Shorecrest teachers William Leavengood and Aaron Sober challenged their Upper School students to create a documentary film highlighting one of the many service projects that Shorecrest students complete.

Junior Laura Heagy and senior Jared Wang chose to produce a film that draws attention to the school’s longstanding holiday gift drive benefitting the Guardian Ad Litem Foundation.

There are almost 3,000 children placed in foster care in Pinellas and Pasco Counties. Guardian ad Litem volunteer child advocates provide advocacy for over 2,860 children to help them navigate the tumultuous legal system.

For almost 20 years, the Gift Drive has been the school’s signature service event with participation from Shorecrest families at every grade level. Upper School students recently formed a Guardian ad Litem youth program with more than 40 high school students volunteering on behalf of the children year-round. 12 Shorecrest parents volunteer as Guardian ad Litem advocates.

According to Laura, “Jared and I really wanted to give back to the community. The children we help are in very different situations than us and can’t afford to buy clothes and other basic necessities like toothpaste and shoes. “

The film draws attention not only to the reach and success of providing presents to children in the foster care program, but also the ways that performing service benefits those who do the giving.

The film was entered into the White House Student Film Competition. This year’s theme was, “The Impact of Giving Back.”

Founded in 1923, Shorecrest Preparatory School is a PK(3) through 12th grade independent school located in Tampa Bay. By offering its families choice, support, and balance, Shorecrest graduates empathetic, independent thinkers who succeed at the university level, pursue their passions, and lead purposeful lives. Learn more at www.shorecrest.org.