5th annual “Carole award” presented at seniors ceremony

1308 appreciates the outstanding fine arts, performing arts, and music education programs at Miami Beach Senior High School and we are proud to have been involved there for decades. Thanks to a tireless and dedicated corps of teachers, the lives of many students (and their friends, families and the community) become permanently enriched.

Hundreds of students, educators, and parents were in the audience on May 31, 2018 at the MBSHS Auditorium for recognition of exemplary graduating students, including presentation of the 2018 Carole Taran Award for Excellence in Performing Arts. The event was led by Nina Duval, Literature and Language Arts teacher and former chair of the school’s Fine Arts Program. Attorney and Beach High alumnus Paul Novack represented awards sponsor 1308 Productions in presenting the Fifth Annual “Carole Award” to the school’ s most outstanding student in the performing arts.

For the last 15 years, non-profit 1308 Productions has supported and promoted music education in public schools, has sponsored music events for youth in the community, and has presented awards at Beach High, Nautilus Middle School, and Bay Harbor K-8. 1308 has advocated for music education programs throughout Florida and beyond.

The Carole Taran Award for Excellence in Performing Arts is a memorial for a great singer, dancer, actress, and producer, who got her own start at Beach High. Carole was active in music and performance throughout her high school years, performing in all of the school’s plays, events and productions.

Carole Taran Lee went on to a career in entertainment that spanned over five decades, and her success as an entertainer and as a producer has received widespread acclaim. Carole was an Atlantic Records recording artist and performed throughout the country and internationally. She led the trend setting events production company Adam Productions. In her memory and honor, the top outstanding student at Beach High has been recognized each year since Carole’s passing in 2013.

The 2018 Award was presented to Kelmerl Jimenez, who was the unanimous selection of the faculty of the school’s Fine Arts Department. “A truly amazing talent, he has an extraordinary voice and when he sings in Italian, as well as in Spanish and English, audiences are riveted,” said Ms. Duval.

Kelmerl Jiminez starting singing at the age of 12, and he has performed in numerous shows, concerts and events. He has been featured in churches, schools, and community shows. Kelmerl has been mentored by the school’s chorus teacher, Ms. Gent, and many devoted professional educators at Beach High. When he isn’t performing, Kelmerl enjoys attending church and competing with his school’s track team. He works hard at his talent and he plans to continue with voice training and vocal performances in college.

1308 Productions congratulates Kelmerl Jimenez on the “Carole Award” and on his talent, success, and launch from high school into the future. He received the Award, a $500 scholarship check from 1308 Productions, his name was inscribed on a perpetual plaque on display at the school, and he earned the widespread recognition that goes with joining the prestigious group of students who have been honored in memory of Carole Taran. Good luck Kelmerl!