At Sanger West Career Pathways Shape Students Futures

SANGER, Calif — At Sanger West High School, the Digital Arts and Media Pathway is giving students real-world newsroom experience right on their own campus.

The program operates like a professional broadcast environment. Students write scripts, film interviews, anchor segments, edit video and produce full newscasts through the Sanger West Cast, a student-run production modeled after Fresno State Focus

Every step of the storytelling process is student-driven.

The program maintains an active YouTube channel and Instagram page where its work earns strong viewership and community engagement.

The pathway is supported by state-of-the-art equipment, giving students access to professional tools. Classrooms are equipped with large television monitors that regularly showcase students’ work.

The program is led by a broadcast journalism graduate from Fresno State, Sarah Soghomonian, who spent about 15 years working in local news in the Fresno area before returning to education.

“We’ve visited production studios, local news stations and participate in film competitions, giving students the opportunity to really tour industries,” Soghomonian said.

Junior Jack Parrish says the pathway has helped him grow both personally and creatively.

“I was very timid when I first started,” Parrish said. “This pathway really brought out the extrovert in me and helped me grow creatively.”

By combining industry experience, modern technology and hands-on storytelling, the Digital Arts and Media Pathway at Sanger West High School helps prepare students for college, careers and the evolving world of media, proving their next big story could start right on campus.