My Interview with Dr. Jane Goodall

Dr. Jane Goodall's name was still fresh in my mind when I first got an email from my editor asking if I would be available for an interview. Just one week before, Dr. Goodall had been the subject of a class conversation.

My classmates and I were to complete an essay discussing the scientific achievements men and women have made in society. Dr. Goodall was one of the scientists we were required to research and discuss.

When I got the message of an opportunity to interview Dr. Goodall, I knew it would be a chance of a lifetime. 

The weekend before my interview, my teacher let me borrow a copy of Dr. Goodall's book, Reason for Hope. I hoped to learn more about her life to better prepare myself to speak to her.

The day before the interview, I prepared the camera, microphone, press pad, questions, tape recorder, and laptop. My interview was in Mount Pleasant, Michigan, about three hours from my home near Detroit. 

The next morning, I met with Dr. Goodall in her hotel lobby. Accompanied with her scheduler and her toy monkey, Mr. H, she greeted me as other hotel guests and employees looked on, surprised to see such a famous face.   After taking a good look at the lobby, Dr. Goodall politely requested that we go up to her hotel room. 

During the elevator ride, I asked Dr. Goodall how she felt to be in Michigan. She expressed concern of the farms she saw on her car ride to the hotel, claiming that most of the farms likely used pesticides. It proved her dedication to the environment.

I set up the camera and microphone and ran a quick audio check. Dr. Goodall waited patiently, placing Mr. H on her bed. 

Mr. H is treated like royalty around Dr. Goodall. He was a gift from Gary Haun, a blind magician who lost his sight in the U.S. Marines. When Haun thought he was giving Goodall a chimp, she handed him the tail.

Since then, Mr. H has been to 53 countries and has been touched by more than 2.5 million people.

I could tell Goodall was passionate by the way she spoke. Her tranquil yet powerful voice proved that she was speaking from her heart. 

At the end of the interview, Dr. Goodall offered some advice.

"You guys who do the news, who talk to people, you have a huge responsibility and a vast influence, so you use it wisely."

Watch the rest of my interview with Dr. Jane Goodall on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website.

 

—Kid Reporter Charlie Kadado

Photo: Kid Reporter Charlie Kadado with Dr. Jane Goodall and Mr. H after their interview in Mount Pleasant, Michigan. (Courtesy Charlie Kadado)

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)

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)

Magic Kingdom moments with President Obama

Usually, when I go to the Magic Kingdom at Disney World, it's to ride the rides, take a picture with my favorite character, and experience the theme park. But on January 19, the day President Barack Obama was to deliver a speech from Main St. U.S.A. at the Magic Kingdom, I had different plans.

I arrived at Disney's Contemporary Resort and checked in. I was amazed to find out that I was to receive a VIP press badge that allowed me to be seated closer to President Obama as he delivered his speech. I felt like a VIP journalist because my name was already known to employees at media check in. In the media tent, there were accomplished journalists and major networks, such as NBC, ABC, CNN, the Associated Press (AP), and FOX. In the past, this may have made me feel intimidated, but being there I felt confident. Unlike many of the journalist and media that were there, I was given the opportunity by Scholastic to interview President Obama face-to-face in the White House this past summer.

In comparing notes with some of the other journalists, it was interesting to hear that their deadlines were the same as mine. I saw my future in journalism through their eyes. 

After the National Anthem, the level of excitement rose as Ruben Perez, a local small business owner in Central Florida, was announced as the person who would introduce President Obama. 

As President Obama entered Main St. U.S.A. from a store front and took the podium, there was a roar of applause. Even though I had previously interviewed him, sitting in the VIP media section about 30 feet away from President Obama I felt a rush of excitement. It's an extremely rare opportunity to sit down and interview the President in the White House, but being able to hear him deliver a speech live was a memorable experience.

