Riverside 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
With Hands, We Connect
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Isabella Hogan, Jaime Ynigo Perez, Jordan Delgado, and Bryant Delorme
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Andrew Huff
Reminds viewers the importance of checking in on friends, and that there are many trusted adults who can help those experiencing suicidal thoughts.
Solace in Friends
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Mario Castelo, Michael Aguon, Victor Garcia Lopez, Jorge Rivera, and Julian Nava
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
A film that shares an empathetic perspective into the struggles of someone with suicidal thoughts and an encouraging message to reach out for help.
The Reflections Upon a Picture
Third Place Regional and Team Pick - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Reyshilyn Villegas, Ruszel Paine Cuajotor, Dillon Chelette, and Ibrahim Sudqi
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
While reflecting on photos from the past year, friends recognize a youth's changes in behavior and connect him with a school counselor.
Never Give Up
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Eric Garavito
Riverside County
Grade: Other
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
A film empathizing with the challenges youth may face and encouraging them to reach out for help if they experience suicidal thoughts.
Not Too Late
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Caden Ebert, Nicholas Johnston, Noah Harding, and Elaheh Brill
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Ella Harrison
A film that shares both the perspective of a youth with suicidal thoughts and of their friend who steps in to connect them with support.
One Call Away
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Giovanni Ferratt, Isamar Gutierrez-Hurtado, and John Rodlin
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Advisor: James Long
Gio's friends notice changes in his behavior from his usual outgoing personality, so they give him the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline number to help him cope with his suicidal thoughts.
Robert Gallardo, Travis Gallardo, and Jeno Erdelyi
Second Place Regional - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Robert Gallardo, Travis, and Jeno Erdelyi
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Ella Harrison
After noticing his friend is struggling, a youth asks him directly if he is thinking of suicide and reaches out to a trusted adult for help.
988
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Alexandria Soto
Riverside County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Anita Young, MTSS Liaison
An informative film directing those in a mental health crisis to call 988.
A Talk With Mya
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Emmy Giron and Mya Jackson
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Ella Harrison
A young woman who notices warning signs in her friend reaches out to see if she's been thinking about suicide.
Always There
Honorable Mention - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Enrique Ibarra Jr., Karandeep Singh, Camila Rose, and Esra Mor
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
nice and educational. asks directly. girl looses brother and finds support from friends
Behind the Smile
First Place Regional - Suicide Prevention
2023
Artist: Matthew Milincu, Krishna Gombar, Isabella Lugo, and Margarita Medina
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
Behind the smile, a youth struggles with his mental health but a friend who reached out saved his life. This film asks the viewers to help "create a world where we can talk about mental health freely and without judgement."
The Light in the Darkness
First Place Regional - Suicide Prevention
2022
Artist: Enrique Ibarra Jr., JP Mansour, Haoyu He, and Mia Sandoval
RIverside County
Grade: 11
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
Through a vlog, a youth describes his expeience with thoughts of suicide, and reachign out for help.
Mental Health Matters
Solitude
First Place Through the Lens of Culture - Mental Health Matters
2022
Artist: Shea Manning, Danik Soudakoff, and Abigail Frausto
RIverside County
Grade: 12
Polytechnic High School
Advisor: John Enyeart
Film about a deaf student, who relied on lip reading, navigating the pandemic while everybody is masked.
El Secreto
Second Place Through the Lens of Culture - Mental Health Matters
2022
Artist: Mariana Vicencio-Mendiola
RIverside County
Grade: 10
Murrieta Valley High School
Advisor: Ella Harrison
A youth discusses the lack of access to mental health help and education in her community.
Vergüenza
Third Place Through the Lens of Culture - Mental Health Matters
2022
Artist: Angelica Muñoz, Evaisa Murillo, and Carolina Muñoz
RIverside County
Grade: 10
Valley View High School
Advisor: Jim Long
A film about how a youth in the latinx community may feel shameful when experiencing signs of struggling with mental health or a mental illness.
