Fourth Graders Finalists in Nationwide Video Competition

Martha Lake Elementary School fourth graders are among 10 finalists around the country in a video competition created by the nonprofit KABOOM!, which encourages kids to be active and play.

The two-minute video, entitled "Power of Play!", talks about the importance of installing new, safe playground equipment at Martha Lake.

The video is now on YouTube and the KABOOM! web site. If the project receives enough votes to put it in the top five, Martha Lake will receive a $15,000 award for playground improvements. The voting period lasts until May 10, and votes can be cast here.

The fourth graders decided to create the video after learning that one large play structure on the school's playground no longer meets current safety guidelines and has to be removed.

“I am so proud of these children," said Jeanne Moore, principal at Martha Lake Elementary. "They took a class project and applied it to a real-world situation. Now because of them, our school is in the running to receive a grant that can considerably improve our playground.”