As President Obama spoke about strategies and plans to boost travel and tourism in the U.S., I was captivated. It was interesting and exciting to listen to an issue that I find important – the economy. When you live in Central Florida, you realize how big a part tourism plays in our state's economy. Every year, we see our state's economy flourish from both domestic and international tourists.

Living in Central Florida you're guaranteed to know someone who is employed at Disney. Disney, as does most tourist attractions, provides jobs and a source of income for many residents. Many of the small business owners and representatives that I spoke with at the event felt confident that these strategies would provide an increase in traffic throughout the state of Florida and stimulation to our economy's growth. You can read my story about the speech on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

It was truly inspirational to hear President Obama speak about issues that affect my community and the growth of the state's economy.

—Kid Reporter Topanga Sena

Photo: President Barack Obama delivers a speech as Disney World on January 19. (Photo courtesy Topanga Sena)

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

Behind the scenes of the CNBC Republican debate

When I first received the assignment to cover the Republican Debate at Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan, I didn't know what to expect. I had covered political events and political figures' speeches in the past, but I had never attended a debate.

The day before the CNBC debate, I visited Oakland University for a media meeting. I was given the opportunity to get a look at the “Media Filing Center,” a large auditorium filled with hundreds of desks and workspace for journalists. At the meeting, I found out that members of the media would be listening to the debate through television screens.

When I got home, I prepared the materials I needed: a laptop, camera, microphone, tape recorder, press pad, and credentials.

I arrived at the debate four hours before the start time. I prepared my article, spoke to other journalists, and observed the busy filing center. From campus newspapers to international news stations, hundreds of reporters, anchors, and production crew surrounded the auditorium.

Large lighting structures and cameras were precisely positioned throughout the area. My desk was situated between MSNBC and FOX News. Periodically, a reporter would be given a cue to do a live shot. It was very neat to watch what happened behind the scenes!


At exactly 8 p.m., the debate began. The lights and cameras turned off, but the reporters were still in tune. They carefully watched the debate, taking note of the powerful replies and flaws of each candidate.

When Rick Perry couldn’t name the third department he would eliminate as President, a few reporters laughed, while others took notes of the incident.

As the debate came to an end, members of the press made their way into a small section where the candidates would come and speak to the media. Texas Governor Rick Perry was the first person to arrive.

Producers, reporters, and photojournalists ran towards Perry. The first words that came out of his mouth were, “Whoa, easy.” It just goes to show you how aggressive some journalists’ can be!

After speaking to Perry, former Senator Rick Santorum, and former Utah Governor Jon Huntsman, I packed up my belongings and headed back home. By the time I left, it was midnight.

The Republican debate showed me how fast-paced the job of a journalist can be. I learned that a journalist has to be a person who can ask tough questions, adjust their fast-paced schedules, and never take “no” for an answer. As my editor told me, “Keep your head on a swivel and keep your eyes and ears open – you never know what you might see or hear!”

Be sure to check out Charlie's story from the CNBC debate! 

TELL US WHAT YOU THINK: What issues do you think are the most important in the 2012 Presidential election? Let us know in the comments section! 

Photos: Texas Governor Rick Perry takes questions after the CNBC debate in Michigan; a view of the work stations set up backstage at the debate. (Photos courtesy Charlie Kadado)

Nearly 20,000 people march on Wall Street

I must say, I witnessed something very special yesterday in lower Manhattan. I have never seen anything like this. People with different ideas, beliefs, and agendas gathered to make positive change.

An estimated 15,000 people peacefully marched up Broadway from Zuccotti Park to Foley Square. This new movement is called Occupy Wall Street. The movement reached an amazing turn out today, including at least 15 major labor unions such as the United Federation of Teachers, the AFL-CIO, and the Transit Workers Union.

The march was carefully organized and amazingly orderly considering the enormity of the participation. I felt safe and protected the whole time I was at the event (nearly three hours). The organizers of Occupy Wall Street had placed members spread out over short distances along the way to the rallying point in Foley Square to direct marchers and to keep the event non-violent, peaceful, and law-abiding.

