The annual “4-State” video competition for high school broadcast and film students takes place November 6-8, 2026 on the campus of Missouri State University in Springfield, MO. This will be the 19th year of the 4-State.

Our Team

The Manager

Dave Davis is the broadcast teacher at the Greenwood Laboratory School, which is owned and operated by Missouri State University. A long, long time ago, he was actually a baseball coach who won a couple of state championships. That was back when the grass was real. He started the 4-State back in 2008, and he will still do the heavy lifting before the week of the 4 State, but he will back away from his duties once the competition begins as his Greenwood students will join the fun and take part in the contests for the first time.

The Producer

Brandon Goodwin, former manager of the event, will still be lurking around, assisting with logistics and producing the closing awards ceremony. He has a couple of Emmys, but these days he is better known as the voice of the ASB Classroom, which he created. He’s that guy.

The Contest Coordinator

Jan Sobbe is a veteran broadcast and video production teacher from Staley High School in Kansas City. She is taking on the reins of Contest Coordinator for the 2026 event. She will create the prompts, and oversee all the on-site competitions. She is also a long-time member of the ASB Workshop staff.

The Assistant

Sophia Bolton was once a student competing (and winning) at the 4-State, and is now an invaluable part of the operation. She does a little bit of everything, and you will see her on-site all weekend putting out fires as Jan Sobbe’s assistant. She is a graduate of Missouri State University. Her day job? Parole Officer. Just sayin.’

The Judges

The judges for the 4-State are volunteers from the professional broadcast or film industry, and from the CMJF department at the university. In 2026 judges will do their work remotely.

The Secret Weapon

Dr. Deborah Larson is the head of the Missouri State University Department of Communication, Media, Journalism and Film (CMJF). She has been instrumental in making the 4-State event a success on the Missouri State campus.