Optimum Announces 'Make Your Mark' High School Student Video Contest

Feb. 12, 2014 - PRLog -- Bethpage, NY, February 12, 2014 – In recognition of Black History Month, Optimum, in conjunction with the Smithsonian Channel™, is sponsoring the “Make Your Mark” video contest for high school students. The contest provides an opportunity for students to reflect on how they can make a lasting “mark” by submitting a proposal and creating a video that documents their idea on how to incite positive change within their school and community.  Students with the winning video will be awarded $2500 for a school or community project.

As part of the contest, students will view the Smithsonian Channel documentary Breath of Freedom that details the experiences of African-American GIs who helped rebuild Germany at the end of World War II and experienced equality for the first time overseas.  Just as the soldiers featured in the documentary helped ignite the Civil Rights Movement, students can document their unique “mark” for positive change in their own video.

The “Make Your Mark” contest is open to all high school students in Optimum’s footprint within the tri-state area.  Students should record and submit a creative and informative video (two minutes maximum) that explains their “mark,” why it should be chosen and how their school or community could benefit from the $2500 award.  They will then share this video (via Facebook or Tweets) with friends and family to earn votes for the project.  Deadline for entries is February 28.

“Optimum is delighted to partner with the Smithsonian Channel in sponsoring the ‘Make Your Mark’ contest to celebrate Black History Month,” said Cablevision Vice President of Public Affairs Jen Ostrager.  “We are proud to provide students with an opportunity to make a positive change in their community and better understand the history that helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.”


About Cablevision
Cablevision Systems Corporation  is a leading media and telecommunications company, serving millions of households and businesses throughout the greater New York area. Providing quality products that keep customers connected, Cablevision offers Optimum-branded digital cable television, high-speed Internet and phone services as well as Optimum WiFi, the nation's most robust wireless Internet network. Cablevision’s Lightpath subsidiary is a premier provider of integrated business communications solutions for larger companies. Through its local media and programming properties – News 12 Networks, Newsday Media Group and MSG Varsity – Cablevision also delivers news and information created specifically for the communities it serves. Additional information about Cablevision is available at www.cablevision.com.

Contact:
Kristen Blank
Cablevision Media Relations
516 803-2358
kblank@cablevision.com

Peggy Kalia
Epoch 5 Public Relations
631 427-1713
516 697-9815 (cell)
pkalia@epoch5.com