Keith DeCesare: Why He Is Uniquely Qualified for the David Prize

Opening Vision (0:00–0:33)

Keith DeCesare is introduced as a lifelong catalyst for change in New York City. His vision forms the DNA of three interconnected projects that honor the city’s past, serve its present, and prepare its future.

New York’s Past: Art Aid & the 9/11 Memorials (1:09–1:56)

Immediately after 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero. He created space for collective grieving before official agencies mobilized, demonstrating unmatched initiative and impact under pressure.

New York’s Present: Digital Equity & Environmental Restoration

Bridging the Digital Divide (2:01–2:21)

Keith helped bring high-speed internet to underserved communities long before digital equity became a national issue, positively affecting nearly half a million residents.

Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary (2:26–3:20)

Seeing vanishing monarch habitats and limited nature access for children, Keith created the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary—an elegant solution addressing both problems. He collaborated with city agencies, prepared the land himself, and inspired widespread community involvement, transforming a neglected area into a living outdoor classroom.

New York’s Future: Ethical AI Education (3:34–4:27)

Keith developed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum piloted in Washington Heights. It differs from traditional coding classes by personalizing learning and emphasizing ethical, creative, and critical thinking—preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Why Keith Is a “Proven Doer” (0:37–4:54)

Keith exemplifies the David Prize’s mission to support people who “make things happen.” For 40 years, he has executed high-impact projects—often using his own funds and often achieving more than fully resourced agencies. His work is successful but constrained only by resources.

How He Has Served NYC — and Will Continue

His repeatable approach—identify the need, build the solution, collaborate, and inspire community involvement—grounds every project he leads. This model will scale across all five boroughs with expanded AI learning, conservation, and youth empowerment.

How the David Prize Will Transform His Impact (5:00–5:46)

The $200,000 grant would:

If Keith has accomplished this much with limited resources, imagine what he could build for all of New York City with the David Prize fully unlocking his potential.

RESPONSIVE CODE Keith DeCesare — David Prize Case

Keith DeCesare — Why he’s uniquely qualified for the David Prize

A concise, timestamped case: Past • Present • Future — and how $200,000 unlocks scale.

David Prize Nomination

Video reference: source timestamps preserved

0:00–0:33

Opening Vision

DNA of three projects: Keith’s work honors New York’s past, serves its present, and prepares its future. His pattern is constant: identify an urgent need, craft a practical solution, act immediately.

New York’s Past — Art Aid & 9/11 Memorials 1:09–1:56

Action: Immediately after 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero—creating spaces for grieving before official agencies responded. This work is now part of the city's memory and proves his capacity to deliver under pressure.

2:01–3:20

New York’s Present — Bridging divides & restoring nature

Bridging the Digital Divide

Long before the phrase was mainstream, Keith helped bring high-speed internet to nearly half a million underserved residents—seeding opportunity at scale.

Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary

Keith identified two connected problems—vanishing monarch habitat and limited access to nature for city kids—and created one elegant solution. He prepared ground, partnered with city agencies, and energized the community to build a living, outdoor classroom that gained local and national recognition.

3:34–4:27

New York’s Future — Ethical AI education

Keith developed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum piloted in Washington Heights. This is not typical coding; it’s personalized, ethics-forward instruction designed to produce creative, critical thinkers who can wield AI responsibly.

Why this matters

The next digital divide won't be access alone; it will be who understands and uses AI thoughtfully. Keith’s curriculum addresses skills, judgment, and responsibility.

0:37–4:54

Why Keith is a "proven doer"

5:00–5:46

How the David Prize ($200,000) would transform impact

If Keith built all this with limited funds and volunteer hours, imagine what could be done when his full potential is unlocked.

