HSJ Headline News
High school broadcasters report success
Charlie Spiering
Rappahannock News
Washington, Va.
December 6, 2006
"3,2,1. . . Welcome to RCHS News, I am Stephanie Sine...."
... "and I am Beth Pratt. . ." The Rappahannock High School Broadcast
Journalism Class is in session as Teacher Natalie Hill began coaching two of
her news anchors. "You have to sit up straight and open your throat," Hill
advises, "Work on your tone and feel the news."
The fledgling reporters begin again, as a group of knowledgeable students crowd
around a small digital camcorder making last minute adjustments. The newly formed lighting crew maneuvers the new studio lights as they struggle
to eliminate the shadows from the program.
Fledgling program
The lights are the latest addition to the broadcast program as it enters its
second semester. The program was sparked by Principal Roger Mello, who said
that a similar program existed at Monticello High School where he used to work
in Charlottesville.
Mello pitched the idea to Natalie Hill who was eager to start. Hill, however,
was more than just an eager teacher. She used to own Hill Communications, her
own writing and editing company. Hill also worked in educational film production
in the past.
She is now focused on additional training, as she won scholarships to attend
the Scholastic International Press Association convention and a "New Teacher" film
camp, sponsored by the Student Television Network.
The program started without any money. However a grant from the Headwaters
Foundation enabled the school to buy a digital camcorder and wireless microphones.
The program had assistance from other departments, as, for example, the RCHS-TV
news desk was built by the Business Trades class. Several other fund raisers
enabled Hill and one of her students, Kristen Williams, to get the program
on its feet. "Kristen is the queen of management." Hill said gratefully.
Studio inspiration
Prior to the production stage of the class projects, Hill instructed the students
for six weeks in television, film and broadcast history, and how to tell a
story. The class has also taken two field trips to NBC Channel 29 in Charlottesville.
There, station manager Ralph Tobias gave them a tour of the studio as students
saw how the news was produced behind the scenes. The students are now using
this inspiration and their own creativity to produce quality newscasts with
a Rappahannock flavor.
Television Channel 21 in Culpeper has already expressed interest in RCHS-TV
produced programming as the class focuses on completing a newscast. The broadcast
team has already interviewed several school officials, including School Superintendent
Robert Chappell, Principal Mello, and Assistant Principal Robin Puryear about
issues facing the school.
Video editing
Students Nathan Hartshorn and Eric Montague are in charge of editing, using
Windows Movie Maker on regular school computers. Included in the work they
have completed is an RCHS homecoming video which showcases the pep rally --complete
with highlights from the Homecoming football game.
The class is also focusing on producing a promotional video that highlights
various RCPS programs. Other groups of students are working on making independent
films. "Our
team is making something of a horror comedy," one girl remarked casually.
Broadcast future
As the program participants continue the work on their projects, Hill is on
the lookout for funding. Her new goal is to get the class a professional news
camera and a teleprompter.
She said that the program is still young, however she is excited as it makes
small steps forward. "The idea enthused me from the beginning," said
Hill, "For me it's a great experience working with the new medium at the
next level."
Copyright 2006, Rappahannock News. Reprinted with permission