The 2017 Surfrider Leadership Academy Alumni group is launching a competition to engage high school students in conservation and efforts to build resilient coastal communities.

My Coast, My Community, or (MC)2, is a video competition open to students in the ninth through 12th grades this fall in Clallam, Jefferson, Grays Harbor, Pacific and Wahkiakum counties.

The video submission deadline is Oct. 1.

The project is intended to pique student interest and inspire pride in local coastal communities. The Surfrider Leadership Academy (SLA) is asking students to identify a community hero and tell his or her story through a maximum two-minute video.

“We want to hear about the inspiring people you know in your community who make it a better place to live and work,” said Sarah Bisson of Ocean Shores, a SLA Cohort member.

”This community hero could be your PE teacher, a fisherman, a retiree who picks up beach trash, or your friend who rides his/her bike to school in order to reduce their carbon footprint,” she said.

Members of marine resource committees will judge the videos based on evaluation criteria. One winning video will be picked in each of the five coastal counties. Up to five people can work on a video. Students can win up to $750 in prizes including gift cards and an outdoor experience in their county.

“This is an important opportunity for Washington coastal communities to uplift their own heroes and empower students to tell their stories,” said Johannes Ariens, CEO of LOGE Co. and SLA Cohort member.

”The health and vitality of our communities depend on these local heroes who continue to make a difference every day.”

For more information on the contest guidelines, including a sign-up form, see washington.surfrider.org/mycoast or email mc2@surfrider.org.