The march was loud but calm and even cheerful. The protesters carried colorful placards and banners to make their point. Some placards said, “We are the 99” or “Stop Corporate Greed” and others had environmental messages. Some protesters wore eye-catching costumes and make-up to express their concerns and ideas. Some danced or played drums or guitars as they marched. 

One person I interviewed was a Vietnam veteran. He tearfully told me that he was so happy to see that all those people came together to voice themselves and exercised our freedom of speech.  I also met one family of six from Brooklyn, New York, who took time out to be part of this historic event. The family had four children who were holding handmade banners.

This protest may have begun with young Americans but from what I saw has now become inclusive of all ages and nationalities. Being at the march, I felt like I was part of an event that will be remembered for a long time.

Be sure to check out my report on the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Cecilia Gault

Editor’s Note: Cecilia and I were at the Occupy Wall Street rally yesterday for nearly three hours. After we left, and the protesters marched back to Zuccotti Park, altercations erupted between police and protesters according to people at the scene who posted videos online. Some protesters were hit with clubs, while others were sprayed with mace. We didn’t witness these events, but it’s important to ackowledge that they happened as part of the march and rally yesterday.

Photo: Four kids hold up a sign during the Occupy Wall Street protest yesterday. (Photo: Dante A. Ciampaglia) 

My 24 hours in Washington D.C.

When I received an e-mail from my editor asking for my availability for an undisclosed assignment on the 14th and 15th of July, I replied saying that I would be able to do any assignments that were necessary on those dates. Later, he revealed the assignment: I was to interview the President of the United States of America!

The morning of the interview, Topanga, the other Kid Reporter, and I (along with our parents) took a self-guided tour of the White House. I was able to see everything that I had read about or saw in pictures: the famous East Room and in it the famous picture of George Washington that Dolly Madison saved from burning in the War of 1812; Jacqueline Kennedy’s china; and the Presidential Library from the blocked off doorway to it. After the tour, my mom and I went straight to a White House gift shop nearby. We purchased a bunch of souvenirs and then rushed back to our hotel.

After confirming with one of my editors that that the interview was still on schedule, we all met up and headed to the White House. After passing through a security check, we found Lauren, a White House communications officer, along with another staff member, who escorted us to the interview. Before we went to where the interview would take place, we stopped at the Press Briefing Room. We were able to stand and get our pictures taken at the very podium that Obama stands when talking to the press! I could just imagine many of our modern Presidents standing at that very podium!

We were then led to the opposite side of the main hallway, and into the Library. I noticed that I’d seen that very same room earlier in the day; only it had been roped off to keep people from entering.

There, in the Library, we did an audio/video check with members of the production staff. Some Secret Service members were also in the room. Soon, a person came in saying that the President would be there in five minutes. The room quieted quickly and we all waited. I looked at my watch and four minutes had passed. Then, suddenly, the door banged open, and Lauren came in followed by President Obama and a Secret Serviceman. I was surprised because I expected someone to come in first announcing his arrival.

When we were done with the interview, the President told us that there was someone he would like us to meet. The door to the Library opened, and Bo, the First Dog, came running in and went straight to President Obama. Bo seemed confused and frantic at first, but then he calmed down when the President told him to lie down. We got to pet him, and then he was ushered out of the room. 

The President then told us that he had some things to give us before we left. He gave us a presidential gift bag filled with incredible things. There was a picture of Bo, a personally signed mini Constitution book, a Frisbee, a yo-yo, a Presidential Seal, and Presidential M&Ms. 

When we left the room, we were escorted down an outdoor hallway that I have seen used by many Presidents in lots of famous pictures. We then walked into an office used by the Head of the Presidential Press. 

After the interview, my mom and I went to a variety of Smithsonian museums at the National Mall. We had dinner that night at an incredible Chinese food restaurant called Meiwei. That night, we hung out in our hotel room and called family members. After that, we went to the hotel restaurant and had dessert. I went to bed exhausted. I knew that I would have to get up really early the next morning to travel home to Albuquerque.

