I had the opportunity to attend the final screening of the thought-provoking docuseries “The Class” on Tuesday, April 22nd, at The Creative Artists Agency (CAA) in the vibrant city of Los Angeles, California. This compelling series, which airs on PBS, chronicles the intricate experiences of six diverse students hailing from Antioch, California, as they navigate their deeply held aspirations for higher education while grappling with the unprecedented challenges brought forth by a pandemic year.
The docuseries showcases the extraordinary passion and unwavering determination of the students’ college adviser, affectionately known as “Mr. Cam.” He plays a pivotal role in empowering the seniors at Deer Valley High School, guiding them through the myriad obstacles that arise in their pursuit of academic success and, ultimately, their dreams of obtaining a college degree. Mr. Cam’s dedication to his students is evident as he works tirelessly to support them, providing encouragement and practical advice.
Produced by the award-winning husband-and-wife filmmaking duo, Jaye and Adam Fenderson, “The Class” marks the duo’s inaugural television program under their independent production company, Three Frame Media. This company is renowned for its focus on character-driven storytelling that not only engages audiences but also aims to make a meaningful impact on society. The Fendersons’ commitment to showcasing real-life struggles and triumphs is vividly evident in this series.
Throughout the series, viewers witness the students confronting not only their personal adversities – stemming from their diverse backgrounds – but also the broader implications of the COVID-19 pandemic on their lives and education. The series poignantly documents the journeys of six resilient teenagers as they strive to complete high school amidst these challenges. It also highlights how the pandemic has reshaped the educational landscape. Some students contend with profound grief from the loss of loved ones, while others navigate the complexities of adapting to new learning environments and methodologies in unprecedented ways.
The docuseries intricately follows the lives of Kadynce, Raven, Emily, Javonte, Ebei, and Ahmad, all of whom are steadfastly supported by Mr. Cam. As the sole college adviser at the school, he manages the remarkable responsibility of working with over 2,000 students, illustrating his commitment to educational equity and the empowerment of young minds in the face of adversity.
All episodes are streaming now on PBS.ORG
