I've been a regular Tuesday morning reader to the visually impaired on public radio for several years now, but this morning when I finished my stint reading the Miami Herald, the "significant other" appeared at the station to lead a tour of the television and radio studios to a group of 5th graders from Meadowlane Elementary School in Hialeah.
Seven girls and two boys, led by Media Specialist Debra Fisher, arrived wearing special yellow Tee-shirts with a cartoon tiger at a microphone on the front and the words WTBN NEWS CREW on the back. They explained to us, in all seriousness, that WTBN stood for Tiger Broadcast News. . the W making the whole thing very professional.. and the tiger being the school's official mascot. They also informed us that they telecast the weather and news every morning to the rest of the students from their in-school studio.
Can't say I remember my elementary school being that technologically advanced. . we felt fortunate if we had gym lockers that actually locked. These kids were really TV-savvy and very interested in everything Benard and staff members had to say. Plus, they asked a ton of questions. The highlight, of course, was our time in one of the studios where the kids took turns behind the TV camera and on the set as "guest celebrities". (The quality of my photo isn't good, but you get the idea.)
A tour of the radio station facilities on the building's second floor yielded an unexpected bonus. WLRN radio personality, Joseph Cooper, was on hand to allow the kids to sit behind the mikes and know what it feels like to be interviewed on air. (In the photo that's Cooper on the left and Benard in the middle, talking with the kids.)
It was a fascinating morning. I had a strong feeling I was looking at the next generation's Brian Williams and Katie Courics. Don't underestimate these kids. They're smart as whips and all they need is a chance. Now if our crazy governor would just stop cutting funds to public education.
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