Take the Kid Reporter Challenge

Learn confidence, be interesting, apply to be a Kid Reporter

As a Scholastic Kid Reporter, I have interviewed chefs, entrepreneurs, environmentalists, a circus ringmaster, movie and Broadway stars, and even an American Idol.

The most important lesson I learned is to, first, be well prepared; second to enjoy the process of getting a story; and finally, always be self-confident. The work you will do as Scholastic Kids Press Corps reporter is important. Knowing that you have a responsibility to inform other kids will help give you confidence.

Self-confidence is a very important quality for a reporter. By speaking clearly and assuredly during an interview, the person you are interviewing will feel more at ease and give you better answers. Better answers equals better quotes equals better story!

Some of my assignments included covering the latest Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus, conducting a video interview with American Idol contestant Jason Castro, and attending the Tony Awards at Radio City Music Hall in New York City!

On Tony night I first had dinner with the kids from Camp Broadway and the cast of Billy Eliot, including Tony Award winner Trent Kowalik who plays Billy Eliot. Thommie Retter, who plays Mr. Braithwaite, also joined us.

Later that night, at Radio City Music Hall, I walked the red carpet. Inside I introduced myself to stars and legends such as Scarlett Johannson, Angela Lansbury, Nathan Lane, and the cast of La Cage aux Folles.

I also interviewed Kathie Lee Gifford at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards—A.K.A. The Jimmys.

"Dreaming big and having a good work ethic is the key to become a successful performer on stage," she told me.

The same holds true for being a successful reporter: dream big, work hard, and be confident. And always remember: as journalists, the stories we tell must be truthful, accurate and interesting.

I hope you’ll take on the challenge and send in your application to be a Kid Reporter. For the rules, click HERE! Deadline is October 12.

—Cecilia Gault

PHOTO: Kid Reporter Cecilia Gault with Johnathan Lee Iverson the youngest circus Ringmaster in history. He is also the first New Yorker and the first African American Ringmaster for Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Circus. (Photo courtesy Cecilia Gault)

Comments

[Grace]

As a fellow kid reporter, I can totally relate to what you are saying, although I can't say that I've interveiwed a ring master before! That must have been soo cool!

[olivia]

i think this is really cool to be a kid reporter! when i grow up i want to be a journalist and i think im headed the right way!

[olivia]

omg scholastic is so magnifecent i really want to be a reporter i signed up and hope i make it! wish me luck fellow readers!