DNC proves to be busy week for area youth

During the week of the Democratic National Convention, Mayor Anthony Foxx selected participants for his Youth Press Corps

He announced more than 100 student participants to be a part of The Mayor's Youth Press Corps experience. Participants essentially became journalists for the week.

The opportunity allowed students to attend lectures, use social media to document the DNC, and write articles and blog posts about the convention.

The announcement of the elite group was made during the third installment of the Access to America dialogue series held by the Charlotte in 2012 Convention Host Committee.

The subject of the dialogue focused on access to quality education.


Meeting Chelsea Clinton:
Charlotte Preparatory School eighth graders  Kate Eiselt and Tory Wilkison were among a group of students that attended a panel discussion called "Conversations with the Next Generation" during the Democratic National Convention.

Presented by The Atlantic and the National Journal, the panel was moderated by Chelsea Clinton and NBC’s Chuck Todd.

The mission: To get young people excited about voting and being involved in politics.

The conversation, including more than 100 students, touched on issues from college loan debt to rising unemployment rates among 16- to 26-year olds.

Members of the onstage panel also included actress America Ferrera, actor Kal Penn, Atlanta Mayor Kasim Reed and MTV’s Andrew Jenks.

Photos:
TOP: South Mecklenburg High students Morgan Crenshaw (second from left), Carolina Gonzalez and Alton Peques interview Des Moines, Iowa, Mayor Frank Cownie in their roles as part of the Mayor's Youth Press Corps. Photo courtesy of South Mecklenburg High.

MIDDLE: Charlotte Christian School's Conor Arden (left), worked as a student intern for Fox News during the DNC. From second left, Kelsey Phalen, Jessa O'Connor, Alex Kellogg, Mallory Finch and James Finch were part of the Mayor's Youth Press Corps.

BOTTOM: Kate Eiselt (top, left) with Chelsea Clinton, and Tory Wilkinson (top, right) with Chelsea Clinton. Photos courtesy of David Long at Charlotte Preparatory School.

Youth in Charlotte: Were you involved in an event or panel at the DNC? What was it and what did you think of what you heard? Let us know at youngachievers@charlotteobserver.com.