Overall, it was an incredible experience!

Check out the Kids Press Corps interview with President Barack Obama! And for more news for kids, by kids, visit the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

—Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder

Photos: (top) Kid Reporter Jacob Schroeder at the podium in the White House Press Briefing Room, (bottom) Jacob with the contents of the White House gift bag he and Topanga received at the end of their interview. (Photos courtesy Kyle Good and Jacob Schroeder)

Interviewing the President

When my editor, Dante, sent an email informing me that I would interview the President of the United States, I was naturally excited and surprised. What an honor! My first thoughts were what questions should I ask, when would this happen, and, like every girl, what would I wear?

As the details kept coming in, I became more and more excited that this was really going to happen and the days began to feel like weeks. I just couldn’t wait!

The plane trip to Washington D.C. was amazing. When the pilot announced my arrival in Washington D.C., it all became a reality. I was in the nation’s capital, the home of the President, the home of the White House, the home of history.

The morning of the interview, I was able to tour the White House with my fellow Kid Reporter, Jacob. I remember adoring the White House Library. Little did I know that the interview would be held in that same room. Like any important day, there was a lot of preparation. Then a memorable moment happened. The President walked into the Library with a big smile and said, “Hello kids!” I was so surprised that he was right there that I gasped.

It was so funny because President Obama had mentioned how he was looking forward to this interview all day long, and I had been looking forward to the interview for weeks.

President Obama was everything I expected him to be: intelligent, well spoken, and very kind. He made every moment of the interview comfortable. It felt so good to be in front of the President and represent kids across the nation. I remember being proud to ask each and every question, especially my second question about children in my community. It felt good to be a reporter!

If I wasn’t surprised enough, President Obama surprised Jacob and me with Bo, the First Dog. Bo entered the room and I was able to pet him. It was so cool! Bo was so cute, soft, and well trained. 

Before we said goodbye, President Obama gave Jacob and me gift bags. There were several items in the gift bag, one of which was a pocketsize Constitution that he autographed with a personal message to me. When President Obama signed my pocket sized Constitution, I felt like he had known me for such a long time and he thought very highly of me. President Obama wrote, “To Topanga – Dream big dreams!”

Little did he know that I did dream big because I was standing right next to him!

Check out the Kids Press Corps interview with President Barack Obama! And for more news for kids, by kids, visit the Scholastic News Kids Press Corps website!

 —Kid Reporter Topanga Sena

Photos: (top) Kid Reporter Topanga Sena stands at the podium in the White House Press Briefing Room, (bottom) Topanga's pocketsized Constitution signed by President Barack Obama. (Photos courtesy Topanga Sena)

My day in the press box

I got to see President Obama talk at the Alcoa factory on June 28, 2011. It was so exciting to see him talk. It was not the first time I got to go to one of his events. About a year ago, I got to go see him in Iowa City and talk about the Health Care Reform Bill. But this was just as exciting. I was the only kid in the press box, so everyone was helping me out and being really friendly. They showed me where to go what to do after the speech. 

A lot of the reporters wanted to know who I was and who I reported for. They also asked my mom some of the same questions they asked me to see how she felt. About 4 or 5 different people wanted to interview me. I saw Marcia Lens from KWQC TV 6 News and went up to ask her if she had any advice for kids like me who wanted to write. When she finished she asked if she could interview me on camera. At 10 o’clock I was on the news. (My interview starts at the 42-minute mark of the video.) It was so exciting to see myself on there. Also, I found out that I was in multiple newspapers and I almost got interviewed on the radio.
It was a very exciting day!

—Kid Reporter Alysa Goethe

Photo: Kid Reporter Alysa Goethe interviews Iowa governor Terry Branstad at the Alcoa plant where President Barack Obama spoke about the economy. (Courtesy Alysa Goethe)