Cameras, props, and backdrops showcasing Prince George High School's signature green-and-gold colors were among the things on display inside the school's gymnasium as dozens of student-athletes and coaches became sought-after celebrities during a new tradition in the lead-up to the start of a season - Media Day.

SEE MORE PHOTOS: PGCPS on Flickr

As the sun rises on another season of high school athletics, students in Prince George High School's Sports Marketing program take the lead in hosting a media day experience for athletes, coaches, and managers, culminating in a photo shoot in front of custom-made backdrops and a variety of fun props, including royal crowns, basketballs, and more.

Alongside providing directions to photo shoot participants, students captured various team and small-group images that will be used throughout the upcoming winter sports season for promotional content on the class' social media page, PGHS Sports Management on Facebook. As students collaborated with each other and the subjects of their photos, Mr. Travis Carr, the class' instructor, oversaw the shoot, offered suggestions to the photographers, and provided a hand when props needed to be staged. Building on last year's success and the fall sports media day at the high school's athletic stadium, Mr. Carr believes events like this offer fun while providing hands-on experience with concepts in talent management and promotional content creation.

"I wanted to make a fun experience for my Sports Management students and our student-athletes, and give them an opportunity they may not get from another school that doesn't have this program, so without these incredible students, the work we do doesn't get accomplished," Mr. Carr said. "Our goal right now is to make sure we showcase all of our sports. In preparation for media day, our students spent extra time here helping build two new backdrops, even though they didn't have to, and these students should be proud of their work."

Events like the high school's sports media day mirror those seen at the collegiate and professional levels, offering students an opportunity to hone their craft in preparation for post-secondary study at a two- or four-year institution, and eventually into the workforce with a sports organization, or to the public or private sector as their content creation and media skills can transfer to multiple career pathways after college.

"I have had students who never knew a sports management program even existed, and they join us in the class and start seeing the different opportunities they can take at the next level at college, it really opens their eyes," Mr. Carr explained. "Now I have students who want to major in this in college, and they are vetting colleges to see if they offer these programs. It's great to know that they want to do this, and it's great to see them excited and engaged at school."

Beyond their media day activities, held prior to the start of each athletics season, the sports marketing program oversees Royals athletics storytelling, operating the digital display at events, creating social media content on their Facebook page, and finding unique ways to showcase the high school's athletics to as many audiences as possible, from students to the broader community. Additionally, they facilitate the school's "Royal Games," an event that features a mix of competitive and cooperative games akin to a pep rally while highlighting the skills of students who take a leading role in planning the games, emceeing the event, its pacing, and scheduling, alongside their teacher, Mr. Carr.

"I'm so excited watching how much these students want to raise the bar from the previous class," Mr. Carr shared. "They see the work the previous class did, and they want to go even further. We are going to keep building, and we are going to see where it evolves, but I can say that I am having fun seeing these kids succeed."

To see photos from the media day event and keep up with Prince George High School athletics, visit the Sports Marketing program's Facebook page by searching "PG Royals Sports Management" or Instagram page at "pghs_sportsmanagement."

"Truly, I want to thank my department chair, Mr. Chris Powell, our career and technical education coordinator, Mrs. Ashton Girolmo, and our whole high school administrative team, who allow me to do this job and help grow our students," Mr. Carr ended his remarks. "I also want to thank our community, who helps financially back the things we want to do. Whether it's Luis at Luca Italian Restaurant and Morelia Mexican Restaurant, Andy Clark, or anyone willing to help, we are incredibly appreciative of all our sponsors for helping us do what we're doing here. We encourage other businesses that want to get involved to reach out. These funds help our kids and programs."