Now and then, you’ll come across a student who transforms a school project into something more, something so unforgettable that it leaves a legacy long after graduation. Josh Carone ’18 did exactly that, using his time at Wooster to refine his storytelling skills, teamwork, and sense of humor, transforming WiNK videos from just a weekly update.
Josh’s story proves that life is not just about success; it's about finding inspiration through everyday moments and showing that a blend of humor and curiosity can open doors just beyond high school, making the journey to greatness and a successful career you genuinely care about as meaningful as the destination.
Unlike other students, who took an elective to fill credit requirements, Josh was driven by excitement.
“I loved reading the articles, but was always interested in producing videos,” he said. “Once I started doing the question of the week, I became hooked. It eventually evolved into a weekly broadcast with my friend Cooper that included different segments and guests.”
Behind the scenes, Josh had ample support from friends and mentors who encouraged his growth and development. He credits a great deal of his creative spark to Mrs. Thaler, the journalism teacher at the time. Josh describes her as a supporter of his ambition.
“I would not be doing what I am doing today if it weren’t for [Mrs. Thaler],” Josh said. “Not only did she inspire creativity and passion, but she was always a fantastic sounding board, both for video ideas and just life in general.”
He also mentioned two other fantastic mentors: Ms. Gleicher, his English teacher, who reignited his love of reading and writing, and the late Mr. Cataldo, his History teacher, who constantly fostered the critical thinking necessary for his creation. These influential people helped him realize that storytelling is more than self-expression; it is about connecting with the community.
Cooper Byrnes and Josh Carone's WiNK Title Page in 2017
“My goal with the Wink videos was to highlight the Wooster community and make that same community laugh,” he recalls. “If we produced a video that both a lower school student and their parents enjoyed, then we did our ‘job.’That understanding of the audience is something I still think about today.”
Josh’s time at Wooster was defined by more than just his work on camera; he made his mark on the basketball court as well.
“Playing basketball, producing WiNK videos, and watching my friend Bennett nap in the library,” Josh said, reminiscing on his best memories. “He is such a cute sleeper!”
As Josh enters a new project, he aims to think of something never seen before.
“For example, I’ve never seen a video of a chicken playing basketball,” Josh said. “But I would like to.”
This is a good reminder that the best stories more than likely come from following what you are genuinely interested in, and of course, what excites you. Building on the foundation he began at Wooster, Josh first attended Providence College, but when it came time to transfer, his choice was clear.
“I wish I could say I was debating between Emerson and NYU and USC and Oxford and eventually chose Emerson because the professors are incredible and nothing beats Boston in the fall,” he jokes. “But honestly, when I decided to transfer from Providence, Emerson was the only school I applied to. And I studied Visual Media Arts because there’s no better way to spend $200k than on a film education. Just kidding. I should’ve bought real estate or something.”
He shares a lesson that I think we can all learn from.
“If you want to make something, don’t wait for an institution to let you,” he said. “Instead, complain about that institution for many months and then eventually make it yourself, out of spite.”
Today, Josh has used his talent to land a role as Content Coordinator at Sony Pictures. He’s currently editing a short film and, with his roommate under an alias, is developing a TV show. Stay tuned!
His advice to current WiNK students? It’s simple and sincere.
“Start making stuff now,” he suggests! “The digital landscape has never been more democratized."
He encourages aspiring filmmakers to study what they wholeheartedly enjoy, to learn from their journeys, and then carve out their own paths.
“From a career perspective, research people you idolize,” Josh says. “Figure out what they did when they were your age and do that. When I was in middle school, I wanted to be Chauncey Billups. So, for an entire summer, I spent every day sports gambling. That’s a joke for my Dad.”
His dad, of course, is the one and only Mr. Carone, Director of Athletics.
His final guidance is simple yet profound: “If you make ‘content’ or ‘art’ from a genuine place of passion, the work will be good, and you’ll be fulfilled.”
Scarlett '27
Advanced Journalism Student
