For Immediate Release: Tuesday, May 11, 2021
ROCKVILLE, Md., May 11, 2021— Montgomery County Councilmember Craig Rice honored Allison Fan, a sophomore attending Churchill High School, as the winner of his sixth annual Councilmember for a Day challenge during today's County Council meeting. Allison’s video submission, “Healthy” – Eating Disorders Among Teenagers was selected for its compelling message, call to action and impressive video production.
Councilmember Rice, who chairs the Council’s Education and Culture Committee, developed the annual Councilmember for a Day Program as a way for young people to lend their voices to public policy issues and engage with local government in enacting change.
What initially started as an essay contest expanded significantly this year, with Councilmember Rice partnering with Montgomery County Public Schools and Montgomery College to enhance the program by including an eight-week curriculum on digital storytelling. Open to students in eighth through twelfth grades, each participant was provided with a loaner iPad and mentored by a trained instructor on inclusive storytelling through digital journalism. The culminating project was a video on a public policy issue. The top five videos were featured during a film festival on May 5.
“All of the students’ video submissions were impressive and made the selection of the top five videos for our film festival very difficult,” said Councilmember Rice. “Allison’s video was particularly compelling both in her inspiring message and incorporating creative production skills she learned during the program. Her passion shined through in her video.
“Allison’s winning video submission advocated for more comprehensive education on eating disorders within the school curriculum. Through her engaging visuals and relaying her personal message regarding her own challenges, the video provided important information about eating disorders afflicting our youth.”
Continuing the tradition established six years ago, Allison received a proclamation honoring her achievement and will serve as honorary Councilmember for a Day at a future Council meeting.
“These students are an inspiration, and I hope each one understands how their stories help elected leaders develop policies and initiatives that respond to the needs in our communities. Allison Fan is truly a talented and inspirational advocate for increasing awareness of eating disorders among teenagers,” said Councilmember Rice.
To view Allison’s winning video, “Healthy” - Eating Disorders among Teenagers, go to https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujPzpOCs5B4
Release ID: 21-203