My Guest Appearance at Boca Ciega High School's Eye Patch News

Administrators, staff and students were welcoming at the annual Progress Energey Great American Teach-In. In Pinellas County, thousands of people of all backgrounds, hobbies and more were invited to speak with students, share stories and perhaps inspire.

I was delighted to take part in this annual event by sharing my experiences as a reporter, both on air and off, with students at Boca Ciega High School.

Upon checking in, a volunteer student escorted me to Mr. Dan Yeazell's TV Production Class in the new Admin Building. I brought a laptop full of video examples from my experience as a Weekend Anchor and Reporter for KELOLAND TV in Sioux Falls, SD.

Students quickly perked up once my laptop was set up and intro by Mr. Yeazell completed. I talked about the many stories I covered including muder trials, soldier's funerals, military homecomings, tornado disasters, snow storms, personal stories and more.

A few students showed interest and asked very intelligent questions. "How much does a reporter make?" "What kind of education is needed?" "What's your most interesting or sad story?"

I told the teens that I'd been to Washington D.C. for special stories. I've waited on scene of a SWAT team stand-off and counted gunshots . . . and then quit counting after I hit 34. Many seemed interested and some knodded their heads and changed expressions as I relayed experience after experience.

Then, after a few video demostrations, the class started preparing their morning announcements. The student director came over and asked if I could be their "Guest Anchor". I said sure! They showed me to the desk, started pointing to cameras and handed me a one page script. Danielle was the co-anchor and she explained to me what paragraphs to read and to make sure and say "Thanks for watching Eye Patch News."

The students got in place, Danielle and I rehearsed and then before I knew it, the 30 second countdown began. Then, we were on air, across Boca Ciega High School. Danielle was an excellent co-anchor! She was poised, on que and comfortable in front of the camera. Something that took me years to achieve.

After the show, one student approached me and asked for a business card. She said she hadn't really thought about working for a tv station, but after today, she's definetely interested. I thanked the students and waited for my second class.

The second class went off without a hitch. There were even less students who were interested in becoming reporters, photographers or producers for tv. Yet, they were very respectful and polite. They listened to my stories and again asked great questions.

I showed them a story that aired on CBS News in 2009 called "The Animal Odd Couple." There were several ooohh's and aahhh's. I asked students if they thought they would have reacted the same way if they read the story instead of watched it. All of them said no. I then explained that some stories are better in a video format versus print. And that's where technology comes into place now more than ever. By running Gulfport Patch, I can upload videos, photos, articles and even photo slideshows. The internet has become a place to share longer videos, personal videos . . . almost anything.

After that class period ended Mr. Ron Friley invited me to his Communications Technology class to view their projects which included greating graphics, plaques and t-shirts that they make for the school and other projects. Mr. Friley's class sat in with Mr. Yeazell's during the two class periods that I spoke to.

Friley gave me a tour and showed me first-hand how students create plaques. He even had me engrave "Editor" on my very own wall plaque. (See photos)

After my morning adventure, I spoke again at two more classes. All in all, I had fun. It was a blast and I hope to return next year. I very much enjoyed myself and I hope that I inspired the students as much as they inspired me to share my stories, experience and knowledge.