Kevin Yurasek, Lake-Sumter State College
Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) celebrated the creativity, skill, and storytelling talent of its students during the 2026 Digital Media Showcase, held at EPIC Theatres in Clermont on Monday. The event highlighted seven original short films written, produced, and edited by students in the College’s Associate in Science in Digital Media program.
Students experienced the thrill of seeing their work come to life on the big screen before an audience of family, friends, and community members. The featured films represented a wide range of creative styles:
- Brendan Folsom – To Be Determined
- Malachy McGrisken – Out The Mud
- Gabrielle Moore – Headlights
- Caleb Moyet – Jamie Shrine
- Susana Perez Rivera – Newlyweds
- Susana Perez Rivera – Paper Trail
- Melani Valdes – True Colors
“Tonight, we feature the next generation of storytellers and watch as their passion for creativity and technology comes together in these films,” said Andrew Hernandez, Program Director for Digital Media.
At the conclusion of the showcase, three students were honored for outstanding achievement:
- Creative Media Award: Susana Perez Rivera
- Digital & Technical Award: Malachy McGrisken
- Overall Best Award: Susana Perez Rivera
“Our students dared to be bold and put their heart and talents into these films. The feeling of seeing their work on the big screen for the first time must be incredible,” said LSSC President John Temple. “This is just the beginning of an exciting future for each of these students.”
The inaugural event marked a milestone for LSSC’s Digital Media program, which prepares students for careers in film, animation, visual effects, and multimedia production through hands-on learning and professional experience.
“Speaking from my own experience in film school, we didn’t have this opportunity,” shared Daniel Lahr, adjunct faculty member in the digital media program. “This event is validation for them as filmmakers. It’s building their confidence and creating a real-world moment where they can see their finished work on display in the theater. That’s so important for them to see their names and films up on that screen because that’s where we all want to be someday.”
For more information, visit www.lssc.edu/academic-programs/ or attend an upcoming Enrollment Open House. Visit www.lssc.edu to register for Open House events on March 24 in Leesburg and April 4 in South Lake.
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About Lake-Sumter State College
Founded in 1962, Lake-Sumter State College (LSSC) offers a high-quality education at an affordable price to the communities of Lake and Sumter counties. LSSC embraces its mission as a community college to increase access and opportunity for all learners in its community. As a proud member of the Florida College System, LSSC serves more than 11,500 students annually at four locations and online: Leesburg, Four Corners, South Lake (Clermont), and Sumterville. LSSC offers non-credit, certificate, associate degree, and bachelor’s degree programs designed to support and prepare students to pursue their goals and join Florida’s dynamic workforce. LSSC is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. Learn more about LSSC at www.lssc.edu.
