Wise words on weather
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Rutland High School student Sam Lucci (left) learned some broadcasting tips from Rutland alumna and Fox 44 meteorologist Kerrin Jeromin Friday during an Audio / Visual Communication class. Photo provided |
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By Cristina Kumka STAFF WRITER - Published: October 13, 2009
Mendon native Kerrin Jeromin achieved success in the likeliest of places - the state of Vermont where she was born, bred, schooled and decided to stay after clinching a job in a challenging and competitive media market.
On Friday, the 23-year-old Fox 44 meteorologist and 2004 Rutland High School graduate walked through the halls of her alma mater with the goal of giving back - she was asked by Audio / Visual Communication teacher Sarah Tetzlaff to teach students what she knows about broadcasting.
But on top of offering tips on public speaking and writing for television, Jeromin had another idea in mind.
"Try to inspire them to be themselves on air," Jeromin said.
For Jeromin, being herself has won her notoriety in the Rutland area, with teachers, students and the people who she grew up with who have noticed her accomplishments and have followed her through her career.
"The fact that I'm a local means a lot to me to have my first job right here in my home state," Jeromin said.
"It's really awesome to have old friends and teachers say 'Hey I saw you on TV the other night ... great job.'"
The flattery turned into confidence for Jeromin who stressed that students be themselves.
It was a key piece of advice student Sam Lucci said he'll take with him.
"She mentioned that one of the most helpful things about working on live TV is being yourself and being comfortable with who you are," said Lucci, Rutland High's daily video announcer who is working toward a career in media and communications.
"She told us about the lifestyle of a weather reporter ... very deadline based and high paced," he said.
"It was cool because I never spoke with someone on TV before."
Tetzlaff's mission was to bring someone familiar into a classroom for more student response and hope that living and working in Vermont isn't out of reach.
Students in Tetzlaff's class broadcast the morning school announcements - from who won the big game to upcoming theatrical productions and various student-related news of the day.
Students were tasked with enhancing the daily weather and sports updates this year and Tetzlaff sought professional advice from Jeromin.
Jeromin began her education at Frederic Douglas Barstow Memorial School in Chittenden and ended at Lyndon State College in Lyndonville with a bachelor's degree in meteorology.
"She was able to tell us some embarrassing moments and that she didn't know what she wanted to do (in high school)," Tetzlaff said.
"She really found her niche in college," she said.
Jeromin taught students the value of delivering the right message to their demographic, how to make words sharper for on-air delivery and how to "put in their own style and personality to keep the viewers' interest but not distracting at the same time," Teztlaff said.
She also proved that good work can be found and done by staying close to home.
"Joe Flory was her guidance counselor, she went to Lyndon State and became a meteorologist right out of school," Tetzlaff said.
"She can say she graduated, went to a Vermont college, and there's this ... you can make a life here," Tetzlaff said.
cristina.kumka@rutlandherald.com
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