Auburn High School

from LIVE Lee - A Year To Remember - May 2022

Glenwood

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Story By Kendyl Hollingsworth Photos By Robert Noles

Auburn High School students are learning to look at life through a whole new lens, thanks to its competitive television production program with a passionate instructor at the helm.

“We don’t treat the room as a classroom but as a learning lab newsroom,” said Program Instructor and Mentor Jared Dillard.

The program consists of three classes: Introduction to Television Production, Television Production Studio Operations and Advanced Television Production. Students’ experience and instruction isn’t limited to four walls, though.

“We are running a film studio, a sports production company and a newsroom at the same time,” Dillard said. “We do 50 live broadcasts a year and average more than 100 news broadcasts a year. We manage social media for different teams, photoshoots, competitions and more.”

Dillard, who holds a bachelor’s degree in media studies and a master’s degree in communications from Auburn University, participated in several of the university’s media organizations and aims to help his students realize their professional and creative potential early in life.

Most of the magic happens as students put their skills to the test under the umbrella of AHS Mass Media. That includes broadcast program Tiger TV and Hi Def, Auburn High School’s SkillsUSA career technical student organization.

Not only do students learn how to use advanced equipment as part of the curriculum, but they also learn the ins and outs of advanced programs like iMovie, Adobe Premiere and Final Cut Pro.

“The most challenging part of the program was definitely learning and adapting to all of the new technology,” said AHS senior Emily “Millie” Mills.

Students working with Tiger TV saw the fruits of their

labor when they won first place at the 2022 Alabama Media Professionals contest in the broadcast news category. Dillard said he is confident their work can rival “any other school in the state,” and even some local companies.

High school students can join the television production program starting their sophomore year, but some, like Mills, begin their media journey sooner.

“Originally I was an anchor at the junior high, but throughout my years, I have realized that I work better behind the scenes and doing social media,” she said. “In 10th grade, I was planning to pursue a career in broadcast journalism, but now, I am more interested in software and using technology.”

Dillard said he prefers to give his students room to grow and chase their artistic visions. They get a taste of that in the studio operations class working with Tiger TV, but the practical experience accelerates in the advanced class.

Dillard said the advanced students continue to complete projects from the school and various organizations, but they also take time to hone their skills and enter regional competitions.

“They are students, but they are also professionals,” he added. “I treat them as professionals. I treat them as a producer would treat their newsroom, so it is an adjustment at first for some — balancing that art and freedom.”

Still, Dillard said he prioritizes creating a healthy balance of work and fun — pushing students to reach their potential without letting the workload encroach on their mental health.

Wesley Anne Barnes, AHS senior and Hi Def member, credited the program with sparking her interest in marketing.

While she said learning the new technology required patience, it also helped her discover an interest in advertising and communication.

“I am so excited to use my skills I gained in the AHS Mass Media program in my future work environment,” Barnes said. “The classes will always be three of my favorite courses I took in high school, and I have the best memories with my friends in the organization.”

The program was named the Best High School Television Station by the Intercollegiate Broadcasting System in May 2022.

Despite the program’s growth and success in his short time teaching, Dillard doesn’t plan on slowing down anytime soon.

“There is always something going on, always something to do, always something to fix, always someone to impress with our production,” he added.

“My students are different. That doesn’t mean they will always make the correct decision, but that is a learning experience in itself. Failing is part of the process. You will fail. I will fail. It is what we do with that failure that determines what kind of person or organization we will become.”

Dear Class of 2022, Congratulations! You have successfully completed your graduation requirements and will soon walk across the stage at Duck Samford Stadium to receive an Auburn High School diploma. Your graduation ceremony is special. It is a hallowed event when our community congregates for the purpose of honoring the achievements of your graduating class.

The Class of 2022 has seen it all. Yes, even a pandemic. In your time with Auburn City Schools, you’ve seen rezoning, rebuilding and the reinventing of how we do school. Watching you navigate life in the midst of uncertainty has proven your generation is replete with fortitude and resiliency. Having had the honor of being your high school principal, I am excited to see how you will use these skills to shape your lives and improve our world.

I am proud to call you graduates of Auburn High School. Go forth into your future with confidence. You are capable of great things! Sincerely,

Shannon J. Pignato Principal Auburn High School