Staff
Co-President Cordie Burt
Senior
acburt@acsk12.org
Hi, I'm Cordie, a senior at Auburn High! I've been a part of Hi Def for over two years now and have loved every step of it. I'm also a part of many other clubs at AHS, including AHS Gardening Club, NAHS, NHS, Mu Alpha Theta, and NTHS. I like to think I stand out in a crowd not only from my multi-colored hair but also from my quiet confidence. I hope my creative side continues to shine through this school year!
Personal and professional goals: My personal goals include maintaining my grades and creating an environment where others around me can also thrive. My professional goals include working hard to further my portfolio for college scholarships and a career in TV Production.
Achievements and Accomplishments: 2022-23 Fall Semester Student of the Semester, NFPW (state) Best Sports Package, NFPW (state) Best Newscast (Tiger TV), 2023 Greatest Save PSA "Best New Take"
Hobbies: Video editing, drawing, overanalyzing taylor swift lyrics, baking:)
“Just be yourself, there is no one better.” ― Taylor Swift
Co-President Leah Hardy
Senior
lhhardy@acsk12.org
I’ve been in HiDef for 2 years. Love this program and all of the opportunities that it gives students!
Personal and professional goals: I plan on going to college at Auburn! Build a strong community, and become a more productive member of society.
Achievements and Accomplishments: I am certified in Adobe Premiere Pro. I Attended Sate for Skills USA in extemporaneous speaking. Participated as a Little Sister for Distinguished Young Women Lee County. Inducted into the National Junior Honor Society.
Hobbies: I like to build Lego, hangout with friends, play on the XBox, and do just about anything musical!
“Business, business, business. Numbers. Is this thing working.” - Unikitty The LEGO movie
Co-Vice President Taylor Gautney
Senior
Trgautney@acsk12.org
My name is Taylor Gautney. I am so excited to fill this position and lead my other staff members so that our club excels and is the best at AHS. I do show choir for Varsity Singers and Men at Work. I play golf almost every weekend and play guitar in my free time. I can’t wait for the 2023-2024 year and all of the accomplishments we will achieve!
Personal and professional goals: Become a sports commentator for a baseball team. Go to Virginia Tech or Arizona State for college. Lead my peers to the best of my ability. Make sure Hi- Def is number one in every category.
Achievements and Accomplishments: Won an award for best sports tv show- AHS Countdown. Show choir won FAME Orlando competition. All A’s and B’s student. National Honors Society.
Hobbies: guitar, golf, show choir. Watching sports. Playing basketball in free time.
“I smile at obstacles.”- Tiger Woods
Co-Vice President Olivia Naughton
Senior
ojnaughton@acsk12.org
Hey! My name is Olivia Naughton and this is my 3rd in Hi-Def and my 2nd year on staff. I love all things photography, videography, and sports- so the Hi-Def club is perfect! We are alway open to new members and new ideas! I’m always available!
Personal and professional goals: My goals regarding Hi-Def this upcoming school year are to be efficient and accurate in everything we do. I also want the video board to slay.
Achievements and Accomplishments: I am in National Honor Society, National Technical Honor Society, and Mu Alpha Theta. I am an AHSAA Media Representative and am a Varsity Track athlete.
Hobbies: I like to hangout with my friends, travel, specifically to the beach, and read.
“Bruh” - whoever invented it
Communications Director - Karson Hester
Junior
Kdhester@acsk12.org
Hello, my name is Karson Hester. I am a junior attending Auburn High School in Auburn, AL. For the 2023-2024 school year, I will serve Hi-Def as the Communications Director. Some of my qualities include that I am kind, determined, and organized. I eagerly anticipate what the 2023-2024 Hi-Def CTSO will produce.
Personal and professional goals: I want to become a self-sufficient adult, I strive to become a charitable person who gives back to the community and the people in the community, I hope to major in communications and minor in business, I want to be able to provide for my family. I want the people who depend on me to trust and support me and I want them to be as worry free as possible.
Achievements and Accomplishments: Excellence Of Media Award, Excellence In Choir Award, Student Of The Year, Citizenship Award, I am also a member of the National Junior Honor Society and Auburn Choral Company.
Hobbies: I enjoy reading, watching TV Shows/Movies, and walking my dog.
"All I am I owe to my mother." - George Washington
Sports Director Max Mesman
Senior
mgmesman@acsk12.org
My name is Max Mesman and I am the 2023-2024 Sports Director of Hi-Def Club! A little bit about me, obviously I love sports and everything to do with them! I also love movies, hanging out with friends, and gaming. My favorite sports teams are the New Oreleans in the NFL and the New Oreleans Pelicans in the NFL. A fun fact about me is that I have had dinner with three different professional athletes. If you ever have questions about how to do something at a broadcast or about any possible sports-related projects that you want to do, don’t hesitate to ask!
Personal and professional goals: I hope to become a professional Sports Personality for ESPN, FOX or CBS.
Achievements and Accomplishments: Best Sports Program in the Nation - AHS Countdown
Hobbies: Watching movies, hanging out with friends, and going to sporting events.
“Do. Or do not. There is no try.” - Yoda
Secretary of the Treasury Drew Durkin
Junior
kddurkin@acsk12.org
I am the youngest of two, my older sister Abby. I love going to the gym, and singing. I spend my past time studying or hanging out with friends. I have one cat and i plan in the near future to get a dog. I have a GPA of 3.6 and i plan on going into the technical business field.
Personal and professional goals: some personal goals i have for my self are: bettering myself not only mentally but also physically, to look on the bright side more, and show others grace. some professional goals i want to accomplish are: gain insight by looking at past successes, grow as a team, and step up to a challenge with confidence.
Achievements and Accomplishments: promotions and 2 raises in less then a year of working at my job, saving a women’s life by knowing simple first aid, and making women’s vocal jazz in show choir.
Hobbies: singing, going to the gym, and reading
"It is never too late to be what you might have been." - George Eliot
Chief Engineer Evan Clarkson
Junior
Edclarkson@acsk12.org
My name is Evan Clarkson, and this will be my second time serving as a Chief Engineer. I joined Hi-Def and immediately fell in love with working the broadcasts and having knowledge of the various equipment used for the broadcasts.
Personal and professional goals: Personally, I would like to be able to direct many short films this semester. Professionally I’d like to be able to write and direct a high budget film someday.
Achievements and Accomplishments: Certified in Adobe Premiere Pro.
Hobbies: Writing, directing, playing music, and reading.
“It just works.“ - Todd Howard
Director of Public Relations Stillman Brown
Senior
Jsbrown@acsk12.org
My name is Stillman Brown and I am the Director of Public Relations. This is my second year in Hi Def and first year on staff. Hi Def has helped me meet so many amazing people. It also helped me find something new I am passionate about. I hope I can give back to the club so other people can have the same experiences I have. Outside of Hi Def you can find me in the band or choir room. I love the arts!
Personal and professional goals: I hope to have a career in music. I also hope to be in a movie. I want to graduate from college.
Achievements and Accomplishments: Auburn High School Wind Symphony. Alto Saxophone Section Leader. All District Band / All State Alternate. National Honor Society. National Technical Honor Society.
Hobbies: I play the Alto Saxophone. I like to bike. I like to read. I make short films with my friends sometimes.
“Far and away the best prize that life offers is the chance to work hard at work worth doing.” - Theodore Roosevelt
Director of Photography and Videography Sarah Bailey Brown
Sophomore
sbbrown@acsk12.com
I’m Sarah Bailey and i’ve been doing photography for about two years and have been with mass media for one year! im a sophomore and am super excited to help lead this year. my goals are to optimize the many talents of the photo and video teams and to put our best foot forward when it comes to event decorum and media!
Personal and professional goals: my goals as director of photography and videography are to maximize the success of our photo and video team by supporting all school wide events, by putting our best foot forward in sideline decorum, and using our best efforts to market ourselves, our sports and our club!
Achievements and Accomplishments: honorable mention in NFPW state wide competition, first freshman in hi def club
Hobbies: photography, dance and baking
"There are always flowers for those who want to see them."
Community Service Director Mary Margaret Buck
Senior
mmbuck@acsk12.org
Hi! I’m Mary Margaret Buck! This is my second year of HI DEF and I am so excited to serve as Community Service director for my senior year! I am involved in lots of activities in our school and the community! At school, I am a member of the student council, assistant secretary of the diversity council, National honor society president, and a member of many other clubs! I work for the city as a Therapeutics Counselor for individuals with special needs and volunteer at events in the community such as the Miricle League of East Alabama! Aside from work and school, I enjoy hanging out with friends, acting, shopping, and getting lunch!
Personal and professional goals: I hope to attend university, and major in disability and rehabilitation studies and fashion design/marketing!
Achievements and Accomplishments: I have served as the Sophomore Class President and the Junior Class Vice President! I am currently President of National Honor Society and assistant secretary of the Diversity Council!
Hobbies: I enjoy hiking, shopping, acting, hanging out with friends, and slaying!
"Take a deep breath."
Director of Marketing
Director of Film Jackson Wells
Senior
jmwells@acsk12.org
Jackson Wells is a Senior at Auburn High School. He loves both being on stage and being behind a camera. He has learned much about the ladder while working for Hidef and he looks forward to passing down what he has learned to others this year.
Personal and professional goals: Filmmaker, Actor, Better Human being
Achievements and Accomplishments: Multiple shorts chosen as finalists and semi finalists in fil festivals, Interlochen Arts Maddy Summer Artist Award
Hobbies: Theater and Show Choir
“Beautiful things don’t ask for attention” ― The Secret Life of Walter Mitty
Recruitment Director - Lexi Gemperle
Junior
atgemperle@acsk12.org
My name is Lexi Gemperle, and I am a Junior at AHS. I love to make short films, read and write, and you can always find me either working on a project or reading a book. I am so happy to be on Hi-Def staff an cannot wait for a great year!
Personal and professional goals: When I leave AHS I hope to go to college in New York or Boston to pursue my dream of being a Director. My goal is to be the youngest Director to win an Oscar, and I hope my time at Hi-Def brings me closer to that goal.
Achievements and Accomplishments: Certified in Adobe Premiere Pro.
Hobbies: Make Short Films, Write, Read
“If history repeats itself, I am SO getting a Dinosaur.”
Social Media Director - Audrey Wright
Senior
aawright@acsk12.org
I am so excited to be the social media director for the 2023-2024 school year. Outside of Hi Def I enjoy doing show choir and theater.
Hobbies: I enjoy signing, acting, going to the gym and listening to Taylor Swift.
Achievements and Accomplishments: National Honors Society, Certified in Adobe Premiere
“If guys don't want me to write bad songs about them, they shouldn't do bad things.” ― Taylor Swift
Director of Program Development Joel Shin
Senior
jjshin@acsk12.org
Hey my name is Joel Shin and this is my 3rd year on Hi Def. I will be the Director of Program Development for the 2023-2024 school year and I joined Hi Def because I love everything film and TV related. As a director of program development, I train new members on how to use the control room and cameras during broadcasts.
Personal and professional goals: I hope to direct films or work on cinematography.
Achievements and Accomplishments: National honor society, Adobe Premiere pro certified, All district band
Hobbies: making short films, editing videos, and watching movies
“You're gonna need a bigger boat.” ― Chief Brody from Jaws
Podcast Director Mason Van Deventer
Junior
mlvandeventer@acsk12.org
I'm Mason Van Deveneter and I'm the podcast director this year. I've been in HiDef for about a year and this is will be my first year on staff. I love taking pictures of games and events around the high school! I'm so excited for this year!
Personal and professional goals: Professional goals - become a lawyer and be a photographer. Personal goals- get all A's this year
Achievements and Accomplishments: Premier Pro Certified
Hobbies: photography, fishing, guitar
“live laugh love.” ― Dillard
Website Director Hailey Yoon
Junior
jiyoon@acsk12.org
Hi! I am Hailey, and this will be my first year on staff. I am class of 2025 in Auburn High School, and this is my 5th year in Auburn. I am also a part of the marching band, and I enjoy making music a lot. I am so excited for my junior year as a staff and all the things I will be able to experience!
Personal and professional goals: The biggest goal for now is to graduate High School after getting as many experience and memories as I can and majoring Film & TV Production in college. I love editing, so I want to start working as an editor in a film team after finishing college, and I want to make my own programs in the future after getting some on-field experience.
Achievements and Accomplishments: Certified in Adobe Premiere Pro.
Hobbies: I love watching movies or tv series. I play flute in band, and I like playing piano as well. When I have a lot of free time, I like to stare into the wall while listening to my favorite songs.
“Don’t adapt to the energy in the room. Influence the energy in the room.”
