Edison High School students have another option in career pathways with the addition of a media program.

   The School Publications Media class includes 27 students in grades 9-12 who are showing their creativity through graphics and digital projects. Teacher Emily Waggoner said the course began this year.

   “With all of the technology on campus, we created a class so students could create the content,” Waggoner said. “They are making graphics and content for the scoreboard and the kiosk in the fieldhouse, and one of our hopes is to do a morning news segment.”

   Efforts began during the summer after officials discussed ways to utilize the building’s technology and promote events. The fruits of their labor are already being displayed on TV monitors throughout the school to advertise sporting events and other activities and keep others informed. To assist them, the program received a $25,000 grant from the Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Foundation to support STEAM courses, and the funding enabled officials to acquire five Canon EOS Rebel T7 cameras, a GoPro Hero12 Black action camera, a Fujifilm X-S10 digital camera, and four tripods.

   “I send students weekly athletic lists and they create Canva [digital software] edits for the TV. They go to sporting events and take pictures to use in class and we’ll send graphics and information to [district media coordinator James Evans] to post. The students have access to TV’s in the buildings and it’s a good way to bring technology into an older building. They also understand how the scoreboard works, so we can develop something for that as well,” she continued. “It’s a newer class, so each student will get a different job each nine weeks and learn about film and management. They will get a glimpse into graphics and it touches upon work-based learning.”

   Waggoner added that the course was a popular addition and has already reached maximum capacity.

   “I have kids asking how to get into the class and they want to sign up next year. It’s a full-year class and they can join if there is a spot.”

   Sophomore Kelsi Holland said she has enjoyed the class and recommends it to her peers.

   “I love it,” she said. “I like using Canva (graphic design software) a lot and putting my creative ideas on TV. It’s very fun. The class is very interesting and I’d highly recommend it.”

   “They find out how things go from the classroom to the real world and see it in real life,” Waggoner said.