Greenfield Central High School’s Radio-TV program presented a student showcase to the school board, describing curricular coursework, student capstone placements, and community partnerships that provide hands-on experience in broadcast production.

The program’s department chair, Max Holtzclaw, told the board the department offers a four-year progression from introductory “principals” classes through an advanced capstone year that places students with real clients: “We’re gonna get them really involved in the real world kind of experience,” Holtzclaw said. “Capstone is definitely meant to get the kids out. It’s more individual, but at the same time, it’s a great learning experience.”

Students and instructors said the program combines in-class instruction with production work for local partners, and maintains two television studios and a live radio station. “We have two live TV studios that we do a lot of things from,” Holtzclaw said. Instructor Jonathan Hudson added that capstone students take leadership roles and handle client-driven projects.

Why it matters: school staff said the program gives students technical and communication skills used in postsecondary study and jobs, and supplies local nonprofits and city departments with video and radio content. The district’s presentation lists partnerships with 9 Star, the City of Greenfield, WRGF (the high school’s radio station), and several nonprofits.

Program details and student placements
- Capstone placements described during the presentation include Nameless Creek (fundraising videos), Harris (morning announcements with elementary students), God’s Open Arms (weekly Facebook videos), and the municipal water utility (tied to tower replacement work).
- The program runs weekly live sports productions and a “Let’s Talk Sports” show that streams to YouTube and the school’s radio channel. Students produce a weekly show (“Crew Creations”) and shorter segments for social platforms.
- Facilities: presenters said the department now operates two television studios (Studio A and Studio B), two audio production studios, updated editing stations, and two small drones for student use. Holtzclaw said Studio B doubles as a podcast space.

Student perspectives
Senior student Kaylee, who said she has taken the class four years, told the board the program helped her “become a confident young adult” and taught time management, collaboration and content production. Senior Brady and sophomore Dylan credited 9 Star partnership opportunities for giving them experience in directing and live event production; “it’s a great experience if you’re trying to maybe work for ESPN in the future,” Dylan said.

Awards and extracurriculars
Program leaders noted recent recognition at Ball State’s journalism day (best short film, runner-up for show introduction), and said the school hosted a short film, an independent feature shoot and a recent commercial shoot on the football field. The teachers also noted they ran a summer camp for incoming grades 5–9 this past summer.

Discussion and next steps
Board members asked a few clarifying questions and thanked students for the presentation. Teachers encouraged attendees to follow the program on its social channels via a posted QR code. No formal board action was requested or taken on the program during the presentation.

Ending: The program’s presenters asked the community to continue supporting partnerships that supply student internships and production opportunities, and the board heard the report as informational only.