A starring role

What started as a hobby at 5 years old has turned into a possible career for Stephen Rossi.

The Wheeling High School student has won multiple awards for the films and commercials he's made over the years.

Now, the senior is looking at colleges that could further his talents as a filmmaker.

"Right around the beginning of high school I got a new computer and started to edit and stuff," he said. "I do everything from commercials to documentaries."

He also started taking a class with Michael Geist at school. Geist encouraged Rossi to enter contests and explore his talent.

"I think he takes the class to the next level," Geist said. "He shows a true passion."

Since then, Rossi filmed "Late Start" his sophomore year, a short film that spoofs "Ferris Bueller's Day Off" and shows him trying to beat his teacher to school.

The school ran the spot to remind students of a late-start day during the year.

It also won Rossi a first-place prize for commercials in the Chicagoland Film Festival.

Rossi puts himself, his friends and his family into his films. Most recently, his mom, Teri, was in a commercial he made for a Best Western competition.

Although he didn't win first prize in that contest, he was one of the nine prize winners.

Rossi shows off his creativity with the camera in his movie "Day in the Life of a Student," which is filmed from the perspective of an alarm clock and the cereal he pours himself.

Some of Rossi's awards include a first place for his "Late Start" commercial from the Chicagoland Television Educators ,Council and first place in the Great Minds Award for "Day in the Life of a Student."

Because his filmmaking has turned into something he can see himself doing as a career, Rossi has been shopping various colleges, including Bradley University in Peoria and Columbia College in Chicago.

"Watching people enjoy my films -- that's my favorite reaction," Rossi said.