CTV meteorologist Frank Cavallaro and new-found friends and fans at Laurier Senior School, where the veteran broadcast journalist shared his wisdom with students of Renata Isopo's Journalism class.
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Bringing the world into the classroom
CTV weatherman Frank Cavallaro comes to Laurier Senior High School's Journalism class
Editor's Note: At Laurier Senior High School, Journalism class offers a dynamic, hands-on learning environment. Reporters-in-training use the vibrant streets of the Mega-City, downtown Laval, the Court House, City Hall, and the neighbourhood as their workshop. Students are trained to report, write, and publish under the guidance of their teacher and individuals who work in the industry and hold students accountable to excellent journalism standards. Their work may appear in a variety of forms and publications. The objective of the program is for students to leave with a critical analysis of today's world and to obtain the skills that will suit their interests and strengths. The following article, a report on the visit of CTV meteorologist Frank Cavallaro to the journalism class, is an example of the students' work.
An effective way to spark the interest of teenagers who are being introduced to an influential program that could greatly affect their lives and future career choices is to give them an in-depth look at the point of view of an established insider. And that's what happened on September 16 when CTV weatherman Frank Cavallaro spoke to the Laurier Senior High School journalism class, on the invitation of teacher and Courrier Laval Weekly News contributing editor Renata Isopo.
Frank Cavallaro entered the Journalism classroom with a friendly, laid back demeanor but quite prepared to answer all students' questions and eager to shed some light on the world of broadcast journalism.
As students began to make their inquiries, it became apparent that Mr. Cavallaro had to clear up a few issues and misconceptions about his job.
The first, most crucial piece of advice he had to offer after hearing most students speak, is the importance of clear, decisive speech. In other words, in his line of work, the mumbling would have to go. "No one wants to hear you mumbling and slurring your speech on air," he explained.
Then, he made it perfectly clear just how important his position as the weatherman is, explaining to the class of curious journalist-students that in news broadcasts the weather report is the most important segment since it affects and touches the lives of every individual in the community.
Another aspect of his career Mr. Cavallaro cleared up was the amount of work that goes into a simple two-minute weather report and the long hours his job requires him to put in.
An average broadcasting day, according to Mr. Cavallaro, would start at around 10:00 am, followed by two hours of preparation before going on air to deliver the weather report at the noon-hour newscast. A quick break, and back to the office to prepare the next report, for the six o'clock news. It's not unusual for Mr. Cavallaro to have to extend his day to anywhere from 8:00 pm to midnight. It's easy to see what kind of dedication a love for broadcasting can produce.
The benefits
From a personal standpoint, as a journalism student in attendance at Mr. Cavallaro's presentation, I found the whole experience very beneficial to the course and in motivating the students. By offering valuable insight on his schooling and prior experiences before hitting it big on CTV, he made a future career path in broadcast journalism seem much more attainable for many of the students who had always been interested and intrigued, but lacked information about this branch of journalism.
Another aspect about Mr. Cavallaro that was much appreciated is the fact that he didn't sugar coat the stress and long hours involved in his field of work and the privacy he's given up becoming an icon in the public eye. Yet, for appropriate balance, he didn't fail to mention the perks, either.
In effective journalistic fashion, Mr. Cavallaro's purpose seemed to offer an honest, truthful and insightful look at broadcast journalism and offer young people valuable advice that might uncover a passion for this unique line of work.
Who better than a down-to-earth, fifteen-year veteran to inspire young adults and get them excited about the world of journalism?
Photo:Cav
(Photo: Martin Alarie)
Météo: Laval, 6 juillet 2008 / 25°C
/ Généralement dégagé
/ Vents: 11 Km/h / Humidité relative: 44 % 
Steven Guilbeault - 
