CLASS OF 2020

"Thank you Leo for your mature disposition and generous artistry. I look forward to seeing what you create next." -Ms. Shattuck
"I admire Leo's obscure references, ironic wit, and calm demeanor. He is truly an individual, one that we are all lucky to know." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's🍜🥗 CORNUCOPIA AWARD 🍧🍕goes to Leo Bache for his monumentally diverse range of talents and interests. All of the cool and crazy things he's into--race cars, Neutral Milk Hotel, comedic timing-- make him a wholly original human and filmmaker.
"Thank you for joining us last summer and showing us that you want to create art that speaks to you; even though we didn't get to hang out too often, your cover of Neutral Milk Hotel was a favorite of mine and I'm so happy you arranged that with your peers. I look forward to seeing you collaborate and create moving forward!" -Mr. Ceponis
"Leo, no one appreciates NOCCA more than you. I want to commend for your commitment to pursuing your creative interest and passion. You are an artist." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Lauren for your maturity, talent and leadership in your artistry. I know you will do well and I look forward to what you create." -Ms. Shattuck
"Whoever coined the phrase 'jack of all trades, master of none' didn't know Lauren. She is a multi talented artist who's not afraid to try her hand at something new--and excel at it." - Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 👩‍🎓👩‍⚖️WAIT, AREN'T YOU ALREADY IN COLLEGE???? AWARD👩‍⚖️👩‍🎓 goes to Lauren Clements. Every time we would discuss projects, share stories or participate in critiques I would have to remind myself that Lauren is still in high school. Talent, maturity and sophistication are strong with this one.
"Lauren, you can write and sing so beautifully; thank you for contributing your sonic footprint to our vinyl record this year; the fact that you picked up the production skills you needed to make a track like that in the time you had with us proves that our recording arts program can work. Please keep writing music, I can't wait to hear what comes next!" -Mr. Ceponis
"Lauren, I just want to thank you for the incredible positive energy that you brought to every class everyday. It inspired me to be a better teacher and it inspired your peers to be better collaborators. It just feels good to be in your company. Keep it up and you will have a great career in this business." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Paige for your strong drive to create work that is important and of high standards. I know you will use your leadership and artistry to support a long career ahead." -Ms. Shattuck
"Paige is a devoted, goal-oriented director with a clear vision. Her stories are powerful and meaningful, and she'll no doubt tell them to the world through her films." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 👸👩‍🚀 COOLEST AUNT AWARD 🧙‍♀️🧜‍♀️ goes to Paige Edwards. Everyday, Paige impressed me with her composure, focus and empathic maturity and guidance. She is a serious artist and natural producer. I don't know about you guys but I wish she were my aunt!
"Paige, I can't tell you I knew your work as well as I should have, cause honestly I was holding out for your senior thesis film ever since taking a look at your script several months ago. The screenwriter you became at NOCCA was someone whose movie I was looking forward to seeing, and I know with your ambition and maturity that you can own the role of director on a film set or in a writer's room; you've got a unique voice in a loud world, and I can't wait to see it amplified. Thanks for your time with us and for consistently holding us to the professional standards you uphold." -Mr. Ceponis
"Paige, you don't need to get it, cause you already got it. You have always been on point mostly because you get the point. It's your world, we all are just living in it. Can't wait to produce one of your movies one day." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Alex for your cinematography skills and loyal generosity. I look forward to seeing what amazing films you create next." - Ms. Shattuck
"Alex's technical prowess and extensive knowledge of camerawork is impressive (and almost intimidating at times). He has a keen eye for composing beautiful shots." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 👁‍🗨🦅BIRD'S EYE VIEW AWARD🦉👁 goes to Alex Kleck. Alex's mastery of cinematic machines is unparalleled and his eye is like an eagle's. Fitting that he is a drone operator extroidinaire and extra frequent flyer miles go to him for being a truly nice guy to boot!
