Based out of St. Agatha Catholic Church, The News School (TNS) has been helping to enrich and uplift the lives of youth in the North Lawndale community and surrounding areas since 2016. Youth between the ages of 16 to 24 are hired into the program as paid interns — 20 hours a week during the summer, 10 hours a week the rest of the year. Since its inception, The News School offers a Journalism program where youth can work eight-weeks summer and a 10-12 week after-school for the rest of the year. Over the past few years, TNS has added a Broadcasting and Social Media program into its roster. Youth start off learning the basics of Journalism, i.e. the importance of being truth seekers, fact checking, and how to construct an article.
Bringing Awareness
Over the years, TNS has been funded primarily through grants from the city and state. However, there has been instrumental support for the program from Senator Lakesia Collins, Dream Builders, St. Agatha Catholic Church, and uplifting help from the 24th Ward’s Scott family. Alderwoman Monique Scott has donated some funds to assist the program and before her brother Michael, aided in some support.
Furthermore, the support has assisted TNS in uplifting hundreds of lives. The News School is more interested in developing individuals, mentoring them as they grow, and encouraging them to change their environment. Their program concentrates on leadership skills as TNS Coaches develop a nurturing relationship with the Interns. Moreover, their Coaches guide the change in Interns through leadership, refining tools, advice, and education. They are holistically engaged with their Interns. Coaching is about drawing out and developing talents Interns already possess.
Furthermore, the youth write articles about important news and revelations happening in the community. They write on hard hitting subjects that not only effects the West and South sides of Chicago, but the nation and the world.
Chicago Leader Awards
The News School decided to host the Chicago Leader Awards to shine a light on the program, the hard work the youth has done, and to honor several individuals, groups, and leaders. Over the summer and into the fall, the youth gathered up information and had the chance to speak with those picked to receive an award.
Sinai Community Institute was gracious enough to allow The News School to host their first ever Chicago Leader Awards at their facility. Darryl Dennard, host of “Chicago Speaks” on V103 FM, will be the emceed the event. After welcoming everyone in attendance, Dennard will give the floor to Father Larry Dowling, St. Agatha Catholic Church, for opening prayers.
City College Professor and actor, Ted Williams III, spoke about the underserved youth The News School’s programs help uplift. Furthermore, The News School’s involvement with the youth that come through their doors, does not stop when they leave the program. Through various partnerships and outreach, TNS is able to help the youth all throughout their college years and beyond. In fact, a couple of the programs alumni are currently employed as Supervisors, Coaches, and Coordinators.
Honorees
While some of those being honored were unable to attend the event, most provided an acceptance video. Those chosen to receive an award were:
- Tina Sanders, CEO of Phalanx Family Services.
- The Support Group.
- Sankofa Safe Child Initiative.
- Alderwoman Julia Ramirez, 12th Ward.
- Cook County Commissioner Tara Stamps, 1st District.
- Cook County Commissioner Dennis Deer, 2nd District.
- Senator Lakesia Collins.
- IL Representative La Shawn K. Ford.
- Illinois Speaker of House Emanuel “Chris” Welch.
- US Congressman Danny Davis.
Furthermore, The News School chose a few of their youth to receive an award.
Dedication and Hard Work
The News School youth and staff worked hard to make this event possible. Like any good event, the Chicago Leader Awards was not without its share of hiccups. But thanks to sheer will power and the fast work of the Wyn-Wyn team, The News School was able to make their awards ceremony happen.
The Chicago Leader Awards Fundraising Banquet is scheduled to open its doors at 5:30 p.m. At 6 p.m. Kim Stratton Catering will start providing a delicious meal choices of:
Cold Entrees:
- Spring Garden Salad.
- Pasta Salad
Hot Entrees:
- Blue cheese infused turkey meatballs.
- Vegetable Lasagna.
- Chicken Alfredo Pasta.
- Garlic Bread.
Dessert
- Fruit Bowl.
- Sliced Pound Cake.
Beverages:
- Homemade Lemonade.
- Iced Tea.
The beautiful awards and plaques given out to the honorees was done by Ambees Engraving. Singature-365 design team provided the gorgeous decor.
Looking ahead, The News School has already started pre-planning for next years Chicago Leader Awards show.
By Sheena Robertson
Sources:
CNN: Title of the Article
Images by TNS Staff
Featured Image Courtesy of Eva Rinaldi‘s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
Inset Image Courtesy of avrilllllla’s Flickr Page – Creative Commons License
