Sussex Technical High School 2003 graduate Tom Shortridge, a native of Laurel, was part of a team that won a regional Emmy award for a NASA television educational program geared toward high school students. “NASA Launchpad” took home a statute in the Informational/Instructional category for its episode, “Bernoulli’s Principle,” at the 52nd Capital Regional Emmy Awards held in Washington, D.C. on June 5.
“The video explains how planes fly. Some of the footage shows orbits of the international space station,” explained Shortridge.
Shortridge is employed by the National Institute of Aerospace in Hampton, Va. and is contracted to NASA’s Langley Research Center to produce educational videos. He and co-producer Scott Bednar make five to seven-minute programs that apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics concepts learned in the classroom to real world challenges.
Shortridge admits that he is more surprised about winning an Emmy for NASA than for winning an Emmy based on production excellence. “I was never into science or engineering,” he admits, “but I knew in high school that I loved video production.”
While at Sussex Tech, Shortridge majored in media broadcasting technology. He helped produce daily school newscasts and a weekly news show that aired on local cable. He went on to major in communication at McDaniel College in Westminister, Md., with a minor in film video.
Shortridge credits Sussex Tech for giving him a head start in the industry. “All the hands-on experience in the classroom using the most up-to-date technology was a huge benefit to me,” said Shortridge. “While in high school, I was working with the same equipment as the professionals were using. Plus, Mr. (Gary) Conaway helped me get my first job at WBOC-TV.”
Media broadcasting teacher Gary Conaway was not surprised that his former student won an Emmy. “Tom always strived to be the best in everything he did. His talent and determination always showed in the projects and stories that he created for my class,” said Conaway.
Shortridge’s determination also showed on his high school football field. His 39 unassisted tackles for the Ravens helped him be named to the Henlopen All-Conference first team. His creative talents don’t stop with video production either. He likes to unwind after a hectic day by playing the piano and writing lyrics.
Tom is the son of Becky Norton of Laurel and C.J. Shortridge of Dagsboro. He met his wife Anna, while in college and they were married in October 2008.
