Plum Senior High School in the Pittsburgh area has recently enhanced its sports facilities with the installation of new LED video displays, thanks to a collaboration with Daktronics and support from the We’re All Mustangs Here foundation, which includes former professional football player and sports analyst Pat McAfee. The project was completed in March 2024 and showcased its new capabilities during a weekend unveiling ceremony.
This initiative encompasses an outdoor video display at the school’s football stadium and an indoor video display in the gymnasium. Additionally, fixed-digit scoreboards have been installed at both venues. The project also includes digital content for the displays, along with a FrameWrx subscription that allows for the creation of custom content. Furthermore, the DakClassroom curriculum has been introduced to help students learn how to operate these displays during live events.
Kyle Sydow, Daktronics high schools market manager, emphasized the broader implications of the project: “This project shows that giving back can go further than you imagine. 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 focus of this project extends beyond the installation of technology—it aims to provide students with valuable learning experiences. The integration of the FrameWrx platform allows students to utilize professionally designed templates to create content that aligns with their school’s branding, enhancing the overall game-day experience.
The DakClassroom curriculum equips teachers with the tools to instruct students in the technical aspects of live game-day production. This curriculum aligns with Career and Technical Education (CTE) standards, providing students with the necessary skills and confidence to excel in production roles during their high school tenure and beyond.
Sydow further noted, “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. They can create graphics, play them back on the displays, learn how to operate video cameras and equipment—everything that goes into a game day or broadcast production is at their fingertips!”
A Lasting Impact on the Community
The collaboration between Daktronics and the We’re All Mustangs Here foundation underscores a commitment to enhancing educational opportunities for students, particularly those interested in technology and media production. The project serves as a model for how community involvement can lead to meaningful improvements in local schools.
As educational institutions increasingly recognize the importance of technology in the classroom, initiatives like this one will likely inspire similar projects across the country. The integration of advanced technology not only benefits athletic programs but also prepares students for future careers in fields that rely on technical expertise and creativity.
With the unveiling of these new displays, Plum Senior High School stands as a testament to the positive impact of community support and innovation in education. The initiative provides students with essential skills while enriching the overall experience for athletes and spectators alike.