 Supervisor John M. Vasquez stands with Kindness Campaign Video Contest winners (from left) Vincent Nguyen, George Bostock and Kerndeep Balhotra after the third annual Kindness Campaign Video Contest Red Carpet Gala.
Video contest that promotes positive behavior prompts Solano County students to put words into action
That is exactly what a group of Public Safety Academy (PSA) students in Fairfield did recently while filming a video for the Kindness Campaign Video Contest, sponsored by District Attorney Krishna Abrams and myself. This was the third year we have put the contest on in which we challenge middle school and high school students from across the county to show us how positive behavior can impact their schools, homes and the community around them.
Of the more than 40 videos submitted from schools including Sierra Vista K-8 School and Buckingham Charter Magnet High School in Vacaville, Dixon High School and Fairfield’s Armijo High School and Public Safety Academy, 15 finalist videos were chosen for a red carpet-style screening May 8 at the County Events Center. Nearly 100 people, ranging from family and friends of the finalists to their teachers, school administrators and a school board trustee grabbed a bucket of popcorn or some Red Vines and enjoyed the show.
What struck the judging panel was how Public Safety Academy students Kerndeep Balhotra, George Bostock and Vincent Nguyen took an oft-repeated phrase, “Be the change,” and gave it meaning. The three high school juniors, who each aspire to become first responders one day, used their own money to buy food and other essentials and deliver them to the homeless on the streets of Fairfield. Their two-minute video earned them the top award of Outstanding Film of the Year.
This year, two additional awards were given out for Outstanding Achievement in Originality and Outstanding Achievement in Directing.
One of those winners, Christopher Cameron, a senior at Buckingham Charter Magnet High School brought home the award for his directing. It was Christopher’s third year as a finalist, and his video, “Kindness is the Victory,” used the song, “The Sound of Silence,” and his own words that moved across the screen to touch on the challenges teenagers can face. The takeaway for viewers was a lesson on how kindness, or just being a listening ear for someone could make a huge impact on someone’s life.
After three years of sponsoring this event, I can say it is truly inspiring to hear from the youth who are directly affected by bullying. They are our future leaders and to see them engaged on this topic at a young age and sharing it with their peers and the community is remarkable. I couldn’t agree more with Public Safety Academy finalist Paola Hernandez’s video when the video screen reads: A simple act of kindness can make someone’s day better. You don’t know what they might be going through.
For more information about the contest and to view photos and videos from the event, visit the Kindness Campaign Facebook page at, https://www.facebook.com/powerofkindnesssolano
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Since 2003, Supervisor John M. Vasquez has had the privilege to represent the 4th Supervisorial District covering Northern Solano County. The district includes portions of Vacaville and Dixon. |
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