Our school has always taken pride in showcasing the achievements of our seniors through composite photos displayed in the hallway. These photos serve as a lasting tribute to the hard work, dedication, and success of our student-athletes. However, with the recent installation of new, taller lockers in the hallway, we faced an unexpected problem: the lockers are now blocking the space where these composites were traditionally displayed. This change made it impossible for us to continue showcasing all of our senior athlete photos as we had in the past.
Recognizing the importance of these composites, our superintendent came up with an innovative solution: digitizing the photos. This idea would not only solve the issue of space but also ensure the photos would be preserved and accessible for future generations. The superintendent’s suggestion was quickly embraced, and plans were set in motion to digitize the images.
The next step was retrieving the composite photos, which had been stored carefully over the years. With the help of our athletic director, we collected the photos from storage and began the process of digitizing them. The task required the expertise of students skilled in technology, and Dakota Heikes and Marriah Settles were chosen to lead the project. Dakota and Marriah have both demonstrated a talent for digital technology, and their skills would be vital in ensuring the photos were accurately digitized and enhanced.
To begin the process, Dakota and Marriah used a 24-inch scanner to capture each composite photo. The scanner allowed them to create high-quality digital images, preserving even the smallest details. Given that the physical photos had been stored for years, some of them showed signs of wear, such as fading or discoloration. Therefore, capturing the photos with such precision was crucial in maintaining their integrity.
In addition to scanning, Dakota and Marriah also used cameras and Photoshop to enhance the images further. Some of the composites required extra editing due to imperfections, such as creases or fading, and Photoshop provided the necessary tools to restore and enhance these photos. The goal was to ensure that the final digital images were as vibrant and clear as the originals, if not better.
Once the digitization process is complete, the next step is displaying the composites in a way that makes them accessible to the school community. Instead of displaying the physical prints in the hallway, as we have done for many years, the photos will be shown digitally. Our athletic director will facilitate the display of the digitized composites on a large TV screen in the main gym lobby. The TV will rotate through the images, allowing visitors to easily view the composites of all senior athletes.
This digital display offers several advantages over traditional methods. For one, it allows the composites to be displayed without taking up physical space on the wall, a concern with the new lockers. It also provides flexibility, as the images can be updated, replaced, or enhanced with ease, something that would be much harder with physical copies. Furthermore, the digital format allows for the possibility of showcasing the composites on other platforms, such as the school’s website or social media pages, making it easier for alumni and parents to view them, even if they are not able to visit the school in person.
The digitization of these composites has been an exciting project, and it is a great example of how technology can help solve practical problems while preserving important traditions. Thanks to Dakota, Marriah, our athletic director, and the superintendent, we are able to continue honoring the achievements of our senior athletes in a modern and accessible way. The digital display of the composites will not only maintain the tradition but will also bring a new level of engagement and visibility to our school’s athletic accomplishments.
This project serves as a reminder of the importance of adapting to change while preserving what is valuable. It has allowed us to maintain a beloved tradition and to do so in a way that is forward-thinking and sustainable. We are excited to see how the digital composites will be received by the school community and how they will continue to celebrate the achievements of our student-athletes for years to come.