New Children First special to feature Tulare County students in leadership, addressing community issues

On Sunday, ABC30 will air a new Children First program entitled Leading Together. The special will focus on the importance of providing young people with safe spaces for conversation and helping them develop their skills as future leaders.
Among the stories in the special is a feature on University Preparatory High School’s (UPHS) civics education class. In Arturo Figueroa’s class, students can work in teams to develop projects that address community problems. For their work, they can earn the State Seal of Civic Engagement at graduation.
Featured students include Matthew Henderson, who is part of a team developing a project to address Tulare County’s feral cat population in a humane way, and Kareem Al-Ghazali, who was part of a team that developed a project two years ago to study the effects of tests on students’ mental health.
Read more in the News Gallery Week.
Also in News Gallery Week:
Profiles in Character

Haydin Priest
Sixth Grade
Shannon Ranch Elementary School, Visalia
Honoring Haydin’s Kindness and Character
Nominator Adrienne Terry shares, “I first met Haydin Priest when she was 10 years old, and even then, she carried herself with a rare mix of kindness and determination. Now, as a sixth grader at Shannon Ranch Elementary, she has stepped into leadership with confidence and purpose. After two years of watching and learning from the student leaders before her, Haydin entered this year ready to serve and inspire.
She is the kind of student who quietly but consistently makes a positive impact. In the cafeteria, the classroom, the play yard, the front office, and the library, she is quick to offer help and sets an example of responsibility and respect. She is not only a talented student‑athlete and performer in the arts, but also a dedicated scholar and a loyal, compassionate friend. Haydin shows fairness, caring, and integrity in her actions, making her a true role model for her peers.
From the first day I met her, Haydin’s warmth and spirit stood out. Seeing her grow into a young woman who uplifts others is a blessing. I am deeply proud of her and confident that she will continue to be an asset to her school and her community.”
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