At Vestavia Hills High School, students are given a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the world of journalism through the Vestavia News Network (VNN), a student-run initiative that brings the school community together through daily morning announcements, special video projects, and even live sports coverage. Whether a student is passionate about journalism, video production, or sports broadcasting, VNN offers a platform to hone skills and prepare for careers in media and communications.
VNN has been a cornerstone of the school’s Entertainment and Media Pathway for more than a decade, created by teacher Deana Goodwine, and an integral part of the school’s academic and extracurricular offerings. Under the guidance of various advisers, including Morgan Jones and, now, Abby Jaillet, VNN has grown into a multifaceted program that offers hands-on experience for students interested in journalism, public relations, marketing, video production, and sports media.
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Photographs courtesy of Vestavia News Network/Abby Jaillet
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Photographs courtesy of Vestavia News Network/Abby Jaillet
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Photographs courtesy of Vestavia News Network/Abby Jaillet
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Photographs courtesy of Vestavia News Network/Abby Jaillet
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Photographs courtesy of Vestavia News Network/Abby Jaillet
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Photographs courtesy of Vestavia News Network/Abby Jaillet
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Photographs courtesy of Vestavia News Network/Abby Jaillet
Students in ninth through twelfth grades are eligible to join VNN by enrolling in one of the school’s entertainment and media classes. Once in the program, students take on a range of responsibilities to keep the student body informed of happenings, from coordinating daily morning announcements that air throughout the VHHS main campus to live-streaming school events, producing features about students and school programs, and collaborating on special video projects. For students with an interest in communications and media, VNN is an ideal opportunity to gain experience in a professional environment. “As the program’s current adviser, my goal is to help students develop skills that will equip them for their futures,” says Abby. “Public speaking, teamwork, time management, communication, video production/editing—these are all important skills that will be beneficial to students in just about any career.”
Many of the students in VNN also participate in an internship with the Vestavia Hills Athletics Department. This collaboration has proven to be a huge success and is a highlight for those involved. “Through this program, students gain real-world experience in the areas of sports broadcasting, game-day operations, video production, and photography,” says Abby. “If you attend a sporting event at VHHS, you will likely see our interns operating cameras, running the video board, taking pictures, or controlling the lights and music. This program was started two years ago, and it has really taken off!” The first class of interns graduated in May 2024, and some of those same students now hold paid internships and positions in sports photography and video production at SEC schools.
Additionally, VNN students are continuously expanding the scope of their work. In the past year, the students launched their own podcast, “Rebels on the Rise,” which highlights student leaders involved in different organizations at VHHS. This new venture reflects the program’s commitment to keeping the student body informed, while also offering a creative outlet for students interested in producing long-form content. The podcast, available on Spotify, showcases the diverse voices and talents within the school community and is another example of how VNN is always evolving to meet the interests of its members.
The Vestavia News Network offers students an invaluable opportunity to develop skills that will serve them well in whatever career path they choose. The program’s growth and success over the past decade is a testament to the dedication of the students, faculty, and the VHHS community. With so many opportunities for hands-on experience and real-world learning, VNN is helping shape the next generation of media professionals, journalists, and communicators.
To stay connected with VNN, follow them on Instagram @vhhsvnn.