Since 2006, C-SPAN has partnered with its local cable television providers in communities nationwide to invite middle and high school students to produce short documentaries about a subject of national importance. In the Beltway Region, C-SPAN and Comcast recognized more than 100 local winners from Alexandria and Lovettsville in Virginia; Columbia, Germantown, Poolesville, Rockville and Silver Spring in Maryland; and Washington, D.C.
This year, students addressed the theme, “What does it mean to be American? Choose a constitutional right, national characteristic, or historic event and explain how it defines the American experience.” Ida Chen and Hana Lee, students at Eastern Middle School in Silver Spring, MD, were named national first place winners in the Middle School division. They will share $3,000 for their documentary, “Mc’America: America Runs on Fast Food,” and their video will air throughout the day on Wednesday, April 17.
“Congratulations to all our local winners on their hard work, creativity and well-deserved recognition,” said Jessica Gappa, Director of Community Impact, Comcast’s Beltway Region. “Comcast is committed to strengthening our communities through educational programs and digital media initiatives, and we are proud to partner with C-SPAN in its mission to encourage students to continue to pursue additional educational opportunities.”
C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable television companies, whom also support StudentCam. In these cities and more throughout the Beltway Region, C-SPAN is available locally through Comcast.
