From WACS News, my name is Abby Brown. You may have seen me as a correspondent for WACS News doing “Dear Abby…”, my own advice column. I am currently a sophomore here at Alden High School. I am a part of the Fall and Winter Varsity Cheerleading team and participate in many community events.  With the next school year closely approaching I plan on focusing my studies on science based classes. I’m hoping to become a dermatologist one day, so science is going to be very important. Although my WACS News career will not continue, I will keep using the skills I have obtained in this class. I have learned how to be confident in what I talk about and do, as well as properly addressing people and all the technical aspects needed for the class. I took Multimedia Production because my brother had taken the class in the past. I love working in any kind of arts or technology and I thought the class could be a good mix of the both. My brother enjoyed the class a lot and recommended I take it.

Over the course of the class, I have done a few projects I am proud to say I worked on and created. One of those being about a successful lockout that happened around the Alden School District pertaining a outside potential threat. I got the chance to sit down with Mr. Stoltman, who is a great interviewer, and learn about what happened “behind the scenes” of the lockout. I was praised for my hard work and skill I used to complete my video. In the beginning of the year, I covered a staged lockdown procedure over the course of safety week. The video could have been greatly improved with more cooperation with students and more time spent editing. Along with more audio and b-roll. In regards to my editing skills, I believe i have improved greatly. From using the rule of thirds to help my composition, to using voiceovers and graphics. I learned how to bring my video together using all of the components of iMovie. I also learned how to properly email people regarding interviews, or getting information. With the help of people like Tim Hoy or Anne Kocher to check over all of my content before sending or publishing, the class was made easier.

In the future, I would advise students to take the class as serious as possible. Although you have fun and can always get a good laugh, at the end of the day stories are going to be due and needed for the episode. This is a graded class. At some points I slacked off and didn’t try with my stories and it hurt my grade. This year I could have improved my work and grade by really digging in deep into my topics and story ideas. Possibly done more research or in depth thinking. Even when interviewing I could’ve recommended they answer their questions more in detail. Throughout the course of 2016-2017 Multimedia Production, I have sharpened my skills of talking on camera. In the beginning I was pretty scared and awkward, but since doing my own segment “Dear Abby…” and being on camera every single episode I have gotten looser while reporting.  I have also gotten better at composing questions in interviews and addressing people formally.

With WACS News around, I feel the students, parents, teachers, and other district members can see what is going on around the district. We also add fun segments to appeal to a younger crowd, and sentimental stories to make everyone feel good. Along with the school, the community gets to see what is going on with their town. Whether its community events, or serious news that needs to get out to the public, WACS News can be seen as a reliable source to everyone. In all entirety, this class has been a great learning experience. I got to spend time with friends while working on stories I am interested in teaching people more about. Sometimes I would get frustrated and upset just like any class but ultimately it was a fun experience. I have learned that being confident in myself, and what I work on will get me farther than hating what I do.  I would like to thank not only the viewers and supporters of WACS News, but Mr. Currin for always assisting in any way possible. Also for being the funniest teacher I have ever had. With fun people around you, class is always better and it is a great feeling to look forward to having a class. I am sad to see this experience go behind me but I am excited for what is to come in the future.