A little bit more about me...
Zachary Q Franks
Background Information
A little bit more about me, I am currently 18 years old and I live in the small town of Belton, SC. I was a member of the graduating class of 2022 at Belton-Honea Path High School and I am attending Lander University in Greenwood, SC beginning in August 2022, majoring in Media & Communication. I was a three year member and honors graduate of the Media Broadcasting Program at the Anderson 1 & 2 Career and Technology Center in Williamston, SC and I received both the Jackson Wise Memorial Scholarship, valued at $500, for "Vibrant Leadership in Media Broadcasting" as well as our program's $500 scholarship, awarded to one student annually. I also maintained memberships with the National Beta Club and National Honor Society Chapters at my home high school and I was awarded the WebbCraft Family Foundation Scholarship valued at $1,000 through Belton-Honea Path's Renaissance Program. In total, I've received $10,500 in merit-based scholarships to help me further pursue my education. Currently, I am a first year freshman student at Lander University in Greenwood, SC where I am seeking a bachelors degree in Media & Communications with a minor in Sports Media. I am also member of the Lander Honors College and currently hold the position of News & Sports Director at XLR Lander Radio. Off campus, I am the producer of Greenwood High School Football as well as a part time staff member at WZSN Sunny 103.5 FM, in which I produce sports updates twice weekly, voiceovers, and help run the sound board when needed.
My Future Plans
My future plans right now are to hopefully be able to pursue a career in either radio or sportscasting, or possibly both. Any which way, I'm hoping to work in the media profession in some regard during my life.
What I've gained from the ACTC Media Broadcasting Program
The Media Broadcasting program has honestly completely changed my life. When I started in the program, I was a quiet and awkward person who never talked or had very many friends. Three years later, I've called more than 20 live sporting events, ranging from high school soccer, baseball, basketball, and football to professional arena football for the Palmetto Colts of the Federated Arena League. I also have produced two different 1 hour live shows that you can check out by visiting the sections above as well as various promos, liners, station ID's, and PSA's for WPPB the Pulse. Most importantly, I've changed my personality for the better. Like I said, when I started in the program my sophomore year, I was quiet, awkward, and didn't have anyone I could call a true friend. Now, I'm nowhere near as shy or afraid to do things and put myself out there for the world to see. Also, through the Zach & Ethan Show I met my college roommate and best friend, Ethan Roark. Ethan is the best friend anyone could ask for and he's helped me through so much this year, from being there for me when I'm feeling down to helping us out with sports to helping me change my personality, and I can't thank him enough for that. I wouldn't have done nearly as much as I have this year without Ethan, and he's pushed me and encouraged me to do so much and I can't wait to spend the next four years with this guy. The Media Broadcasting program at ACTC is honestly a life changer for me, and I can't thank my two instructors, the school, or my classmates enough for all they've done for me.
My Family
Of course I can't go without thanking the most important people in my life, my family. They've always been my biggest supporters and have stood right by my side since the day I was born. Ever since I said that I wanted to do media, they've been so supportive and encouraging and I wouldn't have made it as far as I have without them. On top of that, they've raised me to be a kind and caring person who will look out for others and they were there for me when I needed someone more than ever. I never really had much more than my family to hang out with until this year to tell the truth, and all the really cool things we've done together have made my life a billion times better. So to my mom, my dad, my two brothers Christian and Logan, my soon to be sister-in-law Molly, my grandparents, and the rest of my family, thank y'all for everything and I love each and every one of y'all very much, more than y'all can imagine.
