At the top of the world — or, at least, New York

Fifty-five seconds.

That is how long it took for me to ride up in the elevator with Lily Collins to the 86th floor of the Empire State Building in New York City. Fifty-five ear-popping, totally awesome and exciting seconds as I prepared to interview the star of the movie Mirror Mirror.

I have lived in New York City my entire life, but this was my first ride up to the Observation Deck that towers above the streets of the city. Tourists snapped pictures one after the other of Lily as I tested the microphone getting ready for my big interview with "Snow."

We all know the story of Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. But my guess is that the version in Mirror Mirror will have a different twist. When I asked Lily if kids in 2012 would be able to relate to the old fairytale where the princess needs to be rescued by a handsome prince, without hesitation she explained that her role as Snow was different from the traditional take. For example, she told me that she had to take four months of sword fighting lessons to prepare for the fight scenes in the movie. One of her greatest challenges was fighting in ball gowns and heels. Not your typical fighting attire.

One thing that really stood out to me was that Lily seemed completely real and approachable. Sure, she is a movie star. But she looked directly at me and answered my questions. We rode up to the top of the Empire State Building together in an elevator. When we looked out at the city we both were excited and in awe of the view. She likes relaxing and hanging out on the beach with friends, just like many kids today. Certainly, just like me. 

I ended my interview by asking her if she was "the fairest of them all." While she did not answer the question directly, my hunch is that she is the fairest of all who have acted the part before her.

Watch my interview with Lily Collins on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Dani Bergman Chudnow

Photo: Kid Reporter Dani Chudnow with Lily Collins on the observation deck of the Empire State Building. (Dante A. Ciampaglia)

Election 2012: Illinois voters weigh in

March 20 was the day of the Illinois Republican primary. I went to three different polling places, in 3 different cities in Lake County, Illinois. The towns that I visited were Lake Forest, Highland Park, and Winnetka. All are suburbs of Chicago. Over the course of the day, I spoke with six women and three men.

Preferred Presidential Qualities?

The people that I spoke to desired different qualities in their President.

Lake Forest voters identified “sincerity,” and “recognizing and respecting the different values of people” as valuable presidential attributes. Melanie Rummel, a Lake Forest voter, would like a President who can help our country overcome its economic challenges.

Among Highland Park voters, two of them told me that they want a President who “is honest,” and one said she wants a president who “cares about the working people.”

In Winnetka, voters that I spoke with would like to have “a President that is in touch with reality,” “cares about healthcare,” “makes good choices for everyone,” and who can “put the country back on track.”

Hot Issues

The overwhelming majority of voters that I spoke with said that the economy was the most important issue in our country today.

Ralph Keen from Lake Forest had this to say about the economy: “The economic recovery, and keeping it underway is the most important thing. The economy is a necessary thing, and until that is fixed, everything else is a luxury.”

In Highland Park, the environment and the economy were on voters’ minds. Highland Parker Hannah Higgins stated that the biggest issues for her were support for the middle class, and the environment.

In Winnetka, it was about healthcare as well as the economy. Husband and wife Tom and Elizabeth Joyce share similar opinions - he cares about the long term health of our country, and she cares about healthcare in our country.

Jennifer Frient, also of Winnetka, thinks that it is a big problem that all of the debt that our country has accrued will be passed on to its children.

The Battle

The battle for the Republican nomination for president, also known as “the primaries” started in January, and ends in June. During this period, candidates attempt to inspire Americans to to vote for them; and often try to convince them not to vote for their competitors!

Five out of nine people that I spoke with thought that the long primary will hurt the Republican candidates’ chances of winning, because their individual weaknesses will be revealed; and many will make each other look bad with “attack ads” and related campaign tactics.

One-third thought that the long primary battle wouldn’t be relevant to the results of the race.

One person even thought the prolonged process would have a positive effect because they thought that it would give the candidates a greater opportunity to clarify themselves and their positions.

