The momentum continues to build for Maine West filmmakers - and this latest round of recognition shows just how high the bar has been set!
At the recent Midwest Media Educators’ Association (MMEA) Film Festival, students earned an impressive range of honors, while also gaining major recognition from National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences (NATAS) - an achievement often compared to the student version of the Emmy Awards.
National Recognition: NATAS Honors
Earning a nomination from NATAS is a major accomplishment on its own - but bringing home a Crystal Pillar Award places students at the very top tier of high school filmmaking.
This year’s NATAS nominations included:
- Arts & Entertainment – Fantastic Feasts and Where to Find Them: Marina Mariscos by Nolan Bain, Yezmeen Talbert, Alex Trejo, Korbin Maynard
- Music Video – Make It Through by Lucy Pluta, Karina Ramirez, Noah Becker, Frederick Vis, Mevis Membribes, Jackson Glunt, Korbin Maynard, Ethan Lindgren
- Non-Fiction Short Form – Jim Cook’s Honor Flight by Frederick Vis, Lucy Pluta, Jackson Glunt, Mevis Membribes, Ivan Ochoa, Karen Orozco, Ethan Lindgren, Korbin Maynard, Abin Varhese
- PSA – Filtered Out by Kallie Vanadia and Mikko Espino
Crystal Pillar Winner (Student Emmy equivalent!)
- PSA – Filtered Out by Kallie Vanadia and Mikko Espino
This recognition reflects not only creative storytelling, but also a deep commitment to producing meaningful, polished work that connects with audiences.
MMEA Film Festival Success
At the Midwest Media Educators Association Film Festival, Maine West students also earned top placements among strong regional competition:
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2nd Place – Talk Show
The Hyperfix Podcast by Mikko Espino and Ray Copeland -
4th Place – Documentary
Bob Misevich’s Honor Flight by Carlos Oraha, Josh Murphy, Cris Lawpattanapong, Vanessa D'Ottone -
4th Place – PSA
Filtered Out by Kallie Vanadia and Mikko Espino
Finalists Across Multiple Categories
In addition to award winners, a large group of student films were selected as finalists (Top 10–15), highlighting the depth and consistency of the program:
- News Program - Warrior Weekly by Olivia Young, Ivan Ochoa, Sami Alam, Lianna Ritti, Kallie Vanadia, Alex Trejo
- Natural Audio News Packages - Fire Station Open House by Sami Alam and Ivan Ochoa, Des Plaines Tree Lighting by Olivia Young, Autos Class by Korbin Maynard, Alex Trejo, Nolan Bain
- News Packages - How to Car by Liana Ritti, Ivan Ochoa, Olivia Young, Warrior Con by Kallie Vanadia, Ray Copeland, The Play that Goes Wrong by Milo Foy
- Demonstrations - How to Make Colorful Deviled Eggs by Olivia Young, How to Make Pavlova by Karina Ramirez, How to Make Filipino Eggrolls by Mikko Espino and Danielle Escobar
- PSA - Train Safety by Fred Vid
- Talk Shows - Bear Down Media by Ivan Ochoa, Sami Alam, Orange Soda Podcast by Ayden Collazo, Josh Villacis
A Program on the Rise
What stands out most is not just the number of awards, but the range of categories represented - news, documentary, PSA, music video, and talk show. This speaks to a program that is growing in both skill and ambition.
Students are clearly pushing themselves to tell stronger stories, refine their craft, and support one another in the process. That kind of environment doesn’t just produce awards - it builds creators who are ready for what comes next.
These recognitions are well earned and reflect months of dedication, collaboration, and creative risk-taking. The work continues to raise expectations and expand what’s possible for student filmmakers at Maine West.
We are so proud of all of the Maine West filmmakers acknowledged!
