Jerry Bell: Broadcast Teacher of the Year
When the lights go up and the cameras roll, most eyes are on the court, the field, or the scoreboard. But behind every high school sports broadcast that runs smoothly, tells a compelling story, and captures the spirit of the game, there’s someone making sure the storytellers themselves are ready.
For many students at Fairland High School in Proctorville, OH, that person is Mr. Jerry Bell.
Mascot Media is proud to recognize Jerry Bell as this year’s Broadcast Teacher of the Year, an award that honors not just technical mastery, but an ability to lead, inspire, and elevate young voices through the world of media.
Humble Beginnings
When Bell first took over the Fairland Dragons Network (FDN), it was humble—a single camera and a shared microphone. Most would’ve seen limits. He saw potential.
Today, the FDN is a full-scale operation. Multiple cameras capture dynamic angles. Graphics and sponsor overlays roll out live. Scoreboards update in real time. Audio runs through integrated mixers. And it’s not just Bell running the show. It’s his students, who’ve taken the reins thanks to his relentless guidance and belief in their abilities.
As advisor to the Dragons Eye Student Video Club, Bell empowers his students to be creators, not just operators. They plan, produce, and execute broadcasts with real-time responsibilities, from directing and switching feeds to managing on-air audio and crafting custom visuals. It’s hands-on, it’s high-pressure, and it’s real.
His philosophy is simple yet powerful: every idea is achievable through teamwork, dedication, and a focus on the viewer experience.
A New Generation, A New Challenge.
The 2024–2025 school year marked a turning point for the Fairland Dragons Network. With more than 95% of the broadcast team having graduated, the program faced a daunting reset. In their place stood a brand-new crew of mostly freshmen and sophomores, many with no prior experience behind a camera or in a control room. And with just one week before the first football game, the pressure was on.
But under Mr. Bell’s steady leadership, that challenge became an opportunity. He guided the team through the steep learning curve of live production, teaching them how to handle equipment, operate professional-grade software, and respond in real time when things didn’t go as planned. Each week, the growth was visible. The camera work sharpened, audio became clearer, and the broadcasts gained polish and energy. Slowly but surely, a new team found its rhythm.
Jerry's Impact
The best teachers don’t just prepare students for class, they prepare them for life. That’s what makes Jerry Bell truly exceptional. He’s teaching leadership. Teamwork. The art of problem-solving under pressure. And above all, the power of telling a story well.
Under his guidance, students gain a sense of ownership, purpose, and pride. They leave Fairland not only ready to enter the world of broadcasting, but equipped with a mindset that will serve them no matter where they go.
