Sunday, Oct. 26, 2025 | 2 a.m.
Editor’s note: Este artículo está traducido al español.
The Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum: A Tradition of Youth Voices
On October 17, 2025, a significant gathering unfolded at Cimarron-Memorial High School, where approximately 700 high school juniors and seniors from across the Clark County School District participated in the Las Vegas Sun Youth Forum. This annual forum, a cherished Las Vegas tradition for nearly 70 years, serves as a platform for young voices to engage in meaningful discussions about pressing contemporary issues.
A Platform for Perspectives
At this year’s forum, one of the most discussed topics was the federal minimum wage. A small group of teenagers engaged in a robust dialogue that revealed a spectrum of personal experiences and philosophical perspectives. For some, this discussion evoked memories of their first jobs or the struggles their parents faced in making ends meet.
Andrew Kennedy, a senior from Foothill High School, echoed a common viewpoint that minimum wage jobs are not intended to support a family. He argued that raising the federal minimum wage, currently set at $7.25 an hour, could inadvertently lead to higher costs for goods. In contrast, senior Destinee Dixon from Western High School shared a very different narrative drawn from her own life. Coming from a working-class, single-parent household, she emphasized the harsh realities many face: “Sometimes life happens, and that’s all people have to survive,” she noted.
Tradition Meets Modern Issues
The Sun Youth Forum has evolved significantly since its inception in 1956 on the Strip at the Royal Nevada Hotel. Founded by Hank Greenspun, the forum was revolutionary for its time, advocating for youth voices in discussions typically dominated by adults. Greenspun believed strongly that teenagers deserved a space to express their ideas, frustrations, and aspirations. This sentiment resonates strongly today, as the forum continues to diversify its topics, delving into issues from immigration reform to gun control.
Deep Discussions and Real Stories
In another room focused on immigration, students passionately debated reforms to streamline legal immigration processes. One participant shared the personal story of her mother’s long journey to citizenship, underscoring the emotional and societal ramifications of the current system. Drake Allison, a senior at Coronado High School, brought a critical perspective, highlighting that bureaucratic delays often exploit vulnerable individuals and fuel illegal activities. He referred to his grandmother, highlighting the hard work and resilience that many immigrants embody, countering negative stereotypes associated with immigrant communities.
The Fine Line of Self-Determination
Back in the domestic policy discussion space—where the minimum wage was a hot topic—students shared their personal narratives regarding economic realities. A recurring theme was the belief in self-determination and the idea that hard work invariably leads to success. Yet, there was no shortage of skepticism. Junior Novella Vittorio pointed out the disconnect in the narrative: “If that were true, coal miners would be millionaires.” Her words reverberated as a critique of the myth that hard work alone guarantees upward mobility.
Empathy and Understanding
The discussions not only highlighted differing opinions but were marked by a remarkable level of maturity and respect. As they navigated complex subjects, students maintained a constructive atmosphere, showcasing understanding rather than divisiveness. Comments like Dixon’s—“I think this country needs more empathy”—were not just echoes of frustration; they were calls for compassion in an increasingly polarized world.
Building a Legacy of Voices
The Sun Youth Forum