Transposed
Fifth Place Through the Lens of Culture (TIED) - Mental Health Matters
2022
Artist: Darla Salazar, Tommi Abueg, and David Contreras
RIverside County
Grade: 11
Ramona High School
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
A film about the personal experience of a transgender youth navigating an often hostile and unhelpful society, and the impact this has on thier mental health.
Another Light
First Place Statewide and First Place Regional - Mental Health Matters
2021
Artist: Lizzie Waddleton and Leyna Vo
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Murrieta Mesa High School
Advisor: Timeree Kristell
This film portrays two girls who reach out to people they trust and get the resources and help that they need.
Stronger Together
Second Place Regional - Mental Health Matters
2020
Artist: Raul Chavez, Esha Jacob, and Dylan Shifflet
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
A boy exhibits changes in his behavior and gets diagnosed with depression. His friends notice these changes and reach out to support him.
It’s More Common Than You Think
Second Place Regional - Mental Health Matters
2019
Artist: Christina Batte
Riverside County
Grade: 10
Murrieta Valley High School
Advisor: Ella Harrison
This wasn't my original film plan, but I had to improvise. I had no idea if it would even come together until i started editing it: everything fell into place. I am super satisfied with the product and hope it will affect many. The song in this film is one I wrote last year on my guitar... it sounded like something you'd hear in one of those trendy shorts you come across online; and sis was here for that. #enjoy
Awake
Third Place Regional - Mental Health Matters
2019
Artist: Off the Rails Productions
Riverside County
Grade: 10
Murrieta Mesa High School
Advisor: Timeree Kristell
Chandler realizes the difficulties he is facing through his life. His anxiety begins to overwhelm him when things in his life begin to pile on his plate. He find that he needs to talk to someone he trust about his situation and lets his mother know.
Colors
2019
Artist: Jacob Klein & Jessica Flores
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Encore High School
Advisor: Chill Kerney
In the story we have 7 Colors and each colors has a different emotion. Red is the main person of the film red's emotion is Willpower! Each dancer has a color and a different emotion.
Frozen Sunshine
First Place Regional - Mental Health Matters
2019
Artist: Sophia Wolfe, Halie DeVries, Madelyn Aguilar, and Sajah Kuderman
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Encore High School
Advisor: Jared Nelson
A girl is “frozen” by her mental health challenges, but her friend directly asks her what she needs to better understand how to help.
Scribbled
First Place Statewide and First Place Regional
2018
Artist: Sophia, Perrin, Isaiah, Zoey & Riley
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Encore High School
Advisor: Jared Nelson
A boy with depression learns he’s not the only one struggling, so he shares his story to make others feel less alone.
Feeling Locked
First Place, Youth and Young Adults - Mental Health Matters
2017
Artist: Tyler N., Lawrence W., Zeferino M., Donny O., Jalen H., Nathaniel C., Elver V.
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Youth Treatment & Education Center
Advisor: Nancy Salcedo
This film encourages youth to open up to others about their mental health and to reach out for help.
Through the Lens of Culture
Through the Lens of Culture
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Taliyah Randolph, Xitlali Natividad, and Frida Arriaga
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Rosalva Campos
The filmmakers shared, "Our group decided to interview our fellow peers from school to hear their individual perspective on the topic of Mental Health in their culture."
United By Humanity
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Caitlyn Garcia, Keila Esau, Angel Sosa, Nathan Johnson, Kevin Castillo, and Justin Daniel
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Anita Young, MTSS Liaison
Differences and commonalities are highlighted between a group of students, who share a message of unity and understanding.
We’re Still Human
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Riley Barnhart, Gabriella Williams, Kathryn McChesney
Riverside County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Kimberly Randall
The filmmakers shared, "Our team at TVHS decided to create 'We're Still Human' to spread awareness of the effects social isolation and alienation can have on a deaf or hard-of-hearing person."
