\u201cIt\u2019s about the lights in their lives, stepping in front of or behind the camera and taking action in life,\u201d says Amy Rosenbluth, executive director at Lake Erie Ink.<\/p>\n
The launch party highlighted the teens and their hard work, with readings by the writers showcasing themes of mental health, self-image, internal and external struggle, as well as some personal experiences and creative pieces.<\/p>\n
\u201cThere\u2019s nothing else where kids can be creative humans without expectation. There are no grades, no competition,\u201d Rosenbluth says. \u201cThere are very few things offered to them like that, so if we can be one of those things, that\u2019s critical.\u201d<\/p>\n
In a preface to the readings, educator and mentor Amy Hughes, who oversees the operations of the teen editorial team, took the stage to celebrate the teen editors\u2019 and writers\u2019 successes. She ended her speech with a powerful message that echoed through the room.<\/p>\n
\u201cIf you\u2019re feeling hopeless about the world, spend more time around teenagers. They have hope,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n