Las Vegas NowVoices Heard at Annual Sun Youth Forum

Voices Heard at Annual Sun Youth Forum

Many high school students say their voices are often ignored when it comes to issues affecting the country. Tuesday, hundreds of Clark County high school students got together with lawmakers and community leaders and gave them their two cents.

Students have a lot to say when it comes to issues like the economy, unemployment and a lack of funding for education. “It's really scary to view the economy, jobs and my future,” said student Mikayda Mills.

Never has so much been at stake for this generation and Samantha King admits she's worried. “It's probably going to be my generation and my kid’s generation responsible for fixing it,” she said.

But there is some solace knowing she's not alone in these fears.

The 54th annual Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum gives students the chance to talk about everything from issues on the home front to issues like terrorism. It's the intellectual breeding ground for future leaders.

Congresswoman Shelley Berkley knows this all too well. “The Sun Youth Forum was a life changing experience for me,” she said. She's now one of the moderators.

“These kids are engaged and know what they're talking about. They have opinions and are not afraid to express it,” she said.

Students say even with the many challenges ahead for them, they are optimistic about their future. Above all else, they're just glad their voices can be heard. “I think a lot of times kids our age aren't listened to because people think, ‘They're just teens. What do they know,’” said King.

But these teens are proving that's just not the case.