Friday Night.
Under the bright stadium lights, the football team makes a steady advancement towards the end zone until they reach their goal.
Touchdown.
As the crowd begins to roar, the camera zooms in, capturing the school pride in the moment.
The audiovisual technology team is a noteworthy group of students who can be seen on the field or in the press box, enhancing the experience of high school football for spectators and the team alike.
“I feel so connected to the game through the camera lens, it practically feels like another one of my hobbies,” junior Secretary Emma Lopez said. “It just feels so much fun to be able to be so close to the game.”
Every home Varsity football game, the A/V team controls the Jumbotron, gets the best camera angles
and manages the technical equipment involved in bringing the game to life.
“My favorite part of the job is just seeing all corners of the field and everything going on from one central location; [it’s] definitely a great way to watch the game,” senior President Rehder Myhre said.
As president, Myhre oversees the team and makes sure everything runs smoothly. From the press box, his bird’s-eye view allows him to communicate, via walkie talkies, with team members on the field in order to get exciting close-up shots.
“Down on the field, I felt really involved and proud to be doing something so cool,” alumnus Alexa Lawhon said. “I’m not one for football, but being in the middle of the football players trying to catch the right angle so the viewers can see was truly great.”
Lawhon, a 2023 graduate, joined the A/V class her senior year due to her passion for photography and videography. Taught by Wayne Thames, the class gives students hands-on experience with equipment and creative, student-led assignments.
“I’m not sure how or when, but the A/V class made me certain that photography was the path for me,” Lawhon said. “That class really helped me through some rough times, and I will forever be grateful to Mr. Thames.”
In the class, students learn how to edit photos and videos with different software, use equipment and how to get the best shots. Since graduation, Lawhon further enhanced her skill level and shot for several well-paying jobs.
“I really felt at home in video tech and A/V class,” Lawhon said. “I have loved photography and videography ever since I was really young and this team was a beautiful experience.”
To ensure full coverage of the game, the A/V team pairs up and operates three cameras dispersed on each side of the field and the press box.
“The most interesting part of A/V is being on the field during the game,” junior Mac Davis said. “I like watching the game progress and seeing the energy the team and the students have.”
Behind the lens, the field cameras give students a unique, up-close perspective of the game, school spirit and halftime performances.
“I originally had no interest, but I quickly found a love for it,” Lopez said. “You’d think someone who has no experience with a camera would be more reluctant to carry one around all the time on Friday nights, but I love feeling involved with the school.”
Lopez’s job as secretary is to plan for the games, upcoming meetings and future events. The A/V team gives students a unique opportunity to bond and feel involved in the school community.
“We are always looking for new people to join and learn new things,” Myhre said. “I’d be happy to have [new members] aboard, and we can find a place to make them useful on game day and beyond.”
In addition to varsity football games, the A/V team has also been involved in the Navy Ball and graduation. Combined with these extracurricular activities, students are also granted an opportunity to show off their school spirit by lettering in A/V and earning the letterman jacket.
“They are supporting JHS with their individual talents each and every week in ways that they feel is the only way they can,” Thames said. “Some of the students on the A/V Tech Team cannot find a fit in any other program offered by JHS. I believe that they feel more connected by performing this service.”
