On October 28, 2025, Brockton High School, one of Massachusetts’ largest and most historic schools, welcomed the nationally recognized “Reel Funny” Workshop by SALT ED Inc., with support from Kbean®. The program gave students a unique chance to explore bias, boundaries, and communication — all through comedy, storytelling, and media.
The workshop was led by Diane Ashley, founder of DTA Diversity Counts and a lecturer at Rutgers University School of Law – Newark. Diane guided students through interactive exercises that encouraged them to think critically about how perceptions shape communication and relationships, both on screen and in everyday life.
Thanks to Brockton High’s dedicated teachers : Bernadette Sullivan (Assistant Principal), Jennifer Hruniak (Health Teacher), and Nick Halko, M.Ed (Television Media Specialist). Students from Media and Mediation classes came together to combine storytelling, production skills, and conflict resolution in a fun, hands-on environment. The session emphasized empathy, teamwork, and critical thinking while letting students express themselves creatively.
After the workshop, students will create short videos capturing their experiences, which will be shared through the Kbean SALT12 Challenge. Selected projects will also be showcased at the SALT12 Student Film Festival, a national celebration of youth creativity, leadership, and storytelling.
“This program helps students turn self-awareness into creativity,” said Principal Kevin McCaskill. Joonho Lee, CEO of Kbean®, added, “By exploring bias, communication, and personal boundaries through humor and media, students are learning essential life skills while finding their own voice.”
The “Reel Funny” workshop proves that learning, laughter, and creative expression can go hand in hand — giving students tools they can use both in school and in life.
