Neosho Chamber Supports Future Storytellers with Investment in High School Media Program
In a move that underscores the power of community partnerships and the importance of preparing students for tomorrow’s careers, the Neosho Area Chamber of Commerce recently donated $10,000 to the Neosho High School Media Program to support the creation of a professional podcast studio. The investment, paired with a generous donation of office furniture from the former Hubbub, is already reshaping the way students engage with media, storytelling and digital communication.
“The Neosho Chamber was inspired to invest in the podcast studio because we believe in meeting students where the future is headed through media, storytelling and digital communication,” said Lauri Lyerla, executive director of the Neosho Chamber. “Along with the $10,000 financial investment, we were also proud to pass along a substantial donation of office furniture from the former Hubbub, which had been generously gifted to the Chamber by the family of John Howsmon. Those resources will continue serving the community by supporting students and educators.”
The donation comes at a pivotal time for the Media Program, a hands-on, career-focused curriculum designed to equip students with practical skills in graphic design, photography, video production, animation and audio media. At the center of this curriculum is the new podcast studio, a dedicated professional environment where students learn audio production, interviewing, storytelling, collaboration and presentation skills.
“Rather than treating audio as a side activity, the studio allows podcasting and spoken media to be fully integrated into our coursework, from introductory classes all the way through advanced, project-based production,” explained Steven Lobato, who leads the Media Program at Neosho High School. “It gives students a professional environment where they can create content for real audiences and real purposes.”
Bridging Education and Real-World Skills
For the Chamber, supporting the student-led Media Program aligns directly with its mission to foster economic and workforce development in Neosho.
“By investing early in communication, creativity and technical skills, we are helping students build competencies that are valuable across nearly every industry represented in our local economy,” said Lyerla.
The podcast studio is more than just equipment; it is a gateway for students to practice skills that will benefit them in any professional setting.
“The podcast studio prepares students for real-world careers by teaching collaboration, critical thinking, project management and professional communication,” Lyerla added. “Beyond media, these skills translate into leadership, marketing, entrepreneurship, public relations, education and any career that requires storytelling, problem-solving and confidence in presenting ideas.”
Lobato emphasized that the Chamber’s financial support has transformed the students’ experience.
“The donation made it possible to build a professional-quality podcast studio, not just a basic recording setup,” he said. “That funding allowed us to invest in industry-standard microphones, audio interfaces, monitoring equipment, lighting, cameras and a dedicated studio environment that mirrors what students would encounter in college programs or media careers. Without that support, students would be conceptualizing. Now, they are learning on tools and in a space that raises expectations, professionalism and confidence.”
Empowering Students and Engaging the Community
The impact of the donation extends beyond technical skills. It is also about empowering students to find their voice and tell meaningful stories about their school and community.
“One of the most powerful aspects of media education is giving students a platform,” said Lobato. “The podcast studio provides that platform in a very literal sense. Students are encouraged to tell stories that matter to them - about their school, their activities, their experiences and their community.”
The program encourages thoughtful storytelling, responsible media use and audience awareness. Students learn that their perspectives are worth sharing and that their creative work can have a real-world impact.
“The Chamber’s support helps students discover their voices, gives educators innovative tools to engage learners and strengthens connections between schools and the community,” Lyerla said. “Over time, we believe it will help cultivate homegrown talent, inspire civic pride and encourage students to envision futures where they live, work and contribute right here in Neosho.”
Professional Standards and Student Engagement
From the moment students step into the podcast studio, the difference is apparent. Lobato noted that the professional environment sparks excitement and a sense of ownership among students.
“When students walk into a space that looks and feels professional, their mindset changes. They take more ownership, show greater focus and hold themselves to higher standards. Many students who may not have seen themselves as ‘media creatives’ have become deeply engaged once they realize what they’re capable of creating with learned skills, creativity and professional-level equipment.”
Students use the studio for a variety of educational and creative projects throughout the year. They learn audio recording, editing, sound design, scripting, interviewing and storytelling. They develop collaborative skills by planning projects, revising work and producing content for actual audiences.
“These experiences teach both hard technical skills and soft creative skills that translate directly to college programs and careers in media, marketing, communications, journalism, design and related fields,” Lobato said. “Students gain the ability to present and defend creative decisions, meet deadlines and work with feedback; skills that matter in any professional pathway.”
A Partnership That Builds Futures
The collaboration between the Chamber and Neosho High School exemplifies how community partnerships can elevate education. Lyerla sees opportunities for local businesses to actively engage with students through interviews, storytelling projects and promotional content.
“These partnerships can provide students with real-world experience while allowing local businesses to share their stories and connect with the next generation of talent.”
Looking ahead, Lobato envisions a program that grows vertically, from foundational skills to advanced, client-based production.
“Community partnerships are essential to that growth,” he said. “As students progress, they will take on larger projects, more responsibility and more real-world expectations. Partnerships allow students to apply their skills in authentic, guided client scenarios while providing meaningful value back to the community. Over time, those relationships help sustain and strengthen the program as organizations see the quality of student work, the professionalism of the process and the impact of investing in student learning.”
“This investment sends a clear message that we believe in our youth and are committed to preparing them for leadership and success. We see students not just as future employees, but as future innovators, entrepreneurs and community leaders - and we are proud to invest in opportunities that help them thrive,” Lyerla said.
Looking Forward
For Neosho High School students, the podcast studio represents more than a classroom upgrade; it is a platform for creativity, a launchpad for professional skills and a symbol of community investment in their futures.
“The Chamber’s support tells students that their creativity, their voices and their futures matter to the community,” Lobato said. “This podcast studio will impact students for years to come, and we are incredibly grateful for that support.”
As the first students step into the new studio, microphones poised and ideas flowing, one thing is clear: the partnership between the Neosho Chamber and Neosho High School is cultivating the next generation of storytellers, leaders and innovators, right here in the heart of the community.
