On the Air: Savannah River Mission Completion Visits Barnwell Elementary School’s Multimedia Prodigies

AIKEN, S.C. (May 7, 2025) — Savannah River Mission Completion (SRMC), the liquid waste contractor at the Savannah River Site, recently took a behind-the-scenes tour with Barnwell Elementary School’s broadcasting program.

Barnwell Elementary has received two donations in two years from SRMC to support the school’s science, technology, engineering, arts, and math (STEAM) programs, including a recent donation of $15,000. The school has used these funds to spotlight its Broadcast and Journalism Program, through which students produce weekly news-style programs discussing upcoming events, school schedules, and "in-the-field" interviews with fellow students on the playground.

The media program is just one of the ways that Barnwell Elementary is encouraging students to invest in themselves, according to Literacy Coach and Broadcast and Journalism Program Lead Michaela Mitchell.  

“Our students apply and interview for the media program and must work to stay ‘employed,’ just like any job,” Mitchell said. “Students in this program get to engage in hands-on learning experiences that not only enrich their education, but also provide them with vital skills for the future.”

To get the scoop, SRMC’s own Multimedia Services team went on the scene to engage with students and faculty, discussing the impact of the newly acquired equipment purchased with SRMC’s donation and witnessing firsthand the creative and technical processes the students undertake in their productions.

The visit underscores the importance of including the arts when fostering educational growth and innovation, according to SRMC Multimedia Services Lead Lindsey Kennedy.

“Supporting programs that encourage a blend of technology and creativity helps build a workforce that is ready to solve problems with innovative solutions,” Kennedy said. “The talent and enthusiasm displayed by the students at Barnwell Elementary is inspiring. I’m looking forward to working with this generation someday!”

Cutline: SRMC Senior Multimedia Specialist Terry Miller was interviewed by one of the students in Barnwell Elementary School’s Broadcast and Journalism Program for the weekly Morning Show production.