Westminster Christian Academy

St. Louis, MO USA
Grades 7-12 Coed Day

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
At over seven minutes, this was the longest video in the category. But WCA’s Faculty Project for Spirit Week 2020 grabbed me from the start and kept me engaged at every turn, making it seem shorter than the shorter videos I judged. This one has it all. It mimics Star Wars. Each character is populated by members of the School’s faculty. It has a great storyline: The Sith plan to capture the Middle School, the reluctant faculty hero steps up and sets out to find the School’s “Chosen One” to lead the School into the battle. The “bar band” in the faculty lounge is priceless. The diabolically evil laughs are pitch-perfect. The mercenary (Hans Solo) and his faithful partner are paid off handsomely, which leads to some surprising humor, and the humor continues when the Chosen One lights up her saber and is reminded to turn it off before she ascends the ladder to the School's roof to fight the Evil One. Then the story takes a surprising turn (which I won’t spoil) that leads to the payoff line “You’re never alone at the Academy.” Acting was great. Special effects and visual elements flawless. Dialog convincing and fun. Original in its adaptation of the Star Wars saga. Ten thumbs up!

WOW! This is an incredible video and perfectly represents the "fun" category. Loved the inclusion of faculty/staff as characters in the video and the adaptation of Star Wars to your school (you can't beat the light saber fight on the roof!). The storytelling, editing, and special effects were at a professional level. This video was clearly thought out from concept to post-production. I'm sure this was a hit for your community — super entertaining!

TEAM
Mike Rohlfing, Director of Marketing & Communications
Kyle Roff, English Teacher

Pacific Hills Christian School

New South Wales, Australia
Prep to Year 12, Coed Day

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
The story of Jesus’ birth is told by a sweet young girl who has a charming voice and sense of humor about Christmas presents that draw you in. But the original part of this oft-told story of the first Christmas is in the characters themselves. All are knitted! Stop motion is used, illustrations accentuate the story, and the Christmas star and the little baby are the stars of the show. I liked the depiction of the Three Wise Men and the barnyard animals. And at the end, the little girl says it wasn’t just a story, it was the truth. The truth is, this video will knock you out with cuteness and humor. It puts an original spin on “the greatest story ever told” with its knitted puppets. And did I mention the little girl’s voice?

What unique idea. Well done in execution.

TEAM
Craig Hingston, Pacific Group Marketing Manager
Fiona King, Videographer

Wayland Academy

Beaver Dam, WI USA
Grades 9-12 PG, Coed Boarding and Day 

SAMPLE JUDGES' COMMENTS
The joy is authentic, you can tell the students are having fun making this video. Nice special effects.

A joy to watch. Shows off the students in the glory of their Homecoming Week activities. Denim Day, 2000s Day, Generations Day, (some great costumes and makeup), and athletics which are pumped up by the music and great videography. Wonderful use of graphics. Foot-stomping music that fits each video segment. Great editing. Even the painted boulders on campus make an appearance with a nod to diversity and inclusion. Loved the dancing and the hilarious tug of war toward the end. Engaging. Enthusiastic. Energetic. I’d like to go to this School!

TEAM
Sarah Hafey