Saul Castaneda never wanted to be on television and almost passed up the chance to work as a field reporter for the
Now, two years later, he’s considering a career in communications because of his experience on “School Zone Dallas.”
“I’m open to a lot of new experiences because of the show,” he says.
Saul, 18, started working on “School Zone” during his sophomore year. The 30-minute, monthly program features nine student reporters highlighting programs and people throughout the school district.
Saul’s most recent story had him wading into the pond at the
The best part of the experience is meeting people and working with the shows’ professional production staff, Saul says.
“The way they let you see everything they do, the editing and production, is great,” he says. “They are really friendly and open. They’re there for you.”
“School Zone” executive producer and neighborhood resident Jon Dahlander says Saul is a valuable member of the student team.
“Saul’s a fantastic kid, the kind of kid you want to clone,” he says.
But the
“I told him to just try it out, and he went to the audition,” she says. “And then he was just so excited.”
Now Saul is leaning towards a communications career, possibly connected to the technology field because of its changing nature.
“I love every aspect of it,” he says. “I want something that won’t be boring. I guess I’m going to college undecided to see where I lean.”
Saul also plays soccer, sings in the show choir, has a starring role in Woodrow’s spring production of “Les Miserables,” is president of his class and serves on the districtwide teen school board. He’s also an avid runner.
“I love running,” he says. “I tell people it’s my tub of ice cream.”
His mother says she worried that her son might overextend himself when, in the fourth grade, he wanted to join the student council on top of taking advanced classes.
“He said, ‘Mom, I know I can do it.’ When he tells me that, I’ve learned to let go and let him try,” she says. “It started there in the fourth grade, and it’s been like that ever since.
“He does a lot on his own. He’s very responsible.”
Saul also excels academically, his mother says. He takes Advanced Placement classes to earn college credit and is ranked third in his class, Castaneda says.
Saul’s work with School Zone also put him on a panel with the interim superintendent and the LULAC president for a community symposium on justice in education. He participated in a district Veteran’s Day assembly honoring Sept. 11.
“I just love speaking at those type of events,” he says.
But the best part of the job was meeting other students from schools throughout
“It’s something that you’d never think you’d have the chance to do,” he says of his television career. “It’s been fun. It’s been an exciting two years.”
