SEQUIM — While Sequim High School senior Nikole McElhose drew inspiration from Sequim’s welcoming elk sign just off U.S. Highway 101 for her award-winning poster, her classmates are looking for inspiration of their own.

In preparation for the group’s 11th Student Film Festival and Fine Arts Show slated in April, representatives of the Sequim Education Foundation recently picked McElhose’s creation for their promotional poster.

The foundation’s event is Friday, April 22, in the Sequim High School auditorium, with a fine arts show running from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., followed by viewing of the top student-created films.

A $5 donation will be requested to help with the cost of the scholarships.

All students registered with the Sequim School District are eligible to submit films, which must be turned in by 4 p.m. April 11 at the Sequim School District office, 503 N. Sequim Ave., or in Room 4-A at Sequim High School, 601 N. Sequim Ave., after school.

Added categories

In addition to the general films, this year’s festival has added categories that highlight volunteerism within the schools and community.

Student filmmakers and community members have a chance to team up to create films on volunteerism by entering the Community Service category, sponsored by Sequim Sunrise Rotary.

Students also can choose to make a film highlighting their school clubs or teams for the School Spirit Award.

Both awards have an additional cash award.

All student filmmakers will compete for scholarship awards of up to $1,000 for first place, $750 for second place and $500 for third place.

The foundation has added an art show element to this year’s festival. Attendees are invited to see work created from wood, ceramics, glass and culinary arts.

Impressive poster

McElhose was awarded a $100 cash prize. Her poster will be auctioned off the night of the film ­festival.

“I got my inspiration from the Sequim elk sign that stands just off of [Highway] 101 as you enter Sequim,” she said.

“Every time I come back into town and pass by Sequim’s signature elk, I find comfort in knowing I’m home.”

Drawing has been McElhose’s passion since as long as she can remember, she said, though she has taken no formal art lessons.

Honorable mentions and $25 awards went to freshman Baylee Rux, sophomore Emma Beeson and sophomore Anna White. Each of their posters will be on display the night of the film festival.

For more information, visit www.sequimeducationfoundation.org or call film festival chair Elna Kawal at 360-683-3027.