YES: Luminari “I Want to be an Ambassador” Program
New at Neighborhoodvoices: The Luminari “I Want to be an Ambassador” program is an intensive, seven day summer program that is designed “to help teens master the skill sets and character traits of a successful Ambassador… especially the vital art of diplomacy.” The program meets in Pittsburgh at the Heinz History Center and culminates with a two day trip to Washington D.C. where the camp will visit cultural museums, foreign embassies, as well as the U.S. State Department. Today we are joined by Rohan, a soon-to-be 8th grader at Dorseyville Middle School, who won an essay contest and earned a scholarship to participate in this year’s program. Rohan fills us in on some of the fascinating subjects that he has learned so far in the program, including conflict resolution, world religions, and the subtleties of cross-cultural communication. Rohan is joined by Luminari staff member Rick Tony, the director of this year’s Ambassador program.
YES: Hampton Veterans Remember
New at Neighborhoodvoices: Hampton Veterans Remember is a project from Hampton, PA where students created a text archiving the stories and artifacts of veterans – including letters, songs, pictures and oral histories – who currently or formerly reside in Hampton. Joining us are project coordinator Mary Lou Ellena-Wygonik, students Mary Pat Taylor and Lauren Bujaky, and Veterans Ed Frketic (Korean War) and Sam Alt (Vietnam War).
YES: Gordon Neidinger
New at Neighborhoodvoices: 17-year old Gordon Neidinger is a Pittsburgh-based mandolin prodigy, serving as concertmaster for the Pittsburgh Mandolin Orchestra, and receiving national exposure through media outlets such as NPR’s “From the Top.” Here he is joined by Paul Dvorchak on fiddle. We’re pleased to welcome them back to our studios.
YES: Winners of the Fairchild Challenge at Phipps Conservatory and Botanical Gardens
New at Neighborhoodvoices: The Fairchild Challenge fosters interest in the environment by encouraging teenagers to investigate, devise imaginative and effective responses, and to take action at many levels on environmental issues through a menu of Challenges. This week we’re joined by Nick, Derek, Ryan, and Andrew, all seniors and members of the Shaler Area High School team, who, in addition to winning multiple challenges, also received first place for the entire 2011-2012 Fairchild Challenge.
YES: Rachel Mracna
New at Neighborhoodvoices: Rachel Mracna is a singer-songwriter and performer who most recently toured with the cast of Billy Elliott, performing the role of Debbie, among others. We’re pleased to welcome this young and upcoming talent, live on SLB.