Creative Guild supports Troy students through different media interests

TROY — Students with an interest in different creative media-based projects like photography, podcasting, audio work and videography, among others, may now explore their interests through Troy School District’s Creative Guild.

The Creative Guild is operating for its fourth school year, though similar programs have existed within the district in the past.

The aim of the Creative Guild is to utilize social media technology for the different district programs and events, and to give students the means to put their own voices into the various projects they will work on.

Some of the projects these students may work on include doing camera work for school games and concerts, doing video production work for Board of Education meetings, as well as podcasting and documentary projects.

“We’re very fortunate to have support from the board and district administration who value this experience for our students,” Thomas Butcher, a district creative content producer, said in an email. “Student Producers of the Creative Guild have the opportunities to share their own stories from the classroom and beyond. Knowing these talented young individuals is my favorite part of my role, and I’m always excited to get to work alongside them on various projects.”

Middle school and high school students can join, and currently, the program has around 40 members. The Creative Guild also offers paid work opportunities that pay students minimum wage, as well as non-paid projects.

“It’s flexible work,” Butcher said. “Students have the opportunity to volunteer for what they want to do.”

Students who are interested in joining the program do not have to have prior experience with these various mediums.

“Everyone joins at different experience levels,” Butcher said. “Some are pros, and some have zero experience. We’re not going to rehash different programs, and we’re going to meet them where they are at.”

Troy High School senior Michael Zheng does some photography and videography work with the Creative Guild and has done work at football games, concerts and with documentaries that focus on highlighting different district staff and students. He was part of his school’s film and photography club when Butcher approached him about joining.

“Doing work for the school district helped me get connections and network,” Zheng said. “I definitely enjoy doing photography for sporting events, talking with teams and documenting success.”

Zheng has some interest in pursuing film throughout his life.

“I’m not sure if I’ll pursue it as a major, but I do want to pursue film in college and the rest of my life,” Zheng said.

Troy High School senior Meera Iyer became interested in joining the Creative Guild after listening to a podcast associated with the district during the COVID pandemic.

“I mainly create and produce podcasts, but I also take photos at sporting events,” Iyer said. “I started podcasting a year in and had a passion for photos.”

Iyer has little trouble balancing her work with the Creative Guild and her school work.

“Mr. Butcher understands we’re students, and he supports everyone,” Iyer said. “I don’t have any issues balancing it.”

She is very interested in continuing this kind of work outside of high school and potentially working in a sports social media-based job.

“I really want to keep taking photos and keep podcasting,” Iyer said.

Athens High School Senior Anoush Rophael found the Creative Guild after discovering a video club during a high school club fair. She mainly does photos and videos with the group. She has covered sporting events and concerts.

“It’s more like a hobby to me,” Rophael said. “Hopefully, I’ll do more in the future, maybe as a freelance photographer.”

For more information, visit the Creative Guild’s Instagram page @tsdcreativeguild or the Creative Guild’s YouTube channel at youtube.com/@TSDCreativeGuild/featured.