For the past three years, Lauren Kaszonyi has taught a public relations class at Thomas Jefferson High School.
Her class develops publicity strategies for school organizations each semester. This month, her 13 students are working on the spring musical, “The Addams Family,” which takes the stage on March 12, 13 and 14.
Musical Director Sandra Barker came to the classroom to explain what their next project would be.
“This has something for the entire community,” she said of the musical. “It's over the top, and there's a great deal of music.”
As she spoke, the students recorded her remarks on their client-information forms. They were looking for general information and any details they should concentrate on.
Her students have had experience working with the prom committee, student council and the marching band. They had even produced a video for the Lip Dub contest this fall. In class, they brainstorm the best strategy for the needs of their “clients.”
Kaszonyi, who has a bachelor of science in English education and a bachelor of arts in advertising and public relations at Penn State University, drew on her public relations internships and created the course for students.
“I recruit them from my AP classes,” she said. “They're creative and good communicators and speakers.”
She and the teenagers are engaged in the work.
“This is my favorite class,” said senior Emma Skrippen, of Pleasant Hills. “I'm sad I didn't take it before this.”
She enjoys taking on leadership roles and, like many others, uses free periods or after-school hours to do additional work on projects.
Barker requested the campaign target three audiences: their peers, students at other schools and the community. To that end, approaches might involve a promotional video on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram and morning announcements on TJTV and PHMS TV stations, cafeteria bulletin board display, posters and fliers to all district buildings, posters and yard signs and a raffle item donated by a merchant or sports team to entice high schoolers to attend — but only if Barker approves.
Devin Tomino, a senior from Pleasant Hills, considers herself a public relations veteran.
“It was my last-period elective,” she said. “It was a nice way to end the day and to give back.”
Dona S. Dreeland is a staff writer for Trib Total Media. She can be reached at 412-388-5803 or ddreeland@tribweb.com.
