Dear Friends,


MY HERO has resources for teachers, parents and students to explore and share all year long. Abigail Richardson and Naomi Gledhill curate the MY HERO Calendar, which features stories, art, and films celebrating heroes 365 days a year.


Explore Contests that allow students to create and share their stories, music, art and short films with our global community.


Please enjoy this newsletter and share it with parents, teachers and students you know.


Warm regards,


The MY HERO Team

 

Final Call for Entries - Sept 1

MY HERO International Film Festival

Filmmakers of all. ages are invited to share hero-themed short films

through the 2026 MY HERO International Film Festival.


September 1st is the last day to submit your short films to the 2026 MY HERO International Film Festival. Browse the links below to see how you can win cash and prizes for sharing video stories about your heroes.

Special Awards

Explore our Special Awards, which are given for themes of Peace, Activism, Women Transforming Media, Ocean Conservation, and the many types of modern Family Relationships and films by Youth Reporters. There are awards for Music Videos, Animated Films, and Documentaries.



Entry fees are waived for students.

Email media@myheroproject.org for the code.


Click the images below to learn about each award.

WOJ Youth Reporter Award

Dan Eldon Activist Award

Eva Haller Women Transforming Media Award

Ron Kovic Peace Prize

Sing For Hope Award

Relationships First Award

Click here to view All Special Awards


Click here to view past festival winners.


Learn to Make Inspiring Short Films with the MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking Workbookwi

Students of all ages can learn to make hero-themed films with the MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking Workbook. The workbook was made possible with support from the Scripps Family Impact Fund. It was written by media teacher Jonah Steinhart, with a foreword by Global Educator Esther Wojcicki:


“This journey isn't just about technical magic. It's about the human connection,

the spark that ignites when you listen to someone's story and understand their

struggles and triumphs. You'll learn how to ask the right questions, the ones that

peel back the layers and reveal the heart of a hero. You'll discover the power of empathy, the way listening becomes a form of storytelling in itself. In the end, you won't just create a video. You'll create a window into the world of someone who inspires you."

~ Esther Wojcicki

Request a free digital download.

Enjoy the free, 30-minute companion video to the 

MY HERO Journalism & Filmmaking Workbook:



Reel Heroes: Student Films and Filmmakers


More Ways to Participate - Projects & Contests

 
 

Visualize Heroism Art Contest for Students

The Visualize Heroism Student Art Contest is a great opportunity for students of all ages to showcase their artistic talents while celebrating the heroes in their lives. Participants choose their preferred mediums to honor the heroes in their lives.

The deadline is December 1st. Learn more.

Learn to Create & Publish Art on MY HERO

Saint George Thompson

Learn to create and publish your art portfolio on MY HERO. Artist Saint George Thompson shares his process in a short video demonstration.


View the Art of Saint George Thompson.



MY HERO Internships

MY HERO Interns 2025

Do you know a high or college students interested in filmmaking?

Learn about MY HERO's Internship Programs.

MY HERO Calendar

AUGUST 2026


August 9 -  International Day of the World’s Indigenous People

August 12 - International Youth Day (click here for lesson plan)

August 18 - World Photography Day

August 19 - World Humanitarian Day (click here for lesson plan)

August 23 - Day for the Remembrance of the Slave Trade and Its Abolition 

(click here for lesson plan)

August 23 - World Honey Bee Day

August 26 - Women’s Equality Day (click here for lesson plan)



SEPTEMBER 2026

 

National Preparedness Month Lesson Plan

September 8 - International Literacy Day Lesson Plan

September 11 - Patriot Day Lesson Plan

September 13 - National Grandparents Day Lesson Plan

Sept 15 - Oct 15 - National Hispanic Heritage Month Lesson Plan 

September 21 - International Day of Peace Lesson Plan

September 23 - Little Rock Nine Lesson Plan



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