EP Media is more than just the morning announcements, students can also get involved with filmmaking and video editing. Back in 2017, Erick Hanson saw much interest from the student body in media and video production but there was no media program established yet in both the high school and the middle school. So, Hanson founded EP Media, and it has grown from a small library project into multiple courses and a club. 

At the core of EP Media lies a commitment to provide students with real-world experiences in media production.  Hanson says. “We’re trying to provide students with experiences that they can’t get outside of school.”

One of the things that makes EP Media so unique is the collaborative aspect. Hanson remarks that “Everything we do is collaborative.” 

Students work together on projects, learning how to communicate properly and balance different perspectives. Hanson emphasizes the importance of trust among the group, noting that it is essential for addressing conflicts and ensuring a positive work environment.

 “We trust one another so that when problems arise, it doesn't get personal,” Hanson explained. “We’re building sort of a team or family that's our foundation.” 

Extending beyond just technical skills, students also develop soft skills like leadership, problem-solving,  public speaking, and social skills. These skills are valuable for success in any field, not just media and broadcasting. Izzy Gonzales states, “It has helped me become more social.”

EP Media has already had an impact on its students. Vanessa Eslinger explains, “EP Media has had some career influence because it allowed me to learn new things and get a grip on how something in the field of filming and live streaming works.” 

You don't need to have an interest in pursuing a career path in media and broadcasting to benefit from EP Media. Senior Olivia Ball doesn’t plan on going into this field in the future but says  it “... definitely gives me some ideas.” This program has also helped students build their confidence and a sense of belonging within the school. 

Many Students who joined weren't sure about it at first but they grew to love it. Jasleyna Jimenez reflects, “I’m doing it mostly because Mr. Hanson is a good teacher and truly believes in the program.” 

Some students just joined because they wanted to try something new. Gonzales says, “It seems like a lot of fun and I wanted to ‘get out there’ this year.” 

Many students are hesitant to join because they do not want to be in front of the camera. However, there are many different roles that do not involve being filmed.  For example editing, design, tech manager, and behind the scenes. Jimenez’s role in EP media is working behind the scenes, camera-related things, and taking photos. 

The majority of the news anchors felt nervous at first, but they eventually got used to it. Gonzalez adds, “In the beginning I was nervous but now it's just second nature.” 

EP Media is designed to be fun for students and allow them to express their creativity. Gonzalez mentions, “I love behind the scenes and bloopers.” 

As EP Media continues to grow, Hansen has ambitious goals for the program's future. He hopes to expand course offerings, involve more students, and collaborate with the broader community. By providing students with opportunities to learn, grow, and contribute, EP Media is shaping the next generation of media professionals.

Mallory Johnson is one of the newer girls' JV soccer coaches and staff members here at East Pennsboro High School. She teaches P.E. and sports Leadership. She is very well-known and well-liked by all students. 

She came to East Pennsboro after graduating from Messiah University. At Messiah, she played soccer and won the national championship with her team. She goes on to explain that her winning was her favorite memory of it all. She was very close with her team, and they still stay in touch through social media.  

She's been playing soccer since she was 4 years old, and of course, as she got older competition became much more challenging. She did have a pretty strict coach, but one of her favorite memories was when he gave her and her team a fun practice. 

A memory Johnson does not want to remember as much is a pretty intense injury she suffered during her junior year of college. She tore her quad but was told it was just pulled, and she continued to play through the pain and fight for her team. 

Soon enough, she realized it was more than a pull, and unfortunately had to get surgery. After everything, Johnson realized she wanted to stay active and become the East Pennsboro High School soccer coach. 

She explained how she has always wanted to be a coach, especially considering her health and P.E background. She says, “I'm very passionate about the sport, and I want to help others achieve that passion, and I just think this is the perfect setting.¨  When I spoke to one of her players Jayleen Frias, she expresses that Johnson is a very effective, and encouraging coach who is always willing to go the extra mile to reassure and congratulate her players. 

When Johnson was younger she knew she wanted to do something within the exercise science field. She claims that at first, she wanted to be a strength and conditioning coach, and then in college, she realized she would rather be a teacher.  Johnson has two brothers and a sister. Her brothers were also athletes, mainly focused on baseball, football, and basketball. 

She and her twin sister started playing soccer together, but when her sister was about 10, she started to become more interested in color guard and marching band. Johnson and her siblings are all close, but they are very competitive when it comes down to it. 

Johnson explains that she is confident that if she never played soccer, she would be in the same position she is now, because she is always active, and she probably would have picked up another sport. 

Johnson's favorite hobbies outside of teaching and coaching are pickleball and reading. She has gotten hooked on the hobby of reading over the summer, and she enjoys pickleball due to her competitive nature. Overall, Johnson has quickly adapted to East Pennsboro High School and is already a very appreciated teacher and friend on and off the field. 

Watch out, Panthers; there’s a new art teacher in class; Elyssabeth Thompson.

Thompson has worked as an art teacher for 4 years but has only started teaching at EPAHS just this year. She is passionate about art and wants to share it with her students.

Thompson connects to art on a personal level, and she views it as a critical skill and more than just a hobby. According to her, it is a way for the public to “express themselves,” and is a voice that lets people share their political and cultural history and opinions.

Thompson notices people who may think otherwise; that art is just a craft. “Many of my students, even ones who were [talented], have doubt that they; or [anyone] could, or would actually use art in a career. Some of them, or [a lot] of them, view it as just a hobby,” Thompson adds.

Despite this, she always progresses and helps her students grow. Although Thompson teaches many different media forms for art, she claims the hardest is simply creativity.

Thompson explains, “I think, not necessarily art, but the hardest thing for students in art, is probably problem-solving. Creativity is also [something] that many of my students have, but struggle to [use] independently.”

Now that Thompson has entered our high school, she notices a change in who she teaches. Art is a requirement in middle schools; but, now that all students are actively involved and electing art as a course, they are much more engaged.

Thompson still plans to continue art shows this year. Only 10 students will be invited to display, giving art students a good competition. 

Last year, she had many unique artworks being submitted, so she has good hopes for her students.

Outside of school, Thompson enjoys attending art museums and shows to enjoy and learn from other experienced artists.