APRIL 4, 2025 - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Kevin Christian, APR, CPRC, Director of Public Relations
352.671.7734 w ◊ 352.840.3265 c
[email protected]
24th ANNUAL MARION COUNTY STUDENT
MEDIA FESTIVAL SET FOR APRIL 11
MARION COUNTY – The 24th Annual Marion County Student Media Festival is set for Friday, April 11, to award local students for outstanding work in the fields of audio and video production.
The awards ceremony takes place in the Browne Greaton Cole Auditorium on the MTI campus located at 1614 E. Fort King St. in Ocala. The 7 p.m. event is free and open to the public.
The Festival, underwritten with community donations and organized by local educators, showcases the outstanding work created by audio/video production students at all grade levels throughout Marion County Public Schools. Long-time returning sponsors include the Robert Boissoneault Oncology Institute, the Public Education Foundation of Marion County, and Cox Communications.
This year, students submitted 213 entries from 18 different schools. In March, more than three dozen industry experts judged the online entries in 12 categories and four age groups.
Sullivan Hogan is hosting this year’s awards show. She is the Director of Video Communications for the Ocala Metro Chamber and Economic Partnership. Hogan holds degrees in Digital Media Communications and Theatre from Union University and has experience in film work both behind and in front of the camera. Originally from St. Louis, Hogan’s passion for storytelling comes through in her self-produced video and film efforts.
At the Festival, Hogan will introduce community leaders and district administrators who will present certificates and awards to winning schools, along with four “Best of Show” prizes for grade levels K-2, 3-5, 6-8, and 9-12. Best of Show honors include trophies, bragging rights and cash prizes for schools.
Two additional honors will also be announced including the THEME Award, short for the Teri Hartley Effort in Media Education Award, celebrating a Festival founder who devoted countless hours to recognize students for their work. She passed away from cancer in 2013. The THEME Award spotlights the amazing ability of students in an entry falling just short of “Best of Show” honors.
The Joel Hartley Achievement in Cinematography Award will be given to one entry demonstrating a relentless pursuit of excellence in audio/video production. It is named for Joel Hartley, a district photojournalist/videographer for 18 years whose passion for audio/video direction contributed to the Festival’s on-going success. He passed away from COVID-19 in 2021.
For more information, contact the Public Relations Office at 352.671.7734.
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