The first ever Hear Me 101 youth advocacy videos premiered its videos to a crowd of approximately 75 on Sunday July 15 at CCAC.
Students, friends and families gathered for hors d’oeuvres and conversation to celebrate their achievements. Guests had a chance to listen to Hear Me 101 stories in CanEx and read up on the projects’ treatments in the lobby and meet some of the young filmmakers from Clairton City High School, McKeesport Area High School, Steel Valley Senior High School, and Woodland Hills High School.
Representatives from the Hear Me project talked about the students’ journey making short documentaries from concept to final cut. We shared that we learned how warm and hospitable their schools and communities really are and that through the whole Hear Me 101 program, we hope that these students can begin the process of fighting negative stereotypes of their schools.
Steel Valley student Katie Miller introduced her group's topic: Does where you grow up determine your chances of success? "This question led to more questions and more questions." Clairton student Marcaysia Dawkins' group wanted everyone to see that "Clairton always comes together as a big family."
Congratulations to all these young filmmakers! Films can be seen at http://www.hear-me.net/ hearme_101.