Palm Beach County students star in new documentary for schools
Three Palm Beach County students star in a new documentary that will serve as a curriculum for the school district.
"Think of traveling through a game, where the level changes. Like, one side could be a burning forest, the other side could be a swamp. That's how you describe Florida," said Kourtez Davidson, a freshman at Lake Worth High School.
Davidson has always liked being outside but he'd never done anything like this: trek through Palm Beach County's wilderness.
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"It was an experience, to say the least. It was hot," said Davidson.
Davidson is one of three students chosen to be a part of a documentary, Hidden Wild, for Palm Beach County Schools and Discover the Palm Beaches. The documentary was created by Palm Beach County's Department of Environmental Resources Management.
"We knew we needed to create new curriculum for them. We knew we wanted to connect kids to the environment locally and do it through film," said Benji Studt, the public outreach supervisor for Palm Beach County's Department of Environmental Resources Management.
Students went out with filmmakers and staff from Palm Beach County's Department of Environmental Resources Management. They did everything from biking to kayaking.
"The majority of it was enjoyable because, you know, I saw animals I didn't even know existed," said Davidson.
"What I really hope is to connect kids with the amazing nature we have right here in Palm Beach County," said Studt.
The documentary will be a part of the 8th grade and sophomore year curriculum.
"I just hope the film opens students' eyes to the amazing stuff we have right here in our backyard," said Studt.
"Literally being outside is cool," said Davidson.
The documentary aired on South Florida PBS. It will start streaming on Discover the Palm Beaches' website. Palm Beach County Schools will start using the video in classes starting in April.