Seniors take over Sun Youth Forum

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By Karen Pegueros

During their lunch break, seniors share what was discussed in their rooms earlier on Wednesday, Nov. 8 at the Sun Youth Forum. Photo by Karen Pegueros

Speaking from their hearts, students gathered at the Sun Youth Forum at the Las Vegas Convention Center on Wednesday, Nov. 8 to discuss different issues going on around the world and at home. The “Las Vegas Sun” hosts this event annually allowing each school to bring up to 35 students.

Representatives of the Sun and UNLV drew names for scholarships at lunch. Three seniors, Emaan Khawaja, Ava Trompeter, and another who requested not to be named went home with $1,000 each.  

“I did not expect to win at all since there were so many people there. I felt shocked and extremely happy. It took a while for it to set in because it was so unexpected,” Khawaja said. “I was hoping for anyone from school to win, and somehow I ended up being one of them.”

Based on their chosen topic, the committee placedthe city-wide participants into designated rooms along with an adviser. At the end of the all-day event, each adviser nominated a student for showing excellence in the room. Seniors Tim Gutterman and Trompeter were chosen for their rooms.  

“I took every opportunity to listen to what others had to say and then voiced my own opinion. We could have talked all day, but when it did come to a close I guess my roommates felt that I would do a good job of representing their views and the consensus we reach on each topic,” Gutterman said. “It’ll be an honor to represent such a group of smart and conscientious people on the television panel coming up.”

On Thursday, Nov. 16, room leaders will appear on UNLV TV and then enjoy lunch with Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky on Tuesday, Dec. 12.