#RisingStar

“My opportunities started with a phone call from Ohio Media School Career Services and I am extremely thankful for that. I’m still on my way up and have more to learn, but I only got my start thanks to an internship through Career Services.”

The Beonair Network of Media Schools is extremely proud of our mission to provide ambitious students with hands-on training, excellence in education, and meaningful internship experience that will best prepare them to achieve their goals at graduation.

We take pride in spotlighting the many accomplishments of our graduates, and today’s story focuses on Duke Antczak, who at 20 years of age, is co-founder of a community-centered production company and the tech director for a local sports production team. This multi-talented grad is building his legacy through determination and excellence in networking.

Passionate about video and TV production and with a dream to one day be a NASCAR play-by-play announcer, Duke was adjusting to life after high school and some difficult personal challenges. His mom encouraged him to look at Ohio Media School (OMS) as an alternate path to college.

On his first day at OMS, he met veteran on-air personality Don “Action” Jackson. Star-struck and excited, he knew he was exactly where he needed to be.

Internship, a big part of the program, was very important to Duke’s professional development. Already hosting a radio show about NASCAR in the OMS sports studio, Duke also landed a production internship with a local senior center. Organized by Senior Center Manager Cheryl Shaver and JoAnn Larsen, a veteran TV Producer with 40+ years at WOIO 19 in Cleveland, Duke joined the production crew. Once graduated he was hired on and shortly after, the three decided to level up their project and create their own production company. Working with various partners in the senior market and producing video content with sponsorships and partnerships that continue to build on their success.

JoAnn and Cheryl introduced Duke to Tom Hlavin, Founder of Simply Virtual, Inc., a nonprofit that provides tablets and training on how to use them for seniors in low-income housing. Also the race director at a local kart racing track, Duke has become the Head Flagman at the track.

Most recently Duke gained another opportunity through Career Services Director Houda Crable. Knowing his level of production skills, Houda connected Duke to SLA Video Productions, where he is now producing live shows as Technical Director at OSN. Owner and the voice of OSN, Kyle Goodwin, recently signed a contract with Akron City FC, a new soccer club in Akron that plays in the National Premier Soccer League (NPSL). With additional opportunities under negotiation, Duke is very excited about his future with OSN.

20 years old and just scratching the surface, Duke is fast becoming a Rising Star. Please join us in wishing Duke continued success!

Post-Authors:  Lynda Leciejewski, Beonair Network National Employer