Doctor, Engineer, Lawyer, or Failure
Fifth Place - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Brooke Gondal
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
The filmmaker shared, "My entry is about the pressure that South Asian kids have on their shoulders and how it can affect them."
I Need Help Getting Help
First Place - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Sarah Everett
Riverside County
Grade: 9
Advisor: Ella Harrison
Through a poignant poem, a young black girl fights against systemic racism, ultimately celebrating herself and her possibilites.
Mal Diagnosticado
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Angelica Muñoz
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Chris Lorenz
The filmmaker shared, "This film is about my own personal journey with mental health, and how I was misdiagnosed with stomach virus when in reality it was anxiety. I made this film to educate parents and students that sometimes something that might seem as a common illness might be a mental illness."
Silenced
Third Place (TIED) - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Michael Lopez, Darla Salazar, Tommi Abueg, Vivian Saavedra, Adrian Marmolejo, Alan Sampel, Valery Armenta, Cassandra Macedonio, and Olivia Chavez
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
The filmmaker shared, "Our film was specifically about being part of the LGBTQ+ community and the struggles within it. We want people to know that although not everyone will accept you, there are other people who will; you are not a problem."
Alone
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: Valery Armenta, Olivia Chavez, Sofia Vazquez, Daisy perez, Crystal Ixmay, Ashely Padilla, Dacy Nottingham, and Jocelyn Juan-Linares
Riverside County
Grade: 10
Advisor: Dacy Nottingham
The filmmakers shared, "Our entry is about the struggles that the language barrier has created for students in the school environment.."
Be the change
Honorable Mention - Through the Lens of Culture
2023
Artist: David Watson and Vince Gurrola
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Advisor: Anita Young, MTSS Liaison
A film about how to work through generational trauma in Hispanic households by starting conversations about mental health and validating the emotions of loved ones.
Solitude
First Place Through the Lens of Culture - Mental Health Matters
2022
Artist: Shea Manning, Danik Soudakoff, and Abigail Frausto
RIverside County
Grade: 12
Polytechnic High School
Advisor: John Enyeart
Film about a deaf student, who relied on lip reading, navigating the pandemic while everybody is masked.
El Secreto
Second Place Through the Lens of Culture - Mental Health Matters
2022
Artist: Mariana Vicencio-Mendiola
RIverside County
Grade: 10
Murrieta Valley High School
Advisor: Ella Harrison
A youth discusses the lack of access to mental health help and education in her community.
Vergüenza
Third Place Through the Lens of Culture - Mental Health Matters
2022
Artist: Angelica Muñoz, Evaisa Murillo, and Carolina Muñoz
RIverside County
Grade: 10
Valley View High School
Advisor: Jim Long
A film about how a youth in the latinx community may feel shameful when experiencing signs of struggling with mental health or a mental illness.
SanaMente
Puedo Enfrentarlo
First Place - SanaMente
2021
Artist: Gabriela Sanchez Flores, Jocelyn Pacheco, Justin Quick, and Mark Wysocki
Riverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
A pair of girls discuss the pressure they carry to succeed but also rely on their family and resources.
Primer Generación
Third Place - SanaMente
2021
Artist: Erica Barron and Julia Aversa
Riverside County
Grade: 9
Eleanor Roosevelt High School
Advisor: Jacob Fuller
A young girl shares how the pressure of being a first-generation American affects her wellbeing and not being able to share her feelings with her family.
La Vida Nunca Para
Second Place - SanaMente
2019
Artist: Andrea Leon
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Encore High School
Advisor: Jared Nelson
In the Latino community, having a lot on your plate and being constantly busy may seem like a positive thing; but many don't consider the negative effects it has on someone. It leads to mental health issues such as high-stress levels and anxiety that causes life to feel as though it is moving too fast and you can't keep up. While making this I was going through what I am describing in my film and I felt like I was drowning, and no one seemed to care. I have learned that I need to take a break from time to time and do something I enjoy; which led me to create this film.
