Happy New Year!

People all over the world are ready to celebrate the Chinese New Year. At the International School of Indiana in Indianapolis, students celebrated the Year of the Snake with a fun-packed assembly.

Students from 6th grade up to high school seniors who are learning Mandarin (the official language of China) educated the rest of the school about Chinese cultures and other rituals. This was taught through song, dance, instruments, and videos. Some students even performed Tai Chi!

Mandarin teachers Janet Huang and Sophie Li made it their duty to make sure that every person in attendance knew how to say a phrase in Chinese. The most popular was: 春节快乐！(chūn jié kuài lè), which means Happy New Year.

The assembly was important for various reasons, one being that the mayor of Indianapolis, Greg Ballard, was in attendance. After the assembly, Mayor Ballard expressed the importance of learning about new cultures.

“I think it is tremendous. We try to celebrate the Chinese culture within the city, and now that we have a sister city relationship with Hangzhou which is on the East Coast of China, we do Chinese festivals now in the city so we can celebrate it along with them,” said Mayor Ballard. “It is nice to see the celebration.”

—Kid Reporter 易欣雷 (Grace Ybarra)

How does your community celebrate Chinese New Year? Let us know in the comments below!

And for more on Chinese New Year, check out the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps Chinese New Year Special Report!

Photo: A dancer performs during a Chinese New Year celebration at the International School of Indiana. (Courtesy Grace Ybarra)

A tight race for Governor in Indiana

Mike Pence and John Gregg went head to head yesterday for the title of Governor of Indiana. Both with their separate reasons for wanting to be elected, both anxiously watched the votes come in.

This is the first Governor election where the powerful incumbent, Mitch Daniels, wasn’t running. Both candidates are diverse, which made it a more difficult decision for Indiana voters.

“The governor’s race has been interesting because it started out so quiet and then has been much more vocal at the end,” said Dr. Sarah Stelzner of Indianapolis. “I think got a little bit dwarfed by the whole controversy with the senate race and obviously with the presidential race. So, that one has been a little bit harder to follow for me and the fact that there’s two people trying to put themselves forward as opposed to an incumbent that you have some experience with but it was easy for me to make a decision.”

Amidst the chaotic Election Day, a foreigner who wasn’t able to vote headed to the polls with a friend for the experience. Valerie Spriet of Indianapolis enjoyed comparing and contrasting the elections here and in her native country, France.

“It’s not allowed,” Spriet said about campaign ads still being broadcast on Election Day. “Because at this stage in France, 24 hours before the election everything must be stopped. The candidates mustn’t speak on TV anymore. Nobody is allowed to give papers for the different parties outside the place you vote.  It is totally forbidden.  They think that they have to leave people on their own to think now to begin to make their own choice and that they don’t have to interfere anymore.  So they stop all the campaigning.”

The votes were neck and neck for a great amount of time until Mike Pence pulled ahead to become the next Governor of Indiana with 50 percent of the vote to Gregg’s 46 percent.

I interviewed both candidates about the governor's race in Indiana. You can read more about it on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website.

—Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra

Photo: Governor-elect Mike Pence (Courtesy Pence campaign) 

A return to red for Indiana

Today, President Barack Obama and former Massachusetts Governor Mitt Romney finally got to sit back as Americans cast their votes. All of the candidate’s hard work has led up to this day. Countless visits to states and the never-ending commercials. All leading up to this, but each state has it’s own perspective on the election.

The state of Indiana, which would give a candidate 11 electoral votes, has commonly been overlooked by presidential candidates. Indiana generally ends up being a Republican state in the presidential race, although the 2008 election put a twist on Indiana history. For the first time in 48 years Indiana, had turned blue (Democratic). Today, Indiana voters still showed up at the polls ready to vote, regardless of the color of Indiana in the past.

“Four years ago we turned blue, so it did count,” said Dr. Sarah Stelzner of Indianapolis. “There is so many different levels of government that were putting our opinions in for during this election. It probably doesn’t count for presidential, but it makes me feel good to put in a little tiny blue in our red state.”

There was great Democratic support at the polls, although it wasn’t enough to change history. Two hours after the pools closed in Indiana, its 11 electoral votes were granted to Governor Romney.

