Students Named eMagine Honorees

Students Named eMagine Honorees
Shawnee Mission School District

This spring, a group of Shawnee Mission students were honored for their excellence in imagination and animation.

They received recognition through the eMagine Media Festival, a competition which draws students from across the Kansas City metropolitan area. Submissions are evaluated by individuals that work in a corresponding industry or higher education.

The following students earned “Top Five” recognition from a panel of judges:

Music Video
“Hear Me,” Brogan Thomas, Kaja Wakefield, and Emma Mathieson from Shawnee Mission West

PSA
“Your Voice,” Brogan Thomas, Shawnee Mission West


Short Film
“Band on the Run,” Ashleigh Neyman, Will Frankel, and Holly Jackson

3D Environment
“Bedroom,” Lauren Peterson, Shawnee Mission Animation Signature Program

“The Diner,” Will Swan, Shawnee Mission Animation Signature Program.

Character Animation
“Wall Climb,” Adrienne Kaffenberger, Shawnee Mission Animation Signature Program

“Project Little Bird,” Ruby Lynn Okerberg, Shawnee Mission Animation Signature Program

The following students earned place recognition:

3D Animation
First Place, “Bedroom,” Lauren Peterson, Shawnee Mission Animation Signature Program

Second Place, “The Diner” Will Swan, Shawnee Mission Animation Signature Program


Music Video
Second Place, “Hear Me” Brogan Thomas, Shawnee Mission West


PSA
Second Place, “Your Voice” Brogan Thomas, Shawnee Mission West


Short Film
Third Place, “Band on the Run,” Ashleigh Neyman, Shawnee Mission West

The Shawnee Mission West honorees were successful because they continued to work hard and try to create differently than their peers, instructor Kelly Gill said.

“I was happy for them,” she added. “Sometimes you enter contests and you know the projects were really good, but nothing ever comes of it. This paid off for these students. I’m so proud of them!”

To be successful in animation, students have to have more than a passing interest, Animation Signature Program instructor Bryan Johnson said.

“Passionate students learning and explore, experiment and ultimately create animations that go way beyond assignments from class,” Johnson noted.  “Many of the finalist did much of the work outside of class using outside sources and pushing the limits of their knowledge.”

Having the working professionals evaluate and recognize the work was an important learning experience for the students, Johnson said.

“It carries a lot of weight and gives you a confidence and boost to your animation obsession,” Johnson added.