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Angie Faller
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Multimedia teachers win national award
When Brody Braunecker walked into multimedia class Wednesday afternoon, he didn’t know what to make of the fact his classroom was suddenly filled with a film crew, the mayor and reporters.
“This is a complete surprise. They said yesterday they’d have some guests here, but I had no idea,” he said, referring to remarks by teachers Craig Lindvahl and Joe Fatheree. “I come in here and there’s a film crew!”
Braunecker was soon clapping with the rest of the class when it was announced multimedia teachers Lindvahl and Fatheree will be recognized for a national award in June. The multimedia class/AHA Film Festival is one of 10 projects to be recognized as a 2009 Cable’s Leaders in Learning Award.
“I’ve been in cable since 1981. The scope of what you guys are doing is unheard of. These kinds of success stories are all too rare because people are used to having resources provided to schools,” said Mike Kohler, Mediacom North Central Division vice president of government relations and community affairs.
The teachers and members of Mediacom made the announcement during a surprise reception for students, who received food and gifts bags. A film crew also was on hand to film students’ reactions for a segment to air during the award show in June.
“I’m still amazed at how this class has grown over the years. Everything in this class feels not only like you are creating art, but like you are leaving a legacy,” Braunecker said.
Multimedia student Cheyenne Meyer said the class is a place where she can be herself.
“I was a creative person, and it’s really nice to have something where you’re not sealed in a classroom and expected to be like everyone else. It’s probably the greatest experience I’ve ever had,” she said.
Fatheree and Lindvahl will share a $3,000 prize, and both will receive an all-expenses-paid trip to Washington, D.C., in June to participate in Capitol Hill visits and the awards ceremony.
Lindvahl, however, believes the award is a reflection on the students and their films.
“It’s wonderful for them to know that the scope of the whole country considers it to be good stuff. It’s great that we get to go, but we will be representing the class,” Lindvahl said.
Angie Faller can be reached at 217-347-7151 ext. 131 or angie.faller@effinghamdailynews.com.
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