NHS Video Production Students Win Fox 61 Awards

For the fourth consecutive year, Newtown High School video production students have won the top prize in the statewide Fox 61 Student News competition, the Gold Award for Outstanding Achievement in television news reporting.

Seniors Brian Silber and Adam Miller were awarded $3,000 scholarships for “Hotter than Heck,” a feature on a spicy food festival that is an annual fundraiser for Waterbury Youth Services.

Brian also won the top prize last year for his piece, “Penguin Plunge,” a Special Olympics event held on a February day at Lake Quassapaug in Middlebury.

He says this year’s story was much easier.

“Last year it was 16 degrees outside,” he remembered. “We were there for hours and I actually went in the water with other swimmers!”

This year, “Adam and I met a lot of nice people and ate plenty of really spicy food!”

The Gold Award for Outstanding Achievement is based on the story’s originality, writing quality, audio, editing, delivery, and overall presentation.

Freshmen John O’Brien and George Martens won a $500 scholarship with their first entry in the competition, “Toy Library,” a report on Connecticut’s only library of toys at the Ferloteo Children’s Development Center in Trumbull.

Their story featured 7-year-old Joey, an autistic child, and his family.

“Joey was interesting,” said John. “He really enjoyed the toys and it’s nice that he can get them at the toy library.”

“Toy Library” was chosen as the best news story for the Connecticut Police Chief’s Association Leadership Award. Judging in this category is based on the best student news story that highlights individuals working to enhance the quality of life in the state. George brought along three generations of family to enjoy the awards ceremony.

“It’s cool to be recognized for all the hard work you put into a project,” he said.

The duo has already entered a story in next year’s competition, covering Newtown High School teacher J. Edward’s television debut on Fox 61 after he won a spot in the station’s Sportscaster Wannabe Contest.

In addition to filming Mr Edward’s debut, the students interviewed principal Bill Manfredonia and Fox 61 sports director Rich Coppola.

Each year, more than 200 high schools and middle schools from throughout Connecticut compete.

A former television news and sports reporter, Newtown High School’s video production teacher Kerry Hrabstock said she is grateful for the experience the Fox 61 program provides.

“The students cover real news and get their stories on real television,” she said. “It’s an incredible opportunity for any kid who wants to become a broadcast journalist either behind or in front of the camera. The scholarship is just a nice bonus.”

The students’ news stories will run continuously throughout the remainder of the year. The broadcast schedule can be found at fox61.trb.com.