This school has funk. The mission of A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School is to be “an outstanding school of choice where students are engaged in project-based learning that develops 21st-century skills supported by technology that prepares them for a competitive global society,” according to their own site. So what better way of coming through on that promise than to produce a feel-good viral video for YouTube? Five million views later, a fun-loving Theater Arts teacher and his group of spirited students have even stunned themselves — Bruno Mars himself is among those inspired by their production. Founded in Napa, California, the New Tech Network (of which this school is a part) began as a partnership between local high school and business leaders. The objective was to re-invent teaching and learning to ensure that all graduating students are truly prepared to meet the needs of a new, emerging economy. To date, the network has successfully supported transformation of 62 schools across the nation, including Maceo. Project-based learning (such as the production of such a video) plays a large role in their approach. The video was produced with the hard work and dedication of Director/Theatre Arts Teacher Scot Pankey and his classes with help of camera crew Bryan Urraca, Albert Robledo and Johan Cruz — accomplished in a single take. Edited and produced by Jonathan Vega AKA #TrippyJ, musical credits go to Mark Ronson – “Uptown Funk” features Bruno Mars. The video was recorded at A. Maceo Smith New Tech High School in Dallas, Texas. From their self-written YouTube description: “This is a great example of how a bunch of technology students let go of their fears, trusted their teacher and got down to Uptown Funk!”