Because of his third session schedule at Broadmoor, senior James Franklin leaves for his Animation and Interactive Media class at 10:53 a.m. every day in place of what would be his third block period.  Franklin thoroughly enjoys his class at Broadmoor because of the freedom, creativity and overall knowledge the course provides. His teacher, Bryan Johnson, does what he can to enable his students’ creativity.  “I give them some technical requirements using the software,” said Johnson. “Aside from those requirements, the entire creative process ranging from the story, drawings, audio and sound effects are all on them and I do get a wide range of results. Putting too many restrictions on an assignment or project stifles the creative process.” Franklin gave praise to his teacher for his attitude and dedication. “He is always willing to help us if we’re having problems,” said Franklin. “Seeing what awesome things some of us make makes him cheerful.”    His friend, Alishka Jolitz, was the one that got him interested in Broadmoor last year, when she raved about her Multimedia Technology class she took. The Animation and Interactive Media course does not require extensive skills to enter, since Art Foundations and a basic computer class are the only prerequisites. Franklin’s class, which focuses on animation and design elements, is unusual in it’s structure.
“If a student has an idea for a project other than what I have given them, I will often let them do it,” said Johnson.  “As long as the objectives of the curriculum are met with their modification, I will always listen to a different spin on what I am trying to teach.”
For his favorite project, they were given alien abduction as the topic, and could take the project in their own direction from that point. Franklin used Flash CS3 for his animation, and Acid Music Studios to create his own music and sound.  Flash is his favorite program, because it uses multiple screens where he can draw an image on one, then a slightly different one a few screens over and create different effects. This includes morphing the two together to create the appearance of movement. Another favorite is a product called a Wacom tablet, which is a magnetic screen with a magnetic pen used to create drawings directly onto the computer. “You can get rid of all the sketchy lines by using layers of color evenly as well as using gradients,” said Franklin. “Drawing lines can also be set to a cligriphic mode.” Franklin said that the class gives students an environment that encourages independence, and allows each student to work at their own pace.  “We have a smaller number of students and that is more conducive to offering a relaxed atmosphere,” said Johnson. “Of course with a more relaxed setting comes an increased expectation from our students regarding rules and their work ethic. But they always rise to meet or exceed those expectations.”

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Senior Anders Newman also has third session for his Graphic Design 2 class at Broadmoor. He sees a future for himself in Graphic Design, and is working towards achieving his goal by taking this advanced class. He also recently won a jocoeducation.org website design contest, which required creating a new logo to represent public education.

One of his favorite aspects of studying at Broadmoor is the contrasted feel that the class gives.  The engaging teaching methods, unique students and flexible environment are all interesting parts of the class for Newman.

“I like the closeness and the ability to know your teacher on a first name basis,” said Newman.  “They’re not controlling, they give you free reign but they really help with the technical aspects of the class.”

Jackie Frazier, the GD1 and GD2 teacher, starts an assignment with loose guidelines to enable each student to work independently from there. Frazier assigns projects that can be used in real world situations, such as logo designs, business cards and branding.

“I try to teach them everything I needed to learn before leaving the industry,” said Frazier. “It’s very work-related and oriented to what they need to learn before heading to college.”

Newman said this focus on college preparation makes the class feel more like a career than a course. The capability of individuals to create a distinctive final product, at the quality level they choose, is more along the lines of how it would be done outside of a classroom. Newman feels that the commute and independence of the class gives the program more of a college feel, but said that it does fall short in a few areas.

“I wish there would be more critique and analyzation because that’s a really good way to get feedback,” said Newman.  “Most people don’t realize how much more work you put into [an assignment] in college.  You don’t get everything done during class time.”

An aspect of the class that helps students get their work in view of prospective colleges and employers is the contest requirements that are often assigned, such as the one Newman entered for jocoeducation.org. Newman admits that if his teacher hadn’t required this as an assignment, he most likely wouldn’t have known or done anything about it. He approached the contest how he does most projects; by creating a modern design that is simple yet unique.

The class allows Newman to be around others that share his interest, talent, and diversity when it comes to design, though each with a different level of commitment.

“There’s a mixed range,” said Newman. “There’s definitely people that go in there and do nothing but then there’s those individuals that go in to actually work. You definitely get out what you put into it.”

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Junior Jeff Lefko is involved in a different art form at Broadmoor: the culinary arts. For Lefko, studying at Broadmoor offers many opportunities to learn the essentials of the hospitality industry.  As a chef at the Broadmoor Bistro, a fully functioning restaurant, he is offered a situation not available to most 17(?) year-olds.

“I feel really graeful that I’m able to work at one of the greatest programs in the country,” said Lefko. “It’s kind of a coincidence that out of all the places in the country, that it’s actually in our school district.”

The Culinary Arts class is taught by Bob Brassard, known by his students as Chef Bob. The Culinary Arts and Commercial Baking programs at Broadmoor are considered to be two of the top secondary educational courses in the country. Under the observant gaze of Brassard, the students prepare everything from Porcini Dusted Roasted Poussin to some of Lefko’s favorites like mushroom rosotto, roasted duck and hundreds of sauces. Brassard has been in the cooking industry for over 30 years gaining experience he is able to pass on to his students.

“I teach my class from the chef prospective and expectations,” said Brassard. “I guess the main aspect is to have a personal standard in what you do. Perform at that standard. Be accountable and be able to except accolades and critique.”

A majority of the culinary and baking students attend class from 12:25 to 2:30, where they study new dishes, techniques and equipment.  A select few who have a greater interest in pursuing the culinary arts are offered the opportunity to stay and help run the on-site restaurant, the Broadmoor Bistro.  Lefko is one of the few.

“I like the hands on activity of the restaurant class,” said Lefko. “It’s chaotic and stressful but that’s what makes it very exciting. It’s good for the future if you want to open up a restaurant or go to culinary school, or even if you’re just cooking at home for friends.

Another feature of Broadmoor’s Culinary Arts class that isn’t present at East is a monthly visit from a James Beard chef.  One Tuesday every month, the program invites an accomplished chef from places like New York and Greece to visit Broadmoor.  When these chefs come, they not only observe the students at work, but also offer them one-on-one sessions.  Lefko is already planning to attend Culinary Arts 2 as a senior next year and possibly study abroad in France or Italy for a semester in college to further his skill in the culinary arts.

“You have to do more than your share because that is what it takes to succeed,” said Brassard. “Some students get it. Others do not. Jeff gets it.”

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