Havre High students show off video skills

Layton Ophus looks through a camera outside of the Havre High School Wednesday afternoon. Ophus took third place for his video about the dangers of texting while driving.

Havre High School students took home five major awards at the Hi-Line Documentary and Independent Film Festival held at the Atrium Mall last weekend.

Students Jessica Anderson, Hope Proctor, Layton Ophus, Larissa Price and Haley Graham showed off their video production skills and received prizes from Yellow Bus Creations, which sponsored the contest.

"A lot of our ideas were things we've seen or need improvement to be helpful to society," Anderson said.

Anderson, 17, a senior, took first place in the 30-to-60-second category for "Give More Kids The Club," a short video that describes expanding the reach of the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line.

Proctor, 16, a sophomore, received second place for her public service announcement, "Sexting for Hire," which shows what could happen as a result of reckless online activity.

Haley Graham, from left, Jessica Anderson, Hope Proctor, Larissa Price and Layton Ophus pose for a portrait with their awards from the Hi-Line Documentary and Independent Film Festival.

Ophus, 17, a senior, took third place for his production, "Text-a-Wreck," in which a totaled car illustrates the danger of text messaging while driving.

Price, 17, a senior, tied for third place with "Help Others, Help Me," in which a pregnant teen wonders where to turn for help.

Graham, 17 a junior, produced the video "Civil Society 101" that earned first place in the 3-5-minute documentary category. The film stresses the need for a return to civility and self-respect.

The students completed their video projects as part of instructor Vickie Proctor's media productions class. Students learn to master various camera shots and work with Pinnacle video editing software in preparation for the projects.

The competition gives students greater confidence in their abilities, Proctor said. Proctor's classes have participated in the competition for six years and are perennial contenders for awards. Former students have gone on to careers in broadcast media.

"I'm extremely proud of my students," Proctor said. "I have extreme gratitude to the Yellow Bus people, and together they have created a magnificent arena for learning."

Proctor believes her students won over the judges by producing well-told stories.

"I am always marveled at what they come up with," she said.

"On behalf of the administration," added Principal Craig Mueller, "we would like to congratulate our students on their accomplishments and wish them continued success in their future."