"Kleck, I don't know what to say. I honestly feel like I'm writing to a colleague in the film industry, as your maturity in securing your job situation before you even graduated was kind of unprecedented. Not only that, but you found a way to hook us up with lenses and cameras ALL of your peers benefited from. If you are taking any advice (lol), just continue to be generous with your success; I promise, you'll always have more to give the more you get, and leveraging this "privilege" is an extremely awesome way to live. Keep up the good work man, it was great to meet you!" -Mr. Ceponis
"Alex, I really appreciate your professionalism. You brought a pro standard to an amature arena thus helping us keep our mission to provide professional training in the arts." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Apollo for your dedication and respect in your Media Arts work. I know you will use these qualities to excel in your artistic career." -Ms. Shattuck
"Apollo is a natural born leader, with a unique point of view and an important story to tell. I'll truly miss his never-ending positivity and daily handshakes, but I know he's off to change the world for the better." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 📸🎆SOUL SPIRIT AWARD📸💥 goes to Apollo Mitchell. Apollo is, quite possibly, the kindest and most earnest artist I have had the pleasure to know. There are the daily handshakes (OH HOW I WILL MISS THE HANDSHAKES!!!), the perpetual quest for photographic truth and beauty, the soft-spoken but loudly wise critiques and of course the ongoing support Apollo gives his peers that make Apollo so amazing. Overall...this guy has got deep SOUL and his SPIRIT is tangible.
"Apollo! I think I echo all of the teachers in awarding you "best handshake in the biz" or whatever, but I think it says a lot more than the title would have you believe. Look; you are only ever going to be the person you present to others, and you generated the most mature identity in the class by remaining consistently generous with your time and constantly empathetic to your peers and your teachers alike. There is no other student I can think of who emanates the core values and principles of our department better than you, and I know that those principles can take you as far as you want them to. Please continue shaking hands, I think it's a superpower that goes unrecognized too often, and please continue backing that up with the amazing content you've become known for here." -Mr. Ceponis
"Apollo, I can't tell you how many times you have made me shed tears of joy. I am often overwhelmed by the quality of your character. You make me extremely optimistic about the future." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Luke for your professional outlook and tireless drive to do your best work. I look forward to seeing how your perspective grows and shapes your artistic career." -Ms. Shattuck
"Luke's determination, focus, and stick-to-itiveness will take him far in the film industry." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🍛🎥CINEMATIC GOURMET AWARD🎬🥘 goes to Luke Singleton. Luke is like a chef's chef or a director's director. His palette is refined and his standards high. Whatever projects Luke might serve from the kitchen of his computer are going to win him Michelin stars or Oscars or OR? Either way, Luke has only begun...
"Luke! I know you checked out a bunch of audio gear to make your movie happen this year, and I wish I could see what came of it. If the amount of plain "stuff" you needed to make your vision happen is any evidence of how seriously you take it, I have no doubt that you'll find your way in the movie-making world. Your professionalism is almost terrifyingly mature, and I give you much credit for working with Masaaba, as I trust your movie's will sound great moving forward. Again, can't wait to see/hear what you make of it!" -Mr. Ceponis
"Luke, I appreciate how much you respect the art and craft of filmmaking. Your hunger to be great is inspiring. Just be patient with yourself and others. You will be the filmmaker of your dreams soon enough. " -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Clara for a brave venture into your strong creative process. I know you will bring your best self to your artistic works ahead based on the great work you produced this year." -Ms. Shattuck
"Clara has an aesthetic that would catch the eye of Maya Deren. She absorbs the world around her and channels it into her art." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 💎🔮 VISIONARY AWARD 👀✨goes to Clara Badon for demonstrating impeccable clarity of artistic vision in her very limited time at NOCCA. Her polished aesthetic sensibilities are always inspiring and on full-tilt display.
