Senior Nominated for National Award
Congratulations to senior Andres Dones who has been nominated for the 2017 National Student Production Awards by The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences (NATAS) in the category of long-form documentary for his film, Project S.H.I.E.L.D.
As an 11th grader, Andres debuted his film with the guidance of Mr. Johnny Calderin. The labor of love took 3 years to complete. Andres has a brother with special needs and he has seen firsthand the difficulties his brother encounters. As a true Man for Others, Andres' hope is that this documentary, not only shed light to the daily struggles of families with a special need child, but calls us all to treat them with tremendous compassion and love.
"This film represents the fulfillment of a dream that started three years ago, when I decided that I wanted to make a meaningful difference in my disabled brother's life, as well as in the lives of others like him," said Dones. "I was able to interview four families. These families opened their homes and lives to us, and they provided an incredible insight into their daily routines. The siblings gave specific suggestions that will empower and inspire those who watch this film to make a change. You will find that my film is raw, honest, and motivational."
Earlier this year, Project S.H.I.E.L.D (Siblings Help Inform Everyone about Living with Disabilities) won a Suncoast Student Production Award from the NATAS Suncoast Chapter for his film. The national awards presentation will be live-streamed from the Los Angeles campus of Emerson College on Tuesday, October 3rd at noon, PDT and will be hosted by television personality, Tom Bergeron.
“We are incredibly proud of Andres' work and for inspiring change,” said Principal Jose E. Roca. “We will be cheering him on and wish him luck in this competition. His message is important and we hope his film continues to garner attention.”
His hope is to share the film and its moving message with as many people as possible through presentations at local schools. In addition to already showing it to the entire student body last year, he has already shown it at Palmetto Middle School, Our Lady of Lourdes Academy, Columbus High School, St. Louis, St. Thomas the Apostle and Blessed Trinity Catholic Schools. Andres has also appeared on NBC’s 6 In the Mix and featured in the Florida Catholic newspaper.
BELEN JESUIT PREPARATORY SCHOOL
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
500 SW 127th Avenue, Miami, FL 33184
phone: 305.223.8600 | fax: 305.227.2565 | email: webmaster@belenjesuit.org
Belen Jesuit Preparatory School was founded in 1854 in Havana, Cuba by Queen Isabel II of Spain. The task of educating students was assigned to the priests and brothers of the Society of Jesus (the Jesuits), whose teaching tradition is synonymous with academic excellence and spiritual discipline. In 1961, the new political regime of Cuba confiscated the School property and expelled the Jesuit faculty. The School was re-established in Miami the same year, and over the next decade, continued to grow. Today, Belen Jesuit sits on a 30-acre site in western Dade County, only minutes away from downtown Miami.