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A local student earned an honorable mention in C-SPAN's national 2023 StudentCam competition.
Courtesy of C-SPAN

A local student's short documentary on teacher pay has been recognized in a national competition.

Hamshire-Fannett junior Loni Briggs earned an honorable mention in C-SPAN's national 2023 StudentCam competition for her documentary, "Increase Teacher Pay."

Briggs was one of 97 honorable mention winners, receiving a cash prize of $250.

Briggs' 5-minute documentary discussed challenges teachers in Texas and across the nation face stemming from lower paying jobs.

In the video, Briggs highlighted Beaumont United Algebra 1 teacher Louis Bryant, who holds degrees in mechanical engineering and mathematics with a minor in sociology. The video illustrated how Bryant would probably earn a higher salary in other fields related to his degrees, but that he was called to the teaching profession.

Briggs interviewed local lawmakers including Sen. Robert Nichols and Rep. Christian "Manuel" Hayes, in addition to including clips from U.S. Education Secretary Miguel Cardona on the matter.

C-SPAN, in cooperation with its cable television partners, asked middle and high school students to "engage in a national conversation on the challenges our country is facing," according to a Wednesday news release. The theme was, "If you were a newly elected member of Congress, which issue would be your first priority and why?"

Briggs began the topic of her documentary by answering that very question, noting that "children are our future and better teachers will make a better future," advocating for increasing teacher pay across the country.

"For the first time in the history of the competition, we asked students to envision themselves in a position of power, as newly elected members of Congress," said C-SPAN Education Relations Director Craig McAndrew in the release. "As each participant considered which issue would be their first priority and why, they creatively wove detailed research with expert interviews and proposed actions to address their concerns. Capitalizing on the platform of short film, these passionate young people masterfully showcased the fruits of active learning and we are excited to share their work with the country."

Nearly 3,000 students participated in the contest with C-SPAN receiving more than 1,500 entries from 40 states, Washington, D.C. and Abu Dhabi, according to the release.

About 12% of entries, including Briggs', addressed education. Other popular topics were health care, the environment, the economy and gun violence and firearm policy.

C-SPAN, funded by America's cable television companies, is available locally in Hamshire and Fannett through Spectrum, according to the release.

"At Spectrum, we understand the importance of investing in programs that make a meaningful impact in the communities we serve," said Senior Vice President of State Government Affairs for Charter Communications Adam Falk in the release. Charter Communications operates the Spectrum brand of connectivity services. "By encouraging young adults to explore important issues through video, C-SPAN's StudentCam competition helps empower future generations to become active and informed citizens. We congratulate Loni for the exemplary production skills and the passion and creativity demonstrated through this year's winning documentary."

More than 300 students from across the country were awarded a total of $100,000 in the competition.

Briggs' documentary can be viewed at viddler.com/v/fef0f5d4.

olivia.malick@hearst.com

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