srlacademy2018

[srlacademy2018]

Elijah Hernandez, Legacy Early College High School, South Carolina

Hometown: Rome, Georgia

PBS Mentor Station: South Carolina Educational Television

Six-word Memoir: Crazy just means I am determined.

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

I feel like many stories are silenced and need to be told.

What story are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the ICAR story that we are working on now. I am most proud of this story because I feel as though I did the most to help in this story, more than previous stories.

How can youth media change the world?

I feel as though youth media can change the world by showing people that it's not only the adults who run the show and that youths are also capable of doing more than just text and call people all day long.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

My Phone (to record anything necessary and to keep in touch with my family) A Backpack (to carry any necessary items) A Notebook (to take notes and write important stuff down)

[srlacademy2018]

Maya Loera, Jersey Village High School, Texas

Hometown: Houston, Texas

PBS Mentor Station: Houston Public Media

Six-word Memoir: When in doubt, YOLO it out!!

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

I chose to get involved with storytelling because I want people around the world to know what’s going on around them. 

What story are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of the Hurricane Harvey story my team produced because it shows the struggles that families and individuals went through after the natural disaster. Working on this story has opened my eyes and hopefully many others around me to be grateful for the things that we have. 

How can youth media change the world?

Youth media can change the world because being young and growing up with social media encourages others around them to step up, take action and get involved in issues that matter. 

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

My phone, my notebook and a camera.

[srlacademy2018]

Edward Smith, Pleasure Ridge Park High School, Kentucky

Hometown: Louisville, Kentucky

PBS Mentor Station: KET

Six-word Memoir: When doors close, find the window.

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

I feel like everyone has a story to tell and I want to be a part of helping people share them. Also, when you are reaching a large audience, you have so much potential to speak out, hold others accountable or help a person in need. The changes you can make and the amazing people you can meet through storytelling really do a good thing for the community.

What story are you most proud of?

I've only done a few but I do like more hard news stories. I like the story that I covered at our state capital about teachers advocating for education funding. It felt like I was really a professional reporter because of the people I interviewed and the real issues at stake.

How can youth media change the world?

Youth have such a powerful voice and when they are doing adult-like activities, adults listen to them. When adults listen, change can be made.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

An open mind, my passion for telling stories and my phone for backup.

[srlacademy2018]

Alexis Lesher, Cedar Crest High School

Hometown: Lebanon, Pennsylvania

PBS Mentor Station: WITF

Six-word Memoir: Dream Big; Set Goals; Take Action

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

The Broadcast Video class at my school taught me a lot more about film making and the media, and made me want to tell peoples’ stories that don’t usually get heard so that they can have a voice, too.

What story are you most proud of?

My Making it Work piece about a 15-year-old pig entrepreneur.

How can youth media change the world?

It encourages many other kids to pursue their passions because they see young kids doing amazing things and making outstanding videos. it gives them hope that hopefully, if they keep doing what they love, they can be amazing, too.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

A notebook, my friend who also loves broadcast media and film making, and a camera.

#SRLAcademy2018

[srlacademy2018]

Shane Verkest, Frederick V. Pankow Center

Hometown: Harrison Township, Michigan

PBS Mentor Station: Detroit Public Television

Six-word Memoir: I want to make people happy

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

When I was young, I loved to make up crazy stories in my head. I wanted to be a writer, actually. However, it wasn't until I discovered video when I was 9-years- old that I knew it was my path. I've been working for that ever since.

What story are you most proud of? 

I worked on a documentary in my hometown of Detroit. Me and my friend went downtown with a loose plan and we just filmed. Filming, editing, and telling a story that I felt was a raw, true representation of the city I love so much was such a fulfilling experience. I was incredibly proud of what I made. 

How can youth media change the world? 

IN SO MANY WAYS!! The youth provide such a unique and important perspective on the world. We are living in this world with everyone else. However, we have very little power. Our voices are sometimes all we have. And through film and other media our voices finally have a way to be heard. 

