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What began as a learning tool and documentation of youth experiencing and exploring waterways and the surrounding habitat, has resulted in praise for the cinematic account. “Kids on the River,” starring students from the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center’s Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program, was one of several films selected out of more than 130 that was shown Sunday, March 19 at the World Water Film Festival (WWFF) in New York. 

“Kids on the River” was the result of UMBS students participating in the Swarovski Waterschool from June 20-24, 2022, in part on the Mississippi River, according to Jennifer Mandeville, Swarovski Waterschool USA coordinator, and Erica Doerr, environmental educator. 

The five minute film, produced, directed and edited by Route 3 Films, was shot in and around the Jerry F. Costello National Great Rivers Research and Education Center Confluence Field Station in East Alton. 

The WWFF themes will center around resilient cities and youth, noted Mandevile, who will attend the festival. 

“We’re famous!” said UBMS student Stephanie Dickerson, a senior at Cahokia High School. “I’m super excited about the way we will be able to share our Waterschool experience.” 

“I’m excited and shocked,” shared UBMS student Xyla Nixon, a senior at Cahokia High School. “I didn’t think the film would be important to others, but now I can better see the usefulness of our time spent at the Waterschool.” 

“We are proud of the students,” said Doerr. “They did an excellent job this last summer in Waterschool. They had a hands-on and immersive experience and were able to participate in research and learn about science.” 

“It’s important to study water, because we need to know what is going in our bodies and the water that surrounds us,” said UBMS student Alexi Galloway, a junior at Belleville West High School. 

“It’s needed to study water and have a good relationship with water,” offered Nixon, “because it is the main factor in a healthy life and mindset.” 

Other students who are featured in film include Don Daughterly, Jourdin Fowler, Kylah Keys, Maurice Wright, Monique Wright, Shawn Wright, Makaylen Moore, Amyia Moran and Karina Moran. All students are still currently in the UBMS program, except for Wright who is a college student. 

Upward Bound programs help youth prepare for higher education and serves students from East St. Louis and Cahokia (EC), and Brooklyn, East St. Louis Charter and Madison (BEM) High Schools. Participants receive instruction in literature, composition and STEM subjects on college campuses after school, on Saturdays and during the summer. The quality services provided will prepare the students for successful high school completion and entrance into post-secondary programs. Upward Bound is a college-preparatory program designed to serve low-income and/or potential first-generation college students who are currently in grades 9-12.  

Photo:
Students and staff of the SIUE East St. Louis Center’s Upward Bound Math and Science (UBMS) program had their film chosen to be shown at the World Water Film Festival (WWFF) in New York.