Elysian Charter School Students Honored by C-SPAN

Matthew DeLorenzo and Josiah Vega, both 14-years-old and students at were honored Friday morning by C-SPAN and received $1,500 as well as an iPod Touch after winning a nationwide video contest. 

The two students won the prize after submitting a video to , with a documentary about their take on the death penalty. The video included interviews with experts, some teachers and had both boys talking about the pros or cons of the death penalty.

The video struck "a perfect balance," said Craig McAndrew, education research specialist for C-SPAN. He said he was impressed that the students went "out of their comfort zone," conducting interviews with experts on the subject in New York City. 

DeLorenzo has also appeared on a morning show on C-SPAN, answering questions about his take on the Eighth Amendment. The show was broadcast nationwide. 

"Winning feels great," Vega said, minutes before accepting a giant check of $1,500. DeLorenzo and Vega are splitting the money. 

When C-SPAN delegates visit schools, they bring a large bus. The large vehicle, however, did not fit in the narrow street in front of Elysian and the event was held in the Rue School gym.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer was there to support the students in her capacity as mayor as well as the parent of an Elysian student. 

"We are so very, very proud of your accomplishment," Zimmer said. DeLorenzo and Vega will be honored with a proclamation at the June 6 council meeting, Zimmer said. 

The next theme of the C-SPAN video contest is "a message to the president," and asks students to pinpoint the issue the president should focus on in 2013. The submission deadline is the day of the inauguration, January 20, 2013.