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

My camera, my laptop, and my phone. Its kinda lame but necessary! 

[srlacademy2018]

Jaylah Moore-Ross, John F. Kennedy High School

Hometown: Silver Spring, Maryland

PBS Mentor Station: WETA

Six-word Memoir: An artist with a million dreams.

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

For me, it wasn't really a choice, it was a need. The need to express my own stories as well as others. Storytelling comes in so many different forms and I really love and have a passion for all of them. It can be writing, singing, making a film, or covering a story. Whatever i'm doing, there's a beautiful story in the making.

What story are you most proud of?

I was extremely proud of the story PBS SRL covered about March For Our Lives. I thought it was very impactful, and showed an interesting prospective of the youth in today's times.

How can youth media change the world?

The voices, the courage and the determination of the youth to tell amazing stories is what will change the world. The attention and support those stories get is what will change communication and media forever.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

A great movie, a pencil, and paper.

[srlacademy2018]

Reid Koslowski, Etiwanda High School

Hometown: Fontana, California

PBS Mentor Station: PBS SoCal

Six-word Memoir: Darkness rises, and light meets it.

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

I’ve always enjoyed journalism and I’ve always wanted to be the person who gets to create the story.

What story are you most proud of?

My Space X segment where I get to interview the president of Space X and CEO of the satellite company Iridium.

How can youth media change the world?

Youth media creates a new perspective of media coverage across the world and shows that the youth has a point of view on local and world issues.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

A camera, pen, and paper. 

[srlacademy2018]

Sean Davis, Hughes STEM High School

Hometown: Cincinnati, Ohio

PBS Mentor Station: CET

Six-word Memoir: Sports obsessed; Tech oriented; Marvel fanatic

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

Since I love watching TV and Movies, I wondered what It would be like working behind the scenes. As a storyteller, I get to paint the picture of how the story plays out and how the characters are portrayed by the viewers. 

What story are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my Making It Work story. I am most proud of it because that was my first story that I had to schedule interviews for and edit. I love being out in the field. That is probably the best part for me, personally. 

How can youth media change the world?

It gives youth a voice to speak on very important topics, which is one of the reasons why I love Student Reporting Labs.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

Phone, my binder and laptop.

[srlacademy2018]

Memphis Cleveland, Black River Falls High School

Hometown: Black River Falls, Wisconsin

PBS Mentor Station: Wisconsin Public Television

Six-word Memoir: Female minority with a big voice.

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

I got involved with storytelling when I was a lot younger, mostly because my culture is based on oral traditions. I am Native American, and I've always heard stories for every little thing happening in my life. Whether that trying is something new, letting go of things that aren't benefiting me anymore or even why i am the way i am. Everything has a story, you just have to look for it.

What story are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of my "I stand with standing rock" video because it was 

1) My first video ever and 

2) the video that has really touched home with me. 

During the time we were making it, my "crew" and I were so immersed in what was going on that we started to bring it home, to work and to school. It became a part of us and it was a little emotionally draining (in a good way). When I was doing research upon research, I made sure I wouldn't give up on it and we all made sure the "fire stayed burning.” I’m most proud of it because it helped raise awareness around an issue that otherwise would have been swept off in my community.

How can youth media change the world?

Youth media can change the world because we are the change that people want to see but have never been able to do themselves. We give another perspective on issues that otherwise would have been overlooked. We are the up-and-coming leaders, so it’s our time to lead, even if it’s a little early. I believe we are ready to take up responsibilities within our country.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

My phone, my wallet, mascara

[srlacademy2018]

Ryghtious Frazier, Wauwatosa West High School

Hometown: Milwaukee, Wisconsin

PBS Mentor Station: Wisconsin Public Television

Six-word Memoir: Hard working journalist, at your service. 

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

Not many people in my school, neighborhood or city know the truth about what's happening on around them. I aspire to set the truth free and report it. 

