By Kathleen Feeney
Mackenzie (ZZ) Dolphin, a young and talented filmmaker from Dunmore, has brought pride to her community by winning the prestigious Award of Merit, Bronze Medal, in the National PTA Reflections contest. Her poignant film on the pressing issue of bullying has earned her national recognition in the highly competitive film category.
Mackenzie, the daughter of Jennifer and Billy Dolphin, has always had a passion for storytelling and visual arts. Her award-winning film, which delves into the emotional and social impacts of bullying, stood out among numerous entries from across the country.
The National PTA Reflections contest, known for encouraging students to explore their creativity and express themselves through various artistic mediums, received over 300,000 submissions this year, making Mackenzie’s achievement particularly noteworthy.
The Dunmore Elementary Center PTA, which ran the contest at the local level, played a crucial role in Mackenzie’s journey. The top five winners in each category from Dunmore advanced to the regional level. From there, the best entries moved on to the State and National levels.
This year, Dunmore had an impressive seven regional winners with a total of 10 winning entries, showcasing the town’s rich talent pool. Among these, two advanced to win state awards, including Hope McKenna, who won an award of merit for her drawing titled “The Whale.” Mackenzie came in first in the State and advanced to Nationals where she took home the bronze! Beth Dale, Pennsylvania State PTA President stated that, to the best of her knowledge, Dunmore has never had a national winner.
In her film, Mackenzie not only captures the harsh realities faced by victims of bullying but also offers a message of hope and resilience. The judges praised her for her compelling narrative, exceptional cinematography, and the powerful way she conveyed the importance of empathy and kindness.
Jennifer and Billy Dolphin expressed immense pride in their daughter’s accomplishment. “Mackenzie has always been a thoughtful and creative individual. Her dedication to raising awareness about bullying through her film is truly inspiring,”said Jennifer.
Billy added, “We are thrilled to see her hard work and passion recognized on a national level.”
Mackenzie’s achievement has not only brought joy to her family but has also inspired her peers and the local community. The PTA plans to showcase her film to further promote discussions around the topic of bullying and encourage other students to engage in creative expression.
The National PTA Reflections program has been celebrating student achievements in the arts for over 50 years. It aims to help students explore their artistic talents and find their voice in a safe and supportive environment. Mackenzie’s success in this esteemed competition underscores the importance of arts education in fostering young talents and addressing critical social issues.
As Mackenzie looks ahead, she hopes to continue using her filmmaking skills to tell stories that matter and make a difference in the world. Her journey is a testament to the power of creativity and the impact that young voices can have on society.
The community eagerly awaits what this promising young filmmaker will create next, confident that her future endeavors will continue to inspire and bring about positive change.
For more information on the National PTA Reflections contest, and to view Mackenzie Dolphin’s award-winning film, visit the Dunmore PTA Facebook Page or go to this video link: