Tackling tech for tomorrow: CCHS student Brian Becker shows his passion for technology

BY EMMA HUERTA

Everyday, it seems as if new innovations are on the rise, as creators scramble in order to develop the newest and hottest commodity on the market.

With these increasing amounts of technology, new gadgets are constantly being brought to society’s attention, which may take some getting used to. Consequently, some may find it difficult to adapt to the ever-changing realm of technological advancement and learn new skills in order to understand how to use new. On the other hand, some miraculously soak up the new information quickly and apply it effectively in order to share with others.

This is the case for CCHS freshman Brian Becker. Becker is known among his peers as a  “tech-savvy” guy who is able to fix iPhone screens to stage lighting to radio networks.

“He’s helping me with audio and graphics because my seniors graduate and I need someone to take over, so I introduce him little by little to all the technology we constantly do to give back to the school.”

“I think that Brian is very talented with technology across the board,” freshman Chase Perrotta – Becker’s best friend – said. “From being a DJ, knowing how to edit on two editing softwares, making two apps, and being able to create his own radio station.”

In school, Becker exemplifies this versatility that accompanies his gift for technology through his impactful aid in multiple programs. These include TV production class, Variety Show operations and helping peers – and even teachers – with occasional technical difficulties.

“He has a lot to bring to Cooper City right now,” TV production and Cowboy Television (CTV) teacher Alfredo Pichardo said. “He comes during Personalization hour and works on technical issues that I have in class. He is [also] helping the technical side of Variety Show doing the staging. He’s helping me with audio and graphics because my seniors graduate and I need someone to take over, so I introduce him little by little to all the technology we constantly do to give back to the school.”

All of this technological work, plus some classes from his past, have aided the facilitation of a strong foundation for Becker, allowing him to quickly work his way up to more advanced programs like CTV.

“He took TV class at Pioneer Middle with Ms. Ferreira – so he excelled there too – and I used to go there all last year to help him out,” Pichardo said. “He’s [now] advanced enough to possibly go into CTV. Right now, he’s keeping up with the challenge – he should be a good addition.”

One of Becker’s more recent projects, specifically in the broadcasting field, is his new prominent radio network Clearwater Radio, which is a compilation of all of the radio shows he owns.

The benefits of this strong education of technology from middle school is visible in the recognition Becker already has received for his achievements in the field. In 8th grade, he even received a top award at the Florida Scholastic Press Association (FSPA) state competition.

“I am very passionate about video editing, and last year I won All Florida for a Broadcast/News Package,” Brian Becker said. “It was a video about the flu and how to prevent it.”

And, as if all of these helpful impacts on the school weren’t enough, Becker also takes on extraordinary projects outside of CCHS.

Becker owns and operates multiple radio stations, On Air With Brian Becker and a nightly show on ATTR, a network he also started and owns.

“Both shows are very similar in the content. I talk about pop culture news, new music and such,” Becker said. “On Air With Brian Becker broadcasts on ~40 stations in different markets around the world, and when it airs is decided by the station. The evening show is every night from 6-10 PM on ATTR.”

“[He’s] well-rounded, extremely courteous and helpful,” Pichardo said.

One of Becker’s more recent projects, specifically in the broadcasting field, is his new prominent radio network Clearwater Radio, which is a compilation of all of the radio shows he owns. Besides successfully creating and running the network, Becker also managed to create an application to accompany it. The app is currently available for free on the iTunes app store to any Apple mobile device running iOS software.

“Clearwater Radio has been my project for the past year,” Becker said. “It’s a radio station network compiled of radio stations I have made that stream music to the app and website 24 hours a day, every day of the week.”

Although Brian Becker has multiple talents and is a technological genius, he also has a caring and pleasant personality, something evidently prominent in his classes, extracurriculars and overall contributions to the tech field.

“[He’s] well-rounded, extremely courteous and helpful,” Pichardo said. “[He’s] open enough that if anyone needs his help he’ll help all his group do technology or editing when they’re having issues because he would already be finished.”

“Brian definitely inspires others because he is living proof that if you put your mind to something; you can achieve it.”

Brian Becker’s future looks exceptionally bright, taking into consideration the tremendous hard work he puts into his projects, a preexisting quality that has increased over time and as his love for tech grew. Out of all of his notable talents in the field, Becker believes that one specifically might suit him best.

“I have always been interested in tech and I just kept getting more interested throughout the years,” Becker said. “I think I will probably go into the broadcasting field.”

Whether it be amongst friends, teachers or fellow peers, Brian Becker’s impact on those surrounding him is evident. Becker’s giftedness in technology is one unique aspect about him, but the immense effort he puts into his work and what he does with this talent is what makes him truly extraordinary.

“Brian inspired me by persuading me to join TV Production in the 7th grade, and now it’s one of my favorite things to do,” Chris Perrotta said. “Brian definitely inspires others because he is living proof that if you put your mind to something; you can achieve it.”

Photo by Alexa Jaspan edit by Genna Nordling