GMHS TV Studio | September 2021
Photo: (At desk, Al Wilke, former GEF Board member, and GEF Board Chair, Kim Becker). Standing (from left) Board members: Lynn Guelzow , Doreen McWhirter, Mike Sanzo, Whitney Sanzo, Marcy Green, Sue Canavan, Amy Milbrandt, Bob D'Angelo, Ben Perron, Laura Metallo.
With visionary thinking from the Granby Public Schools and over $100,000 from the Granby Education Foundation (GEF) a state-of-the-art TV studio was built at the Granby Memorial High School. Construction began in Fall 2021 with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony held in December 2022!
The $100,000 project was primarily funded by GEF, including a generous $10,000 donation from Al Wilke, a former GEF board member. The TV studio space will accommodate a news desk, as well as professional quality sound, lighting, filming and editing equipment.
Wilke, the catalyst for this innovative project, challenged Superintendent Dr. Jordan Grossman to develop a game-changing STEM program in partnership with GEF. Together with help from GMHS technology teachers Tim Barnett and Nick Gaeta as well as Jenn Parsons, assistant superintendent, the TV studio idea quickly progressed. “STEM is so important in today’s world no matter what career you may be in,” said Wilke. “Students need hands-on experiences using technology, developing skills like writing in a real-world context, and seeing the connection between STEM and the arts.”
The studio provides a unique blend of technology and arts education. It is now incorporated into the current high school curriculum through classes—such as Journalism, Sports Marketing, and Principles of Speech and Communication—and with a new school news channel and the Bears Broadcasting Club. Additionally, technology classes built the studio desk. News production will now be integrated into the Advanced Communication and Technology class.
The studio allows GMHS to showcase the many talented artists, actors, musicians and athletes through featured productions. In the future, students may even be able to collaborate on community projects such as public service announcements and highlight reels of community events.
This innovative space builds on the success of a 2020 GEF grant for digital video cameras and computer equipment that livestreamed athletics and arts events during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people, including family and friends from across the country, watched their students play in livestreamed sports games and perform at arts events like the annual Coffeehouse.
The TV studio project allows the GEF to support both arts and STEM education in an innovative package that combines capital improvement to the high school with specialized training and unique experiences for the students.
The Granby Education Foundation, an all-volunteer, nonprofit organization, funds educational initiatives that expand community involvement in education, enrich creativity and capabilities in teaching, and encourage interest in educational opportunities for Granby residents of all ages. Since its founding in 2000, the GEF has raised more than $700,000 in cash and pledges in support of education.