Wishful Thinking?

In Lake Forest, voters were satisfied with the candidates, and didn’t identify anyone that they wished were in the running. In Highland Park, one person wished that New Jersey Governor Chris Christie was a candidate. Governor Jon Huntsman was a popular choice in Winnetka, as three voters said that they wished that he were still in the race.

Who won the Illinois primary? Check out my story on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website to find out!

—Kid Reporter Natalie Wexler

Photo: Kid Reporter Natalie Wexler outside one of Illinois' polling places on March 20, the day of the Illinois Republican primary. (Courtesy Natalie Wexler)

We Go Together: Grease, The School Version

I just finished my middle school’s production of Grease: The School Version, where I played the role of Sandy. I had a blast! Between the tech crew, stage crew, and the cast, 150 students were involved in our Drama Club. In all, we played three school shows and three sold-out public performances. I was very honored to get this role - it has been a great experience, one I will never forget.

Are you interested in becoming involved in the drama club at your school? I have learned a lot during my experience, but these three things stood out:

1. Musicals require hard work and dedication. We practiced October through February, rehearsing several days each week after school. During the month of February, we practiced on Saturday mornings for three to four hours. There was a live band, so we also came in the evening to practice a few times. Also, the teachers involved in putting together this production often spent five to six hours a day working on the musical, from technical stuff to the amazing set to keeping 150 kids occupied. We could not have done it without them!

2. I made a lot of friends during Drama Club, and I looked forward to seeing them nearly every day at practice. I found that we had a lot of things in common, from acting (of course!) to softball to books. They made my experience a whole lot better.

3. I learned a lot more about acting. The teachers taught me to be my character, not just me play someone else. This was my first big role, and I learned to express myself onstage, pronounce my words more clearly and using diction. I also learned some useful techniques to help my singing.

I am sad that Drama Club’s production of Grease: The School Version is over, but I will always have memories from this great experience!

—Kid Reporter Katelyn Barr

Photo: Katelyn Barr as Sandy in her school's production of Grease: THe School Version. (Courtesy Katelyn Barr)

Sisters talk Girl Scouts

As the Girl Scouts moves into their next 100 years, Houston hosted the Girl Scout Leadership Institute or GSLI. My sister Brittney, also a Scholastic News Kid Reporter, sat down with me to give me an insight into what it means to be part of " Renewing The Promise" and what the Girl Scouts offers girls besides camping and selling cookies. 

Erin: What is GSLI and why is leadership an important skill? 

Brittney: GSLI stands for Girl Scout Leadership Institute. GSLI is a convention that is part of the 52nd National Girl Scout Convention where Girl Scouts come together from across the country and the world to find out more about leadership and what it means to make a difference in your community. Here girls were able to learn lifelong skills and take these skills back to their hometowns.

Erin: How did you get chosen to be on the planning board, and how long have you been planning this event? 

Brittney: In the spring of 2010, I saw an advertisement though the Girl Scouts of San Jacinto Council for becoming part of the national convention planning board. So I applied, just like you have to apply to be a Scholastic News reporter. I thought that it would be a great experience and it has been life changing. I was one of just 23 girls selected to plan and implement programming in this historic convention. Our team started planning in September 2010. We met in person, conference calls, and via emails. It took a lot of time and effort into making this a successful event, but I learned a lot of valuable skills.  

Erin: Why is this convention so important? 

Brittney: This convention gave girls the opportunity to interact with Girl Scouts from all over the US and the world. The girls were able to participate in the largest leadership conference designed for and by girls. Girls had access to leaders in their fields as well as fellow scouts that have made an impact in their community. Scouts were also able to attend parts of the national convention, such as the opening and closing ceremonies, and hear from speakers such as the new CEO (Chief Executive Officer) of Girl Scouts Anna Chavez and news reporters Katie Couric and Robin Roberts. 

Erin: What did girls learn at GSLI?

