NC students honor veterans through Remembrance Day coverage.
On November 11, third year Broadcasting – Radio, Television and Film (BRTF) program student, Preetka Kalaichelvan will combine her passions for service and storytelling by directing the livestream of the Remembrance Day Services at the 613 Legion in Fonthill.
For Kalaichelvan from Scarborough, the project goes beyond a class assignment. A dedicated member of the Canadian Cadet Program since age 12, she continues to volunteer with her home unit, 631 Sentinel Royal Canadian Air Cadet Squadron.
“I have participated in many Remembrance Day ceremonies during my cadet career, and it will be such a privilege to be on the crew to broadcast this event,” said Kalaichelvan.
Kalaichelvan will lead a crew of 14 second-year Television Production students managing eight cameras and the NC broadcasting truck.
In preparation, Kalaichelvan has scouted the location, prepped videos and graphics for air, and created a plan for ceremony coverage with her NC instructors. Professor Dave Lostracco will manage the content and support the livestream.
“During the event, I will be directing the show by cutting to different cameras and rolling assets accordingly,” said Kalaichelvan.
BRTF Program Coordinator Dutch Vandenberg says the production is an annual tradition and one the College is very proud to support. The partnership with the Legion started during the pandemic when the College came forward to produce the livestream.
“The interaction between the students and our veterans on Remembrance Day is amazing to watch,” said Jim Garner, First Vice President of the Legion, who served as Director of Human Resources at NC from 1992 to 2015. “It’s so nice to see that Dutch and Dave have these students so engaged.”
“The 613 Legion graciously provide a scholarship to our students each year, which is a very generous gesture,” said Vandenberg.
Kalaichelvan’s journey to NC was not a straight path. Growing up the child of Sri Lankan immigrants who had lived through political turmoil, she understood the weight of their hopes and expectations. They were relieved when she decided against a military career, but uncertain when she turned her focus toward media production.
With the support of her communication technology teacher in high school and her Commanding Officer with Cadets, she explored college programs, and in time, her parents came around.
“It took some time, but my parents are incredibly happy with how I have been doing at Niagara College,” said Kalaichelvan, who will pursue a career in live sports and entertainment.
“I’ve had so many opportunities at Niagara College that I wouldn’t have found anywhere else, and I’ve been able to work alongside people who share my passion for production,” she said. “My professors are always encouraging me to improve, and I learn something new with every show.”
Kalaichelvan calls NC’s Broadcasting and Canadian Cadets the “two greatest programs I have been a part of.”
Tune into the livestream at 10:30 a.m.
The service, hosted by Talbot Trail Legion Branch 613 at 141 Hwy 20 E., Fonthill, will be livestreamed starting at 10:30 a.m. on Nov.11. View it here: vimeo.com/event/5468815.
Remembrance Day at NC
Niagara College will pause to pay solemn tribute to the courage and sacrifice of Canada’s veterans and active service members on November 11, with the lowering of College flags and a service over the public address system at 11 a.m. Learn more.
