News Detail
The Media Team: a New Student Organization
Have you ever wanted to learn more about digital media, photography, videography, and writing for print publications? Do you wish you'd had the opportunity to explore these platforms in high school? This year, the Communications Office reached out to current students with an interest in developing content on behalf of the School, and the EHS Media Team was born.
The Media Team operates as a club and is open to all grade levels. The only prerequisites are an interest in communications and a passion for sharing Episcopal's story and the life of the School. The club was principally created for creative-minded students to explore the multifaceted nature of a communications job at a school while gaining experience and leadership skills. The move to create this club, however, wasn't completely altruistic. "There's a lot to do every day," said Director of Communications Jen Desautels. "We can't be everywhere on campus, and having student collaboration on projects has been extremely helpful."
Many of the Media Team assignments have grown out of a strong student interest in photography and videography. Students have been tasked with taking campus photos - athletics, arts, and student life - which are then used for social media, Flickr albums, and news stories on the website. The club has benefitted from the involvement of the greater EHS community in helping to educate students about their interests. Photography teacher, David Douglas, taught a seminar about using a DSLR camera in manual mode. That seminar quickly turned into a brainstorming session about projects students would like to take on showcasing life at Episcopal to those outside The Holy Hill. In addition, Luke David '93, owner of Automatic Films, offered his video expertise to students and is currently working with a group of YALP (Young Alumni Leadership Program) students to create a video for the Roll Call. Leo Weng '15 worked with other tour guides to produce a video that was shared with newly accepted students this March.
Media Team students have also been heavily involved in upcoming print publications. Johanna Droubay, associate director of communications, elaborates. "It's great to read about student life in the alumni magazine, but it's a lot more meaningful to hear about it from the perspective of a thoughtful student whose life has been deeply affected by a particular event or program. We are really impressed with the caliber of student writing in the upcoming issue." Through this club, students can use this professional writing experience, as well as their photo and video clips, in internships, college, and when entering the workforce. All Media Team participants will create a digital portfolio of their work that they can use in a professional or personal capacity as they move beyond The High School.
As the Media Team grows, students engagement with alumni, current families, friends of the School, and prospective students are paramount to its success. The Communications Office hopes this club will give students important media opportunities from which to learn, while also providing valuable digital and print content.
