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StudentCam Prize Winners

StudentCam is C-SPAN's annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation. 2023 marked the 19th year of the competition and we invited middle and high school students to create a short documentary addressing the theme: "If you were a newly elected member of Congress, which issue would be your first priority and why?"

12th grade students Sophia Smith & Jacob Shaddock from Jenks High School in Oklahoma won 1st Prize for their documentary on the future of death care in the U.S., "Unearthing the Options." As 1st Prize winners, the duo will receive $1,500 in prize money.

C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable and satellite television companies, who also support StudentCam. In Jenks, C-SPAN is available locally through Cox Communications.

More Information:
WATCH: Unearthing the Options by Sophia Smith & Jacob Shaddock



Congratulatory Message - Author, Editor and Conservationist Lee Webster - Past President of the Green Burial Council and former President of the National Home Funeral Alliance



Congratulatory Message - Congressman Kevin Hern



Interview - C-SPAN Washington Journal Segment with Sophia & Jacob



As 1st Prize winners, Sophia & Jacob will receive $3,000 for their work



C-SPAN Founder Brian Lamb and co-President Susan Swain present Sophia & Jacob with a Certificate of Special Recognition