Lights, camera, action! Nov. 1 was the second event for the Youth Leadership Jefferson County students. The Arts and Media Day thrilled all participants with a tour of the KCNC Channel 4 studio, a meeting with local print and TV personalities, an African drum workshop and improvisational acting games. The students even got to give news anchoring a try when they had the opportunity to perform their own newscasts.
The day began at the Arvada Center, where students from 14 local high schools traveled by bus to the KCNC studio in Denver. Here the students got a look at "behind the scenes" stuff not shown on television. Meteorologist,
Jennifer Zeppelin described her professional background and daily routine at work. We learned just how busy a meteorologist is around the clock!
Next up was a thought-provoking question-and-answer session with prominent local media personnel: from KCNC Channel 4,
Tom Mustin, and
Karlyn Tilley; from the Rocky Mountain News,
Charley Able, and the editor of
Westword,
Patty Calhoun.
All were open and honest and shared some exciting facts about their jobs. Later, the students were given the opportunity to give news casting a try, learning that it is a lot harder than it looks. Next was a live viewing of the noon show, and the students were off again, back to the Arvada Center.
African drum enthusiast,
Bob Hall gave the YLJC participants a chance to learn the importance and basic rhythms of the African drum. The musical (and loud!) workshop was followed by a tour of the Arvada Center, which is partially under construction. The day ended with a theatre improv workshop where students participated in various theatre games, allowing them to share their creativity with peers.
Upon conclusion of the day, Green Mountain sophomore,
Rachel Wiechman commented that her expectations of the day were surpassed. It was hard to top last month's Justice Day, but she said, "Today was more hands-on and fun!"
The focus of Arts and Media Day was communication in leadership. Dec. 6 will be the next event day, bringing the students to Red Rocks Community College to learn about the educational system.
Taylor Coughlin is a senior at Evergreen High School.