Animated Short
Yellow
Honorable Mention - Animated Short
2021
Artist: Eunice Saba
Riverside County
Grade: 10
Vista del Lago High School
Advisor: Cindi Dolan
A film about the how the pandemic affects our mental health and how to directly ask the question to someone who shows the warning signs of suicide.
You Are Not Alone
Honorable Mention - Animated Short
2020
Artist: Brianna Oliverio and Jacob Hereford
Riverside County
Grade: 10
Murrieta Valley High School
Advisor: Ella Harrison
A friend notices a student is acting differently and talks to a counselor who provides the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline. The friend reaches out and helps the student.
Walk in Our Shoes
You’re Not Alone
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - The Superhero in Each of Us
2023
Artist: Lena Phan and Alezza Gallegos
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
A youth who feels isolated and displays warning signs of suicide decides to reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline.
Why It Matters
Honorable Mention - Walk in Our Shoes - What is Mental Health
2023
Artist: Genaro De La Fuente, Charles Tran, and Elidia Lopez
Riverside County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
A film that expresses the challenges that middle school students face when coping with mental health issues and and the message that the mental health of each student matters.
Check On Your Friends
First Place (TIED) - Walk in Our Shoes - Words Matter
2023
Artist: Elidia Lopez, Charles Tran, Rene Ordoñez, and Ariadna “Ace” Nicanor
Riverside County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
Though some may hide their emotions better than others, this film serves as a reminder that it's important to check in on friends.
Clarity
Second Place - Walk in Our Shoes - What is Mental Health
2023
Artist: Kayla Chase, Sarina Adame, and Alexa Garcia
Riverside County
Grade: 8
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
A film about how mental health challenges can permeate all aspects of life, but that help and hope is always there.
Basketball Hero
Fourth Place Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero in Each of Us
2022
Artist: Jerren White and Stephen Anderson
RIverside County
Grade: 7
Mountain View Middle School
Advisor: Noal Garrett
A youth experiencing mental health challenges loses interest in basketball, and reaches out to his coach for help.
Unfiltered
Third Place Walk in Our Shoes (TIED) – What is Mental Health
2022
Artist: Crista Kerr, Kayla Chase, and Angel Martinez
RIverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
A film about social media and the pressures on youth to filter their images.
Consider The Following
Fourth Place Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health
2022
Artist: Elidia Lopez, Raiden Scharsch, Eduardo Martinez, and Jayden Kong
RIverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
A film about mental health and resources available for youth if they are in need of help.
The Overcomer
Second Place - Walk in Our Shoes: The Superhero in Each of Us
2021
Artist: Mark Wysocki
Riverside County
Grade: 7
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
The Superhero that resides in each one of us can be found! Mark is an animator, and he shows us that understanding the choices we face and choosing to reach for light in the darkness is so important. In a 100% virtual environment, creating this animated PSA was a huge accomplishment as well as an eye opener. How we support one another matters. How we continue to learn and move forward matters. Mental Health Matters- and we can be an overcomer!
My Life
Third Place - Walk in Our Shoes: What is Mental Health
2020
Artist: Ruben Martinez
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Mountain View Middle School
Advisor: Noal Garrett
A boy is diagnosed with ADHD, feels alone and is struggling in school until he reaches out for help and starts to see the light.
Make Your Mark
First Place - Walk in Our Shoes: What is Mental Health
2020
Artist: Jazmine Carillo, Natasha Powers, Jocelyn Pacheco, Tiffany Bravo, Casandra Viscarra and Crista Kerr
Riverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
A girl hides her true feelings behind a smile and laughter until she finds friends that like her for who she is. She finds power and strength in expressing and being her real self.
