Beau Thomas Won Nebraska Film Competition
A senior at Auburn High School claimed victory in the inaugural contest held during the last school year.
Updated on Sept. 21, 2026 in Youth
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Beau Thomas, a senior at Auburn High School, was announced as the winner of the inaugural ConNEction Project film competition during the last school year. The project explores the influence of modern technology on the lives of young Nebraskans.
Why it matters
The program was created to examine how technology shapes the experiences and perspectives of students across the state. By turning student story ideas into professional-quality films, the project provides a platform for youth to share their digital realities.
The competition is open to students between the ages of 13 and 19. Participants submit story ideas that are subsequently developed into films with the help of industry partners.
The players
Beau Thomas
He is a student at Auburn High School who won the first statewide ConNEction Project film contest.
The Clarkson Institute
This organization serves as the primary funding body for the film competition.
The Glowmedia Project
This group partners with the competition to provide professional filming support for student projects.
The details
The competition was funded by the Clarkson Institute and facilitated through a partnership with The Glowmedia Project, which assisted with filming the submissions. Thomas received the news of his win during a virtual announcement call with competition board members.
Timeline
The film competition took place during the last school year.
Submissions for the second year of the contest are due by Oct. 2.
Culture Shift
This program aligns with the ongoing digital literacy research on youth technology integration by using media production to foster critical thinking. It reflects a broader movement to move students from passive content consumers to active creators in the digital age.
Students aged 13 to 19 across Nebraska can participate in the second year of this film project. Interested youth should prepare their story concepts and ensure submissions are finalized before the October deadline to be considered.
The takeaway
Participating in creative media initiatives allows students to gain hands-on production experience while exploring complex social issues. Young filmmakers are encouraged to focus on authentic personal narratives that highlight their unique interactions with technology.
What happens next
The deadline for students to submit entries for the second annual competition is Oct. 2.
Further reading
For more information on programs supporting local students, visit the Youth section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Nebraska Public Media.
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