StudentCam is C-SPAN’s annual national video documentary competition that encourages students to think critically about issues that affect our communities and our nation. 2024 marked the 20th anniversary of the competition and we invited middle and high school students to create a short documentary addressing the theme, “Looking Forward while Considering the Past.”
11th and 12th grade students Evan Fulmer, Xavier Penvose, & Fitz Ahlers from Horse Creek Academy in Aiken, South Carolina won 3rd Prize for their documentary about artificial intelligence, “Is It Real?” As 3rd Prize winners, the team will receive $750 in prize money.
C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable and satellite television companies, who also support StudentCam. In Aiken, C-SPAN is available locally through Comcast.
“Comcast recognizes the invaluable role of programs like StudentCam in providing a platform for students across the country to share their voice on the issues important to them,” said Amy Wright, Director of Community Investments at Comcast. “We applaud C-SPAN for their commitment to education and are honored to support initiatives that inspire students to think critically about the future of our nation. Congratulations to Evan, Xavier, and Fitz and we look forward to witnessing the continued impact of StudentCam on shaping the leaders of tomorrow.”
More Information:
- Press Release: Aiken Students Win Prizes in C-SPAN’s National Video Documentary Competition (Google Doc)
- Article: C-SPAN visits Horse Creek Academy to recognize students who placed in filmmaking competition (Aiken Standard)
StudentCam 2024 Third Prize: "Is It Real?"
Congratulatory Messages and Recognition

Congratulatory Letter - Senator Tim Scott (R-SC)

Congratulatory Letter - Student Press Law Center Staff Attorney Jonathan Gaston-Falk

Congratulatory Letter - SC State Senator Tom Young, Jr.

Certificate of Special Recognition - Congressman Joe Wilson (R-SC)
Written by studentcam
Recent Posts
- 2026 3rd Prize Middle School Division – “Our Future Protectors: The Civil Military Gap” by Chelsea Chen
- 2026 3rd Prize High School Western Division – “The Modern Ethnic Struggle” by Audrey Cheung, Matthew Dinh, & Racko Lee Cabunoc
- 2026 3rd Prize High School Eastern Division – “The Uncounted Voice: Youth, Democracy, & the Ballot Box” by Salem Safadi, Samuel Evans, & Sergio Ortiz Lugo
- 2026 3rd Prize High School Central Division – “Life, Liberty, and the Zip Code” by Rehan Mathew Koshy
- 2026 3rd Prize Middle School Division – “The Writer’s Declaration: 148 Days To Save Hollywood, about the WGA strike of 2023″ by Josie Connor & Mia Martin