In The News

By owenwald on Nov 30, 2013 in In The News | 0 comments

By Brad Kovach Topics Newspapers Every Wednesday at North Central High School, students have a chance to speak out in their own teen talk show. Blair Karsch, a substitute teacher and motivational speaker has created “On Your Level,” a show dealing with issues, challenges and thoughts from today’s generation. “It’s a medium to just talk about and express yourself,” Karsch said during a short introduction before taping a segment in the school cafeteria. Karsch has taped the half-hour segments Wednesdays after school for four months. Past segments have featured discussions on time management, crime and the media, racism, rap music, family values, talk shows, drugs and exercise and diet. In a recent meeting, students tackled the issue of expression. Nose rings, oranger hair and grunge clothing – why do kids make these choices and how will they affect their future, Karsch asked. About 20 students sat in a loose circle around Karsch as the taping began. Although Karsch’s short, prodding leads were answered slowly at first, the students perked up after a few rounds of questioning. “Youth has always been youth,” said a girl wearing overalls and a colorful, shiny satin shirt. “Kids try hard, sometimes too hard, to express themselves,” said a black-clad girl. The one black boy participating expressed that he was just trying to be himself. “I don’t act black. I don’t act white. I just act like me,” he said running his hands through his dreadlocks. “It’s all right if you keep your priorities straight,” Karsch said reassuringly. Before the end, the show has moved from expression, to after-school activities, to music and even to drugs and smoking. Karsch wants the show to be intimate, inspiring and relevant. Each show, he said, must finish on an upbeat note. Superintendent Eugene White advised Karsch when he presented his proposal for the talk show. “He said each show has to end with success and perspective,” Karsch said. “It has to relate to issues that reach to the mainstream. I want to deal with emotions, perspective and choices. I’d like to see a fight for five minutes, a conversation for 20, and a resolution for five. I want to hear someone say, ‘Maybe it does effect me,'” he...