Each morning at East Side Intermediate School begins with familiar faces and student voices appearing on classroom screens. Before lessons begin, students across the building pause to watch the daily announcements—sharing lunch menus, reminders, celebrations, and the Pledge of Allegiance. What makes this moment special is that it isn’t led by adults. Instead, it is created, recorded, and delivered by students themselves.

Fifth graders Avianna Dismuke and Henry Tate are two of the student leaders behind these daily broadcasts. As members of Student Council, they help plan, organize, and produce the announcements that set the tone for each school day. While the videos last only a few minutes, the preparation behind them reflects teamwork, responsibility, and growing confidence.

The process begins the afternoon before each broadcast. In a small room equipped with a green screen and recording equipment, students gather to prepare the next day’s announcements. Avianna explained how the process works, saying, “We have a room with green screens and stuff. And then we have people from our student council come and also do it with us.”

The students also incorporate creative elements to keep the broadcasts engaging. Avianna plays a key role behind the scenes, operating the green screen and managing the visuals. The backgrounds often match the theme of the announcements. When the lunch menu is shared, food images appear behind the speakers. When the school celebrates a national day, themed graphics help bring the message to life.

The broadcasts involve multiple students working together. Typically, two fifth graders, along with a fourth and a third-grade student, participate in each recording. Avianna noted that “there’s about five or six” students involved, with each person contributing in different ways. Some students read the announcements, while others help with technical production.

The program is guided by Student Council sponsor Katie Berry, who helps organize schedules and prepare scripts.

Participation in the announcements also helps students build confidence. Henry admitted that he was nervous at first and didn’t fully participate in the previous year. “I only did it once because I was scared,” he said honestly. Over time, encouragement from others helped him grow more comfortable. “I got more encouraged and stuff,” he explained. That encouragement made it easier for him to step in front of the camera and take part more regularly.

For Avianna, the experience has been both fun and meaningful. She shared that she enjoys the opportunity, explaining, “I feel like it’s just really fun, and I feel like it shows more leadership.” Learning to manage technology, coordinate with others, and contribute to the school community has helped her grow as a leader.

Henry agrees that the experience benefits both participants and the school as a whole. He explained that having students deliver the announcements creates a positive environment, saying, “It’s fun, and the teachers don’t have to do it. The kids do it, and it teaches you to encourage each other and stuff.” That teamwork helps students support one another while building shared responsibility.

The creative aspect of the announcements is another highlight. Students often use props and themed visuals to make broadcasts memorable. Avianna recalled one of her favorite recordings, saying, “I think it was the one for Valentine’s because we had a bunch of props on.” These moments make the experience enjoyable while helping students develop presentation skills.

The announcements may last only a few minutes each morning, but their impact extends far beyond the screen. Students like Avianna and Henry are learning valuable skills in communication, leadership, and technology. They are gaining confidence in their voices and discovering their ability to contribute in meaningful ways.

Through their work behind the camera and in front of it, these student leaders are doing more than sharing information. They are helping create a sense of connection throughout the school, ensuring that every day at East Side Intermediate begins with student voices leading the way.