FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2024

Contact:  Shannon Carr
Communications Coordinator
scarr@metroed.net
(408) 723-4229

San Jose, Calif.: Silicon Valley Career Technical Education (SVCTE) center Film and Video Production students Allison Crick, Leslie Franco, and Maria Esquivel Flores were featured in a KRON4 news story and Esquivel Flores was featured in a local Telemundo news story after winning second place in a 2024 Viral Video Contest. Crick and Franco both attend Branham High School in Campbell Union High School District while Esquivel Flores attends Mount Pleasant High School in East Side Union High School District. 

The contest was held in recognition of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI) Awareness Week in April and presented by the County of Santa Clara Department of Public Health Sexual Health & Harm Reduction Program. To participate, high-school-age students living or attending school in Santa Clara County had to produce and submit a 30-90 second video that encouraged safer sex behavior and addressed STI stigma, upload the video on YouTube, share it on social media with #GoViralSCC, and complete their contest application at www.GoViralSCC.org.   

“High school kids know what makes a video go viral,” said Dr. Sarah Rudman, Deputy Health Officer for the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department. “It's inspiring to see them use those skills to address a topic that can be hard to talk about. Reducing stigma around STIs begins with open dialogue that helps make sexual health a part of routine healthcare.” 

The winning SVCTE video “Wrap it Up” is inspired by ‘90s rap videos, and shares knowledge about protecting yourself from STIs with condoms and the importance of regular testing. Cash prizes were awarded to the first, second, and third-place winners: $1,500, $1,000, or $500 for the top three winning teams, plus $500 for each winning team’s school. Watch a recording of the awards ceremony.

“Your submission stood out among the entries, demonstrating outstanding creativity, message, and execution,” the congratulatory email from the 2024 Viral Video Contest Team stated. “The judges were impressed with the quality of your work, and we are delighted to recognize your outstanding accomplishment.”

A diverse panel of judges reviewed submissions from 104 students representing seven high schools across Santa Clara County. The students created original videos encouraging their peers to get tested while promoting healthy relationships and reducing the stigma associated with STIs. Half of all new STI cases in the United States are among people aged 15 to 24, making this age group critical to reach.

“Participating in this competition was something that really opened my eyes when it comes to filmmaking,” Esquivel Flores said. “I knew things were possible, I just wasn't sure if I was capable of making it happen. Now that it did happen and I was able to achieve something great and participate in this along with some of my friends, I'm more motivated to do more great things and hopefully get very far. It was a fun experience working along with my classmates and an even better experience for being able to celebrate this win along with them.”

Other SVCTE students also placed in the runners-up category for the STI contest. They include: 

• “Public Service Announcement: Roomies”: Said Vargas Rodriguez and Jose Soreque from Silver Creek High School in East Side Union High School District, and Cavan Tonascia from Lincoln High School in San Jose Unified School District

• “STD PSA”: Hongthuong Le from Lincoln High School in San Jose Unified School District and Maya Grandy from Wilson High School in Santa Clara Unified School District

• “The Stay Wrapped Rap”: Aaron Tran from Andrew Hill High School in East Side Union High School District, Jakob Rodemyer from Branham High School in Campbell Union High School District, and Moises Lizardo from Oak Grove High School in East Side Union High School District

About Metropolitan Education District: MetroED is a regional provider of Career Technical Education (CTE) and Adult Education. We are the largest career-oriented education organization in Northern California for high school and adult students. Annually, MetroED provides 2,600 diverse students with the skills to help them be productive, income-earning and tax-paying contributors to Silicon Valley. Register for a free campus tour or get more information at www.metroed.net

About the County of Santa Clara Public Health Department: The County of Santa Clara Public Health Department is committed to protecting and improving the health and well-being of county residents. By focusing on its core values of equity, diversity and collaboration, accountability, integrity, and impact, the Public Health Department will create a safe, healthy community where all people thrive. To learn more about how the Public Health Department prevents disease and injury, educates communities, promotes healthy lifestyles, and influences sound health policy, please visit our website, sccphd.org. 

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