This fall, SSU introduced its new program for a Bachelor of Arts in Cinematic Arts in Technology, which focuses on preparing students for possible careers in the film and video production industries and emphasizes developing hands-on skills such as camera operation, audio production, digital editing, and post-production. Two of the students enrolled in this new program are Sonoma Valley High graduates who received full scholarships from the Sonoma Valley International Film Festival, in partnership with the HKR Family Fund. Jacob Ceron Echeverria and Sakcham “Sam” Mishra are the first to receive the Media Arts Scholarships, which will be awarded to two Sonoma Valley High students for the next four years. Interim Dean of the SSU School of Arts and Humanities Ed Beebout worked with the high school to secure the grant. The two students were selected based on their creativity, hard work, and desire to attain degrees in filmmaking. This article from the Sonoma Index-Tribune has more details about the students and the Film Festival.
Sonoma Valley High School graduates Jacob Ceron Echeverria (second from left) and Sakcham (Sam Mishra) gather with Sonoma International Film Festival supporter Rosemary NcNeely, SVHS teacher Peter Hansen, SIFF Executive Director Ginny Krieger and SIFF Director Emeritus Kevin W. McNeely at Sonoma Valley Education Foundation’s Red & White Ball in Sonoma Plaza on Aug. 26, 2023. SIFF awarded Echeverria and Misra full-ride scholarships to attend Sonoma State University’s new cinematic arts and technology degree program.