by Caitlyn Brock

RV-TV students at River Valley Middle School expect to walk into the class and find a young teacher who will simply show them a video or let them do whatever they want for the 50 minutes they’re in there, but in reality, they’re about to learn to create a newscast for all of RVMS to see. 

This is the world of Yousaf Quereshi and RV-TV.

The average day in RV-TV is divided into three different paths: Podcast, Broadcast, and Newscast. The yearbook is right after that as well, as some days for Quereshi are Marathon days, in which the class spends the whole class time editing and writing content in groups. Other days are “War Days,” where the class goes outside to utilize a speaker or film a newscast at a rapid speed.

Quereshi graduated from JHS in 2023 and was employed by Greater Clark County Schools at RVMS less than a month later. How and why so soon? 

“My high school experience and struggles in life all pointed to a life in teaching and coaching,” Quereshi said. His students, who fondly (sometimes) call him Mr. Q, number in the vicinity of 70 to 80, comprising both former and current students in his classes. “I’m only 20, but I hopefully pass as much older for most people.”

“Even though he is new to teaching, I personally believe he is a great teacher and is good at communicating and getting students to express themselves,” freshman Josh Cooley, a former student, said. 

Mr. Q was an editor of the Hyphen newspaper during his junior and senior years, and was a part of WJHI Radio/TV, but is most proud of having been in the Model UN and the Debate Team.

 “Coaches Linde, Russell, and Condon all had a great impact and influence on me. They always believed in me, and that helped me be victorious over schools like Signature and Floyd Central.” 

Mr. Q became emotional about the various mentors he’s had over the years, many who taught him the skills that helped form his teaching career. 

“It’s the story of my life; I could’ve failed at every step, yet a teacher saved me.”

Mr. Q then stressed a statement he especially wanted to emphasize: “If you’re willing to learn and have the work ethic to show it, there’s no shortage of good teachers who can change you.” 

He chose to work at RVMS because most teachers rarely (if ever) go back to teach at the middle school they attended. 

“RVMS is where my identity was born; since COVID-19 happened my freshman year, some of my best memories are from middle school. The teachers, friends, clubs, it’s all still home.” 

Would he be willing to work at Jeff High? He responded with a shrug and replied, “God amazes me with the circles he fulfills; Someday, just not sure when.” 

RVMS is no longer the same. With a strong culture of student media, students have never had more opportunities to do broadcasting and journalism in a middle school in Clark County. With strong relationships with JHS’s media programs and the hard work of students, Mr. Q has been able to create “RV-TV.” 

Student Maddux Dobson had positive words for the class.

“It’s my favorite subject because everything is exciting and very student-oriented,” he said. “We feel like we can do things, things we normally aren’t able to.” Students are currently learning photography and video editing. 

“Long ago, I had a very strict teacher. I made excuses in his class, wouldn’t show up, and got kicked out,” Mr. Q said. “The next year, when I won Student of the Month, he came out of nowhere with a smile, filled with pride. I cry every time I remember.”

Mr. Q once again got emotional and took a deep breath. He remembered his time as a student and now as a staff member at RVMS. 

“Radio/TV is the business of storytelling and presentation. A motto that sticks with me is, ‘Does it tell a good story?’ Because that’s life. Does your life tell a good story?”