Irvin High School broadcasting students vying for second national recognition

Irvin High School broadcasting students are working their way to gain national recognition in San Francisco.

Every Friday students in Mariel Torres’s broadcasting class work to put together a school broadcast.

“We spend a lot of time brainstorming the stories,” said student Eli Ortiz.”A lot of time editing because we want it t be the best it can be.”

All the time, work and dedication of the broadcasting students and staff paid off last year at the National Scholastic Press Association conference.

“When we got our results we were in the airport,” said broadcasting teacher Mariel Torres. “We were all crying, and we were all really excited. We placed third nationally, it was El Paso’s name up there.”

Students are rolling through their best broadcasts, interviews and stories for this year’s competition, hoping to rank even higher.

“Everything is great, I’m really proud that we’re going to the national level,” said Caleb Holt, a broadcasting student.

In front of the camera or behind, kids taking the broadcasting class said learning the skills has been life-changing.

“I’ve learned so much in this program, I can use it in real life,” said Ortiz.” I want to be doing camera work. It’s just been an excellent program. It’s been so helpful.”

Teachers said they would like to take seven students to the conference in San Francisco, and estimate the cost to be $700 per student.

If you would like to donate, just click here to get in touch with Irvin High School staff on Facebook, or visit the campus located at 9465 Roanoke Dr.