(ARLINGTON, VA) May 31, 2018 — “National Park Diaries,” an affecting documentary featuring Student Conservation Association volunteers as they experience three transformative weeks working and exploring in national parks, is the winner of three Telly Awards.
The Tellys recognize excellence in video and television across all screens and “National Park Diaries” – produced by SCA and Reel Works Teen Filmmaking in association with American Express – took the following honors:
- a Silver People’s Telly, as voted by the online community
- a Bronze award in the Nature/Wildlife category
- an additional Bronze statuette for Editing
“Our goal from the start was to showcase the life-changing impact of youth service and stewardship, and to inspire younger and more diverse populations to help protect our public lands,” says SCA President and CEO Jaime Matyas. “The Student Conservation Association is grateful that so many others also recognize the empowering effects of outdoor service, and we are equally grateful to Reel Works and American Express for their assistance in sharing the compelling stories of these SCA volunteers.”
Narrated by actor Alessandro Nivola (“The Wizard of Lies,” “American Hustle,” “Face/Off”), “National Park Diaries” chronicles the challenges and triumphs of two crews of SCA teenagers: one in Denali National Park and Preserve in Alaska and the other at Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area.
The spectacular scenery is repeatedly eclipsed, however, by the young volunteers’ determination, teamwork, and evolution as they discover the depths of their capabilities and their capacity to change the world. “I’ve seen this film one billion times, because I edited it,” notes Reel Works Co-Founder, Artistic Director, and Executive Producer Stephanie Williams, “and I still tear up watching it.”
“I’m most proud that we authentically represented SCA and all the important work they do,” adds Producer Ryan Rivard. “The film is also reflective of the teens’ personality – they’re having fun, making jokes, and sometimes tired – but always joining together for a bigger cause.”
Telly winners were announced in New York on May 22nd and the “Dairies” documentary was made possible through an American Express grant of $100,000. For more information or to host a screening, contact Kevin Hamilton, SCA Vice President for Communications, at 1.888.722.9675 or [email protected].
About the Student Conservation Association
The Student Conservation Association (SCA) is America’s largest and most effective youth conservation service organization. SCA transforms lives and lands by empowering young people of all backgrounds to plan, act, and lead, while they protect and restore our natural and cultural resources. Founded in 1957, SCA’s mission is to build the next generation of conservation leaders and 70% of its alumni worldwide are employed or studying in conservation-related fields. For more, visit www.thesca.org.