In March of 2023, some Hovatter students attended the LCPS Maker Showcase hosted at the Academies of Loudoun. Our students were presenting on various topics including 3D printing, Minecraft and passion projects. The students also had an opportunity to visit other schools' presentations. It was there that our students became inspired by Elaine Thompson's Shark Cast podcast crew. Soon after, our students began researching what it would take to create our own podcast team.
Through the help of our generous PTA, Hovatter received it's podcast equipment in the winter and formed a small team nominated by teachers to pilot podcasting. After several brainstorming sessions on content, the team chose their theme of Honeybee Expeditions; Buzzworthy Adventures as it had the potential to grow in various ways. With the help of our business partner OG Media, the team created a logo and began researching national and state parks. They also had the opportunity to identify and call rangers from across the country to interview. Students also worked with our music teacher, Stephen Readyoff to create an original intro and outro music. Lastly students, recorded their podcast and edited to publish. Two episodes are available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts with more planned for the fall. The podcast crew is led by IFT, Peggy Tyree.