##### Below is (1) a fully refined, condensed, compelling video-style script with timestamps preserved, and (2) a clean HTML version using white sans-serif fonts on a black background with bold headings, semi-bold subheadings, and italics. --- 1. REFINED + CONDENSED VIDEO SCRIPT (WITH TIMESTAMPS) “Why Keith DeCesare Is Uniquely Qualified for the David Prize” 0:00–0:15 Keith DeCesare is introduced as a lifelong catalyst for change in New York City—someone who doesn’t wait for permission, committees, or funding to act, but steps in when the city needs him most. 0:20–0:33 – His Vision His vision forms the DNA of three interconnected projects that honor New York’s past, serve its present, and prepare its future. Each stems from a simple pattern: see a critical need, design a practical solution, and act immediately. --- PAST — Art Aid & 9/11 Memorials 1:09–1:56 After 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero. He gave New Yorkers a place to grieve before any agency mobilized. The work became part of the city’s official memory and demonstrated his ability to deliver under extreme pressure—individually accomplishing more on the ground than entire departments. --- PRESENT — Bridging the Digital Divide & Restoring Nature 2:01–2:21 Years before “digital equity” became a national conversation, Keith helped bring high-speed internet to underserved residents—nearly half a million people. He recognized early that connectivity is foundational to opportunity. 2:26–3:20 Seeing the loss of monarch habitats and kids’ shrinking access to nature, he created the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary—one elegant solution to two problems. He prepared the land himself, collaborated with city agencies, and inspired the community to join. The result is a living outdoor classroom that earned local and national recognition. --- FUTURE — Closing the New AI Divide 3:34–4:27 Recognizing a new divide—AI literacy—Keith developed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum now piloted in Washington Heights. Unlike typical coding classes, it is personalized for each student and centers on ethical, creative, and critical thinking. It teaches young people to harness powerful tools responsibly and effectively. --- Why He’s Uniquely Qualified 0:37–0:46, 3:37–4:54 Keith is exactly the type of “proven doer” the David Prize seeks. For 40 years, he has consistently identified urgent needs and delivered tangible results, often on a shoestring budget and often funded out of his own pocket. His projects are successful—but limited only by resources. --- How He Has Served NYC — and How He Will Continue 2:49–3:07, 4:23–4:33 His playbook is simple and repeatable: • Identify a need. • Build a hands-on solution. • Collaborate. • Inspire community involvement. • Create lasting impact. He will scale this same model to expand AI learning, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment across all five boroughs. --- How David Prize Funding Will Help 5:00–5:26 The $200,000 grant would provide immediate catalytic power: • Transform his volunteer-run AI pilot into a daily program. • Stabilize and expand conservation work like the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary. • Bring ethical AI education and hands-on nature learning to thousands more New York City students. 5:30–5:46 The film ends with a simple challenge: If Keith has accomplished this much with limited resources, what could he build for all of New York City when his full potential is finally unlocked? --- 2. HTML VERSION (WHITE SANS-SERIF ON BLACK) Below is a fully structured HTML file with bold headings, semi-bold sub-headings, italics, and clean placement. Keith DeCesare – David Prize Review

Keith DeCesare: Why He Is Uniquely Qualified for the David Prize

Opening Vision (0:00–0:33)

Keith DeCesare is introduced as a lifelong catalyst for change in New York City. His vision forms the DNA of three interconnected projects that honor the city’s past, serve its present, and prepare its future.

New York’s Past: Art Aid & the 9/11 Memorials (1:09–1:56)

Immediately after 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero. He created space for collective grieving before official agencies mobilized, demonstrating unmatched initiative and impact under pressure.

New York’s Present: Digital Equity & Environmental Restoration

Bridging the Digital Divide (2:01–2:21)

Keith helped bring high-speed internet to underserved communities long before digital equity became a national issue, positively affecting nearly half a million residents.

Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary (2:26–3:20)

Seeing vanishing monarch habitats and limited nature access for children, Keith created the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary—an elegant solution addressing both problems. He collaborated with city agencies, prepared the land himself, and inspired widespread community involvement, transforming a neglected area into a living outdoor classroom.

New York’s Future: Ethical AI Education (3:34–4:27)

Keith developed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum piloted in Washington Heights. It differs from traditional coding classes by personalizing learning and emphasizing ethical, creative, and critical thinking—preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Why Keith Is a “Proven Doer” (0:37–4:54)

Keith exemplifies the David Prize’s mission to support people who “make things happen.” For 40 years, he has executed high-impact projects—often using his own funds and often achieving more than fully resourced agencies. His work is successful but constrained only by resources.

