Snowball Pics -   Snowball Courts

The audiovisual studio shared by Wellsville High School and Middle School is undergoing a 21st Century update. For the past few weeks, students have been using green screen technology to give morning announcements a high-tech look.

Students are using Adobe Visual Communicator 3, software that creates title screens and hundreds of special effects. The program's most exciting feature is a green screen that allows students to use a variety of virtual backgrounds to appear as if they were broadcasting from network news sets, famous landmarks, even the White House. Over the Christmas break, student volunteers painted an entire studio wall bright green to accommodate the new technology. Future improvements will include a teleprompter and the ability to post student productions on-line.

While the new studio is being used for morning announcements now, its applications are unlimited. When the studio is completed, any class in any subject will be able to record presentations and learn important digital literacy skills.

The studio upgrade is being funded by an Educational Media Technology Association grant awarded to WHS English teacher Madonna Figura, and by contributions from the Audiovisual Club, advised by WMS Technology teacher Dan Hand.

WHS Seniors Morgan and Kerry assisted WMS Technology teacher Dan Hand in painting the green screen wall in the AV studio over Christmas break.

Matthew Brown has been nominated by the high school guidance counselors and administration to represent Wellsville High School in the 2009-2010 Olean Times Herald Big 30 Athletic Scholarship Program. Matthew was selected based on his performance on the athletic field, in the classroom, and in the community. The Big 30 Scholarship Program rewards students who are active in athletics and other extracurricular activities. The nominee must be a student-athlete in good standing at school and in the community. Each school may submit one nominee. Congratulations, Matthew, on your nomination!

Morgan Dunham (right) and Maci Lloyd (left) have been named the Monica M. Moore Memorial and Achievement Scholarship winners. Morgan will be awarded $5,000 and Maci will be awarded $1,000 for their essays on the topic, "How do you deal with obstacles and challenges at school and at home?" Ms. Moore's nephew, Robert D. Moore, and his wife, carefully and thoughtfully read the essays submitted by several members of the Class of 2010 in their own handwriting, and made a difficult final decision early in December.

The awards will be distributed upon Morgan and Maci completing their senior year with an average of 88% or higher, graduating on schedule, and gaining acceptance to a two- or four-year college.

Mr. and Mrs. Moore extend their gratitude and congratulations to all of the WHS applicants. They are confident all of these fine young men and women will achieve the success they have worked so hard for at WHS.