The planning, writing, editing and practice runs.
Students in the Media Productions class at the Jr./Sr. High School are accustomed to broadcasting the announcements “live” every morning, and everything that comes with it.
But, the lessons learned aren’t confined to getting in front of a camera or behind the many switches and buttons in the control room. Every day, students are learning and developing important skills they can transfer to any future career. 
Class on May 1 was no exception.
Allison Fuller and Ashley Francis of the Community Bank in Westmoreland visited the Media Productions class to conduct a mock interview with students for a bank teller position. It was an opportunity for students to experience the interview process, or what awaits them down the road. Students even dressed up in professional attire, as they would for a real interview.
“We did the interview as a group, and they went around the table and asked everyone at least three questions, like we were actually applying for a job as a bank teller,” senior Andrew Scalise explained. “To get ready, we practiced with each other for a couple weeks before. It was about as real as it could get.”
Mr. Cieri, director of management information systems at the Westmoreland Central School District, co-teaches the Media Productions class with Mrs. Weissenberger. They are assisted by Mr. Cardillo. Mr. Cieri says although the students were prepared for the mock interview, they did not know the questions ahead of time.
“The students were prepped on general interview questions and the importance of good posture and eye contact, but they had to be able to think on their feet as well,” Mr. Cieri said. “This was such a good activity for our students to go through. Even though some of them have done interviews before, others have not. And, all of them will have interviews in the near future as they move onto college and the professional world.”
After the mock interview, Fuller and Francis of the Community Bank deliberated and selected junior Alexis Rocco for the bank teller position. While the offer was not real, Rocco, an aspiring kindergarten teacher, did receive a $50 cash prize.
“It feels really good to be chosen,” Rocco, who had a copy of her resume on hand for the mock interview, said. “This class really helps us learn how to market ourselves in an effective and professional manner.”
“We will be better off when we are applying for a real job,” Scalise added.
Students weren’t the only ones to walk away from the experience feeling fulfilled. Fuller and Francis of the Community Bank left feeling “amazed.”
“The Media Productions class is such an outstanding program,” Fuller said. “I wish every school had it. It’s the class kids will remember and benefit from for years and years to come.”
The Media Productions class greatly thanks Allison Fuller and Ashley Francis of the Community Bank for their time, guidance and valuable insight!