Catching up with Willow Smith

Willow Smith is gorgeous! Indeed, at 11 years old Willow (as her fans know her) is absolutely stunning with her new sculpted hair style.

I was thrilled to meet her and chat about her life and career at the Sony Store in New York. She had just premiered the video for “Fireball." Her new single is a collaboration with another favorite artist of mine, Nicki Minaj. “It was amazing [to work with her]," Willow told me. "She is an awesome, awesome artist and she has so much energy.”

In the video Nicki Minaj appears as her character Harajuku Barbie. Minaj is dressed in an over-the-top dress made of fluorescent-colored teddy bears and matching rainbow colored fur boots.

“Fireball” is an energetic party dance tune like her previous hit single “Whip My Hair.” That song was a great hit, which went platinum in the U.S. and peaked at number 11 in the Billboard Hot 100.

Willow was fun to interview because she is so relaxed and confident. She describes her famous parents, Will Smith and Jada Pinkett Smith, as “very nice people.” She told me that Demi Lovato is her favorite singer and writing is her best subject in school. Reading books is Willows preferred thing to do when she isn't working. She mentioned that she especially enjoys reading Grimm's' fairy tales.

Her fashion sense is out of this world. When I met her, she was wearing studded pants and a plaid stadium jacket with a yellow shirt. Nicki Minaj was correct when she rapped “You're real major even though you're a minor” to Willow on “Fireball.” Like her superstar parents, Willow is a major talent. 

The “Fireball” video includes an amazing dance choreography. Willow shows off her dance talent as well as her singing voice in the new video that was filmed in Los Angeles. The video starts with what looks like a fireball/UFO crashing to Earth. It’s a fantastic music video. The “Fireball” video was directed by Hype Williams, who also directed Jay Z’s “Empire State of Mind” video.  Willow describes  her new video as “fun and upbeat.” I think that is also a good way to describe Willow Smith.

Be sure to check out my video interview with Willow Smith! 

—Kid Reporter Cecilia Gault

The day I interviewed a former Secret Service agent

I was very fortunate to have the wonderful opportunity to interview a 27-year veteran of the United States Secret Service Agency. I thought it was really cool to talk to a man who once worked in the White House and still continues to serve our country in the Department of Homeland Security. The fact that I was actually able to sit down with him for an exclusive interview in my own backyard made it that more special!

My second cousin, Michael Prendergast, attended a family party that was held at my house. As guests started filing into my house, I was on the lookout for Michael. I had contacted him days prior to set up the interview. While I chatted with another cousin and was about to scoop another chip into my mouth, Michael walked through the door. I ran upstairs with my cousin to change into my Scholastic shirt and grabbed my notebook, press pass, and recorder. 

After he mingled with other guests, I finally was able to corner Michael for the big story. I was very impressed at Michael’s detailed answers to the 10 questions I had about the Secret Service and how it works. Michael was very kind, and he answered all of them eagerly. 

Michael had some really interesting facts to share. He told me there are approximately 6,000 agents throughout the force. He commented on his own personal experiences, too. Michael explained that with this job, you’re frequently on the go. The last trip that he went on while he was stationed at the White House was with President Bill Clinton. 

Michael talked about the background checks that are a required step before you can become an agent. The process can take a very long time, 12 to 14 months or longer. Each potential candidate’s investigation can occur at a different pace. 

Agents also have to train. One area they train in is technology. There are many high tech devices that they use in their jobs. During training, each individual in the Secret Service familiarizes themselves with the special equipment. 

Michael said that the first priority of the agency is protecting the President and other federal officials. Next on the list is investigating and preventing federal criminal cases, especially the counterfeiting of United States currency. 

We had a wonderful time at the party and I am very appreciative to Michael for allowing me to interview him. I can’t wait to see him again at the next family reunion!

—Kid Reporter Ellie Sommers