The Broadcasting team brought home second place at this year’s STN competition, bringing home second place nationally on Feb. 27. After much preparation and teamwork, the team traveled across the state to compete against schools from around the country. Over the week they were gone, they were able to bond with each other which enhanced the team’s true connection.
“My favorite part was probably this thing where we all pin trade, and every single school has their own pin, and we all kind of got together and collected each other’s pins,” said eighth grader Fernanda Gordillo. “I felt really good especially since in December we didn’t really know if we were eleven going to go to STN so it was kind of a big accomplishment for the whole team.”
Once they arrived, the team followed a strict schedule that guided them through the entire competition. After traveling to Tampa and settling into their hotel, the team held meetings to prepare for the next few days. They spent time looking for different interviews in groups while getting to explore around Tampa in which they were staying at, to find ideas for each project. Over the next week, the students competed in a wide variety of events such as the Crazy 8’s contest, where they had small amounts of time to create and produce a well explained piece. The days included team meetings, deadlines, and collaboration, all leading up to the final award ceremony where they amazingly placed 2nd place nationally.
“It was fun because I got to grow more bonds with the high school team members and I also got to just learn a lot more,” said eighth grader Daniel Sanchez. “I think my favorite part was being out with the team and just like especially with my close friends who were there too, and it was an experience I will never forget.”
Even though the team faced challenges along the way, those moments ultimately brought them closer together. Through the long days of planning, filming, and problem solving, the entire team learned how to support one another and push through challenges. From working late, going to meetings, or even spending time together at meals and activities they all became closer than ever.
“I think it was great we got to win second place nationally. That’s pretty surreal. We really improved this year and it’s crazy to see our development,” eighth grader Max Mendoza said. “My favorite part was definitely bonding with everybody, it’s just nice having that sense of having a main community inside Gulliver, having that whole team around me all the time.”
