By Melissa Robinson
Contributing Editor 

  Three Henry County students were invited to take part in CNN’s 7th annual Leadership Unplugged, held last week, where they had the opportunity to spend the week on the Georgia Tech campus in Atlanta and participate in leadership building exercises, special projects and networking with CNN executives, journalists and producers.

Taylor Moody, Lindsi Burton and Brianna Sims, all of Henry County, were chosen to participate in the 7th annual CNN Leadership Unplugged program.          Photo by Melissa Robinson

   Brianna Sims, Taylor Moody and Lindsi Burton, all rising juniors, participated in a lengthy application and interview process to be part of the 75 students across the state, chosen for this year’s program.

  CNN Worldwide and 21st Century Leaders hosted a select group of high school juniors and seniors chosen from a competitive pool of applicants from across the state. The seventh annual Leadership Unplugged: A CNN Experience, engaged the top Georgia high school students in a weeklong series of training sessions and discussions focused on media skills.       

  The various workshops enabled students to get hands-on experience led by CNN executives and journalists. The presentations and workshops focused on a wide range of topics including diversity, ethics in media and show production.

  "The media literacy skills students learn, combined with their exposure to CNN executives and media professionals, give them a unique opportunity to experience journalism and the business of media at the headquarters of the world's news leader," said Donna Krache, executive producer of CNN Student News. "Leadership Unplugged provides students with the skills they need in order to be savvy news consumers."

  In addition to the classes and workshops, the students worked in teams to develop story ideas based on the day’s topics. The week concluded with the student teams presenting their ideas before a panel of judges comprised of CNN and TBS executives.

  Moody, who attends Dutchtown High School, said the best part of the week for her was the daily panel discussions.

  “Each day there were three panels with four to five executives and producers and it was beneficial because I learned about jobs that I didn’t realize even existed,” she said.

  Burton, who attends Ola High School in McDonough and is considering a career in journalism, said the best part of the week was a special dinner held at the Omni Hotel in Atlanta.

  “The leadership dinner gave us the opportunity to talk to different leaders and ask them questions directly,” said Burton. “There were several executives and media leaders, including Jim Walton, president of CNN Worldwide.”

  Sims said she appreciated the opportunity to network with professionals in a field she is considering as a career.

  “The program showed me all the opportunities there are in the media field and I really enjoyed networking with people high up at CNN,” she said.

  According to Eugene Sanders, public relations representative for CNN, more than 400 students vied for just 75 spots in Leadership Unplugged.

  “The 75 students have inspired me this year. They are all 16 and 17 years old and are truly leaders in their communities. This is a big opportunity for them and it is a very competitive program and application process,” said Sanders.

  All three students agreed that the interview process was a little intimidating, but also a great experience and they are grateful to have been chosen to participate in such a prestigious program.

  “It’s great to be around others who have similar goals and values,” said Burton.