Every generation tends to look down on the youth in this country, and this generation is no different. Poor work ethics, laziness, and apathy are the most often heard criticisms of those coming of age today. And yet not all are the same, and one in particular is standing out as the newly adopted poster child of the right.
The shirts that VSU student Ashleigh Kenny designed, with R.I.P The U.S. Constitution on the front and a quote from former President Ronald Reagan on the back, have been selling so fast that her Web site had to be temporarily shut down.
But what makes Kenny so extraordinary is not that she made a T-shirt, or that she wore it to a rally, or that after presenting it to Congressman Jack Kingston, she has been the subject of several national political shows. No, what makes her special is her outlook on life.
In the wake of her newfound fame, Kenny is not just selling T-shirts, she has founded a new movement, matternow.org as a way to encourage others her age to get involved, now. She understands that the future depends on these young men and women, and knows that they will be the leaders for generations to follow. Mattering now is a way of getting students engaged in the political and social arenas, thinking about the future and working towards making a difference. While Kenny is now a full-time college student, she is getting an invaluable lesson in what it feels like to be the new face of a cause. In an interview with The Times this week, she played down her newfound fame to focus instead on the issues. She demonstrates a strong belief system, but is not so strongly conservative that she has lost her tolerance for other opinions.
For those who believe that the country’s youth will be unable to navigate the future, those like Kenny are showing that a little act of patriotism can go a long way to restoring the faith.
Whatever side you choose, right or left, young men and women like Kenny are a reassuring sign that the future may be in the best hands after all.
What We Think
What We Think: Student’s actions inspiring
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THUMBS UP: To Brooks County High School engineering and technology teacher Don Morgan and his students. They recently received national attention for their work with biodiesel fuel. They collect used cooking oil from area fast-food restaurants then process this oil into biodiesel. Morgan hopes to next interest the Brooks County school buses into running on the fuel created in his class. This classroom not only prepares students for the future but may prepare all of us for an alternative energy source.
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Take me out to the ball park
The Valdosta State baseball season begins today. The Blazers host Lindenwood at 2:30 p.m. Nothing beats quality baseball played in warm weather with a great venue like Billy Grant Field.
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What We Think: Signing Day
Wednesday was National Signing Day, the day when high school athletes across the country make official announcements about what school they’ve chosen to sign with.
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School policy fails expectations
Lowndes County Schools recently implemented new grading guidelines for students. These guidelines have left many parents upset ...
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Just the facts, please
The Times has taken some hits this weekend following the reporting of the Rev. Floyd Rose’ rally on Saturday concerning the car which drove into a home, killing an infant on New Year’s, and an incident at Pinevale Learning Center. Some police officers think the VDT is not being fair, and Rose accused the VDT of not printing the facts, but the facts are as follows:
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Fathers teaching daughters
It began as a small gathering for fathers and daughters. It has become one of Valdosta’s most popular social events of the year.
Several years ago, Jeff Stewart co-founded the event with his wife, Becky, as a way for him to give a special night to his two daughters. Other fathers of First Presbyterian Church liked the idea and the Father-Daughter Valentine Dance was born. -
Sports tourneys: They will come
More than 20 years after its release, “Field of Dreams’” mantra, “If you build it, they will come,” has possibly become one of the most overused lines from any movie. Yet, it seems all too fitting for what’s been happening lately within the Valdosta-Lowndes County Parks and Recreation Authority.
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Thumbs Up
THUMBS UP: To Valdosta State University Athletics for its 2012 Chili Fest scheduled for this afternoon, 3-5:30 p.m. at the PE Complex. Should be some good eating even if we’re not experiencing the traditional January winter weather. Plus, it’s an old-style no-bean chili event. Tasty, indeed.
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Theatre: A busy week ahead
Theatre: A busy week ahead
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Help for the greater need
This weekend, people will gather to help two Valdosta-area young people and their families. Ride for Haley is scheduled to raise money for Haley Waites, a Valdosta High senior battling a brain tumor.
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