What story are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the story I covered about breast cancer for my school. It was shown on the morning announcements, and people said it was pretty good.

How can youth media change the world?

Youth media can change the world by helping people understand how youth in their communities feel and think. The youth is a big part of this country, they should have a voice as well.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

My phone, my bible, and journalism notebook. 

[srlacademy2018]

Fernando Cienfuegos, Northview High School

Hometown: Azusa, California 

PBS Mentor Station: PBS SoCal

Six-word Memoir: Love the life that you lead.

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

The choice came unexpectedly, but it was a choice that changed me forever. I transferred to my current high school not knowing anything about journalism, story telling, video production, or even editing. However, even though I didn’t know, I still wanted to learn and found out how interesting the lives of others were, and how you can tell a story in so many different ways with a camera and microphone. Stories inspire others, and I want to be the person to tell those stories to connect people around the world about the things that matter!

What story are you most proud of?

Of the few stories I’ve done, my first story is the one I’m most proud of, especially because it was almost like my breakthrough as a storyteller. I was able to see my story air on the PBS NewsHour and it was a feeling like no other.

How can youth media change the world?

Youth give a perspective that is rarely seen in today’s media. Older generations may sometimes see teenagers as rebellious and oblivious about situations and problems in our lives, but when the youth report on stories, there is a weight that they carry, because it proves that they are aware of what is happening, and want to be the change they want to see in the world. They will be future leaders of the world and will set precedents for future generations to come, the same way past generations set precedents for us.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

If I were able to bring three items to the academy, it would be my journal to write down all the things I could learn at the academy, my PBS NewsHour pen because I don’t go anywhere without it, and my phone to capture all the moments I can and make sure I’m in contact with my mom, who will be devastated to know I won’t be with her for almost a whole week!

[srlacademy2018]

Raegan Byrd, Journalism and Media Academy 

Hometown: East Hartford, Connecticut 

PBS Mentor Station: CPBN

Six-word Memoir: Starve your attractions, feed your focus. 

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

Because storytelling and communication was always a strong point for me. I like talking to people, so why not talk to people with the intent to inform people about the world. 

What story are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the first SRL story I completed because it was my first time getting the hands-on experience I would need in the real world for my career.  

How can youth media change the world?

I think youth media can change the world because we have more technologies to inform the world faster and we can get information trending all over social media platforms. 

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

A camera, notebook and pen.

[srlacademy2018]

Savannah Burrows, West Ranch High School

Hometown: Santa Clarita, California

PBS Mentor Station: PBS SoCal

Six-word Memoir: Pursue excellence, stay humble, dream big.  

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

I believe storytelling is the most effective way to communicate with people. With this, I aspire to be a positive role model to others ever since I wrote my first song and journalistic piece. There is a story in everything and everyone on this planet, and uncovering these stories can be a motivation for others. I strive to connect, explore and reveal these stories with people across the globe, and I want to give people the freedom to reveal their stories so that they can be exposed to people who need to hear them most. As I like to say, the storytelling well will never run dry. 

What story are you most proud of?

I am most proud of my submission to SRL because it gave me the opportunity to highlight people’s lives and sacrifices for the good of others. In one story that I submitted, I reported on our star high school pitcher and his efforts to make a softball player with a disability feel accepted and loved by others through the game of baseball. I was honored to showcase how this tenacious teen broke down the barriers between special needs children and high school kids.

How can youth media change the world?

Youth media allows students to voice their opinions, take action and create change concerning current issues of the day. 

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

Of course, my cellphone, my computer and my eye contacts, because otherwise nothing could be done! 

[srlacademy2018]

David Perez, Christopher Columbus High School

Hometown: Miami, Florida

PBS Mentor Station: South Florida PBS

Six-word Memoir: Nervous yet excited for the future.  

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

Growing up hearing stories from family members always caught my attention. Therefore, ever since I said my first word, I also began telling family and friends stories. For me, seeing people gather together to hear/tell a story is amazing. In other words, I appreciate that with the usage of storytelling, people have another way of coming together. 

