Five new 30-second public service announcements aimed to help teenagers in crisis are airing periodically on Huntley Community Radio WHRU-LP 101.5 FM as a result of a project assigned to a group of English students from Marlowe Middle School by their teacher, Megan Brickey.
Brickey, a fourth year teacher, assigned the students to read one of five books centering around teens in crisis.
“We did book clubs,” says Brickey. “Each book centered around kids having some sort of crisis, like a student pressured to use steroids, or a kid dealing with the consequences of bullying.”
— Speak, by Laurie Halse Anderson
— Gym Candy, by Carl Deuker
— Orbiting Jupiter by Gary D. Schmidt
— Notes from the Midnight Driver by Jordan Sonnenblick
— A Monster Calls by Patrick Ness
Building on the issues raised in the books, the students then used critical thinking skills, research, and writing to complete projects such as writing a letter to the editor of a newspaper, or compiling a “toolbox” that a counselor might use to help aid a teen facing things like depression, anxiety, or bullying.
Finally, Brickey assigned each student to craft a Public Service Announcement on a topic of teen crisis that was relevant to them.
“I wanted them to do a project that would allow them to speak about topical issues that would be heard by people. I asked them, ‘what kind of tools can we provide to help make a difference?’”
Brickey began emailing every local outlet she could think of to find a destination for the PSAs. One of the first people to respond was Jim Eggers, Executive Director of Huntley Radio. “Fortunately, Jim really jumped on it and helped us spread the word,” says Brickey.
One PSA from each of Brickey’s five English class was chosen, and those students were invited to come to Huntley Radio’s studio to record the audio for their announcements. The recordings took place on October 11.
“It was funny because they were all really nervous,” says Brickey, remembering the day. “They didn’t know what to expect.”
“There was a lot of giggling when they put the headphones on,” says Eggers, who has been at the station since 2012. “I told them not to worry. If they made a slight mistake, I could edit that out or adjust the sound levels.”
Once the actual recording started, both Brickey and Eggers were impressed with the level of calm efficiency the students displayed.
“No one had to record more than twice,” says Brickey. “I was amazed how professional these 14-year-olds were. They really turned it on.”
Win-Win
Eggers says he immediately welcomed the idea of the students recording the PSAs for the radio station.
“This is a very rough age,” he says. “It’s even rougher now, especially with social media. I thought this project was a great idea. The kids enjoyed it, and it helps bring awareness to that age. It’s especially effective when they’re talking to other kids like them.”
Brickey still marvels at how the English project took on a life of its own.
“The kids were so inventive and invested,” she says. “When they’re given the opportunity to roll with something that matters to them, they really impress.”
Visit www.huntleyradio.org for programming information.