Brittney: Girls learned about a multitude of topics ranging from science and technology, to business and marketing, and global initiatives. Talks known as "Conversations of Consequences" allowed girls to hear from national speakers, such as Soledad O'Brien, as they discussed topics such as diversity and inclusion. Girls were able to learn how to market themselves as they prepare for college and a future job. Doctors from the medical center educated them about the future of medicine and robotic surgery. 

Erin: How many girls came to GSLI and where did they coming from? 

Brittney: Over 1,200 girls came from around the world. I met girls from all over, including Alaska, California, Texas, Florida, Massachusetts, and Maine. I also met girls from Japan, Thailand, and Poland. It was a chance to learn about other customs and cultures and swap little items such as patches or homemade pins as a way to remember new friendships that were made. 

Erin: What kind of sessions did you plan? 

Brittney: My committee was the science and technology planning team. We developed programming that allowed girls to explore their passion for science. In the sessions that we planned, girls were able to build robots, discover the wonders of the human mind and learn about space exploration and NASA. One of the highlights for me was meeting astronaut and mission specialist Dorothy Metcalf-Lindenburger. Every woman who has been a NASA astronaut was a Girl Scout in her youth. 

Erin: What about the 100th anniversary birthday party? 

Brittney: When we planned the party with food, fashion, and fun, we knew it had to be great since everything is bigger in Texas. We had hats from all over the world — cowboy hats, sombreros, and berets. The food was also from all over the world with a huge birthday cake and cupcakes. Justine magazine hosted a fashion show and Mindless Behavior entertained the crowd. At the end of the evening, we all sat in Discover Green singing together as the event was capped off with a fireworks display.  

Erin: What are some opportunities those that did not attend the convention?
 
Brittney: The 100th anniversary marks a turning point as we look to the past and see how Girl Scouts has become a huge movement that plays a major role in our society. There are many opportunities to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Girl Scouts. Juliette Gordon Low's birthplace in Savannah, Georgia, is open not only for scouts but for any one to visit. Special events, such as Rock the Mall in Washington, D.C., are happening throughout the country. Check out the local or national Girl Scout website for more details.

—Kid Reporter Erin Sheena

Photo: Kid Reporter Erin Sheena in her Girl Scouts uniform at the 52nd National Girl Scout Convention in Houston, Texas. (Courtesy Erin Sheena)

An Interview with Dr. Mayim Bialik

On Saturday March 3, I got the opportunity to meet Dr. Mayim Bialik. She has appeared on the 1990-1995 show Blossom, and now she appears on The Big Bang Theory as Amy Farrah Fowler.

When I got home from school on March 1, my parents told me to check my email. When I did, I found an email from my editor asking me if I could interview Dr. Mayim Bialik. I instantly replied yes. When I researched Dr. Bialik, I learned that both of her parents were teachers, she has a Ph.D. in neuroscience, she started acting at a young age, and that she was coming out with a book!

The interview took place at the Hyatt in Chicago. Dr. Bialik lives in Los Angeles, but she was in town for Texas Instrument’s T3 International Conference. When I walked into the Hyatt, I saw many educators rushing in different directions and speaking different languages. But everyone came here for one reason: to help their students learn better. I then boarded the elevator for the 28th floor and for Dr. Bialik’s suite where I would conduct my interview.

I was so excited for the interview! I asked Dr. Bialik a series of questions, and then I realized we had some things in common. She told me that "it takes all different types of people to make the world go around," that education is incredibly important, using humor while teaching helps students learn, and that math and science are the basis of almost every career.  

Overall, it was one of the most exciting experiences of my life when I got to meet Dr. Mayim Bialik!

Watch my video interview with Dr. Mayim Bialik here!

—Kid Reporter Natalie Wexler

Photo: Kid Reporter Natalie Wexler with Dr. Mayim Bialik after their interview in Chicago on March 3. (Photo courtesy Natalie Wexler)