In August of 2019, Jacob Williamson (School Resource Officer), and Tammy Neil (Computer Science Teacher) came together to plan a new after school activity, esports. After extensive research and conversations with various esports experts, Officer Williamson and Mrs. Neil created a proposal for Suwannee Middle School Principal, Laura Williams. Mrs. Williams was encouraged to support the program based on the research that showed middle school students that were connected to the school beyond academics were more likely to be successful. From that point, she contacted our Title IV Resource, Keith Stavig, and our district IT Director, Josh Williams. After some discussion about student security and resources needed, it was agreed that the club could proceed.

In January, 2020 the first meeting of the Suwannee Middle School Esports Club. There were over 40 students at that first meeting. Students were excited about playing Rocket League competitively. We started live streaming the matches because there were so many interested in seeing the games. We were well on our way to participate in the first ever Middle School Rocket League Championship when Covid-19 hit.

When the following school year began, SMS Esports Club picked up where they left off. However, this time there was a new game in the mix, Minecraft Edu. Students stayed after school on Tuesdays and Thursdays to learn how to build inside Minecraft. SMS Esports Club was invited to participate in the Garden State Esports League (New Jersey) because there wasn’t a middle school option in Florida. We made it to the first round of the championship. Students were excited to compete. They began supporting each other to grow in skills. A parent even donated jerseys to make the team even more cohesive.

During this season, we added an announcer to our live streams. This student learned how to navigate the software and create graphics to promote the club. By the second semester the school’s TV Production Club joined us to boost our live stream presence. Heather Dean, ELA Teacher, headed up the TV Production Club. She jumped in and began directing the live stream show. Additional shoutcasters (announcers) were added and the show quickly became a shining star of our program.

By the end of our Fall season, our students were wanting to play schools closer to home. If we could play in the New Jersey League, why couldn’t we have a Florida League? Mrs. Neil took this request and contacted the North American Scholastic Esports Federation to see what could be done. Since that time, a new Florida Affiliate has been formed. Mrs. Neil is now the President of the Sunshine State Esports League (SSEL). SSEL is dedicated to supporting esports in the k-12 through collegiate arenas.

Back in the classroom, the live stream took on an even bigger role. It was clear there was an opportunity to expand the CTE offerings at Suwannee Middle School. A broadcasting class was formed for the 2021-2022 school year. It has taken on the task of creating a weekly news show. The show is a student led, student run program. Mrs. Neil teaches skills necessary for quality journalistic endeavors. She is also the final editor and uploader for the program, however students write the scripts, design all the graphics and run the actual recording of the broadcasts.

The future of this amazing CTE program is bright. We are awaiting upgraded computer equipment so students can learn the Adobe Suite. Once that is complete, they will also begin earning industry certifications in Adobe products. These certifications are recognized throughout the world as the gold standard for broadcasting.