How He Has Served NYC — and Will Continue

His repeatable approach—identify the need, build the solution, collaborate, and inspire community involvement—grounds every project he leads. This model will scale across all five boroughs with expanded AI learning, conservation, and youth empowerment.

How the David Prize Will Transform His Impact (5:00–5:46)

The $200,000 grant would:

If Keith has accomplished this much with limited resources, imagine what he could build for all of New York City with the David Prize fully unlocking his potential.

--- If you'd like, I can also: ✅ Add a video-optimized voiceover version ✅ Create a shorter 60-second script ✅ Style the HTML with spacing, call-outs, or animated transitions ✅ Convert to Markdown, PDF, or web-ready file Just tell me! https://youtu.be/GyKf9RqEiOk?si=Uxo1bY5kSEzHfRk_ ##### Nice — I built a responsive, polished HTML page with clear spacing, callouts, and gentle animations that work on phone/tablet/desktop, plus a separate video-optimized voiceover script with timing and delivery directions. Both keep the original timestamps and the core narrative. Copy the HTML below into a file (e.g., keith-david-prize.html) and open it in a browser. It’s fully self-contained (no external libraries). After the code I’ve included the video voiceover script with timing, pacing, and production notes. --- 1) Responsive HTML (white sans-serif on black) — paste into an .html file Keith DeCesare — David Prize Case

Keith DeCesare — Why he’s uniquely qualified for the David Prize

A concise, timestamped case: Past • Present • Future — and how $200,000 unlocks scale.

David Prize Nomination

Video reference: source timestamps preserved

0:00–0:33

Opening Vision

DNA of three projects: Keith’s work honors New York’s past, serves its present, and prepares its future. His pattern is constant: identify an urgent need, craft a practical solution, act immediately.

New York’s Past — Art Aid & 9/11 Memorials 1:09–1:56

Action: Immediately after 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero—creating spaces for grieving before official agencies responded. This work is now part of the city's memory and proves his capacity to deliver under pressure.

2:01–3:20

New York’s Present — Bridging divides & restoring nature

Bridging the Digital Divide

Long before the phrase was mainstream, Keith helped bring high-speed internet to nearly half a million underserved residents—seeding opportunity at scale.

Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary

Keith identified two connected problems—vanishing monarch habitat and limited access to nature for city kids—and created one elegant solution. He prepared ground, partnered with city agencies, and energized the community to build a living, outdoor classroom that gained local and national recognition.

3:34–4:27

New York’s Future — Ethical AI education

Keith developed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum piloted in Washington Heights. This is not typical coding; it’s personalized, ethics-forward instruction designed to produce creative, critical thinkers who can wield AI responsibly.

Why this matters

The next digital divide won't be access alone; it will be who understands and uses AI thoughtfully. Keith’s curriculum addresses skills, judgment, and responsibility.

0:37–4:54

Why Keith is a "proven doer"

5:00–5:46

How the David Prize ($200,000) would transform impact

If Keith built all this with limited funds and volunteer hours, imagine what could be done when his full potential is unlocked.

