Student/teacher video wins grand prize

Jan. 5, 2012 

A 30-second commercial created by teachers and students at the Watervliet Junior-Senior High School has won the middle school grand prize of $2,500 in a healthy challenge video contest.
    In October, Mr. Birmingham filmed and submitted an entry to the BlueShield of Northeastern New York’s Healthy Changes Everything video contest. According to the contest rules, the prize money must be used to enhance the school’s healthy environment.
    Last spring, Dr. Caplan, principal of the junior-senior high school, asked Mr. Birmingham if he’d be interested in entering the contest for the school. He took up the challenge writing, directing and editing the spot, which stars Ms. Rozell and Mr. Santiago together with about 30 Watervliet students. Shooting took place over the course of two days. Natalie Spence and art student Christina Falzo produced a poster used in the video. Students with principle roles in the commercial include Ryan Donlon, Alysa Chartand, Rowan Connors and Jonah Cormie. Mr. Saucier, from the technology department, provided all the lighting equipment and technical advice.
    “It was a big thrill to see all the excitement on the students' faces as we rehearsed, set up the shots and filmed the commercial,” Mr. Birmingham said. “It was a fun learning experience for the kids and the $2,500 grand prize I’m sure will be put to good use promoting a healthy environment at the school.”

Watch the prize winning video

View a photo gallery of the first day of filming

Watch blooper and outtake reel