Mercer Island High School’s Media Technology and Filmmaking Class announced today that three student works have been named Best Student Works in the 46th Annual Telly Awards.
The Telly Awards honor excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, production companies. This season, the Telly Awards chose to celebrate the creativity that emerges when Stories Take Shape in bold and innovative ways.
Senior Hannah Moeller received a Silver Award for her work titled, “The Third Option” which tells the story of a teen’s very difficult choice under even more difficult circumstances.
Senior Minh Luu received a Bronze Award for his work titled, “Leave No Trace” telling a story of betrayal, deceit, and murder.
Senior Hadley Holtzclaw received a bronze award for her work titled “Dear Mom”, a story that pulls on the heartstrings in a story of sacrifice and adoption.
“Each of these three students has brought a unique voice and vision to their work, crafting stories that are not only visually compelling but emotionally resonant. From innovative camera work to thoughtful narrative structure, their dedication to the craft is evident in every frame. Watching their growth as filmmakers and artists has been truly inspiring, and I’m excited to see where their creativity takes them next,” says Emmy-nominated teacher, Michael Ketchum.
This year’s winners include Pixar Animation Studios, Hearst Media, ESPN, LinkedIn, NATO, MTV Entertainment Studios, NASA, the Los Angeles Clippers (NBA), Sawhorse Productions, Telemundo and more.
Committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity forward, this year’s new categories included topics within Film & Shorts, Outdoor & Adventure, and Brand Partnerships. These categories centered on stories and collaborations that are actively evolving within the video and television industry.
There were over 13,000 entries from across the globe and top video and television content producers. Winner’s were chosen by The Telly Awards Judging Council which includes Ben Wackett, Marketing Director, ENSO Sports & Entertainment Agency; Brian Toombs, Head of Roku Brand Studio, Roku Brand Studio; Lucy Shen, Creator Marketing Manager, Patreon; Irantzu Diez-Gamboa, CEO North America, MediaPro; Rosalind Pressman, VP Brand Marketing, Pluto TV; Adam Faze, Executive Producer, Gymnasium; James Young, EVP, Head of Creative Innovation, BBDO New York; Sarah Minnie, Head of Artist Development and Production, Open Television; Nicole Lederman, Executive Producer, The Martin Agency; and Gregg Stouffer, Lead Editor, Pickleball TV.
Mercer Island High School announced today that the following works submitted by students in the Media Technology and Filmmaking class led by teacher, Michael Ketchum, were awarded the following awards and recognition in the record breaking 45th Annual Telly Awards:
(dis) continued, a short film by Hadley Holtzclaw, GOLD TELLY WINNER
Stage Three: White Flora, a short film by Hannah Moeller, GOLD TELLY WINNER
The Fine Art of Never Getting Started, a short film by Maxwell Viafore, BRONZE TELLY WINNER
The Hike, a short film by Wesley Stokke, BRONZE TELLY WINNER
The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, production companies. This year’s winners include Adobe, Calvin Klein, ESPN, LinkedIn, Mother Jones, MTV Entertainment Studios, NASA, the LA Clippers (NBA), PlayStation Studios, Sawhorse Productions, TelevisaUnivison and more.
“This is the second year for the Media Technology and Filmmaking course at Mercer Island High School and it's a great example of what happens when we unleash the skills and the imagination of America’s young people,” said instructor Michael Ketchum. “When we provide these young adults with the best opportunities and technology and resources, there’s no telling what they’ll create -- now and the years ahead.
“I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished and their ability to tell their stories in ways that reach such an incredible audience. That’s the power of what is being done here at MIHS. Experiences like these are about helping our youth to connect in new and meaningful ways, whether it’s somebody as close as their parents, or somebody on an iPad halfway around the world who may share more in common with them than they might think. Congratulations to our students!”
Mercer Island High School’s Media Technology, Filmmaking, and Storytelling Class announced today that two student works have been named Best Student Works in the record breaking 44th Annual Telly Awards. The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks, production companies and including Adobe, BBC World Service, Netflix, Dow Jones, Complex Networks, Jennifer Garner, A&E Networks, Hearst Media, Nickelodeon, National Geographic Society, ESPN Films, RYOT, Partizan and Vimeo.
Jonathan Aggar received a Silver Award for his work titled, “Climate Changed” which captures a bleak but not impossible future impacted by the effects of climate change.
Sophia Chew received a Bronze Award for her work titled, “Literally Opposites” capturing a unique perspective of two students, so similar yet…opposite.
“The caliber of the work this season coming from creators such as Jonathan and Sophia truly has reflected the theme of breaking out and standing out,” said Telly Awards Executive Director Sabrina Dridje. “Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, crafting truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues, and companies big and small are turning to more sustainable practices to break the cycle of past production processes.”
“Today’s winners’ announcement caps a re-introduction of media technology and filmmaking at Mercer Island High School and celebrates creators and talent who truly stand out during a time when the ubiquity of screens brings more clutter than quality into our lives,” said their teacher, Michael Ketchum.
“Jonathan and Sophia, as well as the rest of the class, are the creators and innovators who spotlight diverse voices, who are building a more sustainable industry, and who break through the static with their creativity. I couldn’t be prouder of these two, and the future is bright for these two and filmmaking at MIHS!”
It was a record-breaking year with nearly 13,000 entries from across the globe and top video and television content producers such as Airbnb, Audible, BET Networks/BET Digital, BritBox, Disney, FEMA, Gaumont, Golden State Warriors, MediaMonks, NASA, National Geographic Society, Netflix, Paramount, PBS Digital Studios and more.
Michael Ketchum from MIHS TV was named the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) Best Advisor for TV in 2024, for the second year in a row. The 84th annual IBS awards ceremony was held in New York City on March 1-2, 2024, where he received the award.
MIHS.TV's, the Current, was named the best Intercollegiate Broadcasting System (IBS) best TV Newscast in the nation. Additionally, Michael Ketchum was named the Best Advisor for TV in 2023.
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