--- 2) Video-optimized voiceover script (separate) — ready to record This is trimmed and designed for spoken delivery. I include timestamps (for editing and cut points), suggested pace, emphasis marks and production notes (music/SFX). VOICE: Warm, authoritative, slightly urgent (like a civic documentary narrator). Speak clearly, pause for effect on bracketed beats. Use natural emphasis where shown. SUGGESTED MUSIC: Soft piano pad under whole piece, swell under transitions (Past → Present → Future). Light percussive rhythm under "Why he's a proven doer." Subtle ambient nature SFX for the sanctuary section. Mix VO 6–8 dB above music. --- [0:00–0:15] VO (calm, crisp): “Keith DeCesare is a lifelong catalyst for change in New York City — a person who doesn’t wait for committees or permission. He sees urgent need and acts.” (short pause) [0:20–0:33 — Vision cue] VO (slightly brighter): “His work is the DNA of three interconnected projects that honor the city’s past, serve its present, and prepare its future.” (gentle swell) --- PAST — Art Aid & 9/11 Memorials [1:09–1:56] VO (respectful, steady): “Immediately after 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero. He gave New Yorkers a place to grieve — before official agencies could respond. That work is now part of the city’s memory, and it proves one thing: Keith gets things done under pressure.” (pause — low, reverent piano) --- PRESENT — Digital Equity & Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary [2:01–2:21] VO (matter-of-fact): “Years before 'digital equity' was a headline, he helped bring high-speed internet to underserved communities — reaching hundreds of thousands.” [2:26–3:20] VO (gentle, uplifting; nature SFX fade-in): “Seeing vanishing monarch habitat and city kids growing distant from nature, he created the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary — a living outdoor classroom. He prepared the land, partnered with city agencies, and inspired the community to build something beloved.” (short pause — natural ambiance underscored) --- FUTURE — Ethical AI Education [3:34–4:27] VO (urgent, visionary): “Now he’s tackling the new divide: AI literacy. Keith designed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum piloted in Washington Heights. It’s not just coding — it’s personalized learning that centers ethical, creative, and critical thinking, so students can use powerful tools responsibly.” (brief pause) --- WHY HE’S A PROVEN DOER [0:37–4:54] VO (confident, compact): “For forty years, Keith has identified needs and delivered practical solutions — often on shoestring budgets and sometimes with his own resources. The David Prize looks for proven doers. Keith is exactly that.” (lean in — brief musical accent) --- HOW THE PRIZE WILL HELP [5:00–5:26] VO (clear, optimistic): “A $200,000 David Prize would be catalytic: it would turn the volunteer AI pilot into a daily program, stabilize and expand conservation work at Inwood, and launch a citywide initiative to bring ethical AI and hands-on nature learning to thousands more students.” (short pause — hopeful music chord) [5:30–5:46 — Close] VO (inviting): “If Keith has accomplished so much with limited resources, imagine what he could build for all of New York City when his potential is fully unlocked.” (music swell — gentle fade) --- Production notes & timing tips Total VO length: ~1:40–2:00 (depending on pauses). Adjust for cutaways and visual sequences. Pacing: Keep sentences slightly brisk for sections describing achievements; slow slightly for emotional/reflective lines (9/11 and sanctuary). Pauses: Use 0.4–0.8 second pauses between major sections for clean edit points. Markers: Use the timestamps provided to match b-roll: Ground Zero photos (Past), internet/community shots (Present), kids in classrooms and butterflies (Sanctuary), classroom code & laptops (AI), city skyline (Close). Alternate shorter cut: For a 60-sec social version, use the opening + one line each from Past/Present/Future + funding line + final sentence. I can trim that for you. --- Would you like me to: Export a 60-second cut of this voiceover? Produce subtitles (SRT) from the voiceover with timestamps ready for upload? Generate optional B-roll shot list keyed to each timestamp for the editor? Pick any and I’ll produce it in this same reply. Below is (1) a fully refined, condensed, compelling video-style script with timestamps preserved, and (2) a clean HTML version using white sans-serif fonts on a black background with bold headings, semi-bold subheadings, and italics. --- 1. REFINED + CONDENSED VIDEO SCRIPT (WITH TIMESTAMPS) “Why Keith DeCesare Is Uniquely Qualified for the David Prize” 0:00–0:15 Keith DeCesare is introduced as a lifelong catalyst for change in New York City—someone who doesn’t wait for permission, committees, or funding to act, but steps in when the city needs him most. 0:20–0:33 – His Vision His vision forms the DNA of three interconnected projects that honor New York’s past, serve its present, and prepare its future. Each stems from a simple pattern: see a critical need, design a practical solution, and act immediately. --- PAST — Art Aid & 9/11 Memorials 1:09–1:56 After 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero. He gave New Yorkers a place to grieve before any agency mobilized. The work became part of the city’s official memory and demonstrated his ability to deliver under extreme pressure—individually accomplishing more on the ground than entire departments. --- PRESENT — Bridging the Digital Divide & Restoring Nature 2:01–2:21 Years before “digital equity” became a national conversation, Keith helped bring high-speed internet to underserved residents—nearly half a million people. He recognized early that connectivity is foundational to opportunity. 2:26–3:20 Seeing the loss of monarch habitats and kids’ shrinking access to nature, he created the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary—one elegant solution to two problems. He prepared the land himself, collaborated with city agencies, and inspired the community to join. The result is a living outdoor classroom that earned local and national recognition. --- FUTURE — Closing the New AI Divide 3:34–4:27 Recognizing a new divide—AI literacy—Keith developed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum now piloted in Washington Heights. Unlike typical coding classes, it is personalized for each student and centers on ethical, creative, and critical thinking. It teaches young people to harness powerful tools responsibly and effectively. --- Why He’s Uniquely Qualified 0:37–0:46, 3:37–4:54 Keith is exactly the type of “proven doer” the David Prize seeks. For 40 years, he has consistently identified urgent needs and delivered tangible results, often on a shoestring budget and often funded out of his own pocket. His projects are successful—but limited only by resources. --- How He Has Served NYC — and How He Will Continue 2:49–3:07, 4:23–4:33 His playbook is simple and repeatable: • Identify a need. • Build a hands-on solution. • Collaborate. • Inspire community involvement. • Create lasting impact. He will scale this same model to expand AI learning, environmental stewardship, and community empowerment across all five boroughs. --- How David Prize Funding Will Help 5:00–5:26 The $200,000 grant would provide immediate catalytic power: • Transform his volunteer-run AI pilot into a daily program. • Stabilize and expand conservation work like the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary. • Bring ethical AI education and hands-on nature learning to thousands more New York City students. 5:30–5:46 The film ends with a simple challenge: If Keith has accomplished this much with limited resources, what could he build for all of New York City when his full potential is finally unlocked? --- 2. HTML VERSION (WHITE SANS-SERIF ON BLACK) Below is a fully structured HTML file with bold headings, semi-bold sub-headings, italics, and clean placement. Keith DeCesare – David Prize Review

