Trend Micro Video Contest Challenges Students to Make Life Online Better

What’s Your Story? Contest winners create special powers to tackle issues like cyberbullying and online scams

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DALLAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Trend Micro Incorporated (TYO: 4704; TSE: 4704), a global leader in cybersecurity solutions, today announced winners of the 2019 ‘What's Your Story?’ video contest. The ninth annual contest asks students to submit a video answering one question for a chance to win several prizes, including a grand prize of $10,000.

This year, schools and individuals in the U.S. and Canada submitted videos addressing the question, “If you had one special power to make life online better, what would it be?” Contestants from 22 states and 3 provinces chose to tackle many internet ills with a wide range of creative powers. Judges for this year’s competition included representatives from Connectsafely, #ICanHelp, MediaSmarts, NAMLE, The Cyberbullying Research Center, Twitter, and Trend Micro.

“Through this contest, students have shown us they are keenly aware of both the good and bad influences of the internet and long to positively influence how it is used,” said Lynette Owens, founder and global director of Trend Micro’s Internet Safety for Kids & Families program. “We challenged students to be creative in solving the digital problem most important to them. The special powers they came up with showed ingenuity, shed light on what they see as the most critical online problems, and emphasized their collective desire to do good. We’re grateful for all the contestants who shared such deeply personal submissions and want to congratulate the winners for their responses and effort in spreading their messages far and wide.”

Brennan Strader of Spanish Fork, Utah won the top prize in the individual category with his submission titled, “The Power to Grab Reality.” The main character of the video possesses a unique ability to identify scams, fake news and misinformation and with a humorous approach, uses this skill for good and for fun.

Greenville High School students Avery C. and Seth H., of Greeneville, Tennessee, earned the grand prize in the school category for their entry, “The Cyberceptor.” Supported by teacher Nathan Hale, the students take on cyberbullying in their video, demonstrating the special power of intercepting harmful messages before a recipient sees them, changing them to positive ones.

‘What’s Your Story?’ is an annual international competition that encourages students to explore multiple issues related to safe, responsible and successful technology use. Unlike most video contests, participants must both submit an entry and demonstrate that they can be an advocate for their own message. Contestants are asked to encourage their fans and communities to view and rate their entries as evidence of this advocacy.

A complete list of the 2019 winners and finalists, past winners, and more about the contest can be found at whatsyourstory.trendmicro.com.
 

About Trend Micro Internet Safety for Kids & Families

Founded in 2008, the mission of Trend Micro's Internet Safety for Kids & Families is to enable and empower kids, parents, teachers, and schools around the world to make the Internet a safe and secure place for today's youth. ISKF does this through a worldwide employee volunteer program, grants and donations to eligible organizations, strategic partnerships with organizations working to protect youth, educational programs, and a robust series of online tips and solutions for parents, educators, and youth. For ISKF's free Internet safety tips, tools and advice, visit: https://internetsafety.trendmicro.com/.