Etowah's Technology and Film Program Earns Industry Certification

WOODSTOCK, GA -- Etowah High School's Audio-Video Technology and Film program has earned industry certification, the Cherokee County School District said. 

According to the State Department of Education, when a program has become industry certified, “it received a ‘stamp of excellence,’ which represents the apex of program quality. Only those programs that have successfully undergone rigorous reviews by leaders from business and industry are recognized with this distinction.”

The AVTF certification team visited Etowah in April to review the program. Team members noted the following in its report: “The team found Etowah’s AVTF program to be strong and a recommended model for other schools to follow. Overall excellent program. The content of the courses is detailed, comprehensive and aligned with industry. The instructor’s hard work and dedication to the program, not only at her school but others as well, is remarkable.”

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Linda Yunker, the AVTF instructor at Etowah, teaches four levels of the class, which prepares students for a career or for post-secondary study in the field.

Students in her classes learn about video production from initial writing to final editing, as well as camera operations, commonly used software (Photoshop, Garage Band, Adobe AfterEffects, Final Cut, Motion and others), industry ethics and career opportunities.

They also produce segments for Etowah High’s weekly news show and have the opportunity to film sporting events and assist in operating the Jumbotron ay the Etowah High School football stadium.

AVTF is a career pathway offered at all Cherokee County School District high schools. The State Department of Education is committed to the industry certification process as a part of its effort to strengthen technical and academic standards for all Career, Technical and Agricultural Education (CTAE) programs.

For more information, visit the DOE website.

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Photo 1: Sarah Podstata checks the camera as she prepares to film.
Photo 2: From left to right, Arayna Goodman, Kami Westgate, Sofia Weckerle, Sarah Podstata and teacher Linda Yunker watch the action as Sarah is filming.
Photo 3: Rick Meighan edits his work at a computer station in the classroom.
Photo 4: Ryan Harris, dressed as singer Freddy Mercury, left and Miles Shoemaker, right, review lyrics on Ryan's phone before filming a music video assignment on a set in the classroom.
Photo credits: Cherokee County School District