Spotlight on Good Teens

Too often, the spotlight is put on the teens with problems. But, we have the ‘good teens’ who want to make life a little better for others.

I came across AllThingsToAll’s blog today, and read the entry, “Three Teens Up To No Bad”. Seems that 3 high school students from New Jersey got the idea to help victims in Darfur. They have set up the non-profit organization, “Help Darfur Now,Inc”. This is a vast undertaking for these young people. But, with their compassion, they will do well!

Then, I came across “Fort McMurray Today”. Young people had gathered in the gym of Father Mercredi high school where Santas Anonymous preparations are underway. They gather food and toys and clothes for needy families – this year, they will help 515 families. And, these young people are now wrapping those gifts to be given out to these families. This gives those youngsters a feeling of self-worth, and they more readily understand what it does to you, when you help others in need. This tradition has gone on for 21 years at this school, and it finds alumni still coming back to help the high school students on this important day.

The Oregonian had another great piece about teenagers. Ten high school students from Lake Oswego High School will visit Mississippi for 6 days to build a house, which, in turn, will help build their character.

These teens know they are going to be in for a culture shock. They leave behind a nice lifestyle in Oregon, and go into a very impoverished neighborhood in Mississippi.

As part of a Political Action Seminar class, the students volunteered to work with Habitat for Humanity's Collegiate Challenge, which helps organize groups of students 16 or older in building homes for families living in poverty.

These students help raise $700 a piece to make the trip. And, then Re/Max Real Estate chipped in the remaining $2,200. The students are looking forward to the trip.

Closer to home, here in Alabama, the Times Daily ran a story about a youth from Pell City, Alabama. The Duran North seventh grader has been piling up great information for a future resume. He will make his debut in the upcoming NASCAR comedy movie starring Will Ferrell, which is slated to be released in July or August 2006.

Houston Tumlin says he loves acting, but he also loves his hometown. Who knows what the future has for this young man. His Mom says he's like any other pre-teen with braces, loves sports, and now he's fell right back into his school without missing a beat.

Life may be back to normal - if it ever could be after a taste of acting - but this has put thoughts in this youngster's head. We probably haven't heard the last of this young man, who already has starred in commericals.

Technorati Tags| Teens, High School, Darfur, Mississippi