The Miami Lakes Special Needs Advisory Board presented awards to its inaugural adult animation class. The course was held in partnership with the Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs and All Kids Included.
All Kids Included is a county inclusive art program for kids and young adults with special needs. At Miami Lakes Town Hall on June 20, 20 young adults in the program received certificates of recognition and statuettes that resemble those presented at the Academy Awards.
The course’s purpose is to engage adults with autism and teach them new skills. During the ceremony, attendees walked a red carpet and were treated to a photo booth, light refreshments and their awards. Students’ animation projects were played on screens and celebrated by the board, families and Council members Josh Dieguez, Marilyn Ruano and Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez.
Brenna Verner, secretary for the Miami Animation & Gaming International Complex at Miami Dade College, Special Needs Advisory Board Chair John Rogger and Katherine Revell, cultural projects administrator at Miami-Dade County Department of Cultural Affairs, hosted the event.
Reporting to the town council during its July 9 meeting, Rogger called the course a success and said the program would be replicated next year, hopefully with more students.
In the first photo, Brenna Verner addresses the students who participated in the animation course during an awards ceremony at Miami Lakes Town Hall. In the second photo, Animator Eduardo Flores poses with his award and certificate as Brenna Verner, Vice Mayor Tony Fernandez and Councilman Josh Dieguez look on.
Photos provided by John Rogger.