Young Guns: impressive group

Columns

Discussion

June 27, 2009

By Fredie Carmichael / editor The Meridian Star Sat Jun 27, 2009, 11:24 PM CDT

Just when my cynicism sets in, something comes along to shatter it.

Usually that's a good thing. And that certainly was the case this past week as I was fortunate to take part on a panel for the Young Guns, a Mississippi State University-developed leadership program for high school students funded by the Riley Foundation. It is also sponsored by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians.

The students, who will be high school seniors next year, were comprised of schools from across the state, big and small. Some came from money, some didn't. Some had big families, some were raised by single parents. Some were quiet, some were outspoken.

Despite their many differences, the students gathered at the MSU Riley Center this week to make one of their presentations to a group of local business leaders. Their objective for this session: they had a day and a half to study the topic of teenage pregnancy in the state and formulate a plan of action to address it.

There were eight groups comprised of about 5 students in each group. Each group tried to persuade the panel of their plan of action with a Power Point presentation and 10-minute talk.

It didn't take long for the impressions to begin. First, not only were they well-spoken and thoughtful, they were intentional and passionate about their beliefs and ideas. They weren't taking the task lightly.

I must admit, I tend to get discouraged when I see some of the trends of laziness and the me-first mentality prevalent in some of today's youth. We have the "trophy generation" that has been rewarded for everything in their life and some don't understand or appreciate hard work. There is no doubt a generation of entitled youth out there today.

But this week renewed my sense of hope.

One of the groups was so adamant about their plan to correct the state's teen pregnancy rate that I was ready to help them find the funding for their program. This wasn't some presentation they scratched out on a poster-board to complete the assignment. This was an insightful, action-driven plan to attack the problem. It included increased participation from school counselors, an active youth mayor's council, a rigorous school curriculum and a volunteer group with mentors.

Each student spoke with clarity and conviction. And it was obvious that many of those there would be future leaders in their communities and state.

Heck, why not let them go ahead and get started. They can begin with the task of working out a funding mechanism for Medicaid, I quietly joked to someone on the panel. As good as they were, I have a feeling they could have done it — even in a day and a half.

Fredie Carmichael is executive editor of The Meridian Star. E-mail him at fcarmichael@themeridianstar.com.

Text Only

Columns

European travel tips
If there is a condom machine in the restaurant’s restroom, you have made a mistake in your choice of dining establishment.
That is one of my rules for dining in Europe. Unfortunately, if you are already in the restroom, it’s probably too late.

February 8, 2012
Military cuts and BRAC to challenge leaders
February 6, 2012
Let ms.gov know what's going on
The state's newly relaunched web portal, www.ms.gov, is a great idea. According to a news release this is the first major update for the site in more than a decade.

February 5, 2012
Today’s need — $3,893.76
Today’s need concerns eleven circumstances. The first need is a couple in their forties working all the hours they can. The husband’s paycheck has been running low because he has not been receiving the hours at work he was accustomed to. With $274.38 we can keep their utilities form being cut off.

February 4, 2012
Killer, the cat ...
February 3, 2012
Counsel fight remains a political cold war
The ongoing legislative battle over the so-called “outside counsel” or contingency fee law remains a political cold war between the state’s trial lawyers and the state’s business and medical interests – and it’s a story that has two sides.

February 1, 2012
Travel technology
After leaving the Trapani Salt Flats on the western coast of Sicily on a late November afternoon, I maneuvered our vehicle down yet another remote, unmarked dirt road and passed dozens of vacant houses. No one was on the streets. It had been 10 minutes since we had seen another car. Sunlight was at a minimum. We had been warned several times about remote areas of Sicily.

February 1, 2012
Restoration spurs renewal in East Miss.
Choctaw tribal chief Phyliss Anderson restored and reopened Phillip M’s at the Pearl River Resort last week. She also signaled her intent to renew the economic policies so successfully implemented by the restaurant’s namesake.
"Under the visionary leadership of our late Chief Phillip Martin, our tribe realized great progress and today I am proud to honor his legacy with the re-opening of Phillip M's," said Anderson, flanked by members of Martin's family.

January 30, 2012
Today’s need — $2,393.77
1 JOHN 3:17 - “If anyone has material possessions and sees his brother in need but has not pity on him, how can the love of God be in him?” Praise belongs to God as every need in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012 has been met. Thanks to everyone who has generously given over the years to change lives physically, financially, and spiritually. Each week I stand in awe of God as I witness God’s provision in our lives.

Today’s need concerns six circumstances. The first need is a lady in her fifties just released from the hospital. Her sister she was living with died a few months ago. She is trying as hard as she can to pay the mortgage to keep her sister’s house. She has been able to maintain all her expenses so far but does not have money for her prescriptions. These prescriptions are necessary to keep her physically well. With $300.00 we can provide her much needed medications.

January 29, 2012
Gratitude
As I sit down to write this first column in a wrap-up series of the six-month, 17-country, two-continent research tour through Europe, I am struck by an overwhelming feeling of gratitude.
I am grateful to the employees and managers of our restaurants who did an excellent job keeping the wheels in motion during my absence. I am grateful to our customers who helped make 2011 a record sales year for the company. I am grateful to longtime friends, new friends, and friends we have never even met for their prayers of support and well wishes. I am also grateful to the friends we met along the way.

January 25, 2012
More Columns Headlines

Columns

Search Results

Discussion

Young Guns: impressive group

Site Map

Contact Us