The students making the top 10 are NyKole Vartanian, Camren Zoet, Ruby Frei, Miles Sonza and Corey Holt.
Being named as a top 10 finalist ensures these students of earning at minimum a $75 gift card and could earn them as much as $1,500.
The contest challenges students to create 30-second public service announcements focused on either healthy living, building character or celebrating diversity. According to a press release about the contest, “The goal is to encourage students to focus on positive, great choices that can be made in daily life.”
This year, more than 350 entries were submitted from area schools. Awards will be announced during an in-person awards reception at 10 a.m. June 5 at Byron Center High School auditorium.
In addition to the three subject areas for the film contest, students could also decide whether to make the PSA appropriate for kindergarten through sixth grade students, or seventh through 12th grade students making up the six total categories for the contest.
Prizes are awarded for films in the top 10 in each of the six categories. Places fourth through 10th receive a $75 gift card. Third place receives a $500 gift card; second place a $1,000 gift card and first place in each category receives a $1,500 gift card.
Student submissions are judged anonymously by a panel of college judges. The top 10 high school films in each category will be available to view on the Meijer Great Choices Film Festival website for schools to use as tools for character education, health and diversity programs.