Excitement fills the air every Wednesday at Mahopac Middle School as a group of enthusiastic students rush to begin filming the weekly school news broadcast. Without any fanfare, members of the middle school Video News Club walk through the doors of the classroom to take on the roles of reporters and on-air stars of their own news stories.
Led by technology teacher and club advisor Jay Zides, the students meet weekly to write, record and produce news announcements that are aired every Friday morning for the entire school. Students are assigned articles ranging from school events, sports updates and important reminders to fun facts and features that keep the whole school in the loop.
Zides explained the atmosphere in the Video News Club is electric and fast-paced.
“The students produce their segments and write their scripts just like a professional newsroom,” Zides said. “There isn’t a lot of time and everyone has to just go for it.”
On a recent Wednesday afternoon, the assignments were handed out and the Video News Club members quickly got to work. Daniel DiLullo, Marjan Ljumic and Lorenzo Piediscalzo prepared the news, Emily Travis and Evan Ortiz took on the weather, Avery Cruz and Maria Shkreli reviewed a movie, Ahnaf Aziz read a Super Bowl prediction for the sports report, Belle Carey and Bletare Idrizaj covered a top story piece, while Isabel Gonzales and high school interns Jeliel Ruiz and Nicholas Wong supported the production of the segments.
As soon as the stories are written, members gather in front of a green screen, ready to film. It’s a hands-on experience where they can express their creativity and learn real-world media skills. From crafting a script to providing a professional delivery on camera, the students get an up-close look at what it's like to work in broadcast journalism.
On Thursdays, the raw footage is edited and fine-tuned to ensure the Friday broadcast is polished and ready for primetime. From editing graphics to adding music and cutting to the right shots, the club members take ownership of every aspect of the production process.
For many of the students, this club has become a highlight of their week. They are not just creating announcements; they are learning how to collaborate, problem-solve and communicate effectively in a real-world media environment. Plus, the thrill of seeing their faces on the screen is a rewarding experience they won't forget.
In a world where technology and media are constantly evolving, the Mahopac Middle School Video News Club gives students a valuable opportunity to develop skills they can use now and in the future and all students are welcome to join the club. Thanks to Zides’ dedication and the hard work of the club members, every Friday morning’s broadcast is something the whole school looks forward to.
To watch a video of the Mahopac Middle School’s morning announcements, visit: https://sites.google.com/mahopac.org/mms-news/home
