While most Shadow Ridge students enjoyed their three day weekend, a group of dedicated Mustangs spent their day off doing something a little different. These students spent their Friday discussing big ideas with students from all over southern Nevada, at the Sun Youth Forum, an annual event that has been bringing students together since 1985.
“These are dedicated kids,” Melissa Killgo, Shadow Ridge’s Sun Youth Forum advisor stated, “They come in on their day off of school once a year to be a part of this while other students enjoy a three day weekend.”
The Sun Youth Forum only happens once a year, but it takes a lot of preparation. The list of students is updated yearly, and with so many new and returning students this year, Killgo even had the opportunity to bring on some extra help. The event has many sponsors who have supported them for decades. It’s not just a one day event, it’s something that leaves a long lasting impact on students and schools alike. Killgo has even had the opportunity to spread the word through media in the past.
“I had a radio interview a couple of years ago,” she said. “These give the students another opportunity to tell more people about the forum and get more people involved and informed.”
On the day of the forum, students are assigned to one of the seven different topics, each focusing on a different area with topics like America, Nevada, Around the world, and Teen topics. The students are dispersed into different rooms based on their assigned set of questions.
“It’s a nice way for students of different parts of southern Nevada to see what other people think,” Killgo stated, “Because, for example, students from rural areas like Mesquite and Indian Springs will think differently about things than students from Vegas. It broadens the perspectives on certain topics.”
Throughout the day, students share opinions, debate issues, and listen to one another, all while making new friends and connections. A few lucky seniors even receive scholarships for their participation.
Killgo states, “The students get fed, thats important. They also have a DJ at lunch and have the opportunity to make new friends and connections through Sun Youth Forum.”
Between the debates, the friendships, and the free food, it’s clear that the Sun Youth Forum is more than just a day off of school, it’s a day of growth, connection, and Mustang pride.
