High Schoolers Win National Award for Live Event Production

High school students from Louisiana to Kansas are showing what happens when you give young people professional tools and trust them to create something amazing.

The 2026 DakClassroom Student Showcase just announced its winners, celebrating students who produced everything from high-energy hype videos to polished athlete features used at real school events. These weren't class projects tucked away in a portfolio. They were broadcast-quality productions that lit up scoreboards and livestreams at actual games.

At Haughton High School in Louisiana, a team of 10 students won Best Hype Video by mastering multiple camera angles and advanced editing techniques. Their instructor, Joshua O'Nishea, couldn't hide his pride. "This was our first year with all things Daktronics, and we have loved every bit of it," he said. "Winning the award just makes it that much sweeter in recognizing this special group of students for their hard work and dedication."

In Wichita, Kansas, students at Bishop Carroll Catholic High School swept two categories. They created both a professional athlete feature that elevated game-day experiences and a sponsored content piece that seamlessly integrated branding into a "Play of the Game" segment. That's the kind of skill advertising agencies pay top dollar for.

Watertown High School in South Dakota took home Best Overall Production by managing an entire production environment. Students coordinated video board content, livestreaming, and instant replay with the precision of a professional broadcast crew.

The Ripple Effect

This competition represents something bigger than trophies. Schools across America struggle to prepare students for careers that didn't exist a generation ago. DakClassroom bridges that gap by combining ready-to-use curriculum with professional-grade equipment and real-world application.

Lake City Public Schools in Minnesota won the Classroom Impact and Leadership Award for demonstrating how student-led media programs can transform school culture. When students see their work matter beyond a grade, they lean in differently. They show up early, stay late, and push themselves to meet professional standards.

The program gives students hands-on experience with the exact tools and workflows they'll use in media careers. No theoretical exercises or outdated equipment. Just real projects with real deadlines and real audiences.

Schools using DakClassroom can participate in future competitions, giving students opportunities for national recognition while building portfolios that open doors to colleges and careers.

These students aren't just learning to make videos—they're discovering what they're capable of when someone believes in their potential.