Project Reclaim celebrated a milestone achievement on July 22 with a public screening of its first Project Reclaim TV production, showcasing the creative talents and leadership skills of local youth.
Held as a reception-style event, the screening featured a video composed of interviews conducted by students with Dr. Toya Graham, executive director of the Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation. Dr. Graham traveled to Minden to attend the event and praised the students for their work.
“It’s been a joy to come to Minden to see the finished product,” said Graham. “I never thought that sharing my grandmother’s story would connect me to the work I’m doing now … and connect me to your future as well.”
Project Reclaim TV is a hands-on media training initiative in which student leaders create interview questions, conduct interviews, and operate camera equipment under the guidance of instructor Mr. Davis.
“When we invest in our youth, you see what we get,” said Project Reclaim Executive Director Ron Anderson. “We have young people in the City of Minden doing things that a lot of young people in other cities would love to do, and you’ve got that right here at Project Reclaim.”
Addressing the students directly, Anderson added, “You’ve got the support of so many people that you don’t even know. Look over here, young people. You don’t know who they are, but do you know what they did? They came out here today to support you. They came out here today because they care about you, and they care about your future.”
“We are so, so proud of each and every one of you,” Anderson said. “It’s been a wonderful summer program, and that was a wonderful way to cap it off.”
Based in Minden, Project Reclaim is a leadership academy serving elementary through high school students across Webster Parish. The summer program has concluded, and the organization’s three-day-a-week after-school program will begin soon.
For more information, visit prstars.org or call (318) 423-4987.