“There are other races beside the presidential race,” said Daniel Kunz. “There’s the Senate, there’s the governor’s, there’s even down to the state and local government. They have a lot of impact of what goes on in our lives.  So I think there are things besides just the presidential race and I think people need to realize that they are also important.”

With a huge turnout at the polls, this implies that the new generation of voters are taking their responsibilities of voting for their country. Various parents educated their children on why it is important to vote and took them to the polls to really show them the voting process.

“I have brought my kids for the 14th straight year,” said Dr. Stelzner. “They’ve got to know that it’s important otherwise they might rather stay home play football or play video games or just not make the effort.  It’s always meaningful to me to see people that have worked all day and they much rather go home and have a quiet evening and they make the effort to go out and stand in line so it’s important.”

—Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra

Indianapolis joins the fight against breast cancer

I was lucky enough to attend a splendid event put on by Komen Indy called The Pink Tie Ball last weekend. The event consisted of everything from amazing speeches by sponsors and survivors to an amazing selection of silent auction items.

After dinner, all of the breast cancer survivors in the audience stood up to dance around the Scottish Rite Cathedral Ballroom to the song “I Will Survive.” It was one of the most emotional parts of the evening.

Indianapolis Colts Center Jeff Saturday and his wife, Karen, have been very active in the Komen Foundation and Breast Cancer initiatives ever since 2004.

A good friend of the Saturdays and a partner with Komen Indiana, Pam Miltner, an 18-year breast cancer survivor, was also present. She explained the importance of breast cancer and how it has affected family and friends.

“Knowing that the money that you donate, 75 percent stays local and 25 percent goes to national for research,” stated Pam Miltner. “So 100 percent of the money you give to the Susan G. Komen Foundation goes to help people.”

Another great event that also took place that same weekend was Hello Gorgeous. Hello Gorgeous is a non-profit organization that helps women going through cancer treatments feel “gorgeous.” They do this by surprising the woman and taking her to salon that is taking part in it to get a makeover. The makeover includes a facial, manicure, pedicure, makeup, and a new outfit.

This time, Lisa Tolliver, who is battling breast cancer, was surprised at the University Park Mall by the Hello Gorgeous crew from Bangs Salon & Spa, where she received her makeover. She traveled in style in a Hummer Limo to Bangs. Lisa would also be celebrating her 50th birthday the next day.

My aunt Sarah (an employee at Bangs) got me involved in this program and gave me the privilege to be a part of the makeover.

Check to see if Hello Gorgeous has any salons in your area involved in the program, and don’t hesitate to nominate someone you know!

Breast cancer is so very important to me because my grandmother, Sally, battled breast cancer and was a five-year survivor. Unfortunately she is now is going through another painful battle with breast cancer.

—Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra

Photo: Lisa Tolliver smiles as the Hello Gorgeous crew takes her to a surprise makeover at the University Park Mall in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo courtesy Grace Ybarra)

Super Bowl XLVI: Transmissions from Radio Row

Aside from the press conferences I attended on Thursday, I also got to experience Radio Row. Radio Row is the central hub for radio stations and television networks to broadcast from one area during Super Bowl week. It is really dazzling to see! This was the first year that the NFL (National Football League) opened portions of Radio Row to the public. 

There were many important people wandering around Radio Row. I got to interview Don Crisman, a huge Patriot fan that has been to every Super Bowl since the beginning (even before it was called the Super Bowl). Don is also part of the “Never Miss a Super Bowl Club” as seen in the Visa commercials that aired last year.

He explained the difficulties of finding tickets over the years and even his favorite moments.

“Well, actually the first 15 years was kind of easy,” Crisman said. “Then it became difficult and we got scalped a few times and paid double and triple the face [value]. Then they wrote a story in the Super Bowl XXXIII program about guys who had never missed [a Super Bowl] and since then the NFL provides seats we can buy and we can sit together.”

I also had an interview with Super Bowl champion and former head coach of the Baltimore Ravens Brian Billick. We talked about how opinions change from when you are a coach to being part of the media. He also talked about his favorite Super Bowl memory.

“I was really lucky in our Super Bowl [XXXV],” Billick said. “We kind of had control of the game in the fourth quarter, against the New York Giants, so it kind of nice to know the game was sewed up. You could kind of sit back and take it all in. Because we had the game in hand early, it was kind of fun.”

—Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra

Photo: Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra with Don Crisman at Radio Row. (Photo courtesy Grace Ybarra) 

Super Bowl XLVI: Milk and Madonna!

On Thursday, I attended a press conference for the “Got Milk?” campaign. There, former Super Bowl champion and retired NFL quarterback Kurt Warner was the host. Warner unveiled the new advertisement for “Got Milk?” during the press conference. The ad was a poster of Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker and Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks each pouring a jug of milk into a bowl of cereal wearing the classic “milkstache.” 

Kurt Warner is the father of seven children, so he finds it extremely important that kids drink milk. At the grocery store, Kurt was given the nickname “Milk Man” because he buys around 9 jugs of milk for his family each week. He talked about his involvement with the “Got Milk?” campaign over the years.

“I’d seen all the pictures. Been through a bunch of magazines where all the individuals had their milk mustaches and thought that would be so cool to be part of that,” Warner said. “I got involved way back in 1999 in my first Super Bowl. And then I was fortunate when I went to the Super Bowl just a few years ago, they asked me to be part of it again. So I’ve been involved a couple of times and enjoyed the process.”

Later in the day, I attended a press conference for Madonna. Madonna will be performing at the Super Bowl for the Bridgestone Halftime Performance. She answered questions in front of hundreds of media members eager to hear what the pop star had to say. I was one of the fortunate 18 reporters that had the opportunity to ask Madonna not just one, but TWO questions. 

“What is the craziest thing that you have seen in Indianapolis?” I asked.

The Material Girl, after a thoughtful pause, replied with, “Me!”

After a few chuckles, she gave me another chance at asking her a different question because she felt her answer wasn’t sufficient. On my second question I asked her what she planned on doing in Indy. Madonna said that her kids really looked forward to going to the Indianapolis Children’s Museum, which she had heard was great!

—Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra

Photo: (left) Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra with Super Bowl champion quarterback Kurt Warner and (right) Madonna at her Super Bowl XLVI press conference. (Photos courtesty Grace Ybarra)

Super Bowl XLVI: The Media Day media circus

Covering Super Bowl Media Day is an intense experience! Players and coaches from both Super Bowl teams are there, waiting to be interviewed. The field is full of reporters and other members of the media. There are people watching from the stands. And then there are some really crazy people!

I got the full Media Day experience yesterday at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. This is where the New England Patriots and New York Giants will meet for Super Bowl XLVI (46) on Sunday. But first they met the media — including this Kid Reporter.

Besides interviewing members of the Patriots and Giants, I talked to other NFL players who were there as part of the media. Maurice Jones-Drew of the Jacksonville Jaguars was working for Chad Ochocinco's Network (OCNN.) Brett Keisel of the Pittsburgh Steelers was working with Head and Shoulders Shampoo for the day. Pierre Garcon of the Indianapolis Colts was working for a local news station.

Along with these players-turned-journalists were many spectacular reporters. Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders was in attendance working for NFL Network. Peter King, renowned writer for Sports Illustrated and reporter on NBC Football Night in America, was also at Media Day. They both had tips for up-and-coming reporters. 

"If you want to be successful read books. I got to where I am by reading," said Peter King.

"Say what you feel and feel what you say," Sanders added. "Always think about where you are going (with your questions), but always listen. Because it may take you somewhere totally different in your next question."

Lindsay Soto of NFL Network also gave some advise on becoming a reporter.

"Write a lot. Pay attention in English classes," Soto said. "There is a lot more writing in this business than you think going in. Read everything you can."

This was all great, but I experienced the less serious side of Media Day, too! The crazy side of Media Day consists of people in absurd clothing and colorful personalities asking silly questions. Los Angeles radio personality Vic "The Brick" Jacobs was promoting "the Year of the Dragon" with his festive Chinese clothing and a yellow dragon hanging around his neck. "Pickboy" from Nickelodeon was also at Media Day enjoying himself and with talking with the NFL players and other media. There were other "reporters" that asked players to wear funny hats or answer very odd questions.

The Super Bowl Media Day is a whirlwind event. There are so many different conversations, questions, stories, and personalities on hand, it is easy to see how Media Day has become so popular.

