The Crew

The Youth Action Film Festival prides itself in being a youth-led organization. Here are the beautiful people that make it all possible.

Matthew Plawecki: President

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Matthew Plawecki is a senior at New Tech High @ Coppell. He is involved in clubs including YAFF, Model United Nations, and the Coppell High School Band. As president of YAFF, Matthew hopes to continue building the program as a way for the voices of youth to be expressed and heard by the world.

Simin Sultanali

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Simin Sultanali is currently a junior at New Tech High @ Coppell. She is currently involved in clubs such as YAFF, People for Paws, NHS, and is Vice President of Learner Leadership Council. Simin is excited to be able to give students the opportunity to connect and share their voice through the power of short films!

Bogdan Maksimov

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Bogdan Maksimov is a junior at New Tech High at Coppell and this is his second year in YAFF. In addition, Bogdan is an officer of the DECA chapter at New Tech. He is also an active intern on the Coppell communication team where he is in charge of providing social media content for the district. Bogdan is an active member of the Coppell Community as well as his high school. He is excited to be on the YAFF committee.

Aarish Rajwani

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Aarish Rajwani is a Sophomore at New Tech High @ Coppell. He is an Eagle Scout through troop 758. In school, he is involved in the Learner leadership council, YAFF, and is the founder of Cricket Club at New Tech. He cannot wait to encourage students to express their opinions through short films.

Payton Hoenig

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Payton Hoenig is currently a Sophomore at New Tech High @ Coppell. She is involved in DECA, Yoga Club, First Tech Challenge, and LLC. This is her first year in YAFF and she is excited to see all that it brings!

Mrs. Bence: Sponsoring Teacher

IMG_7588Janelle Quintans Bence currently facilitates English in a blended Humanities class at New Tech High @ Coppell in Texas. She has vast experience with English Language Learners and has taught for sixteen years in both urban and suburban school districts. She is an active teacher-leader at both local and national levels and has presented at many national conferences such as NWP, NCTE, and SITE. Her passion is teaching writing and offering her learners authentic learning experiences where they have opportunities to make meaningful changes in the world.