Over the last few years I have had the privilege of connecting with one of our Edgewater residents, Anne Herbst, who works for 9News. I sent her emails whenever good news stories were happening in our schools from our graduates walking through the local elementary schools to a pen pal project with students in Tanzania. 

I started Edgewater Collective because I knew good things were happening in our schools and I wanted to lift those stories up. I was so frustrated when our schools would just be in the news for low test scores or other incidents.

This school year Anne Herbst and Nelson Garcia from 9News have been around Jefferson Junior/Senior High School with their cameras chronicling the stories of staff and four seniors. So often outsiders see our schools in terms of test scores and deficits, but those of us who are part of the school communities see them in terms of stories and assets. The best part of the Jefferson Project from 9News is that you get to hear the stories of students first hand. 9News will be following these students from the first day of their senior year until they graduate this spring. These stories are now starting to show up on the 9News website.

I will warn those who know Jefferson well. Grab a box of tissues. Our students and staff are amazing!

Part One

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Mw0DgfhDsjM

Part Two

A Jefferson Christmas

Part Three

Part Four

Senior Traditions

The Annual Cap and Gown Walk

Graduation Day

Full Documentary