STUDENTS on the RIVER

film contest

WINNERS ANNOUNCED!

1st prize: Evelyn Carter for her visual poem, “The Merced River”

2nd prize: Canyon Carter and “The Importance of Snow Surveys”

3rd prize TIE: Noah Beas “Merced River Adventure” and Mrs. Ouborg’s 2/3/4 grade class from El Portal Elementary, “What is special about the Merced River”

INSPIRATIONS

Check out MCHS Watershed Council scholarship recipient Finn Westerlund’s inspirational video below presented at the 2024 Merced River Fest AND a student-created claymation video “Bad Bugs” about the good they offer to our planet.

About STUDENTS ON THE RIVER

In collaboration with the Mariposa Arts Council, the Upper Merced River Watershed Council was proud to sponsor its first STUDENTS on the RIVER film contest open to all school-age Mariposa County youth.

First ($500), second ($300), and third ($200) place videos were selected by a panel of filmmakers and Watershed Council board members.

Student videos were featured at the April 19, 2025 MERCED RIVER FEST - Wild and Scenic Film Festival event at the Grove House and will be used as educational outreach materials throughout the watershed.

Guidelines

  • Must be a school-age student within Mariposa County

  • Films can be up to 3 minutes

  • Content must be suitable for all ages

Suggested topics include

  • what you love about the Merced River and watershed

  • water conservation and why it’s important

  • importance of water quality

  • wildlife in the watershed

  • artistic explorations in the Merced River watershed

Send questions and submissions to Film Contest Coordinator, Kristina Rylands, at kristinarylands@gmail.com.

This activity is funded in part by the County of Mariposa and the Mariposa County Arts Council