LAS VEGAS SUN YOUTH FORUM
The Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum was created in 1955 by Las Vegas Sun founder and publisher Hank Greenspun, who believed adults should listen to the thoughts and opinions of a younger generation. The forum brings together Clark County students and community leaders to discuss local, state, national and global issues to give adults a window into their viewpoints.
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Attendee Count: 500-1,000 students
LAS VEGAS SUN YOUTH FORUM 2024
MONDAY, SEPTEMBER 16, 2024
Forum Description: On Monday, September 16, 2024, the Las Vegas Sun hosted its annual Youth Forum at Cimarron-Memorial High School in partnership with the Clark County School District. Students from across the valley shared their perspectives on current issues in a roundtable discussion moderated by prominent community leaders.
Between discussion sessions, students enjoyed Capriotti’s sandwiches, a donut wall from The Donut Hole by Carl’s Donuts, and custom cookies by Freed’s Bakery. Commemorative Sun Youth Forum T-shirts, provided by Nu World Graphics, were available to students while supplies lasted. Adding to the lunchtime fun, Raider Rusher made a guest appearance, and students enjoyed a photo booth and music by DJ Lio from SPTLGHT Entertainment. Students also had the opportunity to connect with representatives from UNLV, UNR, Nevada State University, Roseman University, the Nevada State Treasurer’s Office, and Clark County Voter Registration.
Before the second discussion session, Las Vegas Sun CEO, Publisher & Editor Brian Greenspun welcomed attendees and led a special scholarship presentation. At the conclusion of the forum, student participants elected one room representative from each discussion group. Room representatives go on to participate in post event day media activities recapping their day at the Youth Forum and are invited to a celebratory luncheon.
SUN YOUTH FORUM OUTSIDE THE CLASSROOM
At the end of the Sun Youth Forum, each discussion group selects a room representative to present their views to the wider community. These student representatives write a guest column for the Las Vegas Sun, or participate in panel conversations with other local media outlets. In 2024, Sun Youth Forum students appeared on: KNPR, Vegas PBS, UNLV-TV and KUNV-FM radio.
Special thanks to:
UNLV-TV
Jennifer Ream - Executive Producer, UNLV-TV
Ryan Thorp - Editing and Production Specialist, UNLV-TV
Vegas PBS
Amber Renee Dixon - Host, Nevada Week Vegas PBS
Kristen Kidman - Executive Producer, Nevada Week Vegas PBS
Mark Nutini - Director, Nevada Week Vegas PBS
KNPR:
Heidi Kyser - Managing Editor, KNPR
Christopher Alvarez - Producer and Reporter, KNPR
KUNV-FM:
Dr. Ashton Ridley - General Manager, KUNV-FM | Rebel Media Group
Wesley Knight - Production Manager, KUNV-FM
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024
SUN YOUTH FORUM LUNCHEON
Moderators and student representatives from the 66th annual Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum gathered at Del Frisco’s Double Eagle Steakhouse for a celebratory luncheon honoring their participation in the forum. The event began with moderators sharing reflections from their classroom experiences. Following lunch, each student received recognition from Las Vegas Sun CEO, Publisher & Editor Brian Greenspun and was presented with certificates of recognition from U.S. Senator Jacky Rosen, U.S. Senator Catherine Cortez Masto and U.S. Representative Dina Titus. At the conclusion of the luncheon, one student representative was awarded a scholarship from the Las Vegas Sun.
