LEAD Academy (formerly known as Longview Early Graduation High School) students had the chance to dive into the world of gaming, media production, and technology careers during the LEAD Academy Gaming Expo.
The hands-on event featured a Super Smash Bros. tournament, interactive breakout sessions, and live demonstrations designed to introduce students to LEAD’s evolving digital arts and gaming program. With the support of Texas Gaming Empire, a professional Esports production team based in San Antonio, the tournament gave students a chance to compete in a professional-grade setting.
“We want students to see that the skills they develop through gaming and media go far beyond the screen,” said Dr. Krystal Christenson, Assistant Magnet Director and MSAP Specialist. “This event is about inspiring curiosity and helping students see real possibilities in areas like broadcasting, audio engineering, and game design.”
In addition to the tournament, students rotated through four breakout stations, each designed to spark interest in digital creativity and hands-on tech skills:
- Video Production: Students practiced video storytelling using green screens, mobile devices, and editing software like Adobe Premiere Rush and Canva Video.
- Audio Production: Participants learned podcasting basics, voice-over work, and music mixing using tools like Audacity and Soundtrap.
- Esports & Game Development: Students explored the competitive world of Esports and experimented with game creation using tools like Unreal Engine’s Fortnite Editor.
- Gaming Science & Digital Arts Overview: The central station offered a vision for the program’s future and the pathways it opens in tech and design careers.
“This is a glimpse into what school can look like when creativity and career readiness go hand in hand,” said Jeremy Stout, Digital Media & Graphic Arts Coordinator for Longview ISD. “Students aren’t just here to play—they’re here to create, compete, and imagine what’s possible.”
Tournament winners were awarded prizes, and all students who participated in breakout sessions were entered into raffles for additional giveaways, adding a fun and motivating layer to the learning environment.
“Our goal is to meet students where they are—and for many of them, that means in front of a controller or behind a camera,” said Benjamin Wood, Chief Technology Officer and MSAP Director. “We’re giving them tools to take that interest and turn it into something meaningful. This expo shows them that their passion for gaming can be the start of a career.”
The event is part of Longview ISD’s ongoing investment in project-based learning and future-focused magnet programming, supported by the Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP).