Roosevelt Intermediate School

Project Title: Who Is Your Hero And What Is His/Her Accomplishment?

Eighth grade students in the Roosevelt Intermediate School chose their own heroes and courageous people to showcase in their web design class. The students were in an 8th grade project technology class. They used digital stories to showcase the biographies and many accomplishments of their personal heroes.


Digital storytelling is the modern expression of the ancient art of storytelling. Digital stories derive their power by weaving images, music, narrative and voice together, giving deep dimension and vivid color to characters, situations, experiences and insights. (Leslie Rule, Digital Storytelling Association) The images used in these digital stories were found utilizing Google Images. In some cases, YouTube videos were incorporated into the stories.


The spoken word is a hugely compelling multimedia art form and instructional product. Students have to research and write a script, read it aloud, know what they are reading, and infuse it with emotion and intention.

Digital stories can be used in almost every area of the curriculum. Students can write about a person, event, or place that has meaning to them. Its use in the classroom is powerful and should not be underestimated.

Who Is Your Hero?

"A hero is an ordinary individual who finds the strength to persevere and endure
in spite of overwhelming obstacles."

~Christopher Reeve

John F. Kennedy by Emma

Walt Disney by Caity

Winston Churchill by Nick

Abraham Lincoln by Charlie

Oprah Winfrey by Jordan

Rosa Parks by Casey

Amelia Earhart by Maddy

Eleanor Roosevelt by Tara

The video at the right was created for Black History Month by Pamela Friedman, instructional technology specialist at Roosevelt Intermediate School. Although it's not technically a digital story, it was created using images and music. The video montage was shared with the students, staff, and community members in Westfield as a tribute to all the African American heroes, past and present, who have influenced and changed America.