From Photoshop to broadcast production, Crusader Media does it all!  Digital Media instructor, Ariana Smith, helps students stimulate their creativity and hone their skills in the world of digital media.

Crusader Media can’t be described as one class or just a club.  It’s actually a combination of them both.  “Crusader Media is made up of classes, club members, and faculty and staff,” says Smith.  

As the head of the Crusader Media Department, Mrs. Ariana Smith teaches three classes relating to media as well as oversees the Crusader Media Club.  Those three classes are Media and Communications I, Media and Communications II, and Honors Creative Media.   

Media and Communications I focuses primarily on the beginning stages of digital design.  “The students develop Adobe software skills including Photoshop, Illustrator, Indesign, and Lightroom,”  explains Smith.  

Media and Communications II is the follow-up course wherein students build on what was learned in the previous course as well as gain photography and graphic design skills.  This course focuses more on the yearbook aspect of Saint Louis School.

Honors Creative Media is the most advanced course out of the three.  Honors Creative Media students produce and broadcast all aspects of video.  

While students gain knowledge from the classroom, the learning doesn’t stop there.  Members of Crusader Media gain firsthand experience through matters around the school.  

 “We (Crusader Media) are in charge of some of the documentation that happens on campus by way of photos, video and live stream.  We also handle some graphic design and layouts in the yearbook,” notes Smith.  

Crusader Media has a motto or vision per se.  Together we tell our story.  Smith clarified, “It means we authentically tell the stories of Saint Louis School from the viewpoint of students first.”

Jayden Adams, a student in Honors Creative Media, explains what he loves most about the course.  “My favorite part about being involved in Crusader Media is that our projects are centered around our vision.  I’m able to be creative and control how my perspective is shared with others.  A lot of the resources are already provided.  You just need the vision.” 

Getting involved in Crusader Media is easy! Students may enroll in one of the three classes or sign up to join the Crusader Media Club.  Another student in Honors Creative Media, Vance Akau, recommends the course to other STL students.  “If you have a passion for media, this is for you.”  says Akau.  

Crusader Media continues to prepare students for the future of digital media while simultaneously stimulating creativity inside and outside of the classroom.