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The C-SPAN network, Spectrum and state and local representatives honored three Albert Lea High School students Wednesday for winning third place in C-SPAN’s annual video documentary competition, StudentCam. 

The students, Bryant Johnston, Sam Stay and Benjamin Schulz, and their teacher, Jim Haney, also received cash prizes at the ceremony. 

Johnston, Stay and Schulz’s documentary, titled “Energy in America,” is their response to the prompt C-SPAN issued for the competition: “Your Message to the President.”

It details the importance of the country transitioning to clean energy sources, specifically nuclear power. The video includes interviews from personnel from the Freeborn Mower Electric Cooperative, Xcel Energy and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

At the ceremony, David Larson of Charter Communications — more commonly known as Spectrum — complimented the students on their hard work. Larson is also a member of the Minnesota Governmental Relations Council.

“We firmly believe in the importance of supporting organizations and initiatives that nurture creativity and critical thinking among our youth, and here today, Bryant, Sam and Benjamin … have shown remarkable talent by frankly taking on difficult, complex issues of energy generation and transmission,” Larson said. “Their hard work not only highlights vital issues, but fosters awareness and encourages meaningful discussions within our community.”

The students were then given a letter from Sen. Tina Smith, which was read during the ceremony by Smith’s state communications director, Lexi Byler. 

“It’s great to see students from Minnesota be recognized on a national stage for your thoughtful and creative exploration of one of the most pressing issues facing our country — the urgent need to transition to cleaner, more sustainable sources of energy,” the letter read. “Congratulations on this well-deserved honor. You’ve made Minnesota and Albert Lea proud. I can’t wait to see what you do next.”

Second Ward Councilor Larry Baker shared some life advice with Johnston, Stay and Schulz, who are all seniors, to take with them as they graduate. 

“As you move forward into this world, keep a positive attitude, love people, be friendly, stay away from the negativity and just be who you are,” Baker said.

The students were also congratulated by district outreach representative for Rep. Brad Finstad, Natasha Young-Ray.

Because they won third place, Johnston, Stay and Schulz received $750 to split evenly amongst the three of them. However, Charter Communications decided to double the prize money, so each student received a total of $500. Haney also received $250 in prize money.

At the ceremony, Johnston said the subject of nuclear energy is near and dear to the three friends. Because they had connections with people who worked in the energy industry, he added, they were able to get meaningful interviews to add to their video. 

Johnston also said his uncle personally knows Walz and was able to put in a good word for them, in addition to the three boys making phone calls and working with people at Walz’s office.

The award was from over 1,700 entries from students representing 42 different states, according to a C-SPAN press release.