BOONE, Iowa—On August 17, the Boone High School EDGE program received a donation of nearly $1,000 in equipment from the Creative Spotlight Scholarship, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that recognizes outstanding academic achievements of graduating seniors.

The new equipment includes phone and standard tripods, gimbals, microphone cords, and other resources. These items will help students produce various multimedia content such as videos, podcasts, advertisements, social media campaigns, and interviews with community members and school personnel.

Additionally, the donation included portfolios for students as they prepare to enter the workforce after graduation. The equipment will enable students to work on advanced technological projects, giving them a big advantage and enabling their marketability as they build meaningful connections within the community.

EDGE, which stands for “Empowered Desire. Guided Experience,” is the Boone Community School District’s innovative work-based learning initiative. This program affords students opportunities to gain practical work experience through authentic projects, internships, tours, and guest speakers.

“We are incredibly grateful for this generous donation from the Creative Spotlight Scholarship,” said Julie Trepa, BCSD Superintendent. “This state-of-the-art equipment will be invaluable to our high school EDGE program as we work to equip our students with the tools they need to succeed in their chosen career paths. It will be put to good use starting this school year.”

Launched in 2020 by alumni from the BHS Class of 2002, the Creative Spotlight Scholarship recognizes and celebrates innovation, thought leadership, and exceptional accomplishments among graduating seniors pursuing higher education. Over the course of four years, the scholarship has disbursed more than $6,000 in funding to BCSD students.

To learn more about the Boone EDGE program, please visit https://www.boonecsd.org/o/edge. 

(contributed press release and photo, BCSD)