The Chicago/Midwest chapter of the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences, the same organization that does the Emmys, awarded Mundelein senior Allan Rodriguez a Crystal Pillar Award for his short fiction film titled “Somnum (sleep)”.  The Midwest Chapter covers a region from Southern Illinois to Northern Wisconsin.

 

The Midwest Media Educators Association video festival, with more than 50 schools competing, presented a first-place finish in the seven-day challenge category to  Rodriguez and senior Gabe Goldman for their short film titled “For a Rainy Day.” “It has been a goal after every year Mr. Meister brings us to this event to be the ones up on stage talking about how we made our first-place finish.  I am bummed COVID-19 took that away (virtual event), but was still really excited to get first-place. There are a lot of tough schools that entered this category," Goldman said.

"This is quite an honor to win this award," said Kent Meister, Media instructor at MHS. "This is the same organization that handles the Emmys each year.” The Midwest Chapter covers a region from Southern Illinois to Northern Wisconsin.

 

Another notable finish included a second place award to Senior Bri Sierzega in the commercial category with more than 50 entries for a commercial she made for local Mundelein accountant Joe Modica and Associates as a class project.  “I loved that Bri was honored for some great video work, but I am also excited about what she learned through the process," Meister said. Sierzega met with a client, listened to what he wanted, and designed a piece that met the needs of his business.  

"She did a great job, and I am grateful to Mr. Modica for giving her this experience," Meister said.

 

All three videos are available to be viewed through links available on the Mundelein Fine and Applied Arts Facebook page as well as the MHS Film Club homepage.