Three talented students from Point Loma’s Correia Middle School have garnered recognition for their exceptional short documentary films submitted to C-SPAN’s 2025 StudentCam competition.
On May 21, a special gathering was held to honor these young filmmakers, drawing students, parents, teachers, administrators, and C-SPAN representatives together in celebration.
Among nearly 1,700 unique entries from across the nation, the works of Harper Haden and Helena de la Houssaye were awarded second prize, along with a $1,500 cash award, for their impactful video titled “One Pill Can Kill.”
Their documentary focuses on the fentanyl crisis and explores the crucial role the San Diego-Mexico border plays in the trafficking of fentanyl and other drugs into the United States.
In addition, Daniel Steinhauer, an eighth-grader, received an honorable mention and $250 for his documentary, “Preservation of Our National Parks.”
This film includes interviews with park representatives and volunteers, emphasizing the importance of funding and preservation for national parks.
During the ceremony, C-SPAN’s affiliate relations manager, Rachel Katz, expressed her admiration for the students’ hard work, acknowledging the challenges involved in creating such films.
“We want to make sure the three of you are recognized for your hard work because we know how difficult it is to put together these videos,” Katz stated.
She highlighted that each winning video was viewed multiple times by the judging panel comprised of former teachers.
Albert Velasquez, Cox Communications’ government affairs manager, also praised the accomplishments of the students, thanking their families and teachers for their support and guidance.
“We are so proud; these are all fantastic,” Velasquez remarked, emphasizing the collaborative effort needed to create these projects.
Certificates of recognition were awarded to the winning students by Margaret Doyle, who represented San Diego City Councilwoman Jennifer Campbell, acknowledging their achievements within the context of District 2.
“These videos are just amazing,” Doyle said, expressing excitement over having two prize-winning documentaries produced right in their local area.
California Governor Gavin Newsom contributed his thoughts in a video message played during the award ceremony, highlighting the significance of the films created by the students.
“The films you produced are important parts of the discussions we need to be having, not just in the state of California but across our nation,” he explained.
Newsom, noting his personal connection to the documentary filmmaking process through his spouse, commended the students for their dedication in tackling important issues.
“You are making a difference,” he added, recognizing the profound impact that their films can have.
Daniel Steinhauer’s documentary, focusing on the Cabrillo National Monument in Point Loma and California’s Yosemite National Park, presents a compelling case for the preservation of these natural wonders.
Reflecting on Yosemite, Daniel remarked, “Yosemite is one of those places that you can go and you really feel like you are in nature, which is what it should be.”
In his video, park ranger Mirella Piceno highlighted the challenges faced in managing visitor waste, stating, “we as rangers can do everything we can, but if you have 5 million visitors come to Yosemite, 5 million people can leave their trash around the park.”
On the other hand, Harper and Helena shared insights from their interviews with law enforcement and border agents regarding the fentanyl crisis.
Harper was surprised to learn from the director of U.S. Customs and Border Protection for Southern California that an astonishing 236,000 people cross the border daily, revealing the complexities surrounding border control.
Helena concluded from their discussions that enhanced scanning measures could impede fentanyl’s entry into San Diego.
However, Harper emphasized that there is no singular solution to the crisis by stating, “You have to attack it from all sides.”
She elaborated on the necessity of a multifaceted approach, one that combines investment in education, resources, and technology while also addressing the underlying demand for drugs.
To view Daniel’s documentary, “Preservation of Our National Parks,” interested parties can access it at bit.ly/3Hbd8R3.
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