Move over, Hollywood, the real talent is right here in Fort Mill.
The trophy case at Fort Mill High School (FMHS) is looking a bit more crowded this week after the school’s award-winning broadcast program, The Buzz TV, returned from the Student Television Network (STN) Convention in Tampa, Florida.
Competing against a staggering 3,600 students from across the United States and even some international competition from Wales, the 20-student delegation from FMHS proved that they aren’t just local stars; they are national powerhouses.
Bringing Home the Hardware
The Buzz TV didn’t just participate; they performed. From promotional content to short films, the students displayed a level of professionalism and work ethic that resonated with the judges.
The Winner’s Circle
- 1st Place: Convention Promo – Lucas Coelho and Davis Hyde
- 1st Place: Division 3(Beginner) Human Interest Feature – Bayla Hoover and Lucy Lanford
- 2nd Place: Anchor Team – Claire Olson and Hannah Kate Wilson
- Honorable Mention: Crazy 8’s Drama Short Film – Lucas Coelho, Joey Corey, Davis Hyde, and Dezmond Massey
- “Distinguished Merit” recognition/medal in Broadcast Excellence for our newscast as a whole
Beyond individual trophies, the program as a whole received the “Distinguished Merit” recognition for Broadcast Excellence, a testament to the quality of the weekly newscast produced by the entire team.
More Than Just a School Project
For those who haven’t tuned in yet, The Buzz TV is far more than a simple “morning announcement” show. Now in its ninth year, the program is a nationally ranked weekly production that is written, filmed, and edited entirely by students.
Whether it’s the 15-20 minute weekly show highlighting student life or live-streaming high-stakes sporting events and graduations, these students are gaining real-world experience.
You can watch the Buzz on their YouTube channel, https://www.youtube.com/@thebuzztv_fmhs
A Legacy of Excellence
The success in Tampa is just the latest chapter for a program that is quickly becoming a dynasty. The Buzz TV is a proud partner of the PBS Student Reporting Labs and currently holds five student Emmy® Awards and two National Championships for Anchor Team.
With a reputation as one of the top three student broadcasts in the Southeast, the hive is clearly buzzing with talent. Congratulations to all the students who represented the Yellow Jacket spirit on the national stage!
