Students gain 'on air' experience
'Lakewood Now!' gives Lakewood High School pupils a chance to shine
BY TOYNETT HALL
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY Lakewood High School seniors Amanda Feeley (above, left) and Jeremy O'Neill test sound levels in the television studio before a "Lakewood Now!" broadcast. Below, seniors Jimmy Estrada and Ashley Kirkland rehearse their lines for a segment on the show.

It's 45 minutes until show time, and 21 students in Glenn Picone's 7:45 a.m. Broadcast Journalism class at Lakewood High School diligently race against time to bring students and faculty another edition of their morning show, "Lakewood Now!"

According to Picone, in 1999 there were meetings held to discuss the idea of producing the daily school announcements as a television program. Administrators and faculty members thought it would be a good idea to use a medium that the students could watch. Five years later, "Lakewood Now!" aired its first show.

A two-room studio at the high school is filled with cameras, computers and control boards. Much of the equipment was supplied by Cablevision, which holds a cable television franchise in Lakewood.

The 21-person crew produces a 10-minute show that consists of morning announcements, sports, interviews, a world news segment and a word-of-the-day segment. The crew members switch positions every two weeks, so that everyone has a chance to try all of the jobs in the newsroom.

Senior Kyrill Petrosyan said being part of "Lakewood Now!" has taught him self-determination, time management and confidence in public speaking.

"I really enjoyed this class. It helps to build up your confidence. You get to meet new people. It tests your determination when you complete a show in one class period and it kind of helps you to time yourself," Kyrill said.

Junior Eliana Contreras said she enjoys the class and is learning a lot about producing a television program.

"This class is helping me a lot. It's really interesting and these skills can take you far in life. I am learning how to interview people, how to use the camera, to direct and to edit videos. It's amazing," Eliana said.

Senior Nicolina Crimaldi has been active with "Lakewood Now!" for two years and said she has a greater appreciation for television production. Nicolina said she may consider pursuing a career in the field of television after college.

Senior Ashley Kirkland said while she enjoys the Broadcast Journalism class, she is not planning to pursue a career in this field.

"I like learning about the cameras. When I go home I can show my mom new things about recording," Ashley said.

"Lakewood Now!" was recognized with honorable mention in a scholastic press awards competition. The school newscast was one of seven that were named from the east coast.

"Although we didn't win first prize, we did receive honorable mention. This was the first year we sent an entry to this particular contest. I think we will do it again next year," Picone said.

"Lakewood Now!" can be seen on Cablevision channel 77 at 8:30 a.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.