2020 5 Point Film Dream Project Recipients

During a time of significant uncertainty, one thing is for sure—young people are our future. We look to them for inspiration, we want to know their opinions, and we trust that they hold the power and possibility for positive impact and change in the world. To encourage our youth to dream big and to offer the support by which they can actualize their ideas and goals, is one of the most important things we can be doing as a society. The 5Point Film Dream Project is a community outreach program that encourages local Roaring Fork Valley youth to develop projects that they believe will make a difference. In its 11th year, the 5Point Dream Project Scholarship Program continues to support students and the communities they serve. In an ever-changing world, it is imperative that we look towards the future through the lens of our youth.

This unique program offers outstanding high school students from Aspen to Parachute, Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, the chance to explore their own personal boundaries and dreams. The seven projects that were selected best exemplify 5Point Film’s five guiding principles—Purpose, Respect, Commitment, Humility, Balance. Students receive a $1500 scholarship to embark on a life-changing opportunity to follow their passion and actualize a dream. Previous recipients of the grant have undertaken projects including an Ecuadorian Orphanage Solar Panel Installation, LGBTQ+ Prom Dance, Save Thompson Divide Photo Project, Peace Garden at Basalt High School, New York Theater Program, American Sign Language Education and Instruction, Navajo Nation Skateboarding Project, Outdoor Courtyard at RFHS, Nepal Earthquake Relief Work.

These scholarships are made possible through the generous support from Alpine Bank, Coldwell Banker Mason Morse, and 2757 design + build co.

2020 Student Recipients

Cassidy Meyer, CRMS, 11th grade

Cassidy Meyer is a junior at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School. She is planning on using her Dream Project to travel to and volunteer at a local Spanish language school in rural Nicaragua. The volunteer programs are ongoing community-based projects in education, environmental restoration, and animal and health care. This program will provide a culturally immersive experience while helping the community with projects of their choosing.

Nicole Peirson & Tess Munro, CRMS, 12th grade

Nicole Peirson and Tess Munro are seniors at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School and applied for their Dream Project jointly. Their goal is to help a community in need, through service in the realm of women’s empowerment and education. They plan to travel to Nicaragua to help teach English to children, as well as to experience and learn from the local culture.

Mike Xie, CRMS, 11th grade

A junior at the Colorado Rocky Mountain School, Mike Xie will be returning to his home in Shanghai, where he plans to create a documentary about the fading culture of native people due to urbanization. Using photography and film, Mike wants to capture and preserve the people, food, and unique small businesses that make Shanghai special.

William Bingaman, RFHS, 11th grade

William Bingaman, a student in the 11th grade at Roaring fork High School, plans to use his passion for helping people to create a community project based on the idea of developing more positive mental health amongst the student bodies throughout the Roaring Fork School District.

Ruthie Brown, RFHS, 11th grade

Ruthie Brown is a junior at Roaring Fork High School, who hopes to travel to Brazil where she will work in a local women’s shelter by day and teach self-defense to students in an afterschool program. Her goal is to inspire confidence and determination in those she comes in contact with, particularly women who may be struggling to feel empowered.

Talon Carballeira, RFHS, 11th grade

In his junior year at Roaring Fork High School, Talon Carballeira is an active community member who wants to give back to the people of Carbondale. Using his skills as a bike mechanic, Talon plans to work with the Way of Compassion Bike Project and Carbondale Homeless Alliance to build bikes and trailers for the local homeless population. Alongside volunteering, Talon also plans to donate any remaining funds after his project is complete to these two organizations.

Joseph Thompson, CRHS, 11th grade

Joseph Thompson is a junior at Coal Ridge High School. An up and coming local DJ, his dream is to make his own music at a professional level so that he can pursue a career as a DJ/Producer. Joseph will be using his Dream Project to purchase professional music plug-ins, synths and other tools to facilitate his ability to make great music.

A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed Dream Project jury members! Stephanie Bergner, Kim Briscoe, Jeff Colt, Helene Gude, Luis Yllanes

We are so grateful for the support of our partners with whom this program is made possible. Thank you to Alpine Bank, Coldwell Banker Mason Morse, and 2757 design + build co.