Jefferson School students produce commercial

Jefferson School, the Montana Children’s Trust Fund and Big Sky UAV teamed up on to produce a memorable 30-second video that was filmed from high above using a drone during the Pinwheels for Prevention Parade in Helena.

 After the 300 Jefferson School students and faculty paraded from the school to the Capitol, they were greeted by blue flags marked on the front lawn spelling out ‘#GOBLUE’. Every individual was needed to fill out the hashtag and letters. Montanans are asked to post on social media this month using the hashtag #GoBlue.

 Jefferson School Principal Lona Carter-Scanlon rehearsed with the students prior to event a spirited ‘Go Blue’ cheer.

 Jamey Petersen of the Montana Children’s Trust Fund mapped out the words using blue flags the night before.

 But, there was one final missing piece needed to make it all happen – capturing the moment from an aerial view.

 Petersen knew just whom to ask. Husband Jack ‘Pepper’ Petersen of Big Sky UAV was more than willing donate his services to produce the eye-catching video. Together, Petersen and coworker Greg Heide worked together to maneuver the UAV high into the air to film the scene. The video starts out with a tight shot, before panning wide and ending with the Capitol in the background.

At the same time, students waved blue pinwheels and cheered ‘Go Blue, Go Blue, Yeaahhhh!’

“It was so much fun to be a part of this, and the kids really thought it was cool they were being filmed from the air by a UAV,” Carter-Scanlon said.  “And, of course, this was also for a great cause. Child abuse in Montana is real, and we are proud to be a part of raising awareness about this important issue.”

Jack Petersen was honored Big Sky UAV could help. “This was just a fun way to use our UAVs to produce a video that I really think captured the moment,” he said. “I’m glad we were able to help, and I hope this helps raise even more awareness about the prevention of child abuse and neglect in Montana. The kids were great to work with, and I’m proud of them.”

Pinwheels for Prevention is a national public awareness campaign built around the symbol of the pinwheel, which represents a happy and uplifting symbol of childhood and conveys the message that every child deserves the chance to be raised in a healthy, safe, and nurturing environment.

All Montanans are asked to Go Blue every Monday by wearing blue clothing to show support for Montana families.