With an eye for filmmaking and a good sense of what it takes to be prepared for disasters, three lucky students this week were selected winners of APHA’s Get Ready emergency preparedness national video contest.
For the contest, middle school and high school students from across the country were asked to produce and submit a one-minute original video that discusses an aspect of preparedness, such as creating an emergency kit or having an emergency plan. Entries were judged on creativity, originality, quality, overall appeal and success in conveying the importance of preparing for an emergency.
“The goal of this year’s contest is to equip our next generation of public health advocates with the tools and knowledge they need to prepare their community for disaster,” said Alan Baker, interim executive director of the American Public Health Association.
Lena Rutherford, a 9th grade student from Golden, Colo., took first place and a cash prize of $500 for her video titled “Are you prepared for the possibilities?” that featured images of various disasters, including a flood, heat wave, earthquake and mosquito-borne disease. A scrolling message reads, “We don’t know everything that will happen. But there is a way to stop the possibilities.”
Bethany Wallach, an 8th grader from Fort Hills, S.C., won $250 for her second-place video. Wallace created an animated vignette that used yarn, action figures and craft paper to tell the story of preparedness. The vignette also listed the must-have items for your emergency preparedness kit, including water, nonperishables, a flashlight and extra batteries as well as an escape plan.
McKay Olson of Burlington, Wyo., won third place and $100 for his video that featured a series of kids and adults who asked the question, “Are you ready?” The video explains that one of the best ways to Get Ready is by preparing an emergency kit.
Watch all three videos on the Get Ready video contest page.
APHA also partnered with the National Assembly on School-Based Health Care for a contest targeted to staff at school-based health centers. Those who hosted a Get Ready Day event with students during the month of September were asked to submit a description of the event. The staff who hosted the strongest, most creative event also won a cash reward.
