Thursday, July 17, 2025
Seventeen-year-old David Kreutz isn’t your typical high school junior. He’s a photographer as well as a budding broadcaster and historian who is redefining what it means to be involved in a community.
Kreutz has grown up in Baldwin with a keen sense of pride in his hometown that has morphed into an interest in documenting the town’s history and achievements.
“I’ve lived in Baldwin my entire life, and I’ve developed a deep connection to the community and its events,” he said.
For the past few years, Kreutz has immersed himself in Baldwin’s history and culture. He has become a passionate photographer since he began shooting pictures at Baldwin High School’s sports events this year.
“When I started photography, I realized how important it is to capture these moments as they happen,” he said. “It’s about preserving the narratives that shape our community, especially since much of Baldwin’s rich history can be overlooked.”
Last summer, while as a student worker assisting in administrative and maintenance tasks for the school district, Kreutz stumbled on old yearbooks in the middle school library. They sparked a curiosity about Baldwin’s history, and he began photographing school district events — everything from the Homecoming football game to conference championships — and including subtle historical artifacts, like visual Easter eggs, in his photos.
“There’s so much history around us that people don’t notice — like the old buildings in the background of my sports photos,” Kreutz explained. “It’s my way of connecting the past and present, and showing people something they might have missed.”
His work isn’t confined to high school events. He also documents community happenings — most recently the Baldwin Chamber of Commerce’s annual car show.
And Kreutz’s work doesn’t stop at photography. He is also involved in the world of broadcasting. He has an interest in motor sports, and has become part of the simulated-racing scene through his YouTube channel, FTN Broadcasting, which covers the video game iRacing.
Kreutz’s broadcasting work steadily gained popularity during the 2023 and 2024 broadcasts of the eNASCAR Road to Pro Series. The events draw a modest but engaged viewership, and have become a platform for emerging talent in the sim-racing world. Kreutz’s collaborative approach — bringing together multiple commentators — helped get new voices involved.
His main focus, however, remains on Baldwin, and on bringing attention to the hamlet’s unique history.
“For me, it’s about leaving a legacy in Baldwin — capturing moments, bringing attention to our local history and showcasing what makes Baldwin special,” he said.
Kreutz is involved in a number of extracurricular activities at the high school, including the National Honor Society, the Photography Club and the Key Club, which focuses on community service, but he is uncertain about what he might pursue as a career. One thing is clear, though: His experiences in Baldwin have shaped his aspirations.
“I want to stay connected to my community, wherever I end up,” he said. “Whether it’s through photography, broadcasting or something else, I want to keep telling the stories of the people and places that shaped me.”
For more, follow Kreutz on Instagram: @Kroy_TZ.
