¾¨Ó㴫ý

The 2007 Iris Film Festival honored a short documentary produced and directed by ¾¨Ó㴫ý students with a runner up finish.

"Who Knows What Caitlyn May Do&" was produced for a cluster course during the spring 2007 semester. The film introduces the audience to three-year-old Caitlyn May Hickman, a child with Down syndrome, and her family: Lisa, Jason, and Leah Hickman. The family shares insights to remind the viewer that while life may seem rough at times, viewing from a different perspective makes one aware of all life's gifts.

Executive producers are Dr. Virginia Tomlinson, associate professor of sociology and director of the Drinko Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning, and Bradley Weaver, instructor of broadcast communications. Dr. Mandy Medvin, professor of psychology, was also featured in the documentary.

The festival is a competition open to all Pennsylvania filmmakers. Entries are screened in advance and the top two in each of several categories are featured in festival screenings open to the public.

Weaver represented the College at the festival at the historic Clifton Theater in Huntingdon. "I was impressed by the eclectic choice of entries in the various categories from filmmakers of all ages," he said. "We enjoyed meeting other college students with class projects as well as high school teachers with a knack for storytelling."

Students involved in the writing, direction and production of the documentary are:

Julie Kepins, a senior psychology major, is a daughter of James and Cindy Kepins of Murrysville and a graduate of Franklin Regional High School.

Ashley Pierson, a senior financial economics major, is a daughter of James and Kara Pierson of Wellsville, Ohio, and a graduate of Wellsville Local High School.

Andrew Polack, a senior computer science and mathematics major, is a son of Samuel and Barbara Polack of Abingdon, Md., and a graduate of Edgewood High School.

Michael Wolenski, a 2007 ¾¨Ó㴫ý graduate with a degree in broadcast communications, is a son of Thomas and Maureen Wolenski of Butler and a graduate of Peters Township High School.

Contact Weaver at (724) 946-7238 or e-mail weaverbl@westminster.edu or visit for additional information.