While high school senior Nikole McElhose drew inspiration from Sequim’s welcoming elk sign just off of U.S. Highway 101 for her award-winning poster, Sequim classmates are looking for inspiration of their own.

In preparation for the group’s 11th Student Film Festival and Fine Arts Show slated in April, representatives from the Sequim Education Foundation recently picked McElhose’s creation for their promotional poster.

The foundation’s event is Friday, April 22, at the Sequim High School Auditorium, with a fine arts show running 6-7 p.m., followed by viewing of the top student-created films. A $5 donation is requested to help with the cost of the scholarships

All students registered with the Sequim School District are eligible to submit films, which must be turned in by April 11 no later than 4 p.m. at the Sequim School District office or in Sequim High School Room A4 SHS (Christy Ditlefsen’s) after school.

In addition to the general films, this year’s festival has added categories that highlight volunteerism within the schools and community. Student filmmakers and community members have a chance to team up to create films on volunteerism by entering the Community Service category, sponsored by the Sequim Sunrise Rotary. Students also may choose to make a film highlighting their school club or team for the School Spirit Award. Both awards have an additional cash award.

All student filmmakers will compete for scholarship awards of up to $1,000 for the first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third place.

The foundation has added an art show element to this year’s festival. Attendees are invited to come between 6-7 p.m. to enjoy work created from wood, ceramics, glass, culinary arts and more.

Poster impresses

McElhose was awarded a $100 cash prize and will have her poster auctioned off the night of the film festival.

“I got my inspiration from the Sequim elk sign that stands just off of (Highway) 101 as you enter Sequim,” she said. “Every time I come back into town and pass by Sequim’s signature elk, I find comfort in knowing I’m home.”

Drawing has been McElhose’s passion since as long as she can remember, she said, though she has taken no formal art lessons.

Honorable mentions and $25 awards went to freshman Baylee Rux, sophomore Emma Beeson and sophomore Anna White. Each of their posters will be on display the night of the film festival.

For more …

For more information, visit sequimeducationfoundation.org or call Film Festival chairman Elna Kawal at 683-3027.