11th grader Tripp Somerville from Kirkwood High School in Missouri won 2nd Prize in the High School Central division for his documentary, “Government Compact: The Law or Threat to Universities,” about the Government Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education. As a 2nd Prize winner, Tripp collects $1,500 in prize money.
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. 2026 marked the 22nd year of the competition and in this semiquincentennial year celebrating the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we asked students in grades 6-12 to create a short (5:00-6:00 minute) video documentary on either a historical or contemporary topic that related to the competition theme, “America’s 250th Anniversary”
Exploring the American Story through the Declaration of Independence.
C-SPAN is funded by America’s cable, satellite television and streaming companies, who also support StudentCam. In Kirkwood, C-SPAN is available locally through Spectrum.
Press:
- Press Release: St. Louis Area Students Win Prizes in C-SPAN’s National Documentary Competition (Google Doc)
- Article: Kirkwood High School students honored in C-SPAN documentary contest (STL Today)
StudentCam 2026 2nd Prize: "Government Compact: The Law or Threat to Universities"
Congratulatory Messages and Recognition
Missouri State Senator Tracy McCreery
Washington University in St. Louis Law Professor John Inazu
Washington University in St. Louis Vice Chancellor of Government and Community Relations J.D. Burton
Missouri State Rep. George Hruza
