By Lily Coppola, Special Contributor to The Buzz
“Good morning BHS, and welcome back to another episode of Hive Live!”
That familiar greeting is broadcasted across Branford High School every other Thursday morning at the opening of Hive Live, the student led news broadcast.
What initially began as a trial and error news show has evolved exponentially. Over the last few years, it’s turned into a regular broadcast news show with live interviews, a sports report, weather reports, a cooking corner, along with many new segments.
In 2022, the head of the fine arts department, Michael Martone, took over as the main advisor for what was originally the morning announcements club, which began under former science teacher Stephen Brown.
“The morning announcements club was one student reading a list of announcements live to the school,” Martone said. “When Dr. Brown left, he asked me if I would take over… Concurrently, I was teaching music appreciation in G11 and noticed there was an entire news casting setup. I thought it would be a great opportunity to change the announcements club into a true news broadcast. By doing so, we were able to use the impressive amount of equipment we had and give students potential career pathways to follow; and the rest is history.”
Martone’s idea and the hard work of the students can be seen ever other week during the Thursday Hive period. Almost everyone at BHS is familiar with the finished product which shows up on the projector screens during the period, broadcasting live to all the students and staff.
Here’s an insight on Hive Live’s crew:
Louis Manzo (‘27) is the ringmaster and current face at the desk. Every week the crew comes together to set up the outline, with him leading it. Week after week, he makes sure all announcements and videos will happen in just a week and a half time span. He joined freshman year and took on the co-host title during his sophomore year.
“BHS would simply be a big, brick building off Main Street if it weren’t for the incredible students and faculty that illuminate it,” Manzo said. “Our broadcast is a moment for the entire BHS community to honor the effort, passion, and success of individuals and groups. For me personally, the production process of an episode is a very dynamic creative outlet that I have the pleasure of sharing with really amazing people.”
Lillian Rank, a senior, is another crucial part of the Hive Live production process. In addition to making sure all videos are uploaded, she also has her own segment, “The Lily Pad.” This part of the broadcast contains live interviews from teachers and administrators from a student perspective, asking the questions we all have. With her distinct dyed pink hair, everyone knows Lillian.
Jacob Shumway (‘27) is the school reporter. He is best known for his elaborate skits and screen writing. Some students might remember skits like “Stung by Love” which aired last year at the time of Valentine’s Day. Or one that aired just a few weeks ago for Halloween, known as “Scooby Don’t.”
The sports reporters, Lily Coppola (‘27) and Rebecca Law (‘27), both have been involved in Hive Live since their freshman year. With Lily originally in the passenger seat of the sports segment and Rebecca originally being on the tech crew, they have now both evolved to the become main reporters. Lily has been interviewing captains of the sports teams each season since her sophomore year, with Rebecca taking the lead by going on screen. She shares the scores from the games, congratulates players, and announces upcoming games for the fans to go out and support. The two of them have become a notable duo, keeping the student body in the know.
Ginger Fitzpatrick (‘26) and Matthew Lenox (‘27) are the broadcast’s weather reporters, filling in the job that was created last year by Kylie Acquarulo-Savastano, who graduated. In the broadcast, Matthew and Ginger share info on the weather around Branford, keeping the students up to date.
The “Cooking Corner” segment is run by Morgan Cheslock (’26), who took it over during her junior year.
“I bake all the time and I like cooking. I always bake for get-togethers with people so it was an easy choice for me to take over,” Cheslock said.
Everyone on the news team always looks forward to her segment on the broadcast’s agenda, knowing they have a chance to get leftovers.
“Those red velvet cookies she made for Valentine’s Day last year are amazing, absolutely terrific,” said Lillian Rank. “Every holiday I’m guilt-tripping her to make them again and give them all to me.”
Just as important as the on-air personalities are the people bring the show to life behind the scenes – the tech crew. Although they might not be on screen, they control what is.
Max Perez (’26) is a true lifesaver when it comes to running the show. Max knows how to work all the buttons on the control board and make sure everything runs smoothly with the uploaded media played on the broadcast.
Joey Arcangelo (’26) is one of the editors and runs the script during the broadcast. He controls the speed of the rolling teleprompter for each reporter and adds announcements last minute.
Penelope Benson (’27) is the other main editor. She is always there to help the reporters when they need help editing interviews and segments. Benson also edited the signature broadcast intro.
Mason Marchitto (’27) is another crucial part of Hive Live, being a second hand at the control board. He is always there to support everyone else and give the countdown to get the show started.
In all, it takes everyone involved with Hive Live to bring it to life every other week. Without them, the Hive Live broadcast wouldn’t be possible.
“And that’s all for the desk this week. See you next time!”
Buzz Chief Reporter Owen Lentner contributed to this story.
Editor's Note: Lily Coppola has been involved with Hive Live since 9th grade. This is her first venture into the print side of journalism.
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