Middle schooler's life changed

Philip M. Arcaro, 12.5 years old of Burlington was born three months premature and diagnosed with mild cerebral palsy and epilepsy; but this hasn’t stopped him from pursuing his dream of becoming a television producer.
Arcaro was recently named Burlington Cable Access Television’s Video Voyager of the year, an accomplishment which has made him, his family and teachers gleam with pride.
“Philip is a kid who has been on an IEP his whole life and has progressed to full inclusion and doing very well academically (with support and extra time),” said Mary Beth Arcaro, Philip’s mom.
However, since he has begun Video Voyagers this past fall, she has noticed a tremendous improvement in his conversation skills and has noticed he is able to have more conversations one on one because he is more confident in what he is saying.

“This program has given Philip such a boost and his self esteem is through the roof, the staff treat Philip with respect and love his dedication,” said Mary Beth Arcaro, Philip’s mom.
Since 1999, Burlington Cable Access Television has been offering a free after school program for students in grades 6 through 8 interested in learning more about the field of television production. They meet ever Wednesday of the academic calendar from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the BCAT studio.
“That’s what we’re here for, to have someone like Phil have his life change, makes us feel good about what we do,” said Jennifer Dodge, BCAT executive director.
The Video Voyager of the Year award is given to a participant in the program who exemplifies three “r”’s, respect self, respect staff and respect the equipment, said
Tad Stephanak, BCAT production coordinator.
“I like going to Video Voyagers. It helps calm me down after a stressful day because everyone is respectful to me and everyone treats me the way I like to be treated,” said Philip.
His mother is very impressed with the professionalism of the staff who Philip has worked with. “As a parent of a special needs kid who’s had different experiences of his life of people looking at him differently or treating him differently because of his disabilities over the years, I love it. It makes me feel like I know he’s in a safe place,” said Arcaro.
Stephanak refers to Philip as a “BCAT savant” and admits they nicknamed him “Philm” because his middle initial is “M”.
“His parents must have subconsciously knew ahead of time when they named him,” he said.
Video Voyagers trains students how to do every job involved in the television production process, both behind and in front of the camera, including how to direct, run the cameras, use the switcher, do the graphics, lighting, sound, editing, story boards and acting.
“Everyone learns to do everything and gets hands on experiences,” said Stephanak, adding they learn to work as a group and interact with each other as a team.
Don’t be surprised if you see Arcaro behind camera at a local event these days.
“Phil has taken the intiative to do other things. That’s what the program is about,” said Stephanak.
Arcaro recently video taped the Marshall Simonds Middle School Spring Concert. He especially enjoys producing skits like the Redd Sock show.
“Every night when I go to sleep, I see myself working at BCAT ten years later from where I am, doing the show, working in the control room,” said Arcaro.
He hopes to film track and field meets for Burlington High School in the near future.
Mary Beth said she wouldn’t be surprised if more kids like Philip start doing these things.
“It’s a nice place for kids to have an outlet that’s positive. It helps them focus on something they might build into a career,” she said.
For more information about Video Voyagers or to sign your middle school student up, visit www.bcattv.or or call 781-273-5922.