Former AV students turned teachers urge keeping audio-visual production program

Former audio-visual (AV) students who are now teachers told KNN that the AV production program should be preserved, saying it provides students with technical skills, communication training and leadership experience that last long after graduation.

A former AV student who now teaches said, "Well, it gives you a lifelong skill set. Something that you can take with you after high school." The teacher added that the program offers "comfortability on camera, public speaking, projecting my voice," and recalled, "we did a live show every Friday in front of roughly 1,500 people."

Another former AV student turned teacher described the program's broader impact. "The AV program was so impactful for me as a student," the teacher said. "I was able to be involved in so many more events and organizations than the average student because I intended, as an AV student, to document those moments." They said the class strengthens critical thinking, collaboration and employability through leadership and teamwork.

The KNN reporter summarized the educators' view that the AV program delivers both technical and nontechnical benefits. "The audio visual production program teaches technical skills, but former students who are now teachers say it also builds communication, confidence, and leadership, skills they still rely on in everyday life," the report said.

Speakers emphasized the program's role in identity and community. One former student said, "Just me personally, I wouldn't be here without the program. K and E was my life. You know, at that time, I needed an identity outside of basketball," adding that the skills remain useful in their companies. Another warned that "removing this program will be removing a piece of Kenwood history, Kenwood tradition. It would be devastating."

Reporting for KNN, DJ.