WHEATLAND — Wheatland High School is venturing into video production and is pairing up with Platte County Economic Development for the students’ first project.
Bulldog Video Network interviewed Chuck Ruwart, owner of Laramie Peak Motors, for an online video series for PCED’s website. Learning how to shoot, perform and edit video is an extension of the digital media program at the high school. Thanks to a generous grant from Safeway, the school was able to purchase the sound and video equipment. The students involved will be going around town interviewing business owners about what it means to run a business in Wheatland, giving them experience in filming and editing and then posting the short videos on the PCED website to hopefully encourage more entrepreneurs to come to Wheatland.
“He always says yes (when it comes to helping kids),” said Dennis Fischer, superintendent, when talking about why Ruwart was chosen to star in the first production. “He has five kids, he’s on the board (of PCED), a business owner and is always willing to help out.”
The program is an ongoing effort at the high school to offer students career opportunities that don’t necessarily require going to college. The state of Wyoming is working on diversifying its economy, trying to bring more computer-based businesses into the area and supplying the workers. WHS is jumping on board to give local students a step up in that career market.

In Cheyenne is the Array School, Wyoming’s first private accelerated technology and design school. Students can get a certification to do coding, digital editing and computer programming in less than a year. By offering them opportunities to learn how to use the equipment in high school, they get a taste for what’s available in a digital future.
They are currently learning how to do video morning announcements and create commercials for the athletic events recorded in the gym, as well as forging into animated digital graphic art.
“Dusty Hudson has done a great job starting the digital media program and Chase Christensen has formed valuable business partnerships in the community,” Fischer explained on the reason for the PCED interview project. “Many business owners are supportive of our school — what better place for the kids to get advice?”
Once the videos are edited — a very time-consuming process for beginners and seasoned editors alike — they will be aired on the televisions at the school and may be viewed online at www.pcedwyo.org/.