Today, the Corporation for National and Community Service (CNCS) announced the winners of the 2012 AmeriCorps Photo and Video contest.

Current AmeriCorps members and alums were asked to submit photos and videos showing how AmeriCorps works by communicating ways the CNCS program helps the recipients of service, the people who serve, and the larger community and nation.

Entries were judged on key elements, including overall impact, creativity, memorable content and delivery, and clear message about how AmeriCorps works. Winners were selected by popular vote on the Challenge.gov web site.

Now, for this year's winners …

Video Contest (65 submissions)

First Place ($4,000 prize): Woodlande's Story by Deanna Nicole Warren -- AmeriCorps VISTA at Culture Connect Inc.

Second Place ($1,000 prize): Empowering the Next Generation of Leaders by Mischa Tourin -- AmeriCorps State; Youth Program Manager; Essex CHIPS and Teen Center

Both videos can be seen in the window below.

Photo Contest (256 submissions)

First Place ($2,000 prize): Water Pollution is Hazardous to River Unicorns by Jason Scott -- AmeriCorps NCCC, Atlantic Region; AmeriCorps Florida State Parks; current director of Knoxville AmeriCorps alums chapter

Second Place ($500 prize): Turning our Tassels for a Better Tomorrow by Daniela DiGuido -- AmeriCorps member at George Washington University Jumpstart

We congratulate the winners, and thank our AmeriCorps members and alums for their submissions to the 2012 contest.