SHS unveils new media center

Last updated 12/19/2023 at 10:35am

Photo by Jack Turpen

Brooke Blakelock is behind the anchor desk at the new student-created Sisters High School media center, where they produce Outlaw News.

Sisters High School (SHS) has always been known for its creative and hands-on classes. As the world quickly advances in technology, the high school is following in stride.

Just a few weeks ago a well-equipped media center was set up at the heart of the school. Junior Jack Turpen was at the helm of this project, which spanned the week-long Thanksgiving break.

Turpen initially developed an interest in technology during his time as a sixth grader at Sisters Middle School. This interest eventually led to being named president of the audio-visual club at SHS. In addition to that role, Turpen works as a freelance photographer for The Nugget, and helps run technology for school-sanctioned events.

"Ever since sixth grade I'd been helping with the middle school news and had the opportunity to transform it into something really cool. Since freshman year I've wanted to have a studio," Turpen said.

This goal was fulfilled when he had the idea to create a media center. Aided by woodshop students, AV, and leadership members, they began building this room over Thanksgiving break. The bulk of the process lay in obtaining enough grant money to purchase the necessary equipment. However, once this obstacle was overcome, it only took a little less than two weeks to fully set it up.

Photo by Jack Turpen

Students build the new Sisters High School media center over Thanksgiving break.

"Thinking back to my younger sixth-grade self, I never would've expected to be what I am now. But it's all thanks to the community around me that supports and encourages youth to reach their goals," Turpen said.

The multi-functional media center serves as a place to record Outlaw News, the primary news source for SHS students, including editing computers and a green screen. This space is used for taking photos of seniors, art, and the yearbook.

"I hope it'll aid the expansion of the school...as a developing school, AV and media is really important. We designed it to be modular; people are constantly going to be adding on and improving the space. I hope that its legacy will last long after I leave the high school," said Turpen.

This space marks the growth of Sisters High School, supporting students in their technological aspirations, and cultivating a space of new opportunities, which is expected to serve for many years.