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Thursday, March 28, 2024

Marion County Student Media Festival will remain virtual due to COVID-19 pandemic

For the second year in a row, the Marion County Student Media Festival will go virtual because of COVID-19 restrictions.

This marks the 20th anniversary of the annual event. Normally, students and parents alike pack the auditorium at Marion Technical Institute for the awards ceremony.

Like last year, the 20th annual event will air on Marion County Public Schools’ YouTube Channel (www.youtube.com/mcpsmedia) on Friday, April 9, at 7 p.m. It also hits the airwaves of the Marion Education Channel at the same time and throughout April, Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m.

The festival, underwritten with community donations and organized by local educators, showcases the outstanding work created by video production students at all grade levels throughout Marion County Public Schools. Returning presenting partners this year include the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute and the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, along with supporting sponsor Cox Communications.

This year, students submitted 209 entries (76 elementary and 133 middle/high) from 17 schools. In March, nearly three dozen industry experts judged the entries in 12 categories and four age groups.

Certificates and awards will be delivered to students at winning schools, along with four “Best of Show” prizes for grade levels K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12.  Best of Show honors include trophies, bragging rights and $1,000 cash prizes for schools.

For more information, call (352) 671-7555.