Cedar Rapids youths learn about writing first-hand

Here is a version of the column I wrote for the Sunday, Aug. 23, Gazette newspaper but with links.

Three aspiring teenage writers picked up certificates last week indicating that they had completed a nine-week summer writing camp at the Cedar Rapids Police Department's Community Connections Center. Quota International of Cedar Rapids and The Gazette co-sponsored and organized the camp and it was a worthwhile venture.

Throughout the nine weeks Gazette reporters and editors told the girls how we go about our business of learning things and then telling others what we learned. Along the way the girls had opportunities to tour The Gazette, KCRG-TV9 and the Color Web Printers press. KCRG-TV9 sports director John Campbell talked with the about teamwork.

They also got to satisfy their pressing curiosity about the Tasers used by Cedar Rapids police.

Yeah, those Tasers looked like fun, all right, until you saw the video of police officers getting zapped as part of their training. Thanks, but no thanks.

The writing camp was for students who attended Franklin or McKinley middle schools last year. The Quota International folks involved with the program, Ramona Baldyga and Gloria McMahan, wanted to reach youths in the Moundview and Wellington Heights neighborhoods who showed aptitude for good writing and who may need a boost that otherwise might not be available. So they approached The Gazette and Police Department, securing the newspaper's commitment to work with kids and the Police Department's classroom space at the Community Connections Center, better known as the department's substation at 1501 First Ave. SE.

We initially talked with a little more than a dozen boys and girls selected by teachers at the schools in the spring. When the camp started we had seven girls. The numbers tailed off as the summer moved on, especially at the end when the kids were charged with interviewing people and writing a news story. That can be intimidating, the girls learned.

We surely bored some of the girls a few times, too. At least that is what they told us. Never hold back when you have something to say.

Cedar Rapids Police Sgt. Cristy Hamblin wowed the kids with the Taser stories but also how police deal, in general, with reporters and photographers. Other police officers were helpful, too, explaining what the Community Connections Center is about and, in general, helping support the program.

Participating Gazette reporters and editors paired up with students as mentors when time came to develop and write a story.

Elektra Noble, 13, from McKinley, likes to write commentary – sarcastic commentary, she notes – but also read and sketch. We had a perfect mentor for her, Gazette columnist Todd Dorman. Sonia Elossais, 14, and entering Washington High School this year, likes telling stories and is curious. “I'm sorry, I ask too many questions,” she said after getting a tour at Color Web Printers. No problem, I told her. That's what reporters do. Our Senior News Content Manager Mary Sharp was Sonia's mentor.

Other mentors from The Gazette who volunteered time with the kids were Steve Gravelle, Molly Rossiter, Jeff Raasch and Francie Williamson. Mary, Molly and I took turns mentoring Mindelyn Rettkowski, a quiet 13-year-old McKinley student who wanted to know why a federal courthouse is being built next to the Cedar River that flooded in 2008. You should ask Rep. Dave Loebsack, D-Iowa, I suggested.

The thought of talking with a congressman was a little unnerving for the teenager. But a few calls were made to Loebsack's office on her behalf and one afternoon at a pre-arranged time the phone rang at Mindelyn's house. It was Loebsack, who graciously took time to talk with her.

Now that's a story she can tell her friends about back in school.