April 4 marked the debut of the new Jumbotron. Similar to ones used at professional sporting events, the Jumbotron will show a live recording of all varsity games as well as player introductions, instant replays and advertisements.

“We wanted to add it five years ago, but it was disapproved because all schools had to have one,” Kessler said. “This year we partnered with Kelly Sports Property and they approved it to all Parkway schools.”

The construction of the Jumbotron started in January and was completed in March.

“A main reason we added the Jumbotron was so that we could sell ads on it,” Kessler said. “I think this will make game day more enjoyable. We’ll be running a real live sporting event.”

There are three people controlling the cameras: two on the field and one on top of the press box. It takes four people to control all aspects of the board, with one person running the main computer of the scoreboard, a tricaster who’s in charge of switching the cameras, an instant replay person and an announcer. The announcer is the only position required to be done by an adult.

“There are  some incentives to running the scoreboard. Students will be paid $10 an hour, but can also earn an internship next fall,” Young said. “This Jumbotron works the same way as the ones in places such as the Chaifetz Arena or the Scottrade Center, so working with this scoreboard can open a lot of doors.”

A training session was held in March, at Parkway North, for all students and teachers interest in running the scoreboard.

“The students of the animation club are in charge of running the scoreboard and cameras,” Young said. “We are still trying to recruit more students.”

Animation club meets Mondays after school in Amie Gossett’s room.  However, it is not required to be a part of Animation Club to help run the scoreboard.

“At the first meeting, Animation Club started out as an idea, and within an hour, we already had two sponsors,” sophomore Charlie Walsh said. “Now Stephen Ou [senior] and I are trying to teach students how to animate since we are the only ones who know how.”

Those interested in working with the Jumbotron should contact Young at [email protected] or Gossett at [email protected].