NNPS students experience movie making with industry professionals
Groups of students from each Newport News high school learned about all aspects of film from professionals in the field as the school district partnered with Next Generation Storytellers (NGS).
NGS co-founders Trent Garrett, a Peninsula native, and Jacob Young are experienced Hollywood actors and producers who founded the organization to foster young talent. They and a team of mentors shared their years of movie industry experience with students.
In the spring, selected students took 16-week moviemaking and eight-week screenwriting courses simultaneously online after school. As part of the coursework, students worked on and submitted scripts, with six chosen to be made into short films.
Auditions took place in April for acting roles, and students volunteered to work as crew members. Filming took place at various Peninsula locations the last two weeks of June.
The completed movies will be shown at the 2nd Annual NGS Film Festival on Oct. 18-20 at Christopher Newport University’s Ferguson Center for the Arts.
Through the project, students earned work-based learning credit while gaining exposure to industry technologies and professionals, making valuable career connections.
Coalition of Concerned Clergy donates $50,000 to support Heritage band’s trip to Rome Parade
The Coalition of Concerned Clergy donated $50,000 to support the Heritage High School marching band’s trip to participate in the prestigious Rome New Year’s Day Parade and Festival.
Rev. Dr. Tremayne Johnson, along with other members of the Coalition of Concerned Clergy, presented a ceremonial check to Jemere Brown, Heritage High School band director, at a school board meeting.
The Heritage band was invited to perform in the Rome Parade on January 1, 2025. The event is integrated as an important part of Rome’s celebration of the New Year, according to organizers. It will be live-streamed worldwide.
Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation awards $5,000 grant to Warwick softball program
Warwick High School’s softball program received a $5,000 grant from the Dick’s Sporting Goods Foundation for use this school year. The foundation is the charitable and philanthropic organization for the international sporting goods retailer, according to the company’s website.
Ben Burr, Warwick softball coach, applied for the grant earlier this year and said he was pleasantly surprised when he was notified his program was chosen as a recipient.
“We are very fortunate for this opportunity to work with the team at Dick’s Sporting Goods and receive this contribution for the softball program,” Burr said. “With the grant, we intend to replace some old worn-out equipment and make some upgrades around our facility to ensure we are providing the girls with the best opportunity to succeed on the field while representing Warwick High School.”
