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Directing Change

6 Events San Diego

Tags: San Diego
Film Description:

News and Awards

San Diego County Youth Place in November Hope & Justice Contest

November’s Hope & Justice contest asked youth to reflect on someone who has inspired them, supported them, or used their influence for good. Participants selected a “Mental Health Hero” as their focus, using their chosen artform to highlight someone who helps others see the possibilities within themselves, inspiring them to overcome and do great things with their lives. Congratulations to the youth from San Diego County who placed in the contest!

  • First Place – Film and Written Works: “Callused Hands” by Joslyn Herrera, Sweetwater Secondary
  • Second Place (Tie) – Art: “Reggie; Our Mentor” by Sierra Mercedes Adele Craft Wiseman and Andrew Alexander Hermosillo, General Raymond Murray High School
  • Honorable Mention – Film and Written Works: “The Hero in You” by Joslyn Herrera, Sweetwater Secondary
  • Honorable Mention – Film and Written Works: “Save Yourself” by Itzel Ventura-Medina, Chula Vista Learning Community Charter School
  • Honorable Mention – Hope and Justice: “Justice for Hope” by Jackson Ellis, Helix Charter School

View the full list of November winners here.


San Diego County Students Recognized for Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Achievements

The Directing Change Program & Film Contest announced the 2022 regional finalists in the 10th annual student contest encouraging young people to create short films and about suicide prevention and mental health. First place finalists advanced to a statewide round of judging and statewide winners were announced at the virtual award ceremony on May 17, 2022. 

  • First Place Walk in Our Shoes – The Superhero in Each of Us: Rancho Minerva Middle School “Dear Future Me”
  • Second Place Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health & Words Matter – TIED: Rancho Minerva Middle School “Fingerprints”
  • Second Place Walk in Our Shoes – What is Mental Health & Words Matter – TIED: Rancho Minerva Middle School “Un-Silent”
  • Second Place Hope and Justice – Justice: Canyon Hills High School “Missing Kids of Color Diary PSA”
  • Third Place Hope and Justice – Hope: Rancho Minerva Middle School “What Are You Waiting For?”


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If you are experiencing an emotional crisis, are thinking about suicide or are concerned about a friend call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately: 1-800-273-8255This is a free 24-hour hotline.
Directing Change is part of statewide efforts to prevent suicide, reduce stigma and discrimination related to mental illness, and to promote the mental health and wellness of students. These initiatives are funded by counties through the Mental Health Services Act (Prop 63) and administered by the California Mental Health Services Authority (CalMHSA), an organization of county governments working to improve mental health outcomes for individuals, families and communities.
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