RIVERSIDE- Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s TV production students swept the competition at Riverside County’s, Directing Change Program & Film Contest. The Mustangs secured all three spots winning first, second, and third place in the Suicide Prevention Category. Led by TV Production teacher, Jacob Fuller, students displayed their video production and editing skills while critically thinking about mental health and suicide prevention topics. 

Roosevelt students Kristopher Saucedo and Kaden Ammara won first place in the Suicide Prevention category for their Public Service Announcement (PSA), “Speaking Up” in which they highlighted the crucial need to destigmatize seeking help for mental health challenges. On top of their first-place win, both students were awarded a $300 prize from a local rotary club for their exceptional piece.  

Earning the second-place spot in the Suicide Prevention Category was the film “Voices” produced by students El Friedhof, Amber Frewing, Jenna Norris, and Nathaly Mora. This PSA addresses the overwhelming thoughts and feelings some teens may experience, emphasizing the available resources for support.  

Securing the third-place position in the Suicide Prevention Category was the film “Breaking the Silence” produced by students Hyrum Smith, Brock Molina, Baetale Ayano, and Matthew Tapia. This PSA highlights a group of friends recognizing changes in one of their peers and how their supportive approach in reaching out helped their peer.  

In addition to CNUSD and Roosevelt making its mark at this regional competition, the first-place team went on to compete at the state level competition where they also placed first! Following their regional win, both students entered their PSA in the state competition, where it stood out among over 1,000 submissions and took first place in the Suicide Prevention Category! 

The Directing Change Program and Film Contest is part of California’s mental health movement: Take Action for Mental Health and several statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students.

Watch the videos below!