"Thank you for joining us last summer and really asserting your independence as an artist, both in the summer program and throughout this year. Your style and vibe are the strongest that I've seen in our senior class and you did so much to improve. Can't wait to see how you continue to do so." -Mr. Ceponis
"Clara, it's really hard to imagine you have only been in the department for a year. You have acted and made work like a seasoned veteran from day one. " -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Dominic for your dedication and talent. I look forward to the path your creative process forges in the future." -Ms. Shattuck
"When Dominic creates, he does so with thoughtfulness. His work has a clear purpose, and makes a statement." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 👴🧓 OLDEST BUDDY AWARD 👩‍🦳👨‍🦳 goes to Dominic Collara. I taught Dominic at CDCA in an epic double credit Sci-Fi filmmaking class in 2009? 2010? He was so little! I feel privileged to witness his incredible talent, intellect and maturity expand as a highschooler and cannot wait to see what the next 10 years has in store for him!!!
"Dominic, this year wasn't without it's struggles, both with losing your MARS Fest files and with graduating online; but you were always adaptable and gracious throughout the process, and your patience showed a lot of artistic maturity that I think will assist you well in the future. Please continue your valiant efforts in exploring your perfect means of expression; I'll be looking forward to what you make of it in the future." -Mr. Ceponis
"Dominic, it's hard to imagine that you started your NOCCA career in the classical vocal department. I for one, have never heard you sing. With that said, your electronic tracks encompass the beauty of aria. I can't wait to hear more stories in your music." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Kaliq for your perseverance in finding your creative path. I look forward to seeing what your rich talent will create." -Ms. Shattuck
"Kaliq is a kind, funny, and brilliantly innovative artist. It was a pleasure and honor watching him find his niche, and in doing so, he forged a new path within our department. I'm SO excited to see where his path will go from here." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🐱‍👤💫 WOW, JUST WOW!!! AWARD goes to Kaliq Garel. 🎮🎯 What can I say, Kaliq? You (like a true ninja) have realized your full potential!!! You are a fabulous inspiration to all of us. BUT, like any great story, this is only the beginning...
"Kaliq! I wish we'd had more time to do a few more Bob Marley covers; that "Redemption Song" cover really lifted the spirits on that year for me, and thank you for consulting me to play such a powerful piece of music with you. You were ALWAYS respectful, graceful and appreciative of the space you were in, and could work with anyone flexibly. To know you are on a path to developing video games has really inspired me to re-evaluate the art form, as my roots in anime animation and game creation used to have me dreaming the same thing. I wanted to let you know the respect you gave us these years is mirrored fully, and we look forward to seeing you bring your energy to the entertainment world; I think it could use it now more than ever." -Mr. Ceponis
"Kaliq, you once were lost... But now... You are leading the way. You are a pioneer, a trail blazer and a maverick. Thank you, for doing you." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Jhett for sharing your abundant talent. I have seen your creative process mature since your first days in Intro class and I look forward to what you will create in the future." -Ms. Shattuck
"Jhett consistently pushes the envelope; everything he creates is exciting and fresh, and experimenting is second nature to him. He is an inspiration." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🧬🗿EVOLVED FORM AWARD🤖🌋 goes to Jhett McAdams. I don't know anything about Pokemon except that every character has evolved forms of themselves. This is how I know Jhett's artistry to be--utterly evolved! His vision is is unique and his range of talents are seemingly infinite. KEEP EVOLVING, Jhett! This world needs you to pave the way...
"Jhett! Come on! What a wild ride; if only we got your senior performance at MARS Fest, it would have been the perfect crowning achievement for your illustrious NOCCA career. Out of all of our multi-talented students, you, my friend, are the one I think could seriously just dominate any given media industry, if you continue with the fervor and dedication you gave all of your projects this year. Go for the EGOT (Emmy/Grammy/Oscar/Tony)! You can write score, you can animate music videos, you can direct films; seriously, Jhett; the world is your oyster, and I know you'll never let it get you down. Stay on top, stay strong, I can't wait to see where your unique creative vision takes all of us. Thanks for everything." -Mr. Ceponis
"Your self awareness and playfulness in you art is just genius. Just remember to be patient with world around you. It will catch up eventually." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Adam for your insight and brave engagement with creating a strong aesthetic that you can be proud of. I look forward to seeing what you make next." -Ms. Shattuck
"The term 'film buff' doesn't even begin to describe Adam... so I've created a new term just for him: cinemaniac. His devotion to enriching and expanding his knowledge of film is impressive, and has had a clear impact on his work." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 📐⚡ARS GRATIA ARTIS AWARD🎨🧲 goes to Adam Seal. Who but Adam Seal could better embody the concept of art for its own sake? Adam's excursions into the fringes of our medium thrill me, both in his own work and his perpetual list of films to check out. His thirst for unique cinematic vision is infectious and conversations with him are illuminating and fresh. He is a serious artist and a deep critical thinker. I cannot wait to see what the future holds in store for him.
