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Ferriday High student awarded trip to Washington
Published Thursday, May 15, 2008
Photo by Marcus Frazier
Ferriday High sophomore Amanda Moreno, 15, has been accepted in the national Young Academic Leaders Conference.
FERRIDAY — The nation’s leadership starts in Washington, D.C., and one local teen is headed there to learn more about leading.
Ferriday High School sophomore Amanda Moreno, 15, will be going to the capitol city as part of the national Young Academic Leaders Conference July 19-28.
At the 10-day, 10-night conference, Moreno will study the three branches of government with students from across the nation.
“The part of the conference I am looking forward to the most is the model congress, because it gets to act out the roles of congressional members,” Moreno said.
Other sessions will include “Testing the Constitution,” in which students examine Supreme Court cases, and “If I were president,” in which the participant gives a speech detailing just that — what they would do if they were president.
And for Moreno, that’s probably the hardest part of being president.
“It’s hard to think of realistic things,” she said. “I’d probably try to think of something to stimulate the economy, maybe to help bring gas prices down.”
To get into the program, a student has to be nominated — Moreno was nominated by Ferriday High Vice-Principal Derrick White — and pass the committee’s admittance board.
But it might not be so hard to see how she passed.
With a 3.9 grade point average and an “advanced” rating on the Graduate Exit Exam’s math portion, Moreno is in the gifted and talented program, the 4-H club, Beta Club, Future Business Leaders of America, Library Club and volunteers at the Delta Storefront Mission.
Moreno’s mother, Bonnie Moreno, said she is proud of her daughter.
“To get a young teenager that is trying to do right is pretty good,” Bonnie said. “She is very gifted and talented, and she deserves the opportunity to go. I think it will be a wonderful experience for her.”
Right now, the biggest hurdle is money, and in the months to come Amanda will have fundraisers as well as look for corporate sponsors, Bonnie said.
The Morenos have also set up a bank account at Delta Bank for anyone who might want to give a donation to help Amanda.
When school ends, Amanda plans to start work selling sweet corn for a local producer.
“I’m really excited to go,” she said. “I can’t wait.”
Comments
Posted by NtzMom55 (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 1:57 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations Amanda for achieving this high honor by displaying a very high grade point average in your school work. Good luck to you and keep up the hard work.
Posted by sidney (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations to Amanda.
Posted by tigermom (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 7:39 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations Amanda, you are obviously an very hard working and dedicated young lady. Keep up the amazing work.
Posted by jabese5 (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
My son was nominated to go to the Junior Young Leaders Conference in the fall, but there is absolutely no way I can afford to send him. It is VERY expensive!!! I wish they would put something in the paper about those younger ones that were nominated - even if they can't make the trip.
Posted by drawpaintsing (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 8:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congratulations! Make everyone proud.
Posted by jabese5 (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 8:27 a.m. (Suggest removal)
After posting my comment, I then read the article again. I didn't know you could set up bank accounts and ask for donations to send kids to things like this. Maybe I should try that. I sure would hate for him to pass up the opportunity to do something like that.
Posted by sportsfan (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 8:30 a.m. (Suggest removal)
That is awesome! I graduated from Ferriday High and it is such a pleasure to see a student representing FHS at the national level. Congratulations!
Posted by freedom42 (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 8:33 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jabese5 - just do it! No matter what it takes, our country needs young leaders like your son and Amanada. Congratulations to both of them.
Posted by fire39212 (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 8:45 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Congrats!! This is fantastic...
jabese5 sell chicken plates on a saturday or something to that nature...Call around to wal mart or natchez market ask if they will donate the chicken....There is a way when there is a will...
Posted by firered (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 8:48 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I first heard about this on the radio this morning! I'm with what the DJ said! Amanda when you grow up, Run for President, you sure have my vote!!!! Congratulations and HAVE FUN!!!!
Posted by jabese5 (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 9:47 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Oh yeah, I completely forgot to say congratulations to Amanda. That is wonderful. I will keep following your story to see how you are doing!!!
I think I should do it for my son and pray that the money is raised. I have put a call in to the teacher that nominated him because I have a list of questions before I make a decision about pursuing this. He is only 11 and that scares me to send him on something like that at such a young age. But it really is too good of an opportunity to pass up.
Posted by kpage (anonymous) on May 15, 2008 at 11:21 a.m. (Suggest removal)
jabese...congratulations to your son!!! Don't stop at anything! We on this forum are rooting for him! Get that account set up so I can donate!
Amanda...I'm so proud that a little Ferriday girl is representing our area with her genius! Yes, you'd better run for President...we need you Amanda! Best wishes sweetheart.
Posted by stormyweather (anonymous) on May 16, 2008 at 12:51 a.m. (Suggest removal)
I know Amanda Blue and she is an awesome girl. Bunnie and Juan should be commended for raising such a wonderful young lady. This is a prime example of what can happen when a child is raised in a strict, christian home. Blue, I know you will go far in life. My thoughts and prayers are with you.
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