WHS Communications Students Get Hands-On Experiences at Gillette Stadium
Watertown HIgh School juniors Gavin Russo and Luke Anderson have been putting their classroom lessons to the test, working in the video and graphics control room at Gillette Stadium for New England Revolution games this fall.
Russo and Anderson, who are both students in the Digital Media Communications pathway program, have gained practical, hands-on experience by working two Revs games in recent weeks, shadowing Gillette Stadium control room personnel and learning about in-stadium video production.
Both students were in the control room for Lionel Messi’s appearance at Gillette Stadium on November 1. More than 54,000 fans were in attendance to watch the Revs play Messi’s squad, Inter Miami.
“My experience at Gillette Stadium was very inspiring and I was brought in with arms open by Nick Clevenger the Broadcast Systems Engineer and Kyle Holly Director of Audio Visual and Broadcast Systems,” Russo said. “Since 9th grade I have been very inspired by broadcasting and seeing what professional sports teams can do amazed me.”
“It was great to go back and experience how things behind the scenes run. It felt unreal to actually take part in the production of a live event, or at least to witness what goes into it firsthand,” said Anderson. “Being able to do something that not many students have the opportunity to do is a privilege that can only benefit me in the long run, and I plan to take every advantage that I get to get a step ahead in the future. I do have to thank Mr. ‘Sarge’ Riley for giving me this opportunity and the proper experience to get to the places I am and will be in the future.”
The experience has been made possible, in part, by WHS Digital Media Communications teacher Mike Riley. Mr. Riley also serves as the public address announcer at Gillette Stadium, and is affectionately known as “Sarge,” a moniker that has stuck with him since his days working at 98.5 The Sports Hub.
"I am very proud of Gavin and Luke for taking up on the opportunity to work multiple events this year at Gillette Stadium,” Riley said. “Both jumped on the chance when they were offered it during a field trip in the control room last year. Seeing students take advantage of opportunities offered is one of the things that are brought into the classroom daily, making connections and utilizing your skills in a professional work environment.”
Mr. Riley has taught broadcasting, video production, audio production, public speaking, and media relations classes in Watertown since the 2023-2024 school year.
Watertown High School’s Digital Media Communications program is one of four Chapter 74 Career and Technical Education pathway programs offered by WHS, along with Medical Assisting, Engineering Technology, and Early Childhood Education. WHS plans to add a fifth Chapter 74 program, Culinary Arts, in 2027. The district recently received a state grant that will allow Watertown to pursue adding carpentry and/or electrical programs in the coming years.
