LWHS students learn to produce compelling stories in today's digital landscape

Did you know students at Lake Washington High School (LWHS) have the special opportunity to take video classes taught by a distinguished television veteran? That’s right. Taught by Su Ring Vitue, a former TV Producer at KING5’s New Day NW show, she is leading her award-winning classes in Video Production and Broadcast Communications right here in Lake Washington School District (LWSD). With her guidance, expertise and connections, students are mastering the art to produce compelling stories in today’s digital landscape. 

In the Video Production class, students learn how to edit videos, using Adobe Premiere Pro, the same professional software used in the TV industry. They are taught how to shoot with Canon EOS cameras, which are known for their high quality lenses, ergonomics and build quality. Students work on a variety of projects to learn the technical and creative skills necessary to produce exceptional videos. From storyboarding and scriptwriting to directing and editing, students are taking their skills to the next level by working on music videos, public service announcements, challenges with specific prompts, short infomercials and much more.  

For students interested in enhancing their knowledge and skills, the Video Production 2 class is offered next. Here students work on more in-depth video projects, progressing their aptitude through advanced techniques in image acquisition with an increased emphasis on editing live action video footage. They worked on a variety of projects, where they produced movie trailers and self-reflective videos; plus, a feature film conceptualized, written, filmed and edited by students. 

This year, a group of students, including Video Production 2 and filmmaking club, took home first place with their “Limbo” video project in the High School Division II category at the 2024 National Student Television Network HorrorFest. Students who worked on this project were Moritz van Tilburg, Vasyl Tarapov, Heshy Pinkesz, Elias Rosas and Micah Rhoten. 

Another high demand class that many students take is the Broadcast Communications class. Over 35 students are learning the ropes of broadcast journalism and producing segments for LWHS's weekly newscast and KANG TV News. Just like a TV station, students film from a studio with top-of-the-line equipment. There is also a separate broadcast control room to run the show.  

Students work on everything from start to end, including interviews, scriptwriting, creating rundowns, shooting video and editing news and feature stories. During the semester, every student has the opportunity to anchor a newscast. 

Each student is also assigned a news role. This encourages them to explore their interests and passions, such as a News Director, Executive Producer, Assignment Manager, Brand Manager, Technical Director, Chief Videographer and KSPN (Sports) Executive Producer.   

To elevate students even further, Ring shares her wealth of TV connections by inviting industry experts to visit with students in the classroom. Past guests who stopped by are public figures in news: KING 5 News Anchors Dennis Bounds and Lori Matsukawa, KING 5 Meteorologist Leah Pezzetti, and former KING 5 Videographer Randy Eng. 

From sports, Ring has invited the following: Mariners and Seahawks Reporter Jen Mueller, former Seahawk player Lofa Tatupu, former Sounders FC and Kraken Show Host Ross Fletcher, former Seahawks and Sounders FC Video Production Manager Brian Pan, KING 5 Sports Anchors Paul Silvi and Chris Egan, former ROOT SPORTS NW (now Seattle Kraken) production director Pat Brown, and ROOT SPORTS NW Engineer Brett Jungbloom. 

“This school year, students are being mentored by a former KOMO TV Operations Manager Rob Kaseberg with upcoming guests, including ROOT Sports NW Anchor Brad Adam,” said Ring.  

“Additionally, leadership students on KANG TV News had the opportunity to visit KING 5 Television,” she continued. “They visited the newsroom and studios and met with news anchors, reporters, videographers, editors and the technical crew. I am very thankful for my former KING 5 colleagues for their support of my students and our class.” 

“Both Video Production and Broadcast Communications classes elevate students by teaching them the skills that will help them succeed at any level,” said Ring. “In addition to learning technical and creative aspects of producing video products or newscasts, students learn how to communicate, collaborate, create and meet deadlines, and navigate choppy situations.” 

“What I love most about my job are my students!!!!” she continued. “I love helping them unlock their creative minds and celebrating accomplishments big and small. When I started teaching six years ago, I was certain I was not cut out to teach and wanted to return to TV news. But each year, I find myself more inspired by my students. Sometimes, I think I learn more from them than they learn from me! (I've also created some fun Spotify playlists with their suggestions.)” 
No matter what field our students choose after graduation, LWSD knows video production will always be in high demand as it is the dominant tool to create powerful and engaging stories. In fact, it was projected in 2025 that video content will account for 82% of consumer internet traffic. That is why these award-winning video classes offered at LWHS are more valuable than ever. Our students are accelerating in all aspects of video creation. They are exposed to cutting edge technologies and trends. They have lifelong connections with industry experts who mentor them. But best of all, they will always have Ring as their teacher who believes in them and cheers them on in life.  

The following are past student awards from the National Academy of Television of Arts & Sciences –Northwest Chapter, High School Production category: 

2023-2024 Best PSA 
Noah Aguirre & Colt Jance  
Parking Pass  
KANG TV  

2023-2024 Best Music Video 
Jermarcus Jackson, Jaxon Sheffield, Logan Buycks & Kayla Segal  
Laugh Now, Cry Later  
Video Production 1 

2022-2023 Best Music Video  
Jake Brown 
Reptilia  
Video Production 1 (also a National finalist) 

2021-2022 Best Music Video 
Tyler Atkins, Fenn Kleven & Dacian Sanders 
Juggernaut  
Video Production 1  

2020-2021 Best Long-Form Non-Fiction 
Jessica Laing  
Perspectives on Remote Learning 
KANG TV 

LWSD offers six different, state-approved CTE pathways to students in middle school and high school. These courses incorporate academics with industry skills relevant to elevate students for higher-level courses in college and for high demand jobs in the real world.  

To learn how you can take a CTE course, check out your local school catalog.