Shawna Shea Scholarship Independent Short Film Festival Launched

UXBRIDGE, Mass. (Nov. 13, 2012) – A new short film festival honoring the independent spirit of the late Shawna Shea will bring together independent filmmakers and benefit the continued recognition of young women graduating from Uxbridge High School. The 2012 Shawna Shea Memorial Scholarship Independent Short Film Festival is set for Monday, Dec. 17, 2012, at the Elm Draught House Cinema, 35 Elm St. Millbury, Mass.

“Our family is very excited to establish what will be an annual short film festival in Shawna’s name,” said her father Skip Shea. “Shawna loved theater, performing and acting and she would really appreciate this kind of film festival, one that brings together the best and brightest of indie film and showcases that independent spirit and innovative creativity of this corner of the film world.”

The deadline for submissions to the short film festival is Nov. 30, 2012 and can be completed by going to the festival website at www.shawnasheascholarship.com. Even if filmmaking is not your thing, anyone can contribute to the scholarship fund by visiting the website or the festival’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/ShawnaSheaIndieShortFilmFest

The Shawna Shea Memorial Scholarship honors Shawna who at 16 tragically lost her life in an automobile accident in 1999. Shawna's twin sister Erin and her classmates memorialized Shawna by raising $10,000 and establishing this unique scholarship, which is awarded annually to a female Uxbridge High School graduate who exhibits Shawna's special qualities and independence that imprinted a lasting impression on everyone she touched in her short life.

Since the establishment of the Shawna Shea Memorial Scholarship, dozens of young women who have graduated from Uxbridge High School have received this award to continue their education. “We are truly blessed to be able to provide this assistance in Shawna’s name since we know she would always want to help her friends and anyone who lives on the margins and deserves everything beautiful that life can give,” said Shea   

The Shawna Shea Memorial Scholarship Fund also includes a memorial award in the name of Michael Liberty, Shawna’s cousin. This award is presented to a male Uxbridge High School graduate who exhibits the qualities of inclusion and respect for all abilities and interests. Each year, Shawna’s family members and friends create fun and meaningful events to sustain The Shawna Shea Memorial Scholarship Fund to continue this legacy that honors Shawna, her character and her values.