The announcement program In the Know (ITK) began in the mid 1990’s when the school was located in what is now Fluvanna Middle School. The production studio seen in the photo above was crafted together out of any TV the ITK staff could find, plus some random tables pulled together. One well-known FCHS staff member actually was a part of that TV Production class long ago: Special Education teacher Nick Ward.
“I was in TV Production when I attended high school while I was still in middle school. The biggest difference between then and now is the advancement of technology. [David] Small has always had so much positive energy and he set me up for success. I highly encourage students to take every opportunity he gives you,” said Ward.
Small and former FCHS Choir teacher Horace Scruggs were the original anchors of the first ITK program which they filmed after school one day in the mid-1990s. The show was then a regular part of Small’s Broadcasting class, which eventually became the TV Production Small teaches today.
Years later, ITK is posted on YouTube daily and continues to help keep students and staff informed of everything that is happening around the school and community. While there are many behind-the-scenes camera people and technology staff that make the program possible, the most recognized members of the ITK staff are the anchors.
Each year, students receive the opportunity to audition for an anchor role in the show. This year’s anchors include the following: Savannah Peterson, Ruby Frazier, Neveah Ferguson, Lauren Green, Ruby Goldewski, Mia Grace Dixon, Brandon Rougie, Vanessa Vandevernder, Megan Pounsberry, Emily Chiripka, Jocelyn Childress, and Charlie Thompson. Jadyn Woolstenulme and Annika Potter anchor “The Lunch Ladies” segment.
What does it take to get a role as an anchor? “The anchor job is open to any student in the high school. We are looking for individuals who read well on camera and are able to connect with the audience. Voice characteristics are considered when pairing individuals,” Small said, adding, “It is our hope that the anchors are a good representation of our student body as a whole.”
There are some returning anchors as well as some new anchors this year. One newcomer is Ferguson, who recently auditioned for the role of anchor and got the role. “I was nervous before my audition, but I took some deep breaths to calm me down and I felt prepared. I wanted to do In The Know because I have always watched it and always wanted to do it so this year I decided to go for it. It always seemed like a lot of fun,” she said.
Behind the scenes, ITK is managed by seniors Camryn Ngov and Paul Addington.
“What I do as a Co-Fluco TV Station Manager is oversee all In The Know operations. Whether it be producing, bringing together a crew, making sure equipment is working properly, or even doing small tasks that help out around the studio, Paul and I work together to keep everything in order and smoothly running. I really enjoy my position and everything it entails. It keeps me on my toes and is, overall, a great experience,” said Ngov.
Students interested in trying out as an anchor in the future can see Small in Room 4505.
