Photo caption: Anchors Reva Lingala and Tucker Meek during the week of the Canned Food Drive
Each morning Vestavia News Network, or “VNN,” brings the day’s announcements to second period classes across Vestavia Hills High School. Many students’ knowledge of VNN begins and ends with the daily broadcast they see in class. What many don’t see is the work and effort that goes on behind the scenes and outside of school.
During first period, the VNN staff along with advisor Mrs. Abby Jaillet work to film, edit, and produce the broadcast each day. Mrs. Jaillet, who teaches 12th grade English, took over last year as advisor of VNN. Mrs. Jaillet expresses how her students “work as hard as they can to get the quick turnaround since we have to have the video posted by the end of first period.” Many of the staff even arrive at school early in order to begin producing the announcements for the day. The VNN staff rotates daily between roles like anchor, editor, and director and responsibilities such as sound, graphics, and videoing.
The 2023-2024 VNN staff is made up of eleven students. The “Veenies” include juniors Brooks Bennett, Tom Burrus, and Johnny Johnston and seniors Parker Fulton, Reva Lingala, Tucker Meek, Scarlett Padgett, Campbell Price, Kaya Soniat, Skylar Scott, and Ella White. The VNN staff hosts a variety of segments that spotlight the various sides of the Vestavia Hills High School community. These include Meet the Teacher Monday (Tucker and Brooks), Trivia Tuesday (Parker and Tom), Sports Recap Thursday (Campbell), Fit Check Friday (Scarlett, Kaya, Skylar and Johnny), Fun Clubs Friday (Scarlett, Kaya, Skylar and Johnny), and What’s Happening in Vestavia (Reva and Ella).
VNN Seniors on Toga Day!
Not only is VNN in charge of the daily announcements, VNN also plays a role in broadcasting at sporting events. This year, VNN staff members have helped film at football games. For example, they have filmed for the student cam for the official broadcast and filmed for the Jumbrotron. Kaya Soniat describes her job at football games: “I have a big camera and headset where [the broadcasters] will talk to and direct me to get a shot which will go up on the Jumbotron.”
Johnny Johnston and Ella White at the VHHS vs. Hoover football game
When asked his favorite part about VNN, Tom Burrus answers with “anchoring, since [he] gets to talk in front of a camera.” Kaya mentions the people in VNN and how she “loves talking to them every single day and just having fun.” Tucker Meek and Reva Lingala are in agreement. Tucker responds that he “get[s] to hang out with a lot of cool people” as well as that he “has learned a lot about editing software, and it's really going to help [him] later in life.” Reva notes that she has been able “to meet new people, learn new skills, and expose herself to a new environment.”
Be sure to tune in to VNN today at: https://www.vhhsvnn.com/!
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