"Adam! Every piece of work you made with us spoke so sincerely to who you are as an artist; I kind of feel like I'd seen more. Your tastes and your ability to shape others' tastes is powerful, and a very hefty asset to wield in the entertainment world. Please continue making things that fit your own standard of beauty, the only battle will be getting people's attention, and I think with how wild your stuff can get, that shouldn't be any problem at all." -Mr. Ceponis
"Dr. Seal, if the media arts department was the film studies department, we would have to issue you a PHD. Your love of the artform has given you many insights into the craft and maybe a few into life as well. I can't wait to see how your work evolves and let me know when your critiques are ready for publication." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Alyvia for pushing yourself to do your best work. Your composition skills are outstanding and I look forward to seeing what a strong cinematographer like you can make in the future." -Ms. Shattuck
"Alyvia has a natural ability of capturing beauty and evoking emotion with her camera lens. Her cinematography tells a story." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🎶🎸ROCK ON AWARD🏔🗻 goes to Alyvia Smith. First of all, Alyvia is SOLID. She has a strong, silent determination and stabilizes every project she is a part of, whether is be as director or supporter. Her aesthetic is keen, her skills mean!!! Seriously, Alyvia...I am so proud of you and your fierce cinematic prowess. YOU ROCK, GIRL! I am counting on you to KEEP ROCKING the world.
"Alyvia, I didn't spend enough time with you these past few years, but Mr. Webb told me legends of how far you've come both on-set and in your script-writing abilities. Your energy is quietly powerful, and I know you won't be pushed around when you make it to the big leagues. You've got a great writing brain, and I look forward to seeing it come to life on screen one day!" -Mr. Ceponis
"Alyvia, beauty is real. It matters. You know it. You see it. Your cinematography captures it. You are it. Keep sharing it. The world needs more of it." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Rodney for your talent and your generosity to collaborate with other students. It's been great to see how far you have come and imagine how far you can go." -Ms. Shattuck
"Rodney's like a ninja: he's everywhere at once, collaborating with and assisting his peers, without anyone even realizing it. You'll be watching a performance or listening to a track, when all of a sudden--boom--there's Rodney, talented and humble as ever." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🕸🦄SPIDER WEB SILK AWARD🦄🕸 goes to Rodney Weber. Rodney, you are a strong, flexible, resilient and intricately woven artist. Your web reaches far and all that are lucky enough to land in it are blessed to be a part of your supportive and creative community. Like spider web silk, your talents and their applications are the stuff of the future: sustainable, SUPER STRONG, regenerative and evolving. Also, like Charlotte, you are a nurturing spider who's big heart holds us together.
