Bartlett High School receives $1,500 media grant

Bartlett High School was awarded with a $1,500 media mini-grant funded by the Illinois Press Association. Jill Flanagan, a Bartlett High School English teacher and The Hawk Eye newspaper adviser, applied for the grant to develop her student’s skills and knowledge in multimedia.

“I want my students to think more visually, on a grander scale than they were before. This grant will allow us to buy camera equipment and editing software we need to enhance their skills,” said Flanagan.

Bartlett High School was one of 16 high schools in the state to receive the grant. It was offered to public or private high schools with existing media programs.

“I received the $1,500 check in the mail and it was a wonderful surprise. I couldn’t wait to share the exciting news with my students,” said Flanagan.

Twenty students are enrolled in the newspaper class. The Hawk Eye is a student-run online publication.

“This grant will change our ability and technique for how we cover the news and we will be able to provide multimedia coverage,” said Flanagan. “Students will now have more exposure to other media platforms and it will help develop important communication skills that can be cross curricular in college and in business.”

Grant requests could not exceed $1,500. The U-46 School and Community Relations Department agreed to match the amount awarded to the school.

Bartlett High School will use the grant to buy cameras, video equipment and editing software.