Columnist Ruthe Deskin: Youth takes center stage at forum

Ruthe Deskin

Thursday, Oct. 4, 2001 | 8:25 a.m.

What more can be said? They tell us life must go on. And it does.

A recent event in Las Vegas symbolizes the continuity that we are being asked to observe.

Principals and teachers representing all of the valley's high schools gathered to plan for the 47th annual Sun Youth Forum.

The consensus: This year's event would be more significant than ever because of the devastation wrought against our nation on Sept. 11.

The Sun Youth Forum is a unique affair in that it is exactly what the name implies -- a forum for youth.

I recall some 47 years ago Sun Publisher Hank Greenspun called a meeting of staff members and told them he wanted a program for high school students where they could express their opinions freely.

The original planners, Adam Yacenda, Ray Germain and this writer, enlisted the aid of Harvey Dondero from the Clark County School District and developed a format.

The first Youth Forum hosted about 100 students. This year more than 900 are expected to participate.

What makes the Youth Forum unique?

Adults are silent partners. The panel discussions are moderated by an adult who has been carefully instructed to keep personal opinions to himself, or herself as the case may be. The students are the star performers.

In each discussion group, of which there are 14, students are given the opportunity to talk about subjects that affect their lives.

The discussions can become quite heated. In many cases the students have come up with conclusions and solutions to some of the problems facing our valley and state.

This year it will be interesting to listen to our high school students as they discuss the current situation and their potential involvement.

So many people have been involved in the Sun Youth Forum that it has become a true community event.

As the original director, a task lovingly pursued for 40 years or more, I wish the Sun's Sandy Thompson and her assistants astounding success in their endeavors.

Some things never change.

Joe Behar has announced his 28th annual Showcase of Talent to be presented in November in the main Showroom of the Gold Coast. Auditions will be held every Saturday morning until Nov. 3 in the Gold Coast Showroom.

If acting is your thing, this is a chance to display your talents. Contact Dick Cornell at 898-0380 for more.

During the sad times of the past few weeks, Americans have cried together, prayed together and worked together.

Forgotten was all the pettiness of the past. Race, religion, economic status had no place in the outpouring of love and brotherhood that has been so inspirational.

Will we remain united? Don't bet on it. Unless, of course, we set our minds on something good coming out of this tragic event.

How comforting and pleasurable the anti-war demonstrations must be as they are watched on televisions in the land of our enemies.

Protest is a privilege in our great country. But there are ways other than burning the flag and shouting obscenities.