Grandview High School unveils newly renovated library, broadcast journalism studio

By Tony Madden

City officials and the Grandview C-4 School District hosted a ribbon cutting Wednesday at Grandview High School to unveil renovations to the library and media center. The project also includes the new Bulldog TV broadcast journalism studio and a new choir room.

The sprawling facility is complete with work stations, reading nooks, TV screens and of course, books. It makes up for an entire school year without a proper media center. It is a reflection of the district’s commitment to student inspiration, support and preparation, said Grandview High School Principal Dr. VaShawn Smith.

Also in attendance were Superintendent Kenny Rodrequez, school board members, Grandview Chamber of Commerce members, as well as other officials and community members. The event kicked off with self-guided tours and light refreshments. A student choir performance of the Grandview High School alma mater was followed by remarks from Rodrequez.

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Rodrequez said 10 years ago, his vision for the district was met with apprehension from faculty and students. He felt the students and families deserved better educational facilities, but the community didn’t expect to get them. 

That’s why a new library and media center for Grandview High School has always been on the to-do list. Renovations were covered by a general obligation bond for the Grandview C-4 School District that voters passed in 2024. It was the largest bond issue in the district’s history.

Rodrequez, who is expected to leave the district in June for a new job in Oklahoma, added serving Grandview as superintendent was the “greatest joy” of his entire life.

Attendees also heard remarks from teacher Diane Euston, who will supervise the broadcast journalism program from the new Bulldog TV studio space in the media center. Euston was also recently recognized as the district’s Teacher of the Year for the 2025-26 school year. She is also the Telegraph’s history writer.

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Euston started the broadcast journalism program without a designated space four years ago and has transformed it into a community newsroom recognized by the Missouri Interscholastic Press Association. She thanked program alumni for their vision, emphasizing the program is student-led. She also thanked the district for investing in the program.

“They may have never even considered a career in the field, and they’re getting a chance to explore what’s out there,” Euston said at the event. “It gives them that opportunity before they get on to college and make the mistake of majoring in something that they’re not sure about.”

She also said the world needs journalists, and the new facility will allow Bulldog TV to help create them. Euston looks forward to building community partnerships through efforts like advertising. “We have lots of ideas,” she said with a smile. 

Choir director Ehan Hartung began his remarks admitting the year has been challenging without a designated space. He said his ‘amazing students’ were the reason it didn’t feel like a major cut to the program.

“Tonight is not exciting just simply because we’re opening something new, but because things like this represent a continued commitment to these young people, a belief that they matter, that their experiences matter, their resources matter, and the community around them believes in their potential,” Hartung said. 

Jacari Veal is a junior at Grandview High School and the new producer for Bulldog TV. Veal said renderings of the media center and studio space inspired him to join the broadcast program. He said seeing the finished product was eye-opening, and it has him thinking about next year.