Las Vegas Sun

March 29, 2024

Sun Youth Forum

Right vs. wrong vs. reality on the world stage
Dec. 29, 2018
The slaying of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi was the first topic our group at the Sun Youth Forum discussed, and despite unanimously agreeing that the murder was morally abhorrent, we were divided as to …
It matters how and why we protest the US flag
Dec. 26, 2018
To my surprise, the subject that prompted the most discussion among my group at the Sun Youth Forum wasn’t abortion or President Donald Trump. Instead, it was former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick and the evolution of his …
First and foremost, we must be respectful of each other
Dec. 25, 2018
The students agreed that divisiveness has become a recurring tactic in our political climate — one that is ruining compromise. With a consensus on the importance of uniting the country rather than focusing on party lines, the students believed …
Margin note says it all: ‘I am not afraid for our future’
Dec. 23, 2018
Perhaps it is an optimistic sentiment. Nonetheless, it is the thought that came to mind as I listened to my caring, well-informed peers in …
Lexie Villanda, of Spring Valley High School, participates in a discussion during the 62nd annual Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum at the Las Vegas Convention Center Thursday Nov. 29, 2018. Over 1,000 juniors and seniors from 50 high schools participated in the event. The Clark County School District and Barrick Gold Corporation partnered with the Las Vegas Sun to put on the forum.
Youths offer the antidote to our ills
Dec. 2, 2018
How do we get our country back and where are the leaders who will get us there? That answer to our ills has been available for 62 years. It is called the Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum …
Madison Coffey, of Liberty High School, participates in a discussion during the 62nd annual Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum at the Las Vegas Convention Center Thursday Nov. 29, 2018. Over 1,000 juniors and seniors from 50 high schools participated in the event. The Clark County School District and Barrick Gold Corporation partnered with the Las Vegas Sun to put on the forum.
Students speak: Views from the Sun Youth Forum
Dec. 2, 2018
High school students from the Las Vegas area participated in the 62nd annual Sun Youth Forum on Thursday at the Las Vegas Convention Center, discussing current affairs and ...
Steve Schorr, president and CEO of Vegas Life TV, encourages Elizabeth Wigington to speak up during the 62nd annual Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum at the Las Vegas Convention Center Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. Wigington goes to Southwest Career and Technical Academy.
Students intent on making a difference shine at Sun forum
Nov. 30, 2018
Anaiya Parks, a 17-year-old junior at Legacy High School, was one of many students pre-registering to vote in the hallways of the Las Vegas Convention Center on Thursday morning. Even though the midterm elections have passed, fulfilling their civic duty ...
Students’ high level of social engagement makes impression
Jan. 26, 2018
I walked out of the room that day with a newfound appreciation for opposing viewpoints. To see such a place erupt in a euphony of discussion was awe-inspiring to me, and it is easy to assume that any scholar who …
Guns, taxes highlight differences of opinion
Jan. 23, 2018
Angela Duckworth, professor of psychology at the University of Pennsylvania and CEO/founder of the Character Lab, launched a “behavior change revolution” in which the world’s renowned social scientists gathered to converse and collectively create a behavior-change program focused on promoting health, education and personal finance. Issues were clearly outlined, ideas were exchanged and common initiatives were …
Gun safety laws are inadequate, students agree
Jan. 18, 2018
In today’s society, rancor is pervasive. Social media is filled with disheartening comments on political leaders, policies and standpoints. Everyone has an opinion, and our advanced technologies and culture of open discussion have made it …
Instead of talking to each other, students monologued
Jan. 17, 2018
As soon as we neared actual cultural or policy improvements, people shied away. It was hard to distinguish whether the group was merely unwilling to focus on solutions, or …
NFL protests, debt lead to heated debate at event
Jan. 13, 2018
I had no clue what to expect at Sun Youth Forum. All I knew was I had to be at school a half-hour earlier than usual in business casual attire. Little did I know I was about to …
Gathering spurs hope for social reforms
Jan. 12, 2018
As our conversations progressed, the participants began to develop emotions that helped spark and draw out the discussions. The students voiced their opinions and beliefs, along with some personal stories. Immigration brought forth different viewpoints, and although it’s a topic many Americans are reluctant to talk about, that was …
Students: Sex ed is lacking
Jan. 11, 2018
As teenagers, sex education is extremely important in our transition to becoming young adults. Rather than treating the topic as something awkward and taboo, our group …
Guns, torture prompt vigorous discussion among local students
Jan. 10, 2018
When my government teacher informed me about the Sun Youth Forum, I realized it was going to be one of the greatest opportunities offered to me in high school. Being the politically outspoken student I am, it seemed almost obvious to my government teacher and me that I should …