Every second counts: A film about safe student driving

Staff Report

Just recently, Carson High School's advanced video production students found out their film project "Every Second Counts" will compete for the top $10,000 prize.

"Every Second Counts," a film about safe student driving, made it into the top 10 cut, down from the original 25. Advanced video production teacher Brian Reedy is working out the team of students to take with him to the ceremony at the Long Beach Convention Center in California.

Additionally, a production team will be coming to the school Feb. 10 to film four of the students involved in "Every Second Counts" production. That film will be shown at the final ceremony in Long Beach, along with the documentaries made about the other nine projects.

Community members might know of the "Every Second Counts" project from a filming day last October when Saliman Road was blocked off in front of the high school for several hours. Students filmed a mock accident between two cars, an accident caused by driver inattention. Many organizations within the community, including the Carson City Fire Department and the Carson City Sheriff's Office, assisted in the project and helped the students decide to focus on driver awareness.

"As I said before, without the incredible generosity from people in the community, we would not have this project," Reedy said.

The competition, called Project Ignition, is sponsored by State Farm.

Meaghann Gallagher,

18, senior

Her senior project is on Every Second Counts.

"When I found out the project was moving on, I kind of was jumping up and down, an 'Oh-my-gosh, oh-my-gosh' type of reaction because we put so much effort into this project. Getting into the top 10 makes all the effort worthwhile. I'm so proud of it."

Cassie Laberee,

17, senior

"I was excited to hear our project was moving on because we worked so hard on it. I probably spent three whole days going through shot logs, tracking sheets and helping Meaghann with the project. I hope we will come back with the $10,000."

Todd Crowell,

18, senior

"It was a good feeling. It took a while to sink in and realize how big this project actually is. We're not quite sure what the competition will be like, but I think our chances of winning (the top prize) are good. We did a great piece."

Chris McEachern,

18, senior

"It's pretty overwhelming. It was such a big community effort to put this thing together. It's a testament for us and for them that all the work was rewarded. I wish I knew what the other projects look like, but we made it this far and we should be proud already."

Gary Groth,

16, junior

"It's a good feeling because all the hard work and dedication paid off. It wasn't done in vain. We did a great project and it's going somewhere. We have a really good chance of succeeding in the final competition. I think there's a good chance we could win the championship."