Out & About: Healthy Futures Film Contest Patron Party

Fay and Brian Lidji recently hosted local leaders and donors in their home to support the Healthy Futures of Texas ninth-annual Student Film Contest.

The film contest empowered area high school students to share their perspectives on the connection between mental health and sexual health.

Leslie el-Effendi and her daughters, Forrest el-Effendi Connell and Ellie el-Effendi, co-chaired this year’s film contest.

“I want to thank those individuals who laid the groundwork for the success of this year’s Student Film Contest,” Leslie said, recognizing the contest’s past chairs. “I also want to acknowledge the many members of the host committee who are here this evening. Special events are always a group effort, and we were fortunate to have an outstanding committee.”

The film contest winners, who were recognized at an awards ceremony at the Texas Theatre on April 7, were as follows:

• First place: Aubren Kazee, Richardson High School
• Second place: Caroline Davis, Lake Highlands High School
• Third place: Anu Akingbade and Anika Kapoor, The Hockaday School
• Staff pick: Amaryss Escobar, School of Business & Management at Townview

Healthy Futures of Texas is a nonpartisan nonprofit committed to reducing unplanned and teen pregnancies through science-based education and advocacy efforts that empower young people and women to make the best decisions for their futures.