Portrait of Henry Mitchell drawing at coffee shop in Huntsville

Artist's Statement

From the time I got a camera when I was nine, I have pursued the pathway of film. From recording, script writing, and directing, I have been both behind the scenes and center stage making my ideas a reality. Not only have I made live-action videos, but I have also created animation and stop-motion videos. In 7th grade, I switched schools to ASFL after six years of attending AAA. This was in an effort to help me see where I would want to go in life, and my time at ASFL did just that. It gave me more perspective. Ironically, it strengthened my love for expressing my creativity. My time at ASFL gave me a chance to make documentaries that I wouldn’t have been able to create, featuring the sciences. This project combined art and STEM. Now in 8th grade, I have returned to AAA as a way to learn more about the arts.

I am always determined to reach my goals, whether that be academic or creative. My desire is to learn different techniques and skills so that I can grow as a filmmaker, visual artist, and creative.

I enjoy experimenting with new styles and techniques that I use. For me, video creation is an entertaining activity, but it is also a rewarding way for me to express myself and to communicate with others. You can find me working on videos at home or out around Huntsville recording and even editing. I am inspired by people who take a creative spin on things. This includes creators like Zach King, “Bad Lip Reading,” and Steven Spielberg, all turning sights, ideas, and videos into a reimagined version that can make you laugh and leave you in awe. After taking the film summer camp hosted at Lee, I watched “Close Encounters of the Third Kind.” The knowledge I gained about filmmaking from the camp helped to engage me in this movie, captivating my attention and wonder.

Bio

Henry is an 8th grade student with aspirations of making a mark in the creative world through his skill and insight. Over the past two summers, he has spent time experimenting with different drawing styles, filling his notebooks with a variety of sketches. When he's not drawing, Henry enjoys reading, indoor rock climbing, and exploring new ideas for inventions.

ASFL (2024-2025)

  • 1st Place for “The Taste of Flour: How a Cake’s Flavor Change” 7th Grade in Science Fair 2024 - December 2024
  • Student of the Month - September 30, 2024
  • Level 4 ACAP Practice English - Certificate of Achievement, December 2024
  • 2nd Place - Alabama Regional Future City Competitioni - January 25, 2025
  • A Honor Roll - 2024-2025 (Only 7th Grader)
  • Certificate of Participation - NARSEF Regional Science Fair
  • Highest Achievement on iReady for 7th Grade English
  • Highest Average in Math
  • Highest Average in French
  • Highest Average in Science
  • Outstanding Academic Performance in Civics and Geography
  • Newly inducted member of the ASFL, Middle School chapter of the National Junior Honor Society - May 16, 2025

AAA

  • Student of the Month - May, 2024
  • Certificate of Achievement - May 16, 2023 - 106% Progress to Annual Typical Growth, 66% Progress to Annual Stretch Growth
  • Reading Rockstar - For Successfully Completing 5th Grade Reading 2022 - 2023
  • Certificate of Achievement for Outstanding Concert Performance - May 19, 2023
  • Math Wiz Kid Award - for Having the Highest Math Grade for the 2022-2023 school year
  • President’s Education Awards Program - Outstanding Academic Excellence 2023
  • Youth Art Month Winner - 1st Grade
  • Certificate of Achievement - Successfully Completing 5th Grade Science and Social Studies, 2022 - 2023
  • Life-Long Reader Award, May 23, 2024
  • Music in the Parks Awarded to Clowns 2023-2024 - 2nd Place - Superior Rating
  • Most Outstanding in Theater Performance, 2024
  • Exceptional Media Artist Award, 21st of May, 2024
  • Principal’s Award, May 2024
  • Student Council Certificate

AAA Performances

  • Narrator for Destination Imagination - 1st Grade
  • Three Piggy Opera - 1st Grade
  • Mr Grumpy’s Toy Shop - 5th Grade - Astronaut
  • The Wind in the Willows - 6th Grade, 2024 - Weasel #3

Other Achievments

  • Designed Graphic for Tote Bag and Shirt for AAA FIne Arts Festival - 2024
  • Book cover illustration for Out Loud Anthology 2021
  • Cofounder of Banned Book Club (BBC) at AAA - 2023 - 2024
  • Rock Camp Climbing Competition  - High Point Climbing Gym - 2nd Place
  • Maintained straight A average 1st - 7th Grade
  • Competed in the Regional Science Fair at UAH on February 28, 2025 in Chemistry
  • Competed in Future City Regional Competicion at Auburn University on January 25, 2025 - 2nd in State