MIHS students win Telly Awards

May 23, 2024 4:30 pm
Left to right, Wesley Stokke, Hadley Holtzclaw, Maxwell Viafore and Hannah Moeller. Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District
Left to right, Wesley Stokke, Hadley Holtzclaw, Maxwell Viafore and Hannah Moeller. Photo courtesy of the Mercer Island School District

Special to the Reporter

Four Mercer Island High School students in the media technology and filmmaking class led by teacher Michael Ketchum notched awards and recognition in the record-breaking 45th Annual Telly Awards.

Gold Telly winners: “(dis) continued,” a short film by Hadley Holtzclaw; and “Stage Three: White Flora,” a short film by Hannah Moeller.

Bronze Telly winners: “The Fine Art of Never Getting Started,” a short film by Maxwell Viafore; and “The Hike,” a short film by Wesley Stokke.

The Telly Awards honors excellence in video and television across all screens and is judged by leaders from video platforms, television, streaming networks and production companies. This year’s winners include Adobe, Calvin Klein, ESPN, LinkedIn, Mother Jones, MTV Entertainment Studios, NASA, the LA Clippers (NBA), PlayStation Studios, Sawhorse Productions, TelevisaUnivison and more.

“The caliber of the work this season truly has reflected the theme of going beyond the frame. Our industry is experimenting with new technologies like never before, crafting truly compelling stories to draw attention to some of the world’s most pressing issues,” shares Telly Awards Managing Director Amanda Needham. “The Telly Awards is uniquely positioned to meet the industry where it’s actually making work, be that on television or TikTok.”

Committed to pushing the boundaries of creativity forward, this year’s new categories included topics within Generative AI, Brand Collaboration, Use of Data Visualization, Thought Leadership and Accessibility. This was a record-breaking year with nearly 13,000 entries from across the globe and top video and television content producers.

“This is the second year for the media technology and filmmaking course at Mercer Island High School and it’s a great example of what happens when we unleash the skills and the imagination of America’s young people,” says Ketchum. “When we provide these young adults with the best opportunities and technology and resources, there’s no telling what they’ll create — now and the years ahead. I couldn’t be prouder of what they’ve accomplished and their ability to tell their stories in ways that reach such an incredible audience.”