Beyond The Lens: Celebrating Vidal Rivera’s commendable years before his retirement

Read Time:6 Minute, 24 Second

By: Tarini Popuri

Vidal Rivera has been more than an educator at West Broward High School. As the primary, beloved TV Production advisor, Rivera is a storyteller, a mentor, and a cornerstone of this school’s long-lasting legacy. This year, West Broward bids farewell. As he steps into retirement, he leaves behind a program full of his dedication and vision that he created a community enriched by his unwavering commitment to each student.

Rivera’s career is not just defined by the programs he’s built but more importantly the relationships he has nurtured with his students. Rivera has taught TV production for 28 years, including 16 at West Broward. Now, as he prepares to leave, students and colleagues reflect on his contributions and the lasting impact he will leave behind.From early mornings broadcasting morning announcements, to late nights editing footage, Rivera’s dedication has never wavered. His classroom has transformed further into the bounds of a studio. It has become a sanctuary where creative students found their voice and discovered their passions. Although his presence will no longer remain at West Broward, his influence will continue on. West Broward Testing Coordinator and former Co-TV Production teacher, Jodi Tesser captures this idea through recalling his school presence.

“Any event that needs to be filmed, he always has a team there. He has also gone to the events and assisted as well. He will stay after school, if something needs to be done, any event that needs to be filmed, miked up, anything like that. He is there, ready to help,” Tesser said.

Few teachers leave behind such a legacy that extends beyond the classroom, but for Rivera, his past leadership will appear to be a future presence of West Broward. He is known for his banter, wit, and support with his students. However, his journey into teaching was rather unexpected and anything but conventional. With encouragement from his wife to pursue education and a sudden career change after selling his business, Rivera was drawn to TV production at West Broward.

WISDOM OF THE WINNERS: West Broward High School’s TV Production students gather with their longtime advisor, Vidal Rivera, to celebrate the conclusion of the 2021-2022 school year and prepare the new leadership team for the following school year. Rivera and his WBTV staff will continue their award-winning ways to the 2024-2025 season. Photo courtesy of WBTV Staff.

“ I began in an elementary school doing technology, then moved into TV production, and eventually, I was recruited to help build this school. I only planned to stay here for six months, but I loved it so much that I stayed for over a decade,” Rivera said.

Throughout his career, Rivera has done more than teach his subject. He has been seen as an inspiration. Many of his students have gone on to have successful careers in media, highlighting. Rivera’s ability to shape the trajectory of his students’ lives. Proud moments in his career often came from his students’ achievements. Victor Jorges, former student of Rivera and current WPTV Reporter, recalls a standout memory during which he believed Rivera felt pride when Jorges won a prominent award in California. Each achievement of Mr. Rivera’s former and current students work together to create his long-lasting legacy. Under his guidance as a facilitator, West Broward’s TV Program has become one of the strongest programs in Florida.

“He was also incredibly proud when I won Multimedia Journalist of the year in California. That was such an amazing day. I remember they announced third place, second place, nothing. Then they announced I had won first place and Rivera and my eyes met. He just nodded and smiled. I knew he was proud,” said Jorges.

From an administrative perspective, Rivera’s contributions to West Broward have been immeasurable. His creative leadership has culminated in major achievements during the 2023-2024 school year including a West Broward TV was awarded the prestigious STN Film Excellence Award for Best Art Directors/Set Design.

Assistant Principal Frank Jones, the CTE Department Head at West Broward, recognized Rivera’s role in building a strong sense of pride within the TV production program, making it one of the top programs at the district, state, and national levels.

“We are always one of the top programs in the District State, and we are also national winners, and it takes a teacher like Mr. Rivera to be part of that program to make it as successful as it is, but beyond his accolades, Mr. Rivera is further set apart from those around him by his personal connection with students and staff,” said Jones. Mr. Rivera is a very kind and giving, empathetic teacher who seems to have time for everybody. He’s really approachable and cares about students”.

For his students, Mr. Rivera is more than a CTE Teacher. He is a guiding force, a mentor, a friend, and often even a “grandfather figure.” Ashley Silva, a fourth-year TV Production student as well as the program Co-Broadcast Coordinator, recalls her experience working with Mr. Rivera and his impact in fostering a strong sense of community and teamwork within West Broward.

“He’s made the effort to talk to all the students and get to know them. Many see him as a grandfather, a comforting family figure.” As Ashley continues to navigate her final year in the program, she adds, “West Broward without him will be different, but his legacy, his consistency, his acts of service, his funny remarks, his teachings, but most importantly his dedication to the program will live on through the students he has influenced,” Silva said

In the following school years ahead, West Broward will move forward and continue to build upon the impact and legacy Rivera has created. Maria Merkel-Bueno, the current Digital Marketing and Media teacher who has worked with Rivera for two years, knows who West Broward is losing.

“They’re big shoes to fill, but after working alongside him [Rivera] for the past three years and knowing him even before that, I’m confident he’s leaving the program in good hands. I’ll do everything I can to ensure it continues to thrive, grow, and succeed,” said Merkel-Bueno.

As the program prepares for this new chapter, many reflect on the legacy Rivera will leave behind. His dedication to the program bears fruit in shaping future leaders, along with his commitment to foster a supportive, loving, and inclusive family for those around him.

“ He is always willing to help. He is always approachable, whether it’s a staff member, a kid, an administrator, he will do whatever it needs to get it done, to make you happy and to make you succeed. And I think that having that quality is what makes him really unique and special. The TV program will never be the same without Mr. Rivera,” said Tesser.

Leaving Behind a Legacy: From left to right, Ethan Cates (2021 West Broward alum), WBTV Teacher Vidal Rivera, and Samuel Correa (2021 West Broward alum) beam with pride after winning the STN Film Excellence Award for Best Art Direction/Set Design. Captured during one of WBTV’s proudest achievements, this moment reflected not just an award-winning production, but the culmination of Rivera’s years of mentorship, collaboration, and belief in the talents of his students. Photo courtesy WBTV staff.