NBC’s Today Show came to Platte County for the final Friday Morning Lights segment of the season, where they show off high school football programs across the nation. This was the first time in Platte County history that the Today Show had visited the school. Lots of people were involved in making this appearance successful, from the activities director to the Today Show producers.
One of the many different people who helped with the show was Activities Director Gabe Middleton.
“I was reluctant at first, I didn’t know how this was gonna work but [Journalism Teacher Devan Foos] did a great job,” Middleton said. “Shout out to all the groups for getting here early and just doing a great job, and all the community members that showed up.”
The most important person there today was Today Show producer Bob Vasilopoulos. “I’m 65 years old, I’ve worked a long time and do these kinda things, because it’s a great renewal.” Vasilopoulos said. “I love being around young people like this, it’s inspiring and it gives me a lot of faith in our country.”
It’s more than just an appearance on a national show, it helps showcase the community and spirit at Platte County, especially during the undefeated regular season for football this year.
“I think it’s really exciting because this has never happened, and I get to be apart of it. I get show my pirate pride,” junior Brooke Dietrich said.
Students were invited to arrive by 6:30 a.m. to participate in the early morning pep rally and cheer on TV.
“I’m just so proud of our school that we get recognized nationwide and we can really show other schools what Platte County is really about,” junior Camila Zavala said. “[Platte County] is growing like really fast and it’s improving a lot in a lot of our sports.”
The school appeared throughout KSHB 41’s morning show and during the 8 a.m. hour of Today. The football team plays St. Joe Central tonight in their first playoff game after an undefeated regular season.