"RODNEY! How are we gonna make sick beats without the best studio drummer in New Orleans? You, sir, are the first person that invited me to see a band you're in performing on a stage I used to play when I was in college. You are also the best studio drummer I've ever worked with. Your ability to listen and understand what the numerous songs you tracked needed was so next-level, I hardly ever had to edit. Shoot, you taught me things on drums I wouldn't have known. I can only hope the studio gave to you as much as you gave back to it, and I really forward to seeing you flourish in an industry that'd begging for this kind of a listener behind the kit and console. Thanks for everything, man, and godspeed on your journey!" -Mr. Ceponis
"Rodney, a band can only go as far as it's drummer and you have helped carry the department to places we never imagined. For us, you have been the heartbeat of the recording studio, the groove in the classroom and the rhythm of the department. You helped everyone and everything fall into sync. You convinced an army of very different personalities to see each other in one another. You're just that cool. Thank you." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Cierra for your dedication to your artistry. I know you will continue to be a leader and I look forward to what you produce in the future." -Ms. Shattuck
"Cierra is a quick learner and a talented filmmaker. Her positive energy has been invaluable, both in the classroom and on set." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🤸‍♀️ 🐱‍🏍HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AWARD goes to Cierra Brown.🏃‍♀️🏇 She rolled in fast and kicked serious butt during our summer session then blew all of our minds with her drive, direction and determination. Wait, she is already gone?!!???!
"Cierra, your drive and creative vision were amazing to see this year, and I'm so glad you made the leap from NOVAC to our program when you did. Your energy was always positive and really contributed to the spirit of our graduating class in a unique way. Please keep writing stories the way you do, it's a super-power and I can't wait to see where it takes you." -Mr. Ceponis
"Cierra, first thanks for the playlist. You have great taste with shows in your own work. Keep jumping levels, lady. The sky's the limit for you." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Sofia for your talent and generosity with your creative process. I know you will allow your leadership and ingenuity to take you far." -Ms. Shattuck
"Sofia has the power to brighten the stormiest of days. Her words and her artwork are uplifting. She's a superhero." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🚙🛳 GOING THE DISTANCE AWARD ✈🚀 goes to Sofia Dupre. Literally, she commuted to and from NOCCA from BATON ROUGE everyday before quarantine. Her brain and talents are as vast as her journeys which have only just begun as she is heading to Ringling to pursue a sure-to-be-stunning future!
"Sofia, your dedication in attending our program daily with a 2 hour commute both ways shows just how far you'll go to continue your path as an artist. This perseverance reminds me so much of my friend who got started in politics driving the same distance daily to a dingy office in Baton Rouge for 3 straight months; this push resulted in her now flourishing career in that same company, and she now lives happily in Washington DC. Please never let the distance of your ambition deter you, because I think you know by now you have to go far to get far." -Mr. Ceponis
"Sofia, I am so glad you found your NOCCA family. We are so proud to claim you as our own. No matter were you go please know that we are here to support you and cheering for you every step of your journey forward!" -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Andrew for inspiring us with a strong dedication to your craft and abundant talent to support the ambitious projects you will make in the future." -Ms. Shattuck
"Kende's empathy, patience, and kindness knows no bounds; these invaluable qualities are reflected in the films he makes. He has had a positive impact on us all, a true blessing for the department." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's ⌛⏰8 DAYS A WEEK AWARD📅⌚ goes to Andrew Kende. There doesn't seem to be enough time in the day, let alone week, for all the artistic pursuits of Andrew Kende. He is always experimenting with something and still manages to help out his peers and the department. How do you fit it all in, Andrew...while smiling the whole time? I see great success in your future.
"Kende! Working with you this year and in year's past has shown me the power in a peaceful presence. When you entered a room, whether it was the forum or the studio, you were never carrying your problems in with you, and always making peace with what was happening. Your direction and gracious attitude in recording your song was awesome, and truly made it a pleasure to assist you with. Not only were you easy to help, but your assistance on film sets this past year especially, was remarkably beneficial, and showed how valuable that presence is on- and off-set. Please continue this attitude, as I promise, it's the currency that is traded in as you advance with your craft, and you will be wealthy in it! " -Mr. Ceponis
"Andrew, I am really going to miss you. I am honored you made a film with my son. Many of the feelings I have for him, I have for you. Thanks for being such a thoughtful and caring person." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Ace for your sharp individuality and generous talent. I know you will use your creative and leadership skills to thrive as a media artist." -Ms. Shattuck
"Ace is a clever, witty, and genuine artist who puts careful thought and consideration into the work he creates. He never rushes his art, which is a rare but admirable trait for an animator. And his dark sense of humor was, ironically, a bright spot in the animation classroom." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🦍💪GORILLA GLUE AWARD💪🦍 goes to Ace McConnell. There is a quote by Bertolt Brecht that guides the mission of THE GORILLA GIRLS: "Art is not a mirror held up to reality, but a hammer with which to shape it." Truth. But as that art is being shaped, some things are damaged in the process, which is where Ace comes in and sticks. Ace is like a strong glue--holding our media arts department together. He gets along with everyone and has formed sturdy bonds across the board. Ace's compassion, peer support and wit will be greatly missed but will serve his future endeavors splendidly.