Keep an Eye on Me
Second Place - Walk in Our Shoes: The Superhero in Each of Us
2019
Artist: Angelo Gilbert, Katelyn Dwelley, Ellis Garrett & Madeline Bielman
Riverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
A student describes his struggles with depression and loneliness and expresses how his friends give him hope.
Hope and Justice
Pick Up Your Trash
First Place April Monthly Prompt
2023
Artist: Jayden England
Riverside County
Grade: 8
Landmark Middle School
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
The Earth is slowly getting ruined and I want to share to try and raise awareness. We can all do our part.
Teens and Opioids
Honorable Mention - RUHS Substance Use Awareness
2023
Artist: Sammantha Campos, Nicole Diaz, and Ryan Curan
Riverside County
Grade: 10
Indio Teen Center
Advisor: Rosalva Campos
Mental health is affected by drugs. Decided to focus on opioid use since we had the lesson plan on them but figured most people have heard of it but don’t know the facts.
Drugs and Youth
Honorable Mention - RUHS Substance Use Awareness
2023
Artist: Azriyel Mancilla, Cristian Ceja, and Christian Torres Angulo
Riverside County
Grade: 12
Indio Teen Center
Advisor: Rosalva Campos
We have been doing this TikTok videos for a while at school about dumb stuff and when approached by our ITC Advisor to do this we figured it would be fun and easy. Drugs are a problem, we don’t have access to our restrooms because of the problem.
It’s Up To Us
2nd Place - RUHS Substance Use Awareness
2023
Artist: Genaro De La Fuente, Charles Tran, and Michael Ordoñez
Riverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
It's Up To Us defines the responsibility youth have to help their peers understand the issues surrounding opioid crisis. Knowing what you're facing and how to respond to it can be the difference between life and death. The leadership students at David A Brown have committed to reaching the youth of California by presenting this important information from their hearts in hopes that they can save a life. It matters because everyone matters.
Proud to be Different
Second Place Monthly Prompt - Film and Written Works
2023
Artist: Cande Torres
Riverside County
Grade: 8
Landmark Middle School
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
My entry is about students at my school and the diversity that we have. We are all different and we are proud of it. We are "more than one" but we are still together and we support each other.
The Way Of Music – Who is She TBH
Honorable Mention January Monthly Prompt TikTok Challenge
2023
Artist: Cande Torres and Simarin Rait
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Landmark Middle School
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
"My video is about music and the way that music can bring hope to others. The meaning of music for me is it can make you express what you want to feel. The fact that music can just make you fall into it. Also, music can help just by listening to it you can just get into it without thinking you are. You can overanalyze every word you hear in music. If you feel down you can just drown every single one of your feelings in lyrics. If you need someone to comfort you can use music to help with your comfort you. The meaning is it can help with your feeling and it can change your mood however you want to take it. Music can be a way to talk without using your own words."
Heroic Goals
Honorable Mention January Monthly Prompt TikTok Challenge
2023
Artist: Benjamin Seay Mcgee
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Landmark Middle School
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
"My piece is about my goals for 2023."
Hopes for LMMS 2023
Honorable Mention January Monthly Prompt TikTok Challenge
2023
Artist: Lena Pham and Alezza Gallegos
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Landmark Middle School
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
“Our entry is about interviewing students at Landmark Middle School from six through eighth grade. We asked them about their hopes for this school year and they gave a short, descriptive response.”
My Hero
Honorable Mention Monthly Prompt - Film and Written Works
2022
Artist: Nicole Vincent
Riverside County
Grade: 7
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
I am lucky. There are so many people around me that I consider to be a hero, but the one that helps me the most mentally and physically is my mother. She is everything to me, and always has been. I know that I will always need her, and I'm thankful that she is my Mental Health Hero.
A Brick Wall
Third Place Monthly Prompt - Film and Written Works
2022
Artist: Christian Bolanos
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Landmark Middle School
Advisor: Vanessa Hoang
My film talks who my mental heath hero is and why they helped me.
