By: Tammy Curtis, Managing Editor
Three groups from Cave City High School and Middle School were honored for their film making skills at Project Prevent’s Ready, Set, Record Film Festival at the Ron Robinson Theater in Little Rock on Feb 22.The students create short 30- 60 second videos warning children and teens of the dangers of nicotine, tobacco and vaping. These students area part of Brandon Haling’s Television Classes. Matthew Sullivan, Ian Sanders, and Matthew Holliday were honored as the Best Actor’s in this year’s Film Festival with their project “Technical Difficulties”. The team of Tyler Cooper, Mekyla Potter, Ian Howell, and Hunter McCainere were awarded an honorable mention for their efforts on their project “Gross”. Finally, the Middle School team of Knewt Caraway, Sebastian Sosa, and James Compton won second place in the beginners category for their film “TikTok This!” For over 15 years, seventh through twelfth graders have used video, acting and editing skills to demonstrate their ability to effectively and creatively teach others about the harmful effects of these substances. Project Prevent is the statewide youth tobacco prevention coalition in Arkansas. Its members consist of local Chapters across the state that choose to live their lives free from tobacco and nicotine, and encourage others todo the same. The statewide Project Prevent Youth Coalition hosts monthly online meetings for Chapters to network with one another and become aware of the most current data and trends regarding tobacco and nicotine. They then use the information to educate their peers, community members and local leaders. Each year the Project Prevent Youth Coalition also pro-vides opportunities for youth, including an Annual Conference and statewide projects such as “My Reason to Write” and “Drawing for a Difference, ”The organizations website explains the mission of the pro-grams. “Project Pre-vent believes that youth have the power to change social norms and they will support what they help create. The statewide coalition provides young people with the knowledge and support to combat tobacco and nicotine through three pillars: Prevention, Education and Leadership.” Schools or youth organization who do not have a chapter are encouraged to organize one to further promote preventing the use of nicotine and vape based products. There is also an option to join this statewide coalition as an individual and receive important information about events and activities. To establish a new chapter and participate in the many events and educational opportunities, visit their website for a registration form and more information at https://projectpreventar.org/get-involved/join-as-an-individu-al.htmlBoth of the Cave City group’s films can be viewed online. “Technical Difficulties” can be viewed at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zdl-Znww-fT4, and “Gross!” Is viewable here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KtJX-hzfFEr4.
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