Alex Hughes is one of 10 finalists in U.S. Department of Education "I Am What I Learn" contest

Contact: Laurie Hogan (336) 370-8307
Created: 12/1/2009 2:42:09 PM

Alex Hughes, a junior at Southeast High, is one of 10 finalists in a video contest sponsored by the U.S. Department of Education. He is the only finalist from North Carolina.

The Department of Education asked students in September to submit original videos answering the question, "Why is your education important to fulfilling your dreams?" Hughes' video and videos by nine other finalists were selected from more than 600 entries based on their use of creativity, strength of content and ability to inspire.

The finalists' videos are posted on the Department of Education Web site and YouTube. Viewers can vote for their favorite, and the top three finalists will receive $1,000 each. Michael Crenshaw, a digital media teacher at Weaver Academy, encouraged Hughes to enter the contest. Hughes, who takes Career and Technical Education courses at Weaver, said this is the first time he has entered a video contest, but he has prior experience making videos in class and with friends outside of school. He also has created promotional videos for his father's business.

"My ultimate goal is to become a movie director, but any job dealing with film would make me happy," Hughes said. He said he thought about how he could be completely original while developing his video. He knew that a subdued, serious message would not catch the viewer's attention. "You have to be upbeat and humorous," he said. "Be excited and enthusiastic about education and that will inspire. Choosing the humorous route seemed more natural to me, considering my personality isn't too serious."

Voting is open through Friday, Dec. 4 on the Department of Education Web site at www.ed.gov/iamwhatilearn/index.html or on YouTube at www.youtube.com/iamwhatilearn. Hughes' video is listed under username se7enc0stanza.

He has wise plans for the $1,000 if he wins. "I have to pay my actors," he said. "And maybe a celebration dinner. But with what's left over, I don't know. Possibly invest in some new camera equipment. Most likely, I will end up putting it in the bank to save for the day that I am on my own. Off to college."

Click on the link below to watch the video on the GCS Web site. To vote, click here.