Lexi Wolff

It’s easy to see why Lexi Wolff possesses such unusual confidence and poise. As a 17 year-old senior at Fox Chapel High School, her graduation project has become a tradition that is likely to carry on for generations - a television show called “The Foxes Den.” As the producer of the show, Lexi learned a lot in a short period of time about what it means to work behind the scenes of a television show.

Fox Chapel High School boasts a state-of-the-art television production studio on which the students learn as they take television production classes. In a room filled with monitors, computers, and walls of dials and knobs, students learn to film, edit, and write content for one of their many shows. They broadcast the morning announcements, on which Lexi was a newscaster, as well as Under the Red and White, a magazine show, and FC at the Movies. Lexi, however, got started on this quite by accident.

“I was taking an introductory television class where I was the on-air talent,” she said. She had never been behind the camera, and had little idea of the kind of preparatory work that is involved in television production. “I basically just read off the prompter.”

The time came for Lexi to start her senior project. Her initial idea was to have a show that discussed music, but then Mr. Williams, the school principal, and Ms. Susser, the faculty leader of student council, had a different idea. Mr. Williams gives high priority to communication with students, and was looking for more ways to do this effectively. Their combined ideas evolved into a program with a talk show format in which Mr. Williams sits down each week to address student concerns. Through the members of student council, the students can ask Mr. Williams about anything concerning school policy, such as why they can’t carry backpacks to class. They can also hear from the student council representatives about what is going on in their particular grades – elections, or projects they might all work on together, such as homecoming floats.

The show has proved a success. The administration has been cooperative and supportive, especially Mr. Williams and Mr. Martin, the television production teacher. Lexi spends much of her free time in the television studio preparing for the next show. This project gives her an opportunity that most high school students would be envious of – the experience of being the producer of her own television show.

Lexi is fortunate to be surrounded by supportive people. Her father, a videographer and photographer, covers the weddings that are held in Heinz Chapel. He is excited about her project, and often donates equipment for the school studio. Another important person in Lexi’s life is Mr. Martin, a television production teacher who used to work for KDKA. She values him for the real life experience he brings to the classroom and for the encouraging role he’s played in her project. Mr. Williams believes “The Foxes Den” is a great step forward for the school, and says he would like to see another student step into Lexi’s role when she graduates in December.

You would think that a girl like Lexi would have her life planned out – a broadcast communications major followed by a successful career in television. Her future plans, however, have to do with a different passion in her life – politics. At 17, she isn’t old enough to vote, but she’s ready to be writing speeches for the presidential candidates. “I watch the debates and say ‘I could write a better than that!’” she laughs. “It kills me that I’m not old enough to vote, believe me.”

Lexi will be attending Duquesne to attain a Law degree, but she will always love working in television. “I’d definitely like to keep doing it on the side,” she says. Her open attitude, outgoing personality, and ambition ensure that Lexi will make a big impact wherever she goes.

See the online video here.