On Aug. 31 at John Gupton Stadium, students had their first night running the new jumbo-sized LED video scoreboard with Leander ISD School Community Relations. Students were hired by the district to operate the large screen display and film different angles of the football field.

“I think it went well. No major issues occurred, and we all adapted to what we needed to do,” senior Jadon Porter said. “Overall the flow was better than what we expected for the first day. I expect us to keeping it going, doing what we gotta do, continue collaborating with each other and creating a great outcome.”

The video scoreboards are at three stadiums: A.C. Bible, John Gupton and Ed W. Monroe costing $1.89 million to construct and stand 55 ft. tall. The project was approved by the school board last February, and advertising revenue will help cover costs.

“It went really well, we had a few technical issues here and there,” Gupton Scoreboard Director for Mark Soto said. “Everybody was doing a fantastic job with the cameras and rolling with the cameras and little stuff thrown at our way. Everybody seemed to be happy with it. I think it’s amazing that Leander ISD is doing this, letting the students grow and develop skills for everybody, the communication and working as a team and everybody having a common goal. I think that’s what they’re trying to foster for the students here.”

Students were entering into 11th and 12th grade received emails about applying for the scoreboard jobs. Applicants fill out an application and attended a group interview to understand the job expectations. 

“I enjoy the job since it’s a step forward to advance from what I already experience in high school broadcast class.” Porter said.