"Ace! We never got to hang out as much as I would have liked, but I will always remember your PSA video from last year's film festival submission. It was, without a doubt, one of the strangest videos I've ever seen, and I'm so glad you shared. What I will probably always remember you by is that beautiful logo you made to adorn our vinyl records from here on out -- to leave your school with something so iconic, is awesome and extremely generous, thank you so much for sharing who you are with us, I know it'll take you where you need to go." -Mr. Ceponis
"Ace, the real art is in the making of the artist. It takes courage, compassion, intelligence, mindfulness and imagination. All of which you have in abundance. I am very proud of what you have made of yourself during you time in our department. Thank you for leading by example." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Trunks for your artistry and dedication to your work. I look forward to hearing what you create next." -Ms. Shattuck
"Trunks is an industrious and ambitious artist. He's no doubt made his mark on our recording studio, and is ready to make his mark on the world." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 💡📷BEST BIG BROTHER AWARD 😎🎧goes to Trunks Sims. (Not like the evil big brother concept from Orwell's 1984, mind you.) So, his sister Astrid might disagree (😆) but ever since I found out that Trunks shares a birthday with my son, Max, all of his amazing qualities have become more and more illuminated. Trunks is a sublimely talented human and is also a really nice guy. YOU ARE A MENTOR! I, and Max, look up to you.
"Trunks, I wanted to echo what I said when we announced giving you our Recording Arts award -- you are an artist in the truest sense, both in identity and in output. You share only what you deem ready, and it's something I recognize as an asset, because I know it means you're constantly editing yourself. The way you treat your art is something I really respect, and I know you'll find a way to show the world how to respect it as much as you do. Please keep going in creating your sound/vision, I can't wait to see/hear what you come up with." -Mr. Ceponis
"King Trunks. I see your crown. I value your leadership. I appreciate your insight. I respect your vision. You helped the audio program grow in ways it didn't even know it needed to. Thank you. We will forever be better for it." -Mr. Webb

"Thank you Jake for your energy and enthusiasm in the department. I know you will use those qualities well in the future." -Ms. Shattuck
"Jake never fails to make me laugh. He's a people person with endless energy; like a promoter, producer, and hype man all rolled into one." -Ms. Devlin
Mz. K's 🎈🎡ALL TOMORROW'S PARTIES AWARD🎇👓 goes to Jake Vernier. Jake, you are a born producer and I shall dub you MEDIA ARTS HYPE-MAN EXTRAORDINAIRE! Your ears and eyes are sharp and your ability to connect talent with talent is going to dazzle the face of music and future party-going forever. I just have one ask...PLEASE INVITE ME!!!
"Jake! Thanks for putting in a little bit to this year's vinyl record, I sincerely enjoy your beat-making style, and if you choose to go that route, I look forward to hearing what you make. In other news, I know for a fact you are a maverick at putting together events to support the music you love -- I'm so sorry we didn't get a chance to see your skills pay off at MARS Fest this year, but with your charisma, you will have no trouble developing your own festivals in the future. Keep being who you are, man, I know it's gonna pay off for you in the future." -Mr. Ceponis
"Jake, many people forget that making art is supposed to be fun. Thanks for reminding everyone. The energy was necessary. Especially this year. I really appreciated your playful energy. Laissez les bon temps rouler." -Mr. Webb