On June 28, 2025, Hope Givers hosted its annual Hope Givers Awards Ceremony at Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), celebrating student voices, educators, and school districts making a positive impact on youth mental wellness across the state of Georgia. The event honored the power of storytelling, resilience, and community, recognizing excellence through the organization’s various initiatives including the Hope Givers Emmy Award-winning series, the Hope Givers Live! school program, and the Hope Film Challenge for middle and high school students.

Hope Givers/Connected Content Inc. is a Georgia-based nonprofit organization and multimedia platform that uplifts youth mental health through peer-to-peer storytelling and engaging educational programming. The cornerstone of its work is the two-time Emmy Award-winning PBS series “Hope Givers,” produced in partnership with Georgia Public Broadcasting. The series spotlights teens and young adults demonstrating resilience, compassion, and connectedness while providing evidence-based coping strategies and highlighting trusted adult relationships.

Hope Givers celebrates the 2025 Hope Film Challenge student winners: Annabella Alvarado (1st) South Cobb High School, Douglas Jimenez & Jonathan Orellana (2nd) Marietta High School, Violet Maine (3rd) Marietta High School

Hope Givers celebrates the 2025 Hope Film Challenge student winners: Annabella Alvarado (1st) South Cobb High School, Douglas Jimenez & Jonathan Orellana (2nd) Marietta High School, Violet Maine (3rd) Marietta High School

Throughout the school year, Hope Givers Live! brings interactive, in-person events to schools across the state, helping students identify coping strategies, recognize trusted adults, and build connections within their school community. The Hope Film Challenge invites middle and high school students to tell authentic stories of hope, mental wellness, and overcoming adversity through short films, offering a creative outlet and a platform for youth voices.

David Weitnauer receives the 2025 Hope Giver of the Year Award

David Weitnauer receives the 2025 Hope Giver of the Year Award

This year’s awards ceremony was a celebration of those who have gone above and beyond in supporting youth mental health:

  • Hope Giver of the Year: David Weitnauer, Atlanta, GA
  • Georgia School District of the Year: Jones County School System
  • Finalists: Troup County School System and Marietta City Schools

In the Student Film Awards, presented as part of the 2025 Hope Film Challenge, the following students were recognized for their powerful and moving work:

  • Hope Givers Grand Prize ($1,000): Annabella Alvarado – “My Brother”- Austell, GA
  • Reel Hope Storytelling Award ($500): Douglas Jimenez and Jonathan Orellana – “The Battle of Anxiety” – Marietta, GA
  • Blackmagic Filmmaker Award: Violet Maine – “It Hurts”
    • Violet Maine, a student at Marietta High School, also received a complimentary copy of DaVinci Resolve, courtesy of Blackmagic Design, a proud sponsor of the Hope Film Challenge and a supporter of rising young filmmakers.

Educators were also recognized for their mentorship and leadership in guiding students through the creative process:

  • Ms. Aisha Davis – South Cobb High School
  • Mr. Josh Dempsey – Marietta High School
Shana Backus and Joy Carr accept the Georgia School District of the Year Award for Jones County School System

Shana Backus and Joy Carr accept the Georgia School District of the Year Award for Jones County School System

“We are so thrilled to honor so much talent and positivity in our great state of Georgia,” said Tamlin Hall, Executive Director of Hope Givers/Connected Content. “Students and educators across the state need much deserved recognition, and we are honored to celebrate Georgia schools, educators, and students from Cobb County, Hall County, Jones County, and Troup County tonight.”

The Hope Givers Awards Ceremony continues to shine a light on the critical importance of mental health awareness in education and the transformative power of youth storytelling. With continued support from partners like Georgia Public Broadcasting and Blackmagic Design, Hope Givers remains committed to fostering a culture of empathy, resilience, and hope in every Georgia school.

Hope Givers recently hosted its annual Hope Givers Awards Ceremony at Georgia Public Broadcasting (GPB), celebrating student voices, educators, and school districts making a positive impact on youth mental wellness across the state of Georgia. The event honored the power of storytelling, resilience, and community, recognizing excellence through the organization’s various initiatives including the Hope Givers Emmy Award-winning series, the Hope Givers Live! school program, and the Hope Film Challenge for middle and high school students.