Student Showcase Winners 2025
Student Showcase Winners 2025
Animation, Visual Effects, and Games
Winners:
Vyvy D., Emma R., Sean R., Demitri D., Zhane M., James H.
School:
Leuzinger High School
Our project was about climate action and how people can help clean up beaches around them right now. The animated narrative, Coastal Cleanup, shows how our beaches are being neglected and polluted under our very noses. We created this in Roblox Studio, working with designated roles—storyboard artist, animator, environmental modelers, and sound editor.
One challenge we faced was coordinating schedules, which meant scrapping parts of our original concept. We also had to adapt our animation style to better fit the software and the time we had. We used longer shots to add symbolism—showing how long trash has been sitting untouched on the beach.
This project is a heartfelt call to action. It was inspired by the Roblox community we grew up with, and we hope it encourages others to take part in climate action in their own communities.
Project Title: Coastal Cleanup
Dance and Theatre
Winners:
Zakiya A., Autumn D., Claire E., Rae M., Toni W.
School:
Santiago Charter Middle School
Silenced No More is a short film about two students—Serenity and Charlie—who face judgment because of their differences. Serenity, who uses a wheelchair, is told by classmates that she doesn’t belong at the dance. Charlie, who has a learning disability, is teased and underestimated. Despite it all, they choose to go to the dance together, showing that no one gets to define their worth.
We wanted to show how both visible and invisible disabilities are misunderstood, but that people can find strength and joy in themselves. A few actors pulled from real-life experiences to make their performances more authentic. One challenge was making sure the emotions felt natural, so we worked hard on our acting.
An innovative part of our work was adapting dance for a wheelchair and using thoughtful camera angles to highlight emotional moments. Silenced No More is about friendship, confidence, and standing proud in who you are.
Project Title: Silenced No More
Design
Winners:
Felix A., Daniel M.
School:
San Diego School of Creative and Performing Arts
Our collection of art is meant to empower people to take climate action. Using bold colors, impactful visuals, and calls to action, we wanted to stir urgency and responsibility in viewers. One challenge was narrowing down our theme. Instead of focusing on just one piece, we focused on a shared message and approach to unify the collection.
Each piece carries its own message: a poster showing Earth being lit by a lighter with the message “Ignite Change. Not Our Planet”; an infographic with simple, practical steps to reduce your carbon footprint; a social media post that emphasizes self-accountability; a sticker that says “Nature can’t speak up; but WE can”; and a documentary-style poster with a scrapbook aesthetic to inspire climate action.
Together, these pieces are different in tone and format but share the same goal—creating a visual campaign that informs, inspires, and pushes people to act.
Project Title: Our Earth, Our Choice
Digital Communications
Winners:
Noah J., Vedder H.
School:
Del Campo High School
Our video explores how smartphones are affecting younger generations. We wanted to show that people today are losing the ability to just be bored or solve problems without constant entertainment. Instead of targeting one age group, our message is meant to connect across generations.
We worked hard to give the project an artistic twist—focusing on cinematic B-roll that was scripted and intentional. We wanted to make sure the message about phone addiction came through visually, not just in the narration. A big challenge was making sure our message felt fresh, since this topic is talked about a lot.
We were inspired by IBM’s “Quest for Flawless” and studied how they shot interviews and color-graded the footage. This helped us shape the tone and look of our own piece. Overall, we put a lot into pre-production and are proud of the result.
Project Title: Disconnected
Film and Television Production
Winners:
Daniela M. D., Julie P., Joshua C.
School:
Leuzinger High School
This documentary tells the story of Christine Malazarte, founder of South Bay Rodent Rescue Inc., and how she’s changing how people view rodents. Christine is giving rodents a second chance and showing that they deserve compassion too.
We filmed interviews at her organization, managed schedules, and worked around people’s availability, which required a lot of flexibility. Our editing process included color correction, sound design, and detailed storytelling using Adobe Premiere Pro.
This story challenges old stereotypes about rats and rodents. We wanted to reflect Christine’s kindness and the work she’s doing to save lives that most people overlook.
Project Title: Every Life Ratters
Music and Recording Arts
Winners:
Samuel C., Addy M., Diego H., Angelica G.
School:
Lawndale High School
We wrote this original song about deportation, separation from family, and the struggles people are going through today. It also touches on big life changes like starting college, and how hope can carry us through hard times.
Even though none of us have had to face deportation, we all come from immigrant families and know how scary it can feel. That fear and love for our families inspired the lyrics. We faced challenges like different instrument tunings and our vocalist getting sick, but it gave us a chance to improvise and try new sounds.
Our song is about resilience, strength, and pushing through even when things feel overwhelming. We hope it resonates with people going through similar struggles
Project Title: On The Other Side
Studio Arts
Winners:
Ian K., Gabriel W.
School:
Atascadero High School
Project Title: Little Red Riding Hood: A Grimm Tale Retold
Our graphic novel-style piece retells Little Red Riding Hood through the story of Bjorn, a young man who joins Red on a quest and learns about bravery, responsibility, and what it means to be a good man.
We used traditional inking, digital coloring, and formatting in Google Slides to complete the piece. The inspiration came from Brendan and the Secret of Kells, Song of the Sea, and Revolting Rhymes, as well as our personal experiences as young men learning how to navigate masculinity.
This piece is about using your strength for good—and understanding that doing so takes support, community, and courage. We hope our story encourages young men to reflect on who they are and who they want to be.