Made Not Born
First Place Monthly Prompt - Film and Written Works
2022
Artist: Kalani Mativa, Elidia Lopez, Arianna Cravens
Riverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
"When I asked my class what word described their vision of Mental Health at our school, they all thought of the same thing. At our school they are leaders - they promote Mental Health - offer help and assistance to anyone that needs it - they are aware and feel responsible. They have learned from their partnership with Directing Change and RCOE that the future is up to them! We have to work together within our school and our community to bring awareness and help to those that need it... that requires leadership."
White Noise
First Place Hope & Justice – Hope (TIED)
2022
Artist: Elida Lopez, Krystal Hernandez, and Savannah Lawrey
RIverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
A film about a youth feeling overwhelmed by the 'noise' of present day society - from social media, the needs of their friends, and world events.
Too Faced
1st place (tied) Monthly Prompt - March 2022
2022
Artist: Sofia Larson
Riverside County
Grade: 9
Liberty High School
Advisor: Deanne Dean
My art shows that even if someone looks happy all the time, they aren’t. You just need to look deeper not just see what you want to.
Hopes For 2022
Featured TikTok
2022
Artist: Kaitlyn Franco
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Mountain View Middle School
Advisor: Noal Garrett
This TikTok is what people are hopeful for 2022. Hope is an important thing to have, because without it, you could lose yourself. That is why I made this video to show other peoples hopes, even if they are little, it can impact you life majorly.
We Can See Hope
Third Place - February 2021 Hope & Justice Contest
2021
Artist: Cody Fyfe, Crista Kerr, Justin Quick, Jocelyn Pacheco, Tiffany Bravo, and Mark Wysocki
Riverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
“We CAN See hope. This project was completed 100% virtually with all students/teachers online. We wanted to express what this past year has held within education and how all of us can still see HOPE. This is their reality, and with the help from their community and state, they can succeed. Mental Health Matters to ALL of us, and this is the most important time to SEE HOPE!”
Gratitude is a State of Mind
Honorable Mention - November 2021 Monthly Prompt: "Art of Gratitude"
2021
Artist: Elidia Lopez
Riverside County
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pittoti
Our class talked about what it means to be grateful and living a life filled with gratitude. We had a lot of things in common that we were all grateful for, but we found that some of us had unique reasons to be grateful. As we made this film, we realized that we all have something to be grateful for, and focusing on it can help you live a happier and healthier life.
Aware
Honorable Mention
2021
Artist: Genesis Morales
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Mountain View Middle School
Advisor: Nicholis Kalantar
In a world where we at times we get overwhelmed with problems we tend to forget to be thankful about what really matters in life. We shut down and end up being distracted by our struggles and it makes it difficult to enjoy moments spent with the ones you love. It may be hard to be grateful when we feel the world closing in around us but gratitude is what helps us move forward, it helps us see the good in a situation and make sense of it all.
What Am I Grateful For?
Honorable Mention - November 2021 Monthly Prompt: "Art of Gratitude"
2021
Artist: Sophia Vargas
Riverside County
Grade: 7
Mountain View Middle School
Advisor: Noal Garrett
My entry includes all the things that I'm grateful for and how they make my life better. It includes many pictures of my family and some videos as well.
Redefined Hope
Second Place - October 2021 Monthly Prompt: "Back to School: The Good, The Bad, and The Unexpected"
2021
Artist: Crista Kerr,Mark Wysocki,Jazleen Fowler,Isabel Soto,Angel Merida Cano
Riverside County
Grade: 8
David A Brown Middle School
Advisor: Amy Pitotti
This film shares students’ renewed hopes for the future as they reflect on adapting to changes from the pandemic.
New Beginning
Third Place - October 2021 Hope & Justice Contest
2021
Artist: Genesis Morales
Riverside County
Grade: 11
Heritage High School
Advisor: Nicholis Kalantar
A film about accepting and growing from change, which can be difficult to cope with, but can also bring new opportunities.