Elizabeth Bailey
Greensburg — The 13th annual Optimist Youth Forum was held at Crown Pointe Senior Living Community Tuesday evening, giving area high school seniors the opportunity to share their views on a wide variety of topics.
Retired teacher and frequent emcee Bill Wenning posed a series of questions to the students, who then answered them live on WTRE.
The forum began by discussing school issues, as Wenning asked the students to name qualities of a good teacher. South’s Kelsey Snyder noted it is a teacher’s ability to connect with students that makes an impact. North’s Megan Riedeman said a teacher needs more than a knowledge of the subject. They also need to know how to help students learn. Greensburg’s Melanie Trammell pointed out that a good teacher pushes their students past their comfort zone. On the subject of substance abuse, Greensburg’s Kendra Mang pointed out that the use of alcohol is out in the open. She noted that many don’t believe there are options other than drinking on the weekends.
Students at North and South were also asked about renovation needs for the two county schools. South’s Emily Nobbe said the roof leaks, there is mold in some rooms and technology is an issue. She noted more computer programs would help the students, as would an auxiliary gym to decrease the problems surrounding practice times. North’s Zach Dwenger echoed many of Nobbe’s concerns, adding that drainage is an issue at North as well as classroom space being tight. He also noted an auditorium is needed in addition to an auxiliary gym because there is no true performance space at either of the schools.
Beyond the issue of school came personal and community issues. The students were asked to speak about two qualities they hope to someday instill in a child. South’s Brianna Palmer said she would want her child to be responsible and not judge others just by their appearance. Dwenger noted he would want his child to be honest and to have the courage to be their own person. On a similar note, the students were asked about who looks up to them. Trammell said it is an issue she considers often, as she never knows who might be looking up to her. North’s David Bedel said he is aware of his little brother, Joseph, 7, looking up to him.
On the subject of the community, the students discussed the entertainment offerings of Decatur County. While few had suggestions as to what would improve the situation, many noted there is not enough to do. Snyder noted for those in the country, the best option is to spend time in the outdoors. Greensburg’s Stephanie Wenning said that while she and her friends have parents who let them spend time together in one anothers homes, some kids don’t have that. For her, what is needed is a safe place for young people to hang out.
The students then discussed world issues. Although he does not particularly support the United Nations, Bedel believes it is the job of such an organization to police the international community, not the job of a single nation.
“What kind of example are we setting helping others when we have our own problems,” Trammell said.
The event took place during the Optimist Club’s youth week. It will be held again next November with the class of 2011 filling the panel.
