?Life is like a box of chocolates. You never know what you?re gonna get.? After filming this famous statement, the sophomore class hopes this includes a host of awards for their remake of Forrest Gump during Night of the Stars, March 29.

After winning three awards for last year?s project, Infamous Suspicion, the class of 2010 hopes to surpass their achievements with their current movie.

“Forrest Gump is about the life of a man who has a mental handicap, who still succeeds at life,” Doug Daniel, who plays the title role, said. “He saves lives, succeeds in business, and even gets married. He shows that if you try hard to do the right thing, most of the time things will turn out right.”

While choosing a story is often a difficult part of the movie process, cast members believe Gump presents a relevant message.

“Forrest shows that even though he encounters obstacles, he can succeed through sheer determination and unwillingness to give up,” Nacoya Villegas, (Jenny) and lead actress, said. “I think it’s a story people can really learn from.”

The sophomores plan to capitalize on their experience by collaborating with their classmates.

?Making the NOTS movie is fun because it?s great to create something that you?ve been working on all year, and finally put it all together to show to the student body,? Riley Endicott, soundtrack supervisor, said. ?It?s great because we work together with the whole class towards this ultimate goal.?

Cinematographer, director and editor Paige Powell, along with Endicott, began considering movie options over Christmas break.

?At first we wanted to do The Village, but it was too serious. So we decided on Forrest Gump,? Powell said. ?Then we condensed the script and cast the roles.?

Though filming and editing can feel stressful, the process provides a chance to grow closer with friends.

?The best part of filming is just hanging out with friends and getting involved with my class,? Jackie Cowin, (Mrs. Gump) and supporting actress, said. ?We?ve all worked really hard, and it?s really been a bonding experience. I?ve gotten to see my friends in their element; Paige is really serious about filming, and Nacoya, too, with her acting.?

While Powell says carrying the movie on her shoulders is stressful, she believes the reward is worth the hard work.

?When I watch the movie during NOTS, I get a tremendous sense of accomplishment,? Powell said. ?Seeing it up there on the screen makes me feel successful, like what I have worked so hard for was finally worth it.”

For more information about class movies and NOTS, check out Benjamin Dang’s March 25 article, Seniors film murder mystery, Brittany Shaffer’s Junior film travels time Austin Ward’s Click remake defines freshman film, the March 14 editorial, NOTS produces red carpet evening or Jennifer Sherfield’s March 26 article, NOTS captures underwater enchantment.

For another photo on the sophomore movie creation, view Waiting for pyrotechnics.