As a new semester approaches, each class celebrates in its own unique way. The workload slows down for some, and others push through to finish strong in their finals, eagerly anticipating winter break. Much-needed movie days, class parties, and free time reward students for their perseverance and dedication. Mr. Baldwin’s A/V Production classes took the celebration of this work a bit further this year, with his first Flemmy’s award night. The new tradition is named after one of his students, following the pattern of the most esteemed award given: the Connor Callahan Award. Multiple other students, such as Preston Levins (11) and Kenton Moats (11), talk about their part in the creation of the award show and what they gained from it.
“I made the trophy and worked on the graphics for the award. I designed the Connor Callahan award and spray-painted it, too. I made the award that’s going to be handed down for a long time, and I just feel like we had a part in history. I’m going for the Connor Callahan award next year myself, I think I will try to help even more and pitch in even more next year to try and win that,” Levins said.
This award was named after a student who graduated this December and was by Mr. Baldwin’s side throughout his high school career. Callahan learned the technical skills and knowledge of the equipment before Baldwin’s class became as successful as it has. Due to his dedication, this award will be given to a different student each year who Mr. Baldwin feels has embodied the same tenacity and versatility as his number one student. Levins 3D printed a gold panther as the trophy to be handed down with that name, and Moats talks about his part behind the scenes as well.
“Everyone in the class had a job of telling Baldwin which awards we should have this year, and we all voted for the candidates. Preston, Mark, and I all worked on the different posters for the magazine we are making. The posters were for every single one of the awards and then a second one of who won the award,” Moats said.
The Flemmy’s Awards were put together by both Baldwin and his students, but the posters advertising each award category and their winning correspondents look like they were made by true professionals. Starting traditions with students who work with as much creativity and motivation as they do creates memories that they will never forget. Two winners from the night, Maydin Perez (12) and Lily Musgrave (10), highlight what this means to them.
“It’s the start of a tradition in A/V production. I’m sad I won’t be able to see it grow next year, but I hope it moves A/V students to keep trying. I won Editor of the Year, and I have definitely grown a lot since last year. I’m really glad I’m using the programs one would in a professional setting, and I wouldn’t have that help without Lily,” Perez said.
“It’s an amazing honor for people to contribute to the class and the environment. I won Editor of the Year, too, with Maydin. We are really good at what we do, and I’m excited to see what else we will do, so I would like to win editor of the year again next year,” Musgrave said.
For many students, this was their first or second year in A/V, and the progress they have made in skills like editing, camera work, and social media is evident. Jaxson Stephens (11) and the other boys detail the awards they won for their projects and what those projects entailed.
“I won most improved performer, and it felt pretty good because I used to be mostly in the classroom, just making music, or I was Kyler’s cameraman. Now, I was in about 30 videos this year, and it was a big improvement for me,” Moats said.
“I won track of the year and production studio of the year. It felt pretty good because I spent a lot of time working on that stuff, and it felt like it all paid off,” Stephens said.
“I won production studio, and all LCTV first team, and the production studio meant a lot because we all pitched in on that, and we did a lot of the series, podcasts, and diss tracks,” Levins said.
These teams of students, dividing and conquering their skills behind and in front of the camera, will look forward to this new event for years to come, thanks to Mr. Baldwin and Connor Callahan. Something that students will never forget when they take A/V Production is the valuable digital and communication skills that are learned in such a creative environment. Stephens closes his explanation by describing the long-term impact the Flemmy’s will have.
“It feels pretty good, and it feels like witnessing history, I guess, in a way. It’s something I can look back on in the future, and I think I’ll win another one before graduation, hopefully. I’m excited to watch future people win the awards,” Stephens said.
