LHS Student’s Documentary Advances to State Semis

La Grange High School junior Jackson Elliott has made a documentary that has advanced to the state semifinals of the UIL film competition.

Elliott’s documentary that focuses on Lorenza Crosby, a longtime resident of Fayette County. When Lorenza was an agriculture teacher who first taught at Randolph High School when the schools were still segregated. He later taught at La Grange High School. He influenced many people throughout the community and mentored many young men. The film focuses on some of the racial struggles he faced as well as the positive influence he had on racial issues in this community. Some of the people interviewed in the film include Mayor Jan Dockery and former county attorney John Wied.

Prior to last year, there was no film program at La Grange and no entries into the UIL film competition. Jackson was the catalyst for beginning a film program at La Grange. He entered one film last year and two this year. All of his films have advanced past the first round. He is at a disadvantage because most of the people he is competing against in the semifinals are at schools with audio-visual programs. They have teachers and equipment that La Grange does not have. Jackson has done most of his learning on his own. He has found help through the Round Top film community and has attended festivals and workshops in Austin. His sponsor at La Grange High School, Mrs. Calhoun has also been a great source of encouragement.

Below is a link to his Youtube page where the Crosby documentary and other short films by Elliott can be found:

https://www.youtube.

com/@JElliottLG