KENNEDY HIGH SCHOOL: Film festival showcases plenty of talent

Twelfth-grade AP English students Kevin Hernandez, Keith Fraley and Nathan Brant from Mr. Burnett’s class organized a film festival that took place March 28 at Kennedy High School's cafetorium. The event showcased photographs and short films created by Kennedy students with prizes awarded for winners of several categories.

The entries were judged by volunteers Mrs. Jackie Lancina (assistant principal), Mrs. Armelda Wilcox (Mrs. Lancina’s secretary), and Mr. Nick Lauerman (ELA teacher). All three judges were thoroughly impressed with the presentation of the festival and the quality of the content on display.

Not only was the event good for the students, but the community as well. AP English teacher Mr. Burnett was also in attendance and spoke highly of the event. 

“I was completely impressed by the gentlemen… they provided a quality event for their community that showcases the talents of the students, something that can’t be shown on standardized tests or exams,” said Burnett.

Photographs were grouped into several categories including animals, abstract and landscapes, with Haley Yandrasitch and Jenna Grabowski winning multiple awards and Kyle Kitchen, Dereck Burbank and Melissa Woloszyk winning an award as well.

In the film category, Burbank and Kitchen nabbed the prize for best comedy (and best in show) with their short about the unorthodox routine of Hilary Clinton as she skateboards to the party store for another beverage.  

The drama club won the top prize in the drama category for their powerful film about bullying. An honorable mention was given to Haley Yandrasitch and her collaborators Marie Yax and Jamie Rodzinka for their superb music video which featured stunning editing and creativity.

The event was very professionally done and went off without a hitch, technical or otherwise, and the nearly 50 guests were welcomed with table decorations and refreshments. It was one of the most successful senior projects ever, said Mrs. Lancina, who hopes that the project continues for years to come.

The Best in Show winning entry is in video form at the top of the page.