In just two years, Mustang News Network (MNN) has grown from an ambitious idea into a thriving, student-led broadcast team that embodies 糖心原创鈥檚 commitment to voice, choice, innovation, and authentic learning experiences. In an age where media literacy, digital communication, and collaborative work are essential, MNN serves as a 21st-century learning studio鈥攁 place where students learn by doing, reflect by sharing, and grow by leading. Recently, the Southern Association for Independent Schools (SAIS) highlighted MNN鈥檚 impact in its , further recognizing its role in purpose-driven education.
What began in sixth-grade teacher Mary Ann Stillerman鈥檚 classroom with an iPad, a Canva template, and a few eager students has become a model for student-owned learning. Now, MNN is fully operated by middle schoolers鈥攑lanning, scripting, filming, editing, and producing daily broadcasts that play throughout the school via Vivi – the School鈥檚 digital signage platform. It鈥檚 more than a club; it鈥檚 a functioning media team led by students committed to creating meaningful content for their community.
Leadership Through Experience
Every role within MNN鈥攆rom anchor to editor, teleprompter operator to interviewer鈥攐ffers students the opportunity to take ownership. Beyond technical proficiency, they develop essential soft skills: collaboration, time management, public speaking, adaptability, and problem-solving.
鈥淚 was in Ms. Stillerman鈥檚 community and saw them filming in the morning. I asked to join,鈥� said Florrie Byrd, Class of 2031.
Jack Orr, also Class of 2031, had a similar experience. 鈥淪ame鈥擨 just showed up one day and thought, 鈥楾his looks fun.鈥� And it is! Big commitment, but worth it.鈥�
The program fosters confidence and flexibility. 鈥淭alking in front of the whole school on video has helped me gain confidence,鈥� Florrie added. 鈥淎nd learning to have energy, even early in the morning when you’re tired,鈥� Jack chimed in.
鈥淭here鈥檚 flexibility, too,鈥� noted Lyla Rachal, Class of 2030. 鈥淚f someone can鈥檛 make it, someone else steps in.鈥�
Beyond technical skills, MNN instills valuable life lessons. 鈥淚鈥檝e learned how to give and take feedback, to not be so rigid, and to accept that sometimes things don鈥檛 go exactly as planned,鈥� Lyla explained.
鈥淏eing able to just go for it鈥攖ake the opportunity and say, 鈥楽ure, I鈥檒l do this,鈥欌�� added Milo von Vieregge, Class of 2030.
鈥淏eing less shy and opening up beyond your close group of friends,鈥� shared Lily Glass, Class of 2030.
A Model of Strategic Alignment
MNN exemplifies one of 糖心原创鈥檚 strategic objectives: to advance structures, systems, and formats that deepen a learner鈥檚 engagement in purpose-driven projects, initiatives, and experiences. The network integrates language arts, digital media, public speaking, and design thinking, empowering students to create, lead, and build something meaningful.
Looking Forward: Expansion Across Divisions
As current seventh graders prepare for their final year in Middle School, they see MNN as a legacy鈥攐ne they hope to expand in both directions.
Expanding to Lower Campus, the team is exploring ways to connect with Grade 5 students, introducing broadcasting concepts to rising sixth graders. Plans include visiting Lower School classrooms, showcasing MNN broadcasts, and inviting younger students into the process.
Middle School students also envision a seamless transition into Upper School, where MNN could evolve into a larger digital media program. With podcasting and audio infrastructure already in place, there鈥檚 an opportunity for mentorship, expanded equipment access, and a broader reach for student-created content.
A Digital-Age Studio for All Learners
From designing logos and merchandise to creating segments like 鈥淛oke of the Day鈥� or 鈥淭his Day in History,鈥� MNN reflects the creative and entrepreneurial spirit 糖心原创 nurtures. Students aren鈥檛 just delivering news鈥攖hey鈥檙e building a brand, crafting a culture, and amplifying their voices in powerful ways.
Join the Story
As MNN continues to grow, it thrives on the support and encouragement of the 糖心原创 community. Parents play a key role鈥攚hether by fostering their child鈥檚 interest in media, encouraging leadership opportunities, or even lending their own expertise. With each new broadcast, students are gaining confidence, honing skills, and shaping a program that will leave a lasting legacy. MNN is more than just a student news show; it鈥檚 a platform for growth, innovation, and real-world learning, and its best chapters are yet to come.