Charlotte Preparatory students gain insight from veterans

Charlotte Preparatory School spent time on Nov. 5 honoring veterans and their service to the United States.

As part of the celebration and tribute, students listened to stories from a guest speaker - Korean War veteran, Edward McCabe. McCabe, grandfather of third grade student, Ronan McCabe, told the students about how he and his fellow soldiers survived a battle at the Chosin Reservoir by eating Tootsie Rolls. 

Parents and grandparents of several students joined the celebration to be recognized for their military service.

The school also recognized military personnel serving in current conflicts. VFW Post 9488 Commander Lewis Hunt presented an American flag to Emily Thompson, the widow of U.S. Army Special Forces Capt. David "J.P." Thompson. Capt. Thompson, father of two Charlotte Prep lower school students, died in 2010 during his deployment to Afghanistan.

To wrap up the day, Charlotte Prep families donated seven boxes filled with food,  iTunes gift cards and wet wipes, among other items, to military personnel. Students also included personal letters and cards for the soldiers.

Photos:
(Top) Korean War veteran Edward McCabe tells Charlotte Preparatory School students that he and fellow soldiers survived a fierce battle eating only Tootsie Rolls.
(Bottom) VFW Post 9488 Commander Lewis Hunt presents an American flag to Emily Thompson, the widow of U.S. Army Special Forces Capt. David "J.P." Thompson, during a Charlotte Preparatory School assembly honoring veterans. Photos courtesy of David Long.

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.