SHS launching 'Outlaw Media'

Sometimes the beginning of a new school year can be filled with dread and anticipation, but the new "Outlaw Media" class at Sisters High School has put a focus on the exciting potential of hands-on learning.

Jack Turpen, SHS senior and AV program president, has been at the helm of all things technology at the high school since his freshman year. Last year he unveiled the Outlaw Media Center, a hub for editing, videography, and recording weekly Outlaw News videos. 

Photo provided

Jack Turpen (foreground) has been instrumental in creating an Outlaw Media program at Sisters High School. Brooke Blakelock is seen here in the studio recording Outlaw News.

Over the past summer, Turpen held the goal of expanding the process of learning these skills to more students. He achieved this through developing a curriculum for a class called "Outlaw Media," which immerses students in the study and active learning of photography, videography, sound and light design, live broadcasting, video journalism, podcasting, graphic design and ad/design marketing. 

"We have great equipment but need to train people to do this. All of these skills are widely applicable," he said.

Turpen has also been training Morgan Daniel and Conlan Archer, SHS juniors who are equally invested in AV media and act as "teacher assistants" for the class, helping out whenever they can.

"I got involved in AV media during my sophomore year when I realized how much I liked the technical side of storytelling. It's been about a year now and what started as curiosity has grown into a passion for using technology to create content," said Archer.

" I love the freedom to be creative and turn ideas into real projects, like podcasts or videos. Working with others on these projects is also really fun," added Daniel.

With their aid and additional guidance from Susie Seaney, Turpen has been able to get this class on its feet and available for any student to take.

"Every week we'll have a guest speaker, which I like to try to make SHS alumni, to talk about their industry," says Turpen. 

Turpen also states his aspiration of making this class more real-world focused, with 25 percent of the work on paper and 75 percent in the field, and collaborating with peers.

The development of the Outlaw Media Center and class could not have happened without the four grants they received, three of which have come from the Sisters School Foundation.

 "We've been lucky to get grants every year and are super grateful for everything, but I think it's partly due to the fact that we've made sure to partner with other programs such as ASG and sports departments," said Turpen.

The class will expose students to potential careers in fields they love. Turpen's work will undoubtedly create a lasting legacy at Sisters High School.