News

In 2004, South Kent School launched the Advanced Media Group (AMG), a program which has been pioneering the fusion of new media and the world at South Kent. Twenty years later, AMG today is still a hub for students passionate about media production, capturing the vibrant life of the Hillside community. 

The roots of AMG trace back to its founder, Gonzalo Garcia-Pedroso, who spent the majority of his 24-year tenure pioneering the integration of technology into advertising the school. Starting with an Adobe Premiere account and a laptop, AMG has evolved into a powerhouse of technological innovation. Garcia-Pedroso's dedication led to the acquisition of necessary resources, culminating in South Kent's first-ever live broadcast in 2007.

As the 2010s approached, AMG continued to evolve, providing students with even more technological resources, resulting in an impressive 180 live broadcasts in one academic year. The balance between mentorship and independence has allowed students to learn technical skills while tapping into their creativity, preparing them for the challenges of the 21st century.

Today’s AMG program is led by Aron Kowalski and Thomas Johnson, which allows students to cover a wide range of activities, including sports competitions, cultural events, academic functions, and special occasions. The students not only document these events but also edit the footage to produce polished, high-quality content that engages the South Kent community and beyond.

The distinctive aspect of AMG is its emphasis on student-led projects. Beyond capturing events, students have the opportunity to develop their own content, showcasing unique aspects of South Kent School through interviews, promotional videos, and more. Particularly noteworthy is the initiative allowing students interested in sports media to lead the production and broadcast of live sporting events on campus, enabling Cardinal fans worldwide to tune in.

The dedicated AMG students collaborate and brainstorm ideas for their projects in the newly designated space for all things AMG in the Bringhurst building. This collaborative spirit has already borne fruit, with AMG responsible for the video of the annual Thriller Dance in the center of Kent on Halloween. Throughout the school year, students have contributed to the production of numerous basketball games, showcasing their skills in various areas such as in-game production, camera operation, score graphic overlay, OBS transitions, interviews, and post-production content.

Looking ahead, AMG has set ambitious goals, including the restoration of the Hillside Update, a cherished tradition from the past. Through collaboration with the Communications Department, AMG aims to provide monthly updates that highlight current news and events, offering a comprehensive view of the South Kent experience for both students and families.

The resurgence of AMG is a testament to its historical significance and the continued commitment of South Kent School to provide students with cutting-edge opportunities. The collaboration with Kent News further exemplifies the school's dedication to student empowerment through various media programs. We eagerly anticipate the positive impact that AMG will have on the Hillside community in the coming years, fostering a new generation of media-savvy leaders.

In conclusion, the future looks promising for South Kent School's sports media programs and beyond, as AMG continues to evolve and inspire students to showcase the richness and vitality of life on the Hillside. The collaboration with Kent News sets the stage for more exciting endeavors, promising an optimistic future where student voices shine brightly in the world of media production.