Washington Street Club Members David Thelemaque, Carlo Gerton, and
Guerschom Jean-Louis were selected as the national winners for the 2010
Boys & Girls Clubs of America (BGCA) Digital Arts Festival Movie
category. The youth and Club staff will attend an awards presentation
and national screening of their public service announcement (PSA)
entitled "Stay in School” at Boys & Girls Clubs of America headquarters in Atlanta, GA in July 2010.
Club
Members were charged with creating digital artwork incorporating skills
developed through the Club Tech program, a partnership between Boys
& Girls Clubs of America, founding partner Microsoft and Comcast. Created as a way to garner excitement and
attract at risk youth to Clubhouses, MovieTech helps members explore
the world of digital video software and basic screenplay writing
through creation of original productions.
Under the theme,
"Our Changing World,” Club Members expressed their artistic and
technological skills in the areas of photo illustration, music making,
movie making, web design and graphic design. Youth worked closely with
Clubhouse staff and in collaboration with Somerville Community Access
Television (SCAT) to create the award winning project, "Stay in School.”
"Through
the Club Tech Digital Arts Festivals our members showcase their ability
to create and innovate given exposure to advanced technology,” said Chile Eng, Executive Director. "With the support of Best Buy
and Microsoft, our youth are learning the essential digital skills
necessary to succeed in a technology-driven world.”
David, Carlo
and Geurschom’s video was chosen in the 13 to 15 year old Movie Making
category by local, regional and national judges and was awarded first
place amongst 171 entries nationwide.
The Digital Arts
Festivals are only one way Boys & Girls Clubs of America, Microsoft
and Best Buy Children’s Foundation hope to "technologically enable”
some 4.8 million youth served by more than 4,000 Clubs nationwide and
abroad. Club Tech also provides software, develops and delivers
curricula and provides program management and computer training for
staff and youth. The partnership allows Clubs to integrate
technology into every aspect of the organizations’ fabric: from overall
management to core programs.
To view the winning movie
click here.