What story are you most proud of?

As a journalist, it is my job to find those unique stories and encourage others to make a difference in their community. Thus, one of my favorite stories I ever covered was on a group called Castaways Against Cancer, a nonprofit organization made up of about 10 men who paddle 170 miles in kayaks from Miami to Key West in hopes of finding a cure to cancer.

How can youth media change the world?

In today’s society, adults tend to act like children and children are stepping up and acting like adults. An example of which are the students from Parkland who are stepping up to ensure a difference is made in today’s government. Today, youth also control the media (instagram, Twitter, etc.) where kids, likes myself, are constantly communicating on changes society can make. Although we are children, both adults and kids, want the same thing - to better this world. Therefore, I believe that if responsible children and adults work together, great change can happen in society.  

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

My MacBook, my phone, and my camera (can chargers be included?).

[srlacademy2018]

Elijah Magana, Etiwanda High School

Hometown: Ontario, Canada

PBS Mentor Station: PBS SoCal

Six-word Memoir: Even butterflies aren’t born with wings. 

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

To me, someone’s story is a perfect reflection of their thoughts and personality. There can be the same story told in different ways, and I think it is so interesting to discover those new ways.

What story are you most proud of?

For journalism, a story that I am proud of is a club showcase of our school Tech Club. After it aired on our broadcast, the leader of the club thanked me and told me that he didn’t know that I was a professional. We had to redo interviews to get it right. We had to work around holes that were in the story, and we did it all while having fun. 

How can youth media change the world?

Media is always evolving, and right now, the wide mass media isn’t the most adored thing in the world because of “Fake News.” Youth media can bring new ideas to the table, and wash out old ideas. It is up to the next generation to decide whether we want to explore new ideas in journalism. 

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

Takstar microphone, my Nikon, notepad

[srlacademy2018]

Erica Domena, Northside Charter High School

Hometown: Brooklyn, New York

PBS Mentor Station: WNET

Six-word Memoir: Start running and don’t look back.

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

I chose to get into storytelling once I started taking an Advanced Visual and Performing Arts class at school. I didn’t know what I wanted to do career-wise until I got into that class. It was there that I knew I wanted to work with media, whether I be in front of or behind the camera. I became very interested in the makings of good content. I also became more appreciative of movies and anything that had to do with film. I then submerged myself into every aspect of journalism I could. I wrote out the interview questions, I recorded and edited to see what my niche was. I’m still undecided but feel that I’ll eventually find what’s best for me.

What story are you most proud of?

I’m most proud of of my first story I created for SRL because I was able to create something great from knowing close to nothing about journalism. It was through that project that I found my calling.

How can youth media change the world?

Youth media can change the world because nobody makes change unless large groups of people demand it. Through media, people are able to be connected all throughout the world. For example, the situation in Parkland, Florida sparked a movement solely through large followings on social media. I feel that’s important because young people occupy a large part of the population on the Internet.

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

I would bring my camera, my laptop and snacks.

[srlacademy2018]

Owen Shao, Wauwatosa East High School

Hometown: Wauwatosa, Wisconsin

PBS Mentor Station: Wisconsin Public Television

Six-word Memoir: Think carefully; then you can speak.

Why did you choose to get involved in storytelling?

The Friday video announcements at Tosa East sparked my love for storytelling.

What story are you most proud of?

I am most proud of the segment "Shadow Hobbits: Part II." We pushed ourselves to make a strong comeback segment and the school loved it. We went the extra mile by filming in an actual sewage drainage system, and used child actors to really push the "hobbit" aspect of the series. In all seriousness it was a project that my team and I worked very hard on and the end result was very entertaining. 

How can youth media change the world?

By having journalistic integrity, and not blindly taking information as fact. Once the youth can understand this, only then will we make a positive impact on the world though media. 

If you could only bring three items to the academy, what would they be?

Socks, toothbrush, underwear