Westport Public Schools is proud to celebrate students from Long Lots Elementary School and Kings Highway Elementary School who were recognized among this year’s winning creators in the 2026 Access Awareness Awards, an annual student video contest sponsored by the Area 9 Cable Council and Optimum of Connecticut. The contest honors original student video productions broadcast on Optimum’s Educational Access Channel 78 and encourages students to build storytelling and video production skills through projects connected to school and community life.

A special congratulations goes to Long Lots Elementary School, which received the Elementary School John M. Repicky Award for best overall elementary entry for Girls On The Run, created by Ella Rossi under the direction of instructor Samantha Hubbard. The Repicky Award recognizes the top overall project at the elementary, middle, and high school levels.

Westport students earned the following honors:

Elementary School – John M. Repicky Award
Girls On The Run
By Ella Rossi
Long Lots Elementary
Instructor: Samantha Hubbard

Elementary School – Animation/Stop-Motion
First Place – An Average Week of Robots
By Chase Bittinger
Long Lots Elementary - Westport
Instructor: Samantha Hubbard

Elementary School – School News Story
Girls On The Run
By Ella Rossi
Long Lots Elementary
Instructor: Samantha Hubbard

Elementary School – General Interest Story
First Place – Space invaders! Look out!
By Lucy Apton
Kings Highway Elementary - Westport
Instructor: Tara Doyle

Second Place – Fall Favorites
By Cora Lask and Layla Perkel
Long Lots Elementary - Westport
Instructor: Barbara Eilertsen

Elementary School – Narrative Fiction
First Place – TOAST
By Hazel Crockett and Charlotte Visconti
Instructor: Tara Doyle

Elementary School – PSA
First Place – KHS Goals
By Cameron Kim, Ava Giambanco, and Timothy Sheehy
Kings Highway Elementary - Westport
Instructor: Tara Doyle

These honors reflect the creativity, collaboration, and communication skills that students develop through authentic, project-based learning experiences. From animation and school news to narrative storytelling and public service messaging, the winning entries showcased a wide range of talents and ideas. The recognition also highlights the guidance of dedicated educators who help students bring their ideas to life.

Video production gives students a powerful way to communicate what matters to them. We are thrilled to see Long Lots and Kings Highway students recognized for work that is thoughtful, engaging, and skillfully produced, said Natalie Carrignan, Director of Technology. It is inspiring to see our students use digital media to inform, entertain, and tell meaningful stories. Their success reflects both their own imagination and the support of educators who help turn ideas into polished productions.

To view the full video compilation of all winning entries, click the following link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1a3m0BsOlUwwnQYiMOuWoZuuBq1vsf9b2/view

To read the full Area 9 Cable Council press release with winners from across participating districts, click here: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1_aUO3ePazF80080NtD6YdsKtcg43Te1o7aJiGb2qTRc/edit?usp=sharing