The excitement and tension mounts among the students bustling back and forth inside the classroom that has recently been converted into a makeshift television newsroom.

Students energetically begin practicing their lines as they turn on the equipment.

Sheckler Elementary School fourth-grade teacher Deborah Elek instructs the students to get into their assigned places, as the morning show is about to begin.

Student Donovan Gair carefully positions himself behind the camera as Sabrina Safadi settles in to share the day's weather report.

Sheckler students, under the direction of Elek, kicked off the school year by televising a daily morning show schoolwide, run exclusively by students.

The idea for the show began years ago, when retired Sheckler teacher Tom Abbott began the program. Last year, Elek said, the school administration contacted her and asked if she would be interested in starting the show up again.

Each classroom at Sheckler is able to view the program. Students who participate in the morning show are responsible for running the sound and visual equipment and sharing with their peers the Pledge of Allegiance, daily weather and daily school announcements.

The students benefit from participating, Elek said.

"They take ownership for something," she said. "They improve their public speaking and being in front of their peers. They are super proud."

Elek said the students came in for a day during the summer, hooked up and learned about the equipment needed to televise the show.

The students so far have enjoyed participating.

"I like being in the spotlight," said Paige Bartholomew. "This is a step forward to being on television."

"I learned how to use a camera," commented Donovan Gair.

"I like telling the students the announcements," added Alexis Rushatz.

Elek said the first group of six students was selected by the guidance office. This group of students will eventually be replaced by another group, providing different students the opportunity to participate in the show.

"It's really good for the students; they take it really seriously," Elek said.