Students learn about citizenship

DOWNEY - Four Downey students were among a select group of high-achieving high school juniors who participated in Pepperdine University's 34th annual Youth Citizenship Seminar last week, where they explored national and world topics, interacted with distinguished leaders and heard from inspirational speakers.Joel Carreto, Matthew Martinez, Camila Garcia and Alissa Weisenburger were among the 270 students from throughout Southern California to participate. This year's speakers included former Los Angeles Dodger manager Tommy Lasorda, heavyweight boxing champ George Foreman, television host Chris Harrison and TV personality Ben Stein. Founded in 1977 by Pepperdine's chancellor emeritus Charles Runnels, the seminar challenges high school juniors to make a personal contribution to America's future. Each year, approximately 1,200 applications are received each year; students are selected to represent a wide variety of their strengths through their scholastic, athletic, musical and theatrical accomplishments. The seminar is funded through $300,000 in private donations.

********** Published: June 30, 2011 - Volume 11 - Issue 10