John P. Freeman Optional School second graders and their teacher, Melissa Collins, have been awarded honorable mention for their entry in the second annual White House Student Film Festival. Their short film, “How Giving Goes Viral,” was one of more than 1,500 entries submitted in this year’s competition.

“It is a honor for my class to be recognized by the White House,” Collins said. “They had more than 1,500 videos to review, and our video made an impact on them. This is something my students will remember for a lifetime.”

In their video, students highlight their time spent making an impact in their community and around the city, including working with local business leaders, carrying on the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and donating gifts to patients at St. Jude Children’s Hospital.

“My students and I were inspired to do the video because of Nick London, a local high school basketball player who was diagnosed with leukemia in 2014,” Collins said. “He wanted the community to give Christmas gifts to St. Jude Children Research Hospital. My students gave Christmas gifts to Nick's Christmas Drive instead of exchanging gifts. Due to his tenacity and courage, he helped my class to understand the power of giving.”

Awards for the 2015 student festival were announced by President Obama and the White House on March 20. Winning videos can be screened on the White House official YouTube page.