2024 STUDENT
OF THE YEAR
Honoring an STN student who epitomizes our mission. The winner receives a trip to the 2025 STN Convention in Long Beach, California and $1,000 scholarship.
APPLICATION FOR STUDENT OF THE YEAR IS CLOSED.
A student at Cedar Crest High School in Lebanon, Pennsylvania, Finn Royer brings an exceptional well-rounded blend of leadership, excellence, and creativity.
His leadership is exemplified as a founding member and co-director for the Mount Gretna International Film Festival, showcasing his commitment to fostering a vibrant film culture in his community and beyond. Finn has also participated in many service-oriented activities, such as volunteering his time as a buddy to special needs students in his high school, reading to elementary school students, and spending time raising funds for the American Heart Association.
His creative portfolio features award-winning works such as 'Avarice,' 'Kireji,' 'What Lies Below,' 'Me Myself, I, and all the Rest,' and '20k,' where he excelled as a director, writer, producer, editor, and actor. In addition to his numerous accolades, Finn has been commissioned to produce content for the Mount Gretna Outdoor Art Show and a documentary for a local nature advocacy group.
After graduation, Finn plans to attend Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College where he will major in film and media studies.
About This Award
The STN Student of the Year recognizes dedication to broadcast journalism, film or media, and a high level of achievement in journalistic, creative, or video production efforts.
Judges will look for consistency of effort, close attention to strong production values in all work, professionalism, related work outside the classroom, and the integrity of the final product. Produced pieces, written support documents, and letters of recommendation will all be considered.
PLEASE SUBMIT THE FOLLOWING FOR CONSIDERATION:
Please upload a portfolio video, 10 minutes maximum, containing the entrant's best work, any excerpts of news coverage, or any other segments produced by or including the applicant. The judges will not view more than 10 minutes so we suggest you have a strong close.
A written, typed essay on the topic: My Definition of Success. (500 words or less, 12 point font, double spaced)
A resume of the student's related high school experience including conventions attended, training, awards, etc. Also, include in the resume, plans for after high school.
Two letters of recommendation - one from the student’s teacher or adviser, printed on the school's stationery, and one from a professional business person or story subject.
Awards
The winner will receive a $1000 scholarship and a plaque at the 2025 STN Convention. The winner will also attend the 2025 STN Convention and be invited to intern for the entire convention. STN will cover the cost of airfare, shared hotel room, and meals. Runners-up will receive certificates. All will be recognized on the STN website.
Eligibility
Seniors graduating by June 30, 2025, at current STN affiliate schools. The school must be a fully paid STN affiliate for the 2024-2025 school year. Each school may enter up to two students and a school may have a winner and a runner up.
