Freedom of expression

There’s a new outlet of expression for Cushing students, thanks to a recently launched multimedia arts vocational site. 

“It’s a really innovative way to try to promote the student voice and student vision,” said Meghan Byrne, Cushing’s associate vice president of marketing and admissions. “As with all of our vocational sites, we want to help them move from least to most independent, and collaborate with one another. Social skills will be a big part of this class.” 

“We were brainstorming about opening a new site, and a lot of students were asking about technology and creativity, so I pitched it to Meghan,” said Vinny DeSilva, Cushing’s director of vocational services. “It’s another opportunity to expose them to global vocational skills.” 

High school and vocational students are taking the multimedia arts classes, which started in late March, led by Hannah Meallo. Meallo, who had been working as an administrative assistant for Cushing’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) service department, jumped at the opportunity to get into the classroom.

“I always wanted to have a much more interactive role with the students,” she said. “I had done some extra volunteering and gone with seniors on the Disney trip, but when I heard about this new program, it just sang to me. I love that I get to flex that creative muscle and work with the students.” 

Students kicked off the class working on poster or Google Slides presentations about themselves. “There were some really cool little pearls that came out of that, like learning who loves jazz or whose favorite cake is lemon cake,” said Meallo. “I want them to understand how to express themselves in a non-traditional way and know that they can be creative without using paint and paper or what they would normally consider typical art supplies.”

Meallo plans to focus the first part of the class on photography and videography. Through photography and design, they will work on newsletters, a yearbook and a Cushing cookbook. Through videography, they will explore a newscast, animation and coding.

“They’re reporting on events that are meaningful to them,” said Byrne. “They’re really excited about a yearbook publication and the news broadcasting. And it will be instructional as well, teaching them how to safely navigate Internet technology.” 

“It’s a different way to express their creativity and interests,” said DeSilva. “So many of them are way more tech savvy than me, so it’s fun to see what they’re bringing to the class.” 

Down the road, Meallo will introduce them to the idea of becoming makers and sellers, creating their own branded merchandise such as T-shirts and artisan products. Embroidery and Cricut machines will likely be introduced, and students will learn about pricing and marketing items. 

“I’d love to take them to craft fairs and have them create an Etsy page,” said Meallo. “I want them to see you can be self-sufficient off of your hobbies or interests, and this could lead to jobs within the field of media and journalism or by having your own Etsy shop. I want to broaden their horizons and encourage that they can and should do whatever their hearts desire.”