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Boardman High School student wins top prize in national video contest
BOARDMAN
Of the more than 50 entries that a Cleveland law firm received for a college scholarship contest, a Boardman High School student took home the top prize.
Senior Cade Santha won the 2017 Spangenberg Law Firm Video PSA College Scholarship Contest, which asked students to create an original public-service announcement video.
Participants had four choices of topic: campus safety, privacy and online security, awareness of traumatic brain injuries and preventing human trafficking.
Santha, who graduates Sunday, opted to focus on campus safety.
His one-minute video gives college students tips on how to remain safe, including:
Sign up for your university’s emergency notification system.
Know your way around campus.
Know where to go in case of an emergency.
Cross roadways properly.
If you’re feeling unsafe or lost, contact a friend or campus escort service.
The video, which features smooth editing and upbeat music, incorporates video taken on Youngstown State University’s campus.
“College should not be a journey by yourself. Share these tips with your friends to keep them safe as well,” Santha says at the video’s conclusion.
Santha’s entry in the PSA contest competed against entries submitted by 50-plus students from 22 states. Getting first place earned him a $2,000 scholarship that he will put toward his education at Ohio State University, where he will start school this fall. Santha will study international business administration and Spanish.
“Every amount helps with college,” Santha said of winning the scholarship. “College is very expensive. It’s going to help me with my books and my room and board, and it puts me in a position where my family doesn’t have to hurt as much for my college education.”
His PSA was partly inspired by his plans to attend OSU, he said, noting a November 2016 attack on the school’s campus in which a student hit bystanders with his car and stabbed multiple people.
“The college I’m going to is such a large place with a large number of students,” Santha said. “Not being aware of your surroundings can put you in a dangerous situation.”
Santha expressed gratitude to members of the Spangenberg law firm.
“This year’s submissions were creative and raised awareness on important topics,” Spangenberg partner Nicholas DiCello said. “A special congratulations for our winners, including Cade Santha, whose first-place video on campus safety was very well done and communicated a strong and direct message on ways college students can always stay safe on campus.”
Santha’s video is posted online at spanglaw.com/scholarship.