A group of Randolph-Henry High School physical education students were recently awarded Best in Animation in the Virginia Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance (VAPHERD) student video contest.

Randolph-Henry health and physical education teacher Joshua Barmoy received word of his students’ accomplishment on Jan. 15.

“I am so proud of Mr. Barmoy and his students for putting their talents and energies into such a worthwhile project,” said division Superintendent Nancy Leonard. “It is wonderful when students are able to demonstrate and promote social responsibility and academic excellence in their studies.”

In a letter to Barmoy, VAHPERD President Fred Milbert said this was the first year for the student video contest, which focused on underage drinking.

Categories in the contest included narrative, animation, experimental, commercial/PSA and non-English.

The theme for the inaugural year of the contest was “Preventing Underage Drinking: Making Good Choices.”

“We are very delighted that we are able to provide the prize of a $500 grant/scholarship for the student(s) and a prize $250 gift certificate for physical education equipment,” said Milbert.

According to VAHPERD, the contest required students to submit a persuasive video urging high school students to make smart choices.

Barmoy and his students were awarded Best in Animation, which, according to VAHPERD, must display elements of continuous motion through static images that slightly differ.

Videos were required to be between 5-8 minutes in length, and the animations were allowed to be created using mediums such as graphics, puppets and stop motion.

Barmoy and his students have been invited to attend an awards ceremony in Williamsburg on Feb. 13.

The awards session will be a part of the Southern District Shape Conference.

“VAHPERD is a professional association of educators that advocate quality programs in health, physical education, recreation, dance and sport,” states the organization. “The association seeks to facilitate the professional growth and development of its members through meaningful membership services, current research, best educational practices and legislation that will impact the profession. It is the vision of the association to have a positive impact on society as a whole.”