The Screen Set

Over the years, Gibb, 67, has amassed more than a million dollars worth of equipment in the two converted classrooms that make up his studio. Again, much of it has come from contributions from the local cable franchise, although civic organizations have helped out, too.

Gibb's program, which he runs with teacher Kurt Doelle, serves about 100 students from Dearborn High and two other high schools.

When he began the television production program in 1982, Gibb modeled it on a high school athletic program. "I asked myself, 'Why do the jocks get everything?'" he recalls. "The answer is: They've got the biggest building in the school. They stay around after school. They...