Editorial: Teens have their say

Friday, Nov. 28, 2003 | 4:04 a.m.

WEEKEND EDITION Nov. 29 - 30, 2003

President Bush's visit to Las Vegas wasn't the only significant event on Tuesday. At the Las Vegas Convention Center, 876 students from 41 high schools discussed current events and debated world, national and local issues. They were participating in the Las Vegas Sun's 48th annual Youth Forum.

We enjoyed hearing from the students, who expressed themselves on such local issues as news coverage, education, driving, curfews for teenagers and gangs. Many of the discussions were passionate as students spoke from the heart. One of the cherished rules is that moderators suggest topics and help keep the discussion on track, but that the views are solely those of the students. The Youth Forum is a rare opportunity for honest, heartfelt expression from our valley's teenagers.

The public will have a chance to hear the opinions expressed by the teens. Each of the 21 discussion groups selected a representative to write a report. The representatives will write columns for the Sun and appear on televised UNLV roundtable discussions, as well as write for CLASS!, a nonprofit magazine featuring articles by area high school students. We hope readers and viewers will enjoy hearing the students' views as much as we did.