Baytown students showcase pro-level production
Students from the Digital Communications Academy at Stuart Career Technical High School in the Goose Creek CISD wowed members of the local Kiwanis Club with a presentation highlighting their hands-on work producing live audio-visual content for high school football games.
Led by academy teacher Kristin Jaso, senior Randy Gonzalez and junior Sarah Santos shared their experiences operating high-end equipment at Stallworth Stadium, including cameras, replay systems, the TriCaster video production system and the new video board.
The program, new this year, has students handling full game-day production. This includes setting up multiple camera angles, managing live feeds, creating in-game replays, and editing highlight reels for each half and post-game.
Jaso explained the operation requires 10 to 12 students per game, with positions including field cameras, a bird’s-eye view from the stands, and press box roles running equipment.
“Every game, we have about 10 to 12 students,” Jaso said. “We have two kids on the field camera, two on a camera in the handicap section of the stands, and then we have two students at the very top giving you that bird’s eye view. And then we’ve got (about) four to five students running the multiple machines.”
Santos, a junior TriCaster operator, described directing live switches between cameras, running ads and hype videos and communicating with the team under pressure.
“I also run our ads,” Santos said. “Plus, I run our hype videos before the football games. A couple of times, I’ve also directed the games. So, I have a lot of communication with our cameras.”
Santos added that the experience sharpened her directing skills and love for the role.
“I really fell in love with being able to communicate and direct everything,” Santos said. “Having that chance to direct and getting to choose what angles are put onto the board has definitely created the love I have for directing.”
Gonzalez, who also played football in the school district, operated a sideline camera and used his game knowledge to anticipate plays.
“I mainly work the camera on the field,” Gonzalez said. “I also do the player’s perceptions of what it’s like on the sideline and the view on the sideline.”
Gonzalez noted the video board boosted school spirit and earned praise from players, fans and coaches.
Beacon Federal Credit Union sponsors the program and provides students with opportunities to manage its social media and create content.
Jaso emphasized both technical gains — camera operation, audio, editing — and soft skills like communication, teamwork and professionalism.
“These students were hired and went through the hiring process with school districts. It is not one of your typical teen jobs,” Jaso said.
The presentation included video clips of game footage, replays and highlight reels produced live by the students.
Community praise poured in during the meeting. Goose Creek CISD Board President Jim Campisi attended and had previously visited the press box multiple times, learning students’ names and offering encouragement.
New Superintendent Joe Rodriguez, who began his role earlier this month, attended and commended the program.
“I’ve supervised in some capacity, either as a high school principal, a chief or a superintendent, at 16 high schools, and I have never seen anything like this,” Rodriguez said. “I applaud you all.”
The program’s success has driven demand, creating a waitlist for enrollment and prompting plans to expand the freshman class from 18 to 28 students next year.
Jaso noted students are on track to earn a Level 1 certificate through a partnership with Lee College, preparing them for industry careers or further education.
Santos said the experience opened new paths.
“After I graduate high school, I can go straight into the film industry,” she said.
Gonzalez expressed interest in sports broadcasting.
“I’m really interested in doing sports broadcasting,” he said.
The students’ work has drawn comparisons to major productions, with one community member initially mistaking it for a professional company.
Jaso credited the students’ passion and quick progress, noting they exceeded initial “baby steps” goals by producing replays and highlights early in the season.
The presentation highlighted how real-world applications in a high-pressure environment are preparing students for future success in digital media and beyond.
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Students and instructors from the Digital Communications Academy at Stuart Career Technical High School visited the Kiwanis Club of Baytown to give a presentation. Pictured are, from left, Senior Randy Gonzalez, Superintendent Joe Rodriguez, teacher Kristin Jaso and Junior Sarah Santos.
CARRIE PRYOR NEWMAN