Keith DeCesare: Why He Is Uniquely Qualified for the David Prize

Opening Vision (0:00–0:33)

Keith DeCesare is introduced as a lifelong catalyst for change in New York City. His vision forms the DNA of three interconnected projects that honor the city’s past, serve its present, and prepare its future.

New York’s Past: Art Aid & the 9/11 Memorials (1:09–1:56)

Immediately after 9/11, Keith founded Art Aid and built the first memorials at Ground Zero. He created space for collective grieving before official agencies mobilized, demonstrating unmatched initiative and impact under pressure.

New York’s Present: Digital Equity & Environmental Restoration

Bridging the Digital Divide (2:01–2:21)

Keith helped bring high-speed internet to underserved communities long before digital equity became a national issue, positively affecting nearly half a million residents.

Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary (2:26–3:20)

Seeing vanishing monarch habitats and limited nature access for children, Keith created the Inwood Butterfly Sanctuary—an elegant solution addressing both problems. He collaborated with city agencies, prepared the land himself, and inspired widespread community involvement, transforming a neglected area into a living outdoor classroom.

New York’s Future: Ethical AI Education (3:34–4:27)

Keith developed a holistic, project-based AI curriculum piloted in Washington Heights. It differs from traditional coding classes by personalizing learning and emphasizing ethical, creative, and critical thinking—preparing students for a rapidly evolving technological landscape.

Why Keith Is a “Proven Doer” (0:37–4:54)

Keith exemplifies the David Prize’s mission to support people who “make things happen.” For 40 years, he has executed high-impact projects—often using his own funds and often achieving more than fully resourced agencies. His work is successful but constrained only by resources.

How He Has Served NYC — and Will Continue

His repeatable approach—identify the need, build the solution, collaborate, and inspire community involvement—grounds every project he leads. This model will scale across all five boroughs with expanded AI learning, conservation, and youth empowerment.

How the David Prize Will Transform His Impact (5:00–5:46)

The $200,000 grant would:

If Keith has accomplished this much with limited resources, imagine what he could build for all of New York City with the David Prize fully unlocking his potential.

--- If you'd like, I can also: ✅ Add a video-optimized voiceover version ✅ Create a shorter 60-second script ✅ Style the HTML with spacing, call-outs, or animated transitions ✅ Convert to Markdown, PDF, or web-ready file Just tell me! Notes: https://ivirtue.com/david-prize-nomination