On April 19, 2026, Healthy Futures of Texas hosted its 11th Annual Student Film Contest at the historic Texas Theatre, bringing together students, educators, families, and community members for an inspiring afternoon of youth storytelling. This year’s contest invited Texas high school students to explore how their online lives are shaping their offline relationships, resulting in powerful films about technology, identity, communication, and connection from students representing 10 high schools across Texas, the highest number of schools to date.
We are deeply grateful to the students who shared their voices and creativity, the educators and families who supported them, our volunteers and community members who joined us, and the sponsors and local partners whose support helped bring this event to life.
Thank you to our generous sponsors:
PRODUCERS
Sarah and Gary Ahr
Rebecca W. Bruder
Peggy Dear
directors
Kelsey and Patrick Robertson
Lindsay and Blake Shipp
Sue and Jay Wagley
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
Gail and Jeffrey Bayer
Pam and John Beckert
Lindsay and George Billingsley
Leslie and Wicky el-Effendi
ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
Abby Evans/Bridget Miller/Tricia Miller
Patricia W. Fagadau
Terry and Barry Greenberg
Betsy and Mark Kleinman Philanthropic Fund of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Lisa and Peter Kraus
Chris and Stacy Kroeger
Suzanne McGee, in honor of Leslie el-Effendi
McManemin Family Fund at Communities Foundation of Texas
Meaders and Robert Ozarow and Empire Baking Co
WRITERS
Ruthie and Jay Pack Family Foundation
Alice and Bill Barnett
Flauren and Jason Bender
Margaret and Charles Black
Molly Bruder
Gwen Echols
Cory Feldman
Sharon Folsom
Linnie and Michael Katz
Mallory Killingstad
Candace Krause
Professional Parking Solutions
WRITERS
Carolyn Rathjen
Edward W. Rose III Family Fund at The Dallas Foundation
Kelli Sajnani
John Thompson and Emily Martin
Paula and Tom Turicchi
Hilarie and Peter Weinstock
Mark and Peggy Zilbermann Family Charitable Fund of the Dallas Jewish Community Foundation
Loyd and Jeff Zisk
Sophie and Eric Zuckerman
11th Annual Student Film Contest Chairs,Kelsey Robertson and Lindsay Bayer Shipp
View the Winning Films:
“Behind the Screen” by Delilah Gomez – Richardson High School, Richardson, Texas
“In Passing” by Wesley Irwin – Quitman High School, Quitman, Texas
“Nudge” by Vrinda Polimetla – Legacy Ranch High School, Liberty Hill, Texas
