Created by the Washington Metropolitan High School (DC MET) Digital Media Arts Club.

My students are working on a project that highlights important African American people from the perspective of their teachers. The students created the questions and selected the teachers.

This Black History Month project is not only giving the students a chance to perfect their craft but it is also giving them an unique way to explore African American history.

The DC MET dMAC students were so excited about this project we’ve decided to add an interactive component. We want you to go to the dMAC Facebook Page and share your Black History Month hero on our wall at http://ow.ly/htVAj .

The person can be an historical figure, family member, ancestor, community member and/or anyone who has influenced your life.

I’ll start. My Black History Month hero is Gordon Park because he was known for being one of the first African Americans photographs for Vogue Magazine and Time Magazine. In my opinion, he used his camera as a weapon against discrimination. He inspired a generation of photographers and filmmakers and continues to today.

Now, it’s your turn don’t forget to visit the Digital Media Arts Club Facebook Page to share a story about your hero.

We can’t wait to share the interviews from the DC MET teachers with you.

~Torrance Hill

2012-2013 American Graduate Fellow

Concept, Script and Storyboard created by the Eastern SHS Digital Media Arts Club.

Special Thanks to Discovery Channel, Kaiser Permanente, DC Public Schools and Eastern SHS.

We immediately began researching obesity and planning our project. The students came up with a script, researched facts, and created a carefully detailed storyboard. They wanted to be sure that when the camera crew from the Discovery Channel arrived in a few days, they were prepared to execute their plan.

It was a rainy and chilly morning but the gloomy weather didn’t damper the energy within Eastern High School. The dMAC students came to school eager and ready to complete their project. They worked with the camera crew to make sure their concepts were correctly displayed. The students had a chance to be actors, create voice-overs, and even plan out their scene. It was inspiring to see the students take part so enthusiastically.

The experience was unique and very rewarding for the dMAC students who participated. The students learned skills that they can definitely use not only in the classroom, but in the real world. In addition, to learning important production elements, such as conceptualizing an idea, writing a script and storyboarding; they also learned the value of teamwork and dedication. I am very proud of the dMAC students at Eastern SHS.

~Daria Harrison

2012-2013 American Graduate Fellow

The DC MET dMAC began with a photography scavenger hunt. The students canvassed the school’s interior and exterior for interesting people, items and activities to photograph. Through the exercise, they learned about shot composition, framing and how to use the video equipment.

During the 2^nd project the students learned about the importance of capturing good audio and how to conduct interviews.

The students are now working on a PSA about “Why it is important to go to college”. When conceptualizing the PSA some students didn’t think school was for them. After further discussion of the topic, sharing my personal story and the opportunities I received while at Howard University, the students decided to reconsider higher education. At the next dMAC meeting we are on scheduled to complete the music for the PSA and then begin the editing process.

After the PSA is complete, I plan to take the students on a tour of Howard University, allow them to visit one of my favorite classes and let them shadow me on a production. They are all familiar with the university because it is near their school but I want to share a day in the life of a college student experience. I hope this will motivate them to finish high school and pursue their dreams.

~Torrance Hill

2012-2013 American Graduate Fellow