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Local Students Honored In C-SPAN Documentary Competition

C-SPAN's national 2020 StudentCam competition partners with local middle and high school students to produce short documentaries about a subject of national importance.
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C-SPAN's national 2020 StudentCam competition partners with local middle and high school students to produce short documentaries about a subject of national importance.

A homework assignment turned into cash and national recognition for some area high schoolers. Clayton High senior Lila Taylor and Kirkwood High junior Zach Baynham were both among the top winners in C-SPAN’s 2020 StudentCam competition.

Since 2006, C-SPAN has invited middle and high school students across the U.S. to produce short documentaries on subjects of national importance. This year, students addressed the theme "What's Your Vision in 2020?” In their submissions, they explored issues they’d want presidential candidates to address during their campaigns.

Zach Baynham (at left) and Lila Taylor joined Thursday's "St. Louis on the Air" to talk about their winning entries in C-SPAN's national 2020 StudentCam competition.
Credit Courtesy of Zach Baynham & Lila Taylor
Zach Baynham (at left) and Lila Taylor joined Thursday's "St. Louis on the Air" to talk about their winning entries in C-SPAN's national 2020 StudentCam competition.

Nearly 5,400 students from 44 states and Washington D.C. participated, with more than 2,500 submissions on a variety of topics. 

Baynham will receive $1,500 as a second-prize winner for the documentary "," which will air on C-SPAN throughout the day on April 15. Taylor will receive $750 as a third-prize winner for the documentary, "." 

Taylor’s documentary looked at adult sentences for juveniles in the U.S. prison system, while Baynham explored the contributions of people with intellectual disabilities in the workforce. 

On Thursday’s St. Louis on the Air, Baynham and Taylor joined host Sarah Fenske to talk about their projects and what it was like putting together a documentary for the first time. 

Listen to the full conversation: 

Other Kirkwood High winners were Aleah Bingham for the documentary "” and Sofia Molitor for "." Other Clayton High winners include Karyn Lisker for "," Katie He for ",” and Samuel Cooper "." They all received honorable mentions and $250. 

” brings you the stories of St. Louis and the people who live, work and create in our region. The show is hosted by and produced by , , , and Joshua Phelps. The engineer is , and production assistance is provided by Charlie McDonald.

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Lara is the Engagement Editor at © 2024 .