The WSMW news crew of St. Mary Catholic Community School in Crown Point, IN recently took a field trip to WGN news studios in Chicago. WSMW is St. Mary’s very own in-house student-run TV news program that is viewed by the entire school every morning. The trip exposed students to the many pieces that come together to make a television news programs work. “I really liked the trip because it taught me the differences compared to our channel. It would be cool to be a professional after seeing all the different types of equipment they get to use,” said WSMW lighting and camera tech Benjamin Martin.
Their tour guide for the event was Lourdes Duarte. Lourdes Duarte is a television journalist for WGN-TV, where she is an investigative reporter and co-host of the WGN News Evening News at 4 p.m. “After spending time with Lourdes, Special Reporter Danny Shea said, “I loved the field trip. It was a great opportunity because it gave me better insight of one of my possible careers. Lourdes took the time to answer all my questions especially those of how to pursue a job in television.”
The trip helped unveil many aspects of the behind the scenes and even allowed an opportunity to sit in during the live filming of the midday news. “It was without a doubt my favorite part of the entire trip. Said 5th grade camera operator Brandon Kalvaitis, “It was great to see the professional versions of the similar equipment that we use during our filming. From cameras and teleprompters, to the lighting and green screens.”
The trip allowed time for the WSMW crew to meet WGN’s Steve Sanders and Dina Bair while on set at the WGN news desk. The crew also had the opportunity to meet weather reporter Demetrious Ivory to discuss the opportunities available for future news reporters. “I enjoyed the trip, because I learned new things about the creation of the news. If you want to become a broadcaster, this trip will help you understand everything. Not only was It was a fun trip, but it helped me understand the things I need to do in school if I want to become a news reporter.” said WSMW reporter Logan Hamnik.
“This trip is a tremendous asset to our WSMW group. It helps energize our students’ creativity. It pushes them to be better reporters. It inspires the crew to try and make our daily broadcast more professional. It’s amazing to not only see the growth that it promotes, but the passion it creates.” said Club Moderator Anthony Pagorek. “I know I am grateful for the WGN staff members, especially Lourdes Duarte. Their conversations with our students are priceless opportunities that are helping to inspire the next generation of reporters and creators.”