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?”
7th grade student Ben Kurian from Olentangy Liberty Middle School in Powell, Ohio won 1st Prize for his documentary on the opioid epidemic, “Losing a Generation.” As a 1st Prize winner, Ben will receive $3,000 in prize money.
During a week long period of public voting where over 21,000 votes were cast, “Losing a Generation” received over 8,000 of those votes. Ben will receive an additional $500 cash prize as the 2023 StudentCam “Fan Favorite” documentary.
C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable and satellite television companies, who also support StudentCam. In Powell, C-SPAN is available locally through Spectrum.
“At Spectrum, we understand the importance of investing in programs that make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve,” said Adam Falk, Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications, which operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity services. “By encouraging young adults to explore important issues through video, C-SPAN’s StudentCam competition helps empower future generations to become active and informed citizens. We congratulate Benjamin for the exemplary production skills and the passion and creativity demonstrated through this year’s winning documentary.”
PRESS:
- Press Release: Powell Student Wins 1st Prize in C-SPAN Video Documentary Competition (Google Doc)
- Article: Local student wins C-SPAN contest (The Delaware Gazette)
- Article: Middle school student creates documentary on opioids (Spectrum News 1)
StudentCam 2023 First Prize Middle School: "Losing a Generation"
Congratulatory Messages and Recognition
