third Place Monthly Prompt CBO
2024
Artist: Yaretzi Alvarado, Danny Ledesma, Makayla Labra Trejo, and Angela Mancheno
Orange County
Grade: 8
OCAPICA
Advisor: Jazmin Trujillo
I want to help bring awareness to the fact that students are going through a lot more than their parents might realize.
Never a Bother Only A Helper
Honorable Mention Monthly Prompt - High School
2024
Artist: Alize Galvan
Orange County
Grade: 11
Buena Park High School
Advisor: Mr. Vazirtabar
I created this piece because I believe it's something others such as students like myself can relate to and deeply relate to it.
Dear Mom and Dad…
First Place Monthly Prompt - Film - High School
2024
Artist: Tahlia Pompel and Claire Ng
Orange County
Grade: 12
El Dorado High School
Advisor: Mark Switzer
As I'm growing up and becoming more independent, I've struggled with being overwhelmed by school, my commitments, and my busy schedule. I know my parents want to help me but don't always know how. I want them to know that, because of all the things they have taught me and the values they have instilled in...
Are you ok?
Honorable Mention Monthly Prompt - High School
2023
Artist: Caitlin Oreta
Orange County
Grade: 10
Canyon High School
Advisor: Alex Graham
“All it takes is one message to ask if someone is ok. It may be hard to reach out, but in the end it will be worth it. I believe it's important to share how we feel. We should feel no shame in telling our friends about our mental health.”
Coyote Corner
First Place Monthly Prompt - High School
2023
Artist: Aracely Aispuro-Morales and Leilani Chavez
Orange County
Grade: 10
Buena Park High School
Advisor: Vaziri Tabar
“Our film highlights a unique spot at Buena Park High School. It's more than just a room, it's where we go when things get tough. Here, you're never just another face in the crowd – you're greeted, heard, and supported. It's about the everyday reassurance that we're not alone in this.”
Be the friend
First Place Monthly Prompt - Middle School
2023
Artist: Penny Linh and Abbey Xuan Lea Graham
Orange County
Grade: 6
St Paul's School
Advisor: Timothy McCann and Alex Graham
“If you notice that a friend is sad, you should talk to them. It’s okay if you don’t always know what to say; most of the time, people just need someone to listen to them.”
Evolution
Honorable Mention Monthly Prompt - Film and Written Works
2023
Artist: Kaitlyn Wilger
Orange County
Grade: 8
Serrano Intermediate
Advisor: Alison Stucky
My submission relates to the required criteria because I start with a simple drum beat and add more to make it sound like a whole song/riff and then I have captions that say just like adding more than one sound to make a beat completely different. You can be more than one friend, son/daughter, or somebody...
Goals for 2023
2023
Artist: Jaden Cady and Sophie Cendejas
Orange County
Grade: 12
El Dorado High School
Advisor: Mark Switzer
“In my film, I talk about my hopes and goals for 2023. I include my own personal goals, my hopes for my loved ones, and my hopes for my community.”
Goals for 2023
Honorable Mention January Monthly Prompt TikTok Challenge
2023
Artist: Sophie Cendejas and Jaden Cady
Orange County
Grade: 11
El Dorado High School
Advisor: Mark Switzer
"In this film, I talk about my three goals for the new year."
Coach Veronica’s Journey
Second Place Monthly Prompt - Film and Written Works
2022
Artist: Sharon Chen, Emma Suh, Jonathan Kim, and Josiah Lee
Orange County
Grade: 12
Portola High School
Advisor: Tina Murphy
In our entry, we showcase the story of a high school water polo coach and her journey with mental health. Coach Veronica reveals her past struggles in battling her mental health issues with depression and ADHD and how water polo became a sanctuary for her. The tight-knit community of teammates helped support Coach Veronica through her...
Hope in us
Honorable Mention May 2022 Hope
2022
Artist: Oceanne Fabry-Mourer and Kaitlyn Wilger
Orange County
Grade: 7
Serrano Intermediate
Advisor: Ali Stucky
Our submission is about ideas to give you hope while going through a though time. We provided a few tips with tangible actions to take. The idea was to ensure that students have an opportunity to have "toolkit" in case of needing help.
Don’t Judge a Book by its Cover
Honorable Mention May 2022 Justice
2022
Artist: Nathan Langley and Ryder Yerington
Orange County
Grade: 8
Serrano Intermediate
Advisor: Ali Stucky
We showed how people may not know others' backgrounds and what they could be feeling and not to judge them for it.
What is Hope?
1st place May 2022 Hope
2022
Artist: Addison Nelson and Sophia Davies
Orange County
Grade: 7
Serrano Intermediate
Advisor: Ali Stucky
Our video is meant to show what others think hope is or what they are hoping for. We hope that people will feel encouraged by this to share their hope with the world and not be scared to show their hopes and dreams.
Heritage Held High
First Place - Hope & Justice
2022
Artist: Scott Hayashida
Orange County
Grade: 10
Canyon High School
Advisor: Alex Graham
“This video is about my Japanese American culture and origins and about the recent situations with Asian Hate. I believe that Asian Hate crimes are causing widespread depression among the Asian community and I have taken step in the direction of what I believe I can do to help."
Stop Childhood Sexual Abuse
Third Place - Hope & Justice
2022
Artist: Emily Reed
Orange County
Grade: 12
NAMI
Advisor: Steve Pitman
“My goal for creating this entry is to inform and bring awareness to the community that sexual abuse can be the cause of mental health diagnoses. Bringing people, organizations, resources together is something I feel is impactful based on my experience, as well as inspire and encourage others to seek help and let individuals know they...