The Leaders of Tomorrow Interviewing the Leaders of Today

A Newsletter Written by the Lakewood Youth Impact Class

Are you just hanging out doing nothing? Are you interested in your community and the world around you? Then the Youth Impact program might be for you. Youth Impact was assembled for a motivated group of students. It’s designed to get the students out of the classroom and into their community. They are out in their community gathering information from the leaders of today to become better citizens for the future. While they are in class, they develop important social skills and leave their routine behind.

While interviewing these people the students gather different options for their career choices, and many of the students have become inspired by a number of the interviewees. This program isn’t for the lackadaisical: it meets twice a week for three hours. There is no homework for this class and you receive five credits. However, you do need to maintain a minimum of four units a month. If you are interested, and ready to commit, contact your teacher.

List of Interviewees
  • When you hear the word “lawyers” you might have negative stereotypes. Paris Horton and Anthony Patalano will prove you wrong. They fight for the less fortunate and common people’s rights. They’re the mouth piece for the better side of the justice system.
  • Sonia Pineda and Donald McFee were troubled teens when a teacher named Erin Gruwell decided they needed more help in school. They called themselves the Freedom Writers. They made a book out of the journals; it told how a teacher and 150 teens used writing to change themselves and the world around them.
  • Judge Deborah Andrews works with misdemeanor cases in the city of Long Beach. She feels this is her way of giving back to the community.
  • Hey, have you ever been questioned by a police officer? If so, how would you like to question them? We interviewed Paul Lebaron a sergeant who deals with the public and a detective named Gary Phillipo who deals with forgery.
  • Lisa Berglund is the right hand woman of Vice Mayor Frank Colonna. She makes angry residents happy by fixing up the 3rd district of Long Beach.
Student Quotations

“I get to see a lot of the different people with different personalities and point of views…” Danny “I met a lot of cool people and have been inspired; this class changes your outlook on Long Beach and life…” Christy

“I think this class is good for introducing students to their community…” Jesus

“I’ve learned so much about my community through this program…” Joe A.

“Smashing good program…” Joe C

“I think it’s a great opportunity for students in independent study to interact with others and to find out more about their community…” Shawna

“This is a great opportunity to talk to people that we’ve seen but have been too shy to talk to. This program teaches great social skills while learning about the city of Long Beach…” Shayla
 
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