The Taunton High School Broadcasting Department proudly announces that Aiden Mendes, a member of the class of 2024, has won a National Student Production Award in the Director category for his film “Sunflower.” The 9th annual National Student Production Awards were announced virtually on Nov. 21. This prestigious competition, organized by the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS), highlights exceptional achievements by high school students in filmmaking and journalism.
Mendes, now studying film and media at Bridgewater State University, produced “Sunflower” during his senior year at Taunton High School. In January 2024, he submitted the film to the NATAS Boston/New England chapter competition, where it earned first-place honors in both the Music Video and Director categories. Mendes and his peers were recognized at an awards ceremony in May at the WFXT Fox 25 television studios in Dedham, Mass.
“Sunflower” advanced to the national competition as a regional chapter winner. Mendes was named one of the top five national finalists in the Music Video and Director categories, standing out among submissions nationwide. His efforts culminated in winning the Director category during the virtual ceremony hosted by NBC Sports’ Noah Eagle.
Mendes expressed his gratitude for the recognition during the ceremony.
“I’m honored to have been considered for this award, and now that I’ve won it, I want to thank the NATAS committee for their decision,” Mendes said. “This film was a passion project of mine, and it was because of that passion that it turned out as good as it did.”
He also acknowledged the support he received throughout the process. “I want to thank everyone who has supported me along the way, including my parents, my teachers, and my cousin Ava Alves,” Mendes said. “I sincerely thank the NATAS committee for this incredible honor.”
Mendes is the first National Student Production Awards winner from the Taunton High School Broadcasting Department. In recent years, the department has produced four national finalists and 14 Boston/New England chapter winners.