The Sunrise team at Barrington High School is still working hard each day to bring their fellow students the news, despite the challenges presented by the coronavirus pandemic.

In fact, the news team's advisor John West said the Sunrise Virtual Edition being broadcast each morning may be some of the students' best work yet.

"Needless to say, our ratings are outstanding and the quality continues to rise on a daily basis," said Mr. West, a teacher at Barrington High School.

Mr. West said members of the Eagle News Network's Sunrise team decided in mid-March that the closure of school buildings would not mean an end to the high school's morning news program. The students had used the school's studio to produce the television show during normal times, but with the building off-limits, they shifted to at-home studios and remote broadcasts.

"This was a collaborative effort with my producers and actually started shortly after going on vacation on March 13," Mr. West said.

The student producers emailed Mr. West and BHS Principal Joe Hurley on March 15 and pitched the idea of continuing the televised news program. Mr. West said the students knew it would be important to share school information with their peers during the ongoing crisis.

School leaders gave the green light to the students to continue their broadcasts.

"I'm a very proud advisor," Mr. West said, "as I've witnessed firsthand the outstanding work these students have done a daily basis. They sacrifice a portion of their days to write scripts, capture footage, collaborate, and truly take pride in their work.

"They have taken advantage of the ultimate opportunity to be a journalist and hone their skills."

Mr. West said the Sunrise team members have exhibited impressive skills as they navigate new challenges with each broadcast. He said the first few broadcasts were especially difficult.

"We're learning lessons together including the important information our school community needs to hear as this has gone beyond our normal school announcements," he said.

The team has been communicating daily to review coverage ideas, write and edit scripts, create graphics and capture footage.

"Viewers consistently praise our Sunrise team for the dedication, hard work, and professionalism," Mr. West said.

ENN staff

Following is a list of the students who are involved with the Eagle News Network and the Sunrise program:

• ENN producers: Jack Culton, Owen Crain

• Audio technician: Freya Emerson

• Teleprompter: Addy Martin

• Graphics designer: Xan Maddock-Mark

• Camera operators: Jerry Zhao, Phoebe Martin, Rafe Navarro, Will Loew

• Sunrise hosts: Owen Crain, Xan Maddock-Mark

• CPT flash hosts: Jill LaMontagne, Riley Leadem

• Sports anchor: Riley Leadem

• Weather anchor: Jill LaMontagne

• Special guests interviewer: Raina Moore

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Matt Hayes, Barrington Times Publisher