Local News

High school students throughout the county participated in the film festival.

Student Film Fest Names Winners

Sequoyah High School freshman Ava Roberts and her team took Best in Show at the April Cherokee Student Film Festival, for their entry, “Secret Agent Annie Mills.”

“Having grown up doing on-camera acting, I was familiar with the set,” Roberts said. “When I heard about the Cherokee Student Film Festival, I thought it would be a great opportunity to get behind the camera.”

The ninth-grader, who also attended the Cherokee Student Film Summit earlier this year, said both opportunities helped shape her skills and interest in working behind the camera. “I know much more about how challenging it is to run a set,” she said. “I have so much respect for directors and producers, and how much organization it takes to get everything together. It’s really important to communicate well.”

The festival was presented by the Cherokee Office of Economic Development (COED), in partnership with the Cherokee County School District’s (CCSD) audio/video technology and film educators. The winners were announced at this year’s festival, held at Sequoyah High School’s Skip Pope Stadium.

“Working alongside the CCSD to prepare students for successful careers in film has led to moviemaking magic,” COED President Misti Martin said. “Events like these are a powerful catalyst for students to launch successful careers within the film industry, and make lifelong connections.”

Student films were screened on the Jumbotron as 175 audience members cheered on 19 groups of student filmmakers from across the county.

To learn more about film in Cherokee, visit cherokeega.org/film-media.

Best of Show

“Secret Agent Annie Mills,” Sequoyah High Created by Justin Clark, Ava Roberts, Hailey Thompson and Lauren Turnage

Runner Up

“Only…,” Creekview High Created by Jackson Estapa, Chloe Feibus, Abram Midyette and Maxton Williams

Third Place

“Lucid Dream,” Cherokee High Created by Hunter Schwartz, Hunter Tadin, Felisa Vasquez and Riley Watkins

Audience Choice Award (Qualifying Entry)

“Unconscious,” Sequoyah High Created by Andrew Kennedy, Tyler Sandt and Gabe Squillace

Audience Choice Award (Participating Entry)

“I Miss You,” Sequoyah High Created by Donovan Victorino, Robyn Walker and Ben Willison

Best Use of Prop

“Wanna Hear a Scary Story,” Etowah High Created by Sophia Berry, Marissa Migneco and Kaili Phillips

Best Cinematography

“Secret Agent Annie Mills,” Sequoyah High Created by Justin Clark, Ava Roberts, Hailey Thompson and Lauren Turnage

Best Sound Quality

“Lucid Dream,” Cherokee High Created by Hunter Schwartz, Hunter Tadin, Felisa Vasquez and Riley Watkins

Best Use of Line

“Security Breach,” Woodstock High Created by Taylor Collins, Alex Manser, Riley McCall and Brody Yot

Medalists gather for a group photo.

Senior Olympic Day Returns

After two years of cancellations because of the pandemic, seniors in Cherokee County enjoyed the 13th annual Senior Olympic Day in Dupree Park recently. Organizers presented a modified schedule, with seven events, and hope to be back to a full schedule next year, according to Senior Olympics treasurer Diane Page. The oldest participant was just two months shy of being 99 years old.

Tons and Pounds of Recycling

The numbers are in from the recent Earth Day recycling event, hosted by the Cherokee County Chamber of Commerce in partnership with Cobb EMC and supported by Electrify EVSE. • More than 275 cars dropped off nearly 1,000 pounds of recycled electronics. • More than 3 tons of documents were shredded (equating to saving nearly 56 trees). • 65 pairs of tennis shoes, 326 gardening containers, approximately 50 aluminum cans, 20 expired children’s car seats, and more were recycled.

For more information, visit CherokeeChamber.com or call 770-345-0400.

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