This was an action-packed year for the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps—a team of talented young reporters, ages 10–14, from across the country and around the world. These junior journalists worked hard to do research, talk to people in their communities, and write stories that provide a unique look at topics that matter most to kids.
We’ve rounded up some of the most memorable Kid Reporter moments from 2017, including awards, exclusive stories, television interviews, an alumni visit and more. Check out the full list, below, and for more updates from the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps, follow @KidsPress on Twitter!
1. Recapping a visit to the White House
Last year, Kid Reporter Maxwell Surprenant along with seven other Kid Reporters traveled to Washington D.C. to interview former First Lady Michelle Obama. Maxwell shared his experience on ChopChop, including Mrs. Obama’s answer to the question, “What is your best advice for boys and girls who dream of becoming president of the United States?”
2. One-on-one with Jane Goodall
Conservationist Jane Goodall sat down with Kid Reporter Sadie Kiel in Louisiana to talk about her life’s work and why it’s important for kids to help save the planet. Goodall shared, “You might find some kids who want to help stray dogs. You might find some kids who are horrified at the trash, or some who are really sorry for old people who’ve been abandoned by their families. Roll up your sleeves, and take action.”
3. Checking in with a Kid Reporter alum
Michael Cappetta, a Scholastic News Kids Press Corps alumnus who is now a producer at NBC Universal, stopped by the Scholastic Reads podcast in May to share his favorite memories of his time as a Kid Reporter and to discuss the impact the experience had on his life and career.
.@KidsPress alum @mcappetta stops by the podcast to share some memories of his time as a Kid Reporter! Listen > https://t.co/6Ds3YPWJlv pic.twitter.com/Yxt9OxztCE
— Scholastic (@Scholastic) May 12, 2017
4. 44 Kid Reporters join the team
In September, the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps announced 20 new and 24 returning Kid Reporters, ages 10–14. Editors selected this year’s team after reviewing more than 400 Kid Reporter applications, a record-breaking number of entries!
5. Airlifting hope to Houston
After Hurricane Harvey made landfall in Texas, Kid Reporter Truman J. Hamade was on-the-scene covering relief efforts from his community in Austin. He interviewed Austin Disaster Relief Network volunteers and received an inside look at how they distribute supplies to people in need.
6. Breaking 60,000 views
Actors Iain Armitage, Raegan Revord, and Montana Jordan talk with Kid Reporter Alula Alderson about what it’s like to star in Young Sheldon, a new CBS sitcom about a 9-year-old genius. On YouTube, Alula’s interview quickly surpassed 60,000 views!
7. Baby snow leopard exclusive
During an interview with Stephanie Zielinski of the Los Angeles Zoo, Kid Reporter Ben Jorgensen got the exclusive scoop on the names of two baby snow leopards—Marai, which means “hidden in the mountains,” and Meru after Mount Meru, a sacred mountain in India.
8. Editorial & Design Award winner
The Scholastic News Kids Press Corps was recognized by FOLIO: as a 2017 min’s Editorial & Design Awards winner for “News Coverage” focused on Kid Reporters’ impressive coverage of the 2016 presidential election. The program also received honorable mention in the 2017 Folio: Eddie & Ozzie Awards for “Editorial Team of the Year.”
9. Covering the New York mayoral race
NY1 “Road to City Hall” host Josh Robin welcomed Kid Reporters Christina Lilavois, Amelia Poor, and Charlotte Fay onto the show to discuss their work covering the race for mayor in New York City. While working on her story, Amelia’s hard-hitting questions even caught the attention of Brad Lander, Deputy Leader of the New York City Council!
With respect to NYC press corps, @KidsPress reporter Amelia Poor asked some of the most incisive questions I’ve been asked this year. https://t.co/rVF4OKLt7q
— Brad Lander (@bradlander) October 27, 2017
10. Interviewing the United Nations Secretary General
On November 20, UNICEF hosted World Children’s Day at the United Nations in New York City, and Kid Reporter Charlotte Fay was on-site to interview UN Secretary General António Guterres. “The most important thing we need to do is invest in children,” he said. “The world . . . needs to spend much more in education. It needs to stop the conflicts that are forcing children to flee, [and] it needs to offer children the opportunities to have a much better life.”
