Selection Results

A Message for Candidates and Families

It takes courage to apply for something competitive, and you should be proud of yourself. Regardless of the outcome, you showed leadership, creativity, and a willingness to step up.

Every application was reviewed carefully, and these decisions are never easy. We had far more qualified applicants than available spots.

We know this process can bring strong emotions and questions, so we’ve addressed a few of the most common ones below.

What We Look For – Selection Criteria

All applicants are evaluated using the same process and scoring system. This included:

• Thoughtfulness and depth of application responses

• Participation in an interview or group activity

• Quality and effort in the video submission (if completed)

• Teacher feedback on character, collaboration, leadership, and dependability

• For current members: demonstrated growth, work ethic, and contribution to the team

Our goal is to build a balanced team, not simply select the most outgoing or polished performers. We look for students who bring different strengths and who will contribute positively to the group.

Frequently Asked Questions (usually from parents/guardians)

Q: My child did everything right. Why weren’t they selected?
With so many strong applicants, not every qualified student can be selected. Like building any team, we look for a mix of strengths, perspectives, and roles. Many students who were not selected had excellent applications.

Q: Why don’t you post a public list of students who were selected?
I share results privately by email rather than posting a public list. With far more applicants than available spots, this approach respects student privacy and allows families to process the news in their own way.

Q: Can we get feedback?
Due to the number of applicants, individualized feedback is not available.

Q: Is the process fair?
Yes. Every candidate completed the same application, was evaluated using the same criteria, and had access to the same opportunities, including the video submission and group interview.

Final Thought

If you applied to RioTV, you showed courage and a desire to make your school better. That matters, and it’s something to be proud of, no matter what comes next.

Second Chance Application Process (start of the new school year)

Some students still want to be part of RioTV even after the initial selection process ends. For those students, we offer a Second Chance Application.

How Second Chance works:

• Applications will be available in Room B-5 on the second day of school

• The process begins with a paper application that must be picked up in person

• Submit your completed application as soon as possible — spots are limited and will be filled quickly

• Due to the fast pace of the school year, our selection process will move quickly. Be sure to follow the instructions on the paper application carefully. Prepare for a possible in-person, individual or group activity, to be scheduled on that FIRST THURSDAY or FRIDAY of school.

Mr. Ippolito has served as the RioTV Advisor since 2018. At this time he has every intention of continuing in that role for the upcoming school year. However, roles and people change over time. This Second Chance application plan is not intended to encumber any future RioTV Advisor, should Mr. Ippolito no longer serve in that role for the next school year.