On the outside, the high school experience is an image of ten-pound textbooks, failing grades, and questionable school lunches. Without being in the school itself, it is easy to get lost in this stereotype. However, a certain group of students provides an inside view of student life in an interesting way; they started a student-run Instagram account called 252Interviews. Through this account, they ask their classmates various questions, providing a glance at the high school for viewers.
In the past, there was another student-run podcast at Cannon Falls High School similar to 252Interviews, but it was eventually abandoned. Jayme Miller, a sixth and seventh-grade teacher at Cannon Falls Middle/High School, was the one who decided to start up the idea again. “Ultimately, I wanted students to utilize the Gemini Innovation Lab equipment available to them,” she said. The Innovation Lab was donated generously by the manufacturing company Gemini, based in Cannon Falls. Unfortunately, due to budget cuts and understaffing, very few students actually get the opportunity to take advantage of the room; thanks to this project, the students Miller works with are able to make some use of it.
As the advisor for the project, Miller plays an important role in keeping everything running smoothly. “I help guide the questions and direction of the interviews, check in with the student interviewers, and review the videos before they’re posted,” she explained. “Most importantly, my goal is to ensure everything reflects a positive image of our school and that the students involved share the same focus.” Miller mostly takes a hands-off approach to the account in order to have the students play the primary parts in its operation.
Senior interviewer Falon Hepola is one of the students who are the face of the account, and shared, “My favorite thing about being a part of the 252Interviews is talking to people of all ages at our school and getting to know people more one question at a time!” The account displays students of all grades, plus staff members, allowing the true inside of Cannon Falls High School to be shown. Hepola finished her comments, stating, “I hope it helps people open up, laugh, and connect more with each other at school.” Other members of the team include Abby Roepke (12), Cole Rapp (12), Tyler Myers (11), Amy Fick (10), Emma Templin (10), Mya Menge (10), and Addi Fogle (10).
Despite this early success, the project still has future opportunities and plans. Miller mentioned, “I would like to see a few student groups involved from every high school grade level so we can keep this going year after year.” She also said she hoped to see more collaboration between the students in future projects regarding the account. Through 252Interviews, those who aren’t in the building every day can see the inside of Cannon Falls High School. Miller concluded her remarks by expressing, “I have really enjoyed working with the students involved, and I can’t wait to see where they take this next!”
