Patrick Henry High alumni film scores regional Emmy nomination

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Pacific Southwest Chapter recently hosted the 51st annual Emmy Awards NATAS Pacific Southwest awards ceremony  at the Westin Gaslamp San Diego.

“Give Me Liberty,” a regional nominee film showcasing the early years at Patrick Henry High School, competed for an Emmy award.

Although the film and its local team did not win, there was much to be proud of.

Originally produced in 2023, the film premiered at Patrick Henry’s PHAME theater October 2023 and aired on San Diego television in 2024. The film was one of six nominees for best long-form documentary. 

“Although we did not win, we and PHHS were honored to be nominated for a regional Emmy,” PHHS alum Mark Krasner said. “All other nominees had significantly greater resources than we did as well as familiarity with the judges.”

According to alum and operational/supervising producer Scott Aveldson, “‘Give Me Liberty’ chronicles the first years of Patrick Henry’s existence (1968-73), when it was one of only seven institutions in the nation to participate in the Model Schools Program.

“Patrick Henry’s innovative modular scheduling became a laboratory of experimental education, providing students with unprecedented freedom to make choices that shaped their academic goals.

“An open campus, flexible elective studies, enhanced tutoring, and cutting-edge teaching approaches in traditional core courses were all part of an initiative that encouraged students to take more responsibility and think independently.”

The story of “Give Me Liberty”is told through interviews with 52 former students and faculty who were “present at the creation.”

Their eyewitness accounts are paired with archival photos, campus memorabilia, new accounts, and never-before-seen film footage.

Together, they weave a vivid narrative that connects school origin stories to the turbulent sociopolitical issues of the late 1960s and early 1970s.

“’Give Me Liberty’is an immersive production, utilizing the talents of Patrick Henry students as location crew, camera/sound operators and editors,” Aveldson added.

“The film’s original soundtrack was composed and performed by Patrick Henry music students. Patrick Henry alumni were instrumental in gathering vintage materials, conducting interviews, and providing many services essential to the filmmaking experience.”

“Give Me Liberty” was written and directed by alumnus David Plaut (’71) a seven-time National Emmy award-winning former producer at NFL Films. Other production team members nominated were PHHS Theater Teacher Mark Abbott (’84), Aveldson (’71), Leslie Peariso (’71), Krasner (‘71), Kurt Kohnen, Willie O’Bryan, and the Patrick Henry High School Alumni Association, Inc.