GENTRY, AR — The new video board at Pioneer Stadium is creating more than an enhanced game-day experience for Gentry fans. It is also giving Gentry Middle School students an opportunity to gain hands-on experience in live video production.
Earlier this year, Gentry Public Schools installed a state-of-the-art video board at Pioneer Stadium. Since then, members of the Gentry Middle School EAST team have stepped behind the scenes to help produce live video broadcasts at school events, including football games, band competitions, and other school events.
The student production crew has also supported Seventh Grade and Junior High Pioneer football games, helping bring their fellow Pioneers into the spotlight while learning the skills and teamwork required to support a live event.
“We love seeing our students get involved, explore new interests and gain hands-on experience with skills that could lead to future career opportunities in media, broadcasting and beyond,” said Dorothy Ivy, who leads the EAST program at Gentry Middle School. “These opportunities allow students to put their learning into practice while contributing to something meaningful for their school and community.”
EAST, which stands for Education Accelerated by Service and Technology, is a student-centered program that encourages students to use technology, collaboration and problem-solving skills to develop projects that serve real needs. Through hands-on learning, students take ownership of their work while exploring interests and building skills they can carry into future academic and career opportunities.
The live broadcasts are a natural fit for the program, giving students practical experience with media technology, communication and teamwork in a real-world setting. The district plans to expand student production support to additional events, including soccer, track and field, and other scheduled school and community activities.
The project also demonstrates how investments in school facilities and technology can create learning opportunities that extend beyond the classroom, Ivy said. The video board serves as both a resource for the community and a platform for students to develop new skills while supporting their fellow Pioneers.
Gentry Public Schools also recognizes community partners who help make student activities possible, including Parkers Heating & Air, which sponsored shirts for the Middle School EAST game-day production crew.
As the program grows, Gentry Middle School EAST students will continue finding new ways to put their skills to work, support school traditions and contribute to the Pioneer community, Ivy said.