Students’ video spotlights Anderson County Schools
Norwood Middle School students are helping showcase Anderson County Schools in a new promotional video they created and presented to the county’s Board of Education.
Eighth-graders Sophia Hall and M.J. Butler premiered the video during the Sept. 11 board meeting. The full presentation can be viewed in the recording of that meeting on Anderson County Television’s YouTube channel.
The students produced the video in Robert Stephan’s Digital Arts class, learning skills from camera setup to sound and editing.
“We’ve learned a lot about video production,” Hall said, noting the experience included using cameras, microphones, and editing software.
Students handled all aspects of production.
“They set up cameras and audio equipment for each interview, used over the air headphones, checked sound levels, and composed each shot,” Stephan said.
The video begins with Ryan Sutton, the school system’s director of communication and public relations.
“Students here in Anderson County have any number of ways to succeed,” Sutton says, calling the district’s Career and Technical Center “probably the best in the state.”
He adds that students can “jump right into the workforce because we prepare them.”
Emily Chambers, technology integration specialist, said she appreciated the work-life balance the system offers.
“I wanted somewhere where I could be a great employee but also have time to be a great parent and spouse,” she said.
Anderson County High School Principal Travis Freeman noted that the county’s high schools, including Clinton, boast a graduation rate above 96 percent.
He and others highlighted opportunities through the Career and Technical Education Center and numerous advanced-placement classes.
Clinton High Principal Robbie Herrell described Anderson County Schools as “community-driven,” offering “lots of different opportunities where staff and students alike can be connected.”
Clinton High Athletic Director Josh Reid praised the district’s facilities, saying it has “some of the best in East Tennessee,” with quality fields, weight rooms, and training opportunities.
Norwood Middle School Band Director Ezekiel Schloss said his program ensures every student can participate.
“No kid will be turned away for lack of an instrument,” he said. “We provide them with one.”
He described the band as a “tight-knit family” that continues into high school.
School nurse Krystal Gulley praised the district for placing a nurse in every building.
Norwood Middle School’s Shawna Woodruff highlighted free breakfast and lunch programs and the district’s educational foundation.
Grand Oaks Elementary School Principal Jessica Conatser said one of the district’s strengths is its personal connection with families.
“There’s something to be said for when parents drop their kids off and they’re greeted at the door by someone who knows their child’s and parents’ names,” she said.
The board gave the students a round of applause after viewing the video.
“What a tremendous video!” said Board of Education Chairman Scott Gillenwaters.
Both students said they were proud of the final product, although the travel required for the interviews was challenging, they noted.
“We could explore different schools and learn more about each one,” Hall said, adding that some were “at least 40-ish minutes away.”