Snoqualmie Valley Record
Thursday, January 13, 2000

Mount Si senior is a teen Spielberg

by MICHELLE LIU
Staff Writer

His is name might not easily be recognized or remembered, but Paul Gordon's achievements are something no one can easily forget.

Several years ago the 18-year-old catapulted into the media's attention through his savvy fund-raising' techniques. Gordon raised $24,000 so that Eric Graeves of Issaquah could e a liver transplant.

Since then Gordon has served as the teen spokesman for organ donation awareness, traveling around the country spreading the message of how important each body part is to an ailing person.

But the story doesn't end there. In fact, it's just the beginning.

The Mount Si High senior is now diverting some of his talents into making a short film about the reality and con sequences of teen violence.

School project expands

Paul Gordon has recently been labeled as a "mini Steven Spielberg" around campus because of his extraordinary talent in directing, producing and editing a film titled "Silhouettes of 'lime.',' It started as a project for Mount Si High's newly formed video class, but quickly grew from an amateur-quality flick to a near-professional movie.

The story follows the life of Dawson (Aaron Lynch), who is constantly being harassed by the school's hot shot (Brandon Prior). Dawson desperately tries to fit in at the new high school and finally gains some respect when Nicholas (Andrew Ahmadi) reaches out to him.

But when several incidents at school shatter the fragile life he has built, Dawson decides the only way to settle matters would be through the barrel. of a gun,... but could he really do it?
'The film is targeted at high school students, to what they can do, but also to adults to give them an idea of what we go through;' Gordon said.

He got the inspiration for the film and Dawson's character from some of his own experiences interacting with other students "I realize what they must go through feeling rejected;' he said. "I had a low point and top point of being popular. I pulled [from] my own experiences and maximized them."

Before Gordon could start producing such, a controversial film, however, he first needed the approval of school administrators.

"I remember sitting at home that night when the principal was reading it and I was praying, 'God, if you want it to go, just let him love it" he recalled.

And the principal did.

"At first I was concerned about it and I wanted to make sure the message was appropriate for the students;' said Principal George Ilgenfritz. "I thought, 'Hey., this shows someone making a good decision. And that people in the world can help each other. and that impressed me:" he added of the relationship between Dawson and Nicholas.

"This had to be done well or it would. fall flat." photography/video teacher James Gibowski added. "But it's well done. It's bordering on professional quality and it's a compliment ,to Paul and the other students."

Hundreds of hours
"dedicated 'to the film"

Gordon, cast members and several editors, spent three months shooting the' footage and dedicated Weeks of editing in front-' Of the new computer system at Mount Si. Most of the filming was done at the school with special scenes at Snoqualmie Falls, the ,graveyard in North Bend and the Snoqualmie police station.

"We, went all over the place and they gave so much of their free time," Gordon said of the cast. "I see a lot of talent and I wouldn't be surprised if I see a few actors pop out of that class"
When the film is finished it won't just be used to prop up other videos in a cabinet. Instead Gordon hopes to woo the more than 100,000 spectators who will attend the Seattle International Film Festival in May. "Silhouettes of Time" will battle over 1.000
entries for a spot in the prestigious festival.

"It's a good start-off point in a career," said Chris Ophoven, coordinator for the film fes-
coordinator for the film festival. "Anytime that festival audience or industry people recognize a piece of work, it'll help"

Air career ditched for film

If the Seattle International Film Festival doesn't accept Cordon's production this year he will probably,have acamera case full of entries by next year.

The two-time senior was sceduled graduate from Bellevue Christian college last year but decided there was so much to do before going to college. It wasn't an easy choice Gordon, who had been accepted by the Air Poke Academy in Colorado Springs.

"I was a year ahead anyway and 1 wanted to speak to kids and tell them; to take their talents and use them for something great and incredible" he said.

Now, Gordon plans to attend the University of Washington to study film, and then 'trove on to University of Southern California for more education.

He could become president

After tinkering the film industry or jounalism; Gordon said he envisions himseWgettinginto politics perhaps becoming Mr. President in the upcoming decades.

"If he does' become president, he will be a loved president because he has a heart for the people," said Rep. Kathy Lambert of the-45th District.

"He's willing to listen to input and he has the character. He is intelligent an compassionate and meets people well and-will draw people from all across the nation."

Gordon and Lambert are workirig on several bills that will go before the State Legislature this session.

The first bill would add more information to the-state' driver's manual about organ donation, while the second bill would serve to filter out pornography from public computers that children usually use, such as in schools and libraries.

For more information on these bills, visit Lambert's Web site ato www.kathylambert.com.

Mother, know best

The; saying, "behind` every' great marn is a great woman", also pertains to Paul Gordon. Elaine Gordon has been the coach and cheerleader or her three children Paul, Jonathan and Shavawn.

She always stressed the importance of community service to her children. and equated her parenting - style to the space program.

"The preparation is so-important before the launch:' she said.. "Once
they're orbiting you can relax, but it doesn't mean you're not involved."

Elaine Gordon considers' Paul as her "Renaissance man" because of his multi-talented, personality."

"He's always been caring, loving and compassionate since he was little," Elaine Gordon said. "I' wanted to come alongside of him and bring out the best.

"I've contributed to society by raising good kids because I've cared about how they turn out," she added.