I've been told that if you really want to scare a young person, you shouldn't bother threatening to take away their cell phone, although that certainly will get their attention.
Instead, tell them they are going to have to stand in front of a group and speak in public.
Not text. Not Tweet. Not e-mail.
Speak publicly.
That's one of the reasons I'm even more impressed by the four young Delaware County students I met last night.
We took our 'Live From the Newsroom' show back to Widener University last night, once again setting up shop in their gorgeous new TV facility in Freedom Hall.
Our special guests were four students who are among the 134 high school juniors from across the region named winners of the Widener University High School Leadership Awards.
It's a unique program in conjunction with the Oskin Leadership Institute to recognize young people who go above and beyond the usual classroom activities in trying to create a better community.
They'll get no argument from me after meeting these four outstanding kids last night:
Taylor Sforza, of Havertown, a junior at the Woodlynde School.
Iman Elkhashab of Broomall, a junior at Marple Newtown High School.
Dave McCann of Springfield, a junior at Springfield High School.
Megan Bevilacqua of Havertown, a junior at Merion Mercy Academy.
All four showed an impressive commitment to bettering both their schools and their communities. They were articulate and not fazed a bit about appearing on a live Internet broadcast.
If you missed the show, you can catch the replay here.
Elkashab spoke eloquently of her work with young people and adults struggling with English as a second language.
McCann has been involved in a group at Springfield High called the Peers Facilitators Club, a group of students that serve those in need of emotional, social or academic support.
Bevilacqua is involved with the Kinny Center for Autism Education and Support, where she serves as a mentor and instructor for several social skills groups.
Sforza talked openly about her struggle with dyslexia and helping others dealing with similar issues.
I get beat up - and rightly so - often about the image of young people created by the newspaper's coverage.
I could not be happier having met these four outstanding young people.v
They are in fact the next generation of leaders.
I think we're in very good hands.
And a reminder, if you have an idea for a future 'Live From the Newsroom' show, feel free to shoot me an email to editor@delcotimes.com with your idea.
I'm always looking for new ways to connect and engage with readers.
I'm also available to speak to your groups. Just give me a call at 610-622-8818 and we'll set something up.
Comments