Although humans have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of prosperity, some rights procured by the people in their natural state are relinquished in order to have a functioning society.
At each year’s Sun Youth Forum, several students are randomly picked to receive $1,000 scholarships. Here are this year’s recipients, their names pulled from a revolving drum.
A few of the Sun Youth Forum participants share what they like and dislike about living in Las Vegas. Also, they offer what concerns them most, both in Nevada and the world.
Fans of talk radio, TV news shows and political rallies have grown accustomed to the rudeness, acrimony and vitriol that typically accompany discussion of politics and public policy. Civility seems a lost virtue. Imagine, then, what might happen when nearly 1,000 people gather to debate the issues of the day.
About 1,000 students from high schools throughout Southern Nevada participated in the 54th annual Sun Youth Forum on Nov. 23. The students were divided into groups to discuss various topics. A representative was chosen from each group to write a column about the students’ findings. Ashley Martinez of Green Valley High School writes about issues covered by her group, “School Days.”
An opportunity to give your opinion — to be heard — is such a valued opportunity. The Sun Youth Forum, for nearly six decades, has given this opportunity to juniors and seniors in Southern Nevada. Every person who attends has an opinion and voices it — and the best part is that their voices are heard.
We have much to be thankful for in 2010. I know it is hard to believe that statement, given all we have endured as a community and all that still lies ahead. But if it is true that there is no gain without pain, then Las Vegas should be among the biggest gainers when we come out of this economic meltdown because our community has certainly felt the pain.
High school students are used to adults writing them off as flip-flop wearing tech junkies more concerned with texting and their iPods than with politics and the economy.
