Schools Celebrate American Pride Through ‘America Is …’ Video Contest

Schools across the country showcased their American pride through the “America Is …” Video Contest last fall.

Students were asked to create original videos 30 to 60 seconds long showing their passion for patriotism and interpreting the theme “Home of the Free, Because of the Brave.”

In total, 51 videos were submitted. The top three winners in each division were selected through online voting on the WoodmenLife Facebook page, and more than 21,000 votes were counted.

We are proud to give students across the country an opportunity to spotlight their communities while also sharing WoodmenLife’s commitment to patriotism.

K-8 Division

Grand Prize, $2,500

Tompkinsville Elementary, Tompkinsville, KY

Teacher: Hope Myatt

The theme for this year’s contest led to the creation of lyrics for a song to the tune of “Thank God I’m a Country Boy.” Hope Myatt, a retired teacher who helps with Reading Interventions at the school, wrote the jingle with historical markers in mind. Third- through fifth-grade students had the opportunity to work with Myatt to learn the song and help create the video.

After learning the song, staff members recorded the students singing and chose focus areas of the song to add clips for more visuals for the lyrics. The video was shared schoolwide at the morning assembly to recognize participating students and to encourage voting.

Second Place, $1,500

West Point Elementary, West Point, NE

Teacher: Alyssa Schuetze

Students connected deeply with the theme “Home of the Free because of the Brave.” The fourth graders knew they wanted to incorporate the town’s Veterans Park and local Veterans into the video.

Students created themes for signs in the video, brainstorming ideas about what Veterans give us each day. The interaction of students shaking veterans’ hands and thanking them for their service was a touching, unscripted moment captured in the video.

Third Place, $1,000

Drew Elementary, West Monroe, LA

Teacher: Kimberly Takewell

The idea behind this video was to show how America has changed over the years, starting with George Washington and featuring influential figures who made a difference throughout our history. The concept tied into the curriculum with historical figures, like Martin Luther King Jr. and Thomas Edison, as well as modern-day heroes like teachers and doctors.

Students dressed up as the historical figures they were representing, with parents and volunteers helping to bring the idea to life. The script was written and the video was filmed at the school.

9-12 Division

Grand Prize, $2,500

Santa Fe High School, Edmond, OK

Teacher: Gretchen Alexander

Student Keara Lee came up with the idea to show the perspective of teenagers during the election. The video featured old footage of bravery in America, reminding viewers why voting is important.

Using broadcasting equipment and Final Cut Pro, Lee edited the video over several days, incorporating peer feedback before submission.

Second Place, $1,500

William Campbell High School, Naruna, VA

Teacher: Jennifer Feekin

The students wanted to focus on how they celebrate patriotism daily at their school. Under the direction of junior Seth Halsey, the class brainstormed examples of patriotism in their school and worked together to film these scenes.

Third Place, $1,000

Santa Fe High School, Edmond, OK

Teacher: Gretchen Alexander

Student Keara Lee submitted two videos, not realizing both could be winners. The third-place video featured five students holding up signs saying, “We are free because,” followed by photos of the students’ family members in uniform.

Congratulations to all the participating schools for their creativity and dedication.

Keep up the great work and continue to share your stories of patriotism!

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