Daktronics has completed a project to design, manufacture, and install advanced LED video displays at Plum Senior High School in the Pittsburgh area. This initiative, spearheaded by the We’re All Mustangs Here Foundation and supported by former professional football player and sports analyst Pat McAfee, aims to enhance the school’s sports facilities and provide educational opportunities for students. The unveiling of the displays took place over the weekend, marking a significant upgrade for the school’s athletic programs.
The project includes an outdoor video display at the football stadium, an indoor display in the gymnasium, and fixed-digit scoreboards at both venues. Additionally, the installation features digital content for the displays and a subscription to Daktronics’ FrameWrx platform, which allows for the creation of customized content. The school’s students will also benefit from the DakClassroom curriculum, designed to teach them how to operate the displays during live events.
Kyle Sydow, Daktronics’ high schools market manager, expressed the broader impact of the project. “This project shows that giving back can go further than you imagine,” he stated. “It’s not just about the student-athletes competing. Now there’s a whole new group of students getting a chance to showcase their skills on game day.”
Empowering Students Through Technology
The initiative goes beyond simply providing new technology; it focuses on creating learning opportunities for students. Through the DakClassroom curriculum, teachers can equip students with the necessary skills, experience, and confidence for production roles during their high school years and beyond. This curriculum aligns with Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards, introducing students to technical terminology and helping them understand how to operate Daktronics LED equipment and control systems.
The FrameWrx platform complements this educational approach by enabling students to design and customize content that reflects their school’s branding. This tool allows them to create graphics, which can then be displayed during sporting events, providing a practical application of their skills. Sydow emphasized the significance of this experience, stating, “This is about more than installing a new display for Plum Senior High School to use; it’s about giving their students the tools to learn and gain real-world experiences in the production space.”
Students will learn how to operate video cameras and other equipment essential for game day or broadcast production. This hands-on experience prepares them for potential careers in media and production, equipping them with skills that are increasingly valuable in today’s job market.
As Plum Senior High School embraces this technological upgrade, the community can expect not only enhanced sporting events but also a generation of students who are better prepared for future opportunities in various fields. The collaboration between Daktronics and the We’re All Mustangs Here Foundation exemplifies how community engagement can lead to meaningful advancements in educational environments.
