RICHMOND — Edison High School students have another career option this year, with the addition of a new media program.

The school publications media class has 27 students in grades 9-12 displaying their creativity through graphics and digital projects.

Teacher Emily Waggoner explained, “With all of the technology on campus, we created a class so students could create the content. They are making graphics and content for the scoreboard and the kiosk in the fieldhouse, and one of our hopes is to do a morning news segment.”

Efforts began during the summer after officials discussed ways to utilize the building’s technology and promote events. Television monitors throughout the school advertise sporting events and activities to keep others informed.

The program received a $25,000 grant from the Charles M. and Thelma M. Pugliese Charitable Foundation to support Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics courses.

Funding enabled officials to acquire high-quality cameras and four tripods.

“I send students weekly athletic lists and they create Canva digital software edits for the TV,” Waggoner said. “They go to sporting events and take pictures to use in class.” She noted graphics and information are then sent to the district’s media coordinator, James Evans, for postings.

“Students have access to TVs in the buildings,” she continued. “It’s a good way to bring technology into an older building. They understand how the scoreboard works, so we can develop something for that, as well. It’s a newer class, so each student will get a different job each nine weeks and learn about film and management. They will get a glimpse into graphics and it touches upon work-based learning.”

Waggoner said the course was a popular addition — already at maximum capacity.

“I have kids asking how to get into the class. They want to sign up next year. It’s a full-year class and they can join if there is a spot,” Waggoner stated.

“I love it,” sophomore Kelsi Holland said. “I like using Canva a lot and putting my creative ideas on TV. The class is very interesting and I’d highly recommend it.”