The following story is from the September 2025 Greatness Update magazine. For the full issue, visit plcschools.org/magazine.

The cameras are rolling in the media studio, and PLSHS junior Kaela Sizer is completely focused on capturing the perfect shot. Around her, teammates work at a bank of monitors and control equipment, coordinating what looks like a professional television production. But this isn't a TV station – it's just another day in the Media Academy, where students learn broadcast journalism and media production skills that prepare them for careers in communications.

"I had always had a slight interest in media and art, so when I found out about the Media Academy at the district's Academy Night, it seemed like a good opportunity," says Kaela. "I got in and over the past two years I've grown to love it and want to pursue a career relating to it. Being in the academy, I've realized that a lot more goes into media than what you see—there are so many decisions made that you wouldn't think about if you're just watching a stream or looking at a graphic."

Kaela's experience represents exactly what PLCS envisioned when launching the academy programs. These aren't your typical high school electives – they're immersive, multi-year programs that place students directly alongside professionals in their chosen fields.

In the Athletic Training/Sports Medicine Academy, the atmosphere is equally focused but dramatically different. PLHS senior Aiden Wesley is working with an athlete, demonstrating the hands-on rehabilitation techniques that are central to sports medicine. Nearby, his classmate Kailee Eyster, also a senior, is preparing treatment materials with the same precision and care that professional athletic trainers use daily. These students aren't just learning about sports medicine – they're actually providing care to their fellow student-athletes.

"During athletic training we would practice a lot of our hands-on work on each other to make sure our taping was spot on for future athletes," says Kailee. "The most valuable lesson I learned through athletic training was to stay focused, especially during games where everything happens quickly."

The district currently offers seven specialized academies: Athletic Training, Education, Health Systems (Patient Care or Biomedical), Leadership, Media, STEM, and Zoo. Each program follows a carefully designed progression, typically starting with foundational classroom learning and advancing to hands-on internships and real-world projects.

"The beauty of our academy programs is that students aren't just learning about careers – they're actually doing the work," explains Missy Jabens, PLCS Career & Academy Administrator. "We partner with local hospitals, schools, and other organizations to ensure our students are getting authentic experience alongside the professionals they might work with after graduation."

What makes these programs particularly unique is their integration with the regular school day. Students don't have to choose between academic rigor and career preparation – they can maintain their involvement in sports, clubs, and advanced coursework while participating in their chosen academy. 

The application process for the 2026-27 school year begins this fall, and district officials encourage families to start exploring their options early. The College & Career Expo on October 28th will give students and parents the chance to meet with academy instructors, current students, and industry professionals at both high schools during the school day.

"We want students to see all the possibilities that are available to them," says Jabens. "Whether they're interested in healthcare, technology, media, or any other field, we have pathways that can help them get there."

Academy Night, scheduled for November 3rd, will provide even more detailed information about each program, including application requirements, curriculum details, and opportunities to speak with current students and alumni. The application window opens that same evening and closes November 12th, giving interested families a tight but manageable timeframe to apply.

For families considering these programs, the message from current students is clear: don't wait. These academies fill up quickly, and the experience they provide is transformative in ways that extend far beyond career preparation.

"The Media Academy has helped me develop media skills like designing, filming, editing and using different creative programs, but Mrs. Hoch and the Media Academy have also taught me soft skills like work ethic, teamwork, adaptability, time management, and problem solving," reflects Kaela. "What you put in is what you get out of the academy. If you put in the effort and volunteer to help where you can, you will have an amazing time."

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Mark Your Calendar:
- College & Career Expo: October 28th (during school day at both high schools)
- ACCESS Your Future Night: November 3rd (at PLHS for all PLCS students)
- Applications: Open November 3rd, close November 12th

For more information about PLCS Academy Programs, visit plcschools.org/future.