Liberty A/V sets standard for quality production

LIBERTY — From Panther Sportz Network to preparing students for post- graduate careers, the Liberty High School audio/visual department has done some incredible things over the years, and with new opportunities, it keeps getting better and better.

LHS teachers Joe Roberts and Richard Ewing recently received about $50,000 worth of equipment in donations to help support the A/ V program.

“ We’re always trying to breathe life into their hopes, dreams, goals,” LHS teacher Joe Roberts said.

That donation includes custom- made desks, racks, and three AnyCast Touch, which are all- inone live content production systems.

Roberts explained that with the added equipment, students can familiarize themselves with the tools of the trade before stepping on the field or the court to produce content.

The donation came from a connection through a Facebook group created by Ewing, which he explained has grown to 32,000 members from across the world in just a few years.

The group consists of A/ V educators, product developers and others.

One of those members is a lead in the A/ V department for the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and the Houston Texans, and he reached out to a few teachers to share that NRG Stadium’s control room was receiving an upgrade, so equipment was available for the taking.

Ewing noted other impacts made by the Facebook group.

Hollyland, a product manufacturer, saw some of the softball coverage by Panther Sportz Network and changed features of their products to better suit high school programs. Also, several manufacturers have sent equipment for the students to test.

All the donations, including grants from the Liberty ISD Education Foundation, not only help with the classroom, but also aid in the quality production that is Panther Sportz Network.

The 24-foot production trailer was assembled by Ewing and includes workstations, including one with instant replay capabilities, and a roof deck for filming. Additionally, power can be sourced from batteries, plug- in outlets and solar panels.

“ We can pretty much do a full production anywhere we go on the road,” Ewing said.

A grant from the education foundation paid for an intercom communication system a few years ago, which was added to the trailer so communication between the trailer and camera crew can run smoothly.

“When teachers apply for these grants, they take an idea and turn it into opportunities for students, educators and district- wide recognition,” foundation Executive Director Allie Smart said. “I encourage all LISD teachers to bring your ideas to the forefront, dream big, complete an application, and see where it can take you.”

Both Roberts and Ewing said the goal is to give the students real-world, hands- on experience with current technology.

“Any donation goes back into the program so the kids can experience current technology,” Ewing said, noting the quality of equipment used by the students.

Both Roberts and Ewing expressed gratitude for the foundation.

Ewing explained that the trailer makes the A/ V program unique as not many schools have the flexibility to transport their equipment to away games.

“What’s unique at Liberty High School is we have the flexibility to do some things that are kind of outside the box,” Ewing said, noting the production trailer.

The production team covers softball, football, soccer, and even powerlift ing, both at home and at visiting schools. Ewing noted the team has even done some work for other schools.

“ The kids in our program are normally kids that aren’t in a lot of other activities, but it allows them to feel like they are a part of the team,” Ewing said, adding that the students get excited for wins and providing a quality production for friends and family.

LHS junior Jose Becerra, who has worked the sports events for two years, said the program allows him to experience different things.

“Being behind the camera, you get to tell a story,” freshman Mason Matlock said.

Both Becerra and Matlock hope to pursue broadcasting in college, and Becerra noted his goal is to work in the A/ V department for an NBA team.

Last spring, the education foundation provided a grant for drones, which have been implemented into this year’s program. Students can earn a commercial license that allows them to enter the workforce upon graduation.

Senior Cooper Wardon said the class has recently started to learn the intricacies of drones and various movements and methods of filming.

“ We learned quite a few things in a couple of days,” Wardon said.

Both Wardon and senior Dandrus James shared their interest in the technology.

“I just find it fun, being able to operate a drone,” James said.

Wardon noted he plans to use the license when he pursues a career in real estate, saying it can help him a lot in the future.

Roberts and Ewing expressed gratitude for the Liberty Independent School District administrative team, from Principal Karen Slack to Superintendent Dusty McGee, as well as the community, viewers and sponsors for supporting the program.

To watch what the students can create, visit Youtube. com/@ LHSAVBroadcasting/ streams.

If interested in joining the AV program or becoming a sponsor, contact Ewing at reewing@libertyisd.net, Roberts at jrroberts@libertyisd.net, or just strike up a conversation at an event.