Digital Media Club students have a passion for making movies.

Christina Abelardo, the previous lower school librarian, began in 2009. In August 2010, lower school librarian, Laurel Taylor, became involved with the group. The group consists of students in grades 4-6.

“Our goal has been to use movies to help promote positive messages in the community,” Taylor said.

From 2009-11, students used “flip” cameras to film and Mac computers to edit. With the new iPads this year, students have been able to create and edit videos in a shorter amount of time. The built-in cameras and editing apps on the iPad allow students to use one device to create their films. The iPads improve the quality of the videos.

The club meets every Tuesday from 2:15 to 3:15 p.m. The club occasionally goes on field trips or has guest speakers on Wednesday afternoons.

Sixth grader, Logan Shiroma, said, “ I joined the Digital Media Club because I enjoy making videos and entering them in film contests, and I also enjoy learning new tricks and improve my videos every meeting we have.”

Students use their news skills to make a positive impact on the community through a variety of projects. They put over 100 hours of research, script writing, interviewing and filming into their entries.

This year the club will be participating in the following contests: Scotties Tree Rock Contest, Nene Award Contest, Olelo Youth Xchange, the Internet Safety Awards and E Ola Pono.

Taylor said, “The students do all of the work – script writing, filming, animation and subtitles, and editing. My job is to ensure that they meet contest standards. I help them make sure that they provide enough information on their topic as well as accurate information.”

For the “Nene Reading” contest, students had to create an additional scene for either “The Lemonade War” or “The Invention of Hugo Cabret.” Both books are “Nene Award” winners and on suggested reading lists. This contest allowed students to be creative and expand their understanding of the books.

The club has participated in other contests throughout the year. At the end of the year, the club has an annual “Red Carpet Event” in the auditorium. The event showcases the videos that students have produced through the year. Family, friends and teachers are invited to the event. This year the event will be held on Apr. 26.