DATA Students Honored in White House Film Festival

Donielle Gerrell, Araly Lopez, and Ariana Davis | Photo by Richard Liu, The Desert Sun

In January, the White House sent out a call to K-12 students across the country to create a short video piece (3 minutes) that focuses, in some way, on the impact of technology in education. More than 2,500 submissions were created for The White House Student Film Festival, which seeks to highlight student finalists at a special screening event at the White House. Students also have the opportunity to have their work featured on the White House's official YouTube, Vimeo, and other social media outlets.

Photo by Richard Liu, The Desert Sun

DATA DS juniors Donnie Gerrell, Araly Lopez, and Ariana Davis answered the call and worked together to create a short piece that explores the experience and impact the DATA program at Cathedral City High School has had on students– from current projects to alumni using DATA skills in the workplace.

The students' goal was to show the ways in which DATA has been a leading program in technological integration and technological literacy, not only equipping students with the skills necessary to use technology, but teaching them how to understand its deeper meanings and implications. 

The project earned a semi-finalist position with Honorable Mention. The student work will soon be featured on WhiteHouse.gov/FilmFestival along with the White House's other social media channels.

The Desert Sun has also featured a story on the DS students and their project and Congressman Raul Ruiz sent a letter of congratulations to Donnie, Araly, and Ariana.

Check out their project below:

Created by Donielle Gerrell, Araly Lopez, and Ariana Davis for the White House Student Film Competition.