For many people, Nov. 1 was a typical day. But, for the class of Youth Leadership Jefferson County, it was Arts and Media Day. On this day, the program Youth Leadership Jefferson County emphasized communication in leadership.

The day began at the Channel 4 studio; Tom Mustin (Anchor, CBS 4), Patty Calhoun (Westword), Karlyn Tilley (Reporter, CBS 4) and Charley Able (Reporter, Rocky Mountain News) spoke to the class. They spoke to the class about how they have worked hard to be in the positions they are in, and the role of the media. Students were given the opportunity to sit in the CBS 4 News Studio and tape newscast tapings like the CBS 4 news anchors.

While eating lunch, the class watched television and news bloopers. Afterward, the students watched an actual CBS 4 noon news live in the studio. As the class left the CBS 4 studio, everyone knew how the employees worked and how all of the equipment worked in the studio.

The rest of the day was spent in the Arvada Center; and the class took a tour of the building. They learned about African drums and played the drums in unison to a rhythm. The day ended on a very high note when Pam Clifton had the class do icebreaker type games and taught a theater improv workshop.

Arts and Media Day was a very fun and educational day for the Youth Leadership Jefferson County class. Everyone enjoyed the CBS 4 Studio and the Arvada Center tour. The students came away with an appreciation of the role of the arts and media in our community. In December, the Youth Leadership Jefferson County class will have Education Day at Red Rocks Community College.

Aaron Garrison is a junior at Jeffco Options Ponderosa Acadermy