Check out my interviews with players and coaches from the Patriots and the Giants on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra

Photos: (top) Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra interviews Vic "The Brick" Jacobs, (bottom) Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra talks with Pittsburgh Steelers defensive end Brett Keisel. (Photos courtesy Grace Ybarra)

Super Bowl XLVI: Bill Belichick tries for fourth championship

This Sunday, the New England Patriots and New York Giants will meet in Indianapolis, Indiana, in Super Bowl XLVI (46). But last weekend the teams began arriving in Indianapolis to prepare for the game.

I had the opportunity to attend the Patriots press conference at their hotel after they landed in Indy on Sunday. Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and quarterback Tom Brady were among the people who spoke to the media.

This is the fifth time Belichick and Brady have competed in the Super Bowl. They have won three championships and lost one. The one Super Bowl they lost? It was to the New York Giants. If the Patriots win Super Bowl XLVI, it will be Belichick's fourth championship as a head coach. This would tie him for the most all-time Super Bowl wins with former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Chuck Noll.

At the press conference, I asked Coach Belichick how it would feel to reach that record.

"It would make me feel pretty good. It's a great honor to be mentioned in the same conversation with Chuck," Belichick said. "Chuck was the coach of the [Pittsburgh] Steelers the first year I was coach of the [Cleveland] Browns. I got to know him my first few years in the league. I coached with several coaches who coached under him at Pittsburgh. I have a tremendous amount of respect for Chuck and the job he did with his team and the organization. So, it is very flattering to be mentioned in the same sentence with Chuck Noll, so thank you for doing that."

Between the personal records and the rematch between the Patriots and the Giants, Super Bowl XLVI will be an exciting one to watch. I'll be covering Super Bowl events all week as the teams and the city prepare for the big game. Stay tuned to this blog and the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website for my stories!

And check out video of me asking Coach Belichick my question at the Patriots press conference!

—Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra

Photo: New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick answers questions at a press conference after arriving in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI. (Photo courtesy Grace Ybarra)

Reporting in the fast lane

For my article A Century of Tradition at Indy, I attended three separate events on three separate day: Community Day at the Indy Motor Speedway (IMS), the IPL 500 Festival Parade, and race day.

On Community Day I really enjoyed many things. I got to meet drivers Takuma Sato, Pippa Mann, and 3-time Indy 500 winner Helio Canstroneves. I also watched Alex Tagliani’s pit crew practice changing tires in only five seconds. I got to tour the famous Pagoda with a great view of the Yard of Bricks and the finish line. My hosts from IMS, Julie and Cassie, also spent a lot of time with me and even gave me a tour of the Media Center. After our tour, I got to help Cassie pick out a “Fan of the Day,” which is done daily at IMS. We chose a man who had been to 37 Indianapolis 500 races in a row.

At the IPL 500 Festival Parade, I was lucky enough to get a media pass. The celebrities in the parade enjoyed breakfast at the Downtown Indianapolis Library and then walked down the checkered carpet to talk to the media. In the media area, I met Indianapolis Star columnist Cathy Kightlinger. She and I stood next to each other as the celebrities walked out of the library. We both worked together and had so much fun doing it.

It was very exciting getting to talk to the 500 Festival Parade Grand Marshal, Anderson Cooper. I asked if he had any good tips for reporters like me.

“I think the most important thing is just to write a lot,” he said. “Even if you’re not a print reporter, if you’re a radio reporter or a TV reporter, learning and finding your voice is an important thing and it takes time.”

Although there are many long-standing traditions at IMS, this year they decided to try something new. To attract younger fans to the Indy 500, the IMS and Hot Wheels got together to build a life-sized Hot Wheels track with a 100-foot high ramp and 332 foot long jump! A mystery driver would make the jump and be announced after the stunt. The driver, Tanner Foust, completed the jump to the other side of the ramp, beating the world record by 31 feet.

After all the festivities it was finally race day. I will never forget the sound of the racecars and the blur of all thirty-three cars racing around the two-and-half mile long track for 200 laps. The exciting finish left everyone hanging. Nobody knew who won. Rookie JR Hildebrand crashed on his final lap on the final turn in first place. With just enough time before the yellow flag was raised, Dan Wheldon drove by Hildebrand to win his second Indianapolis 500.

Do you watch racing? Do you have a favorite driver? Let us know in the comments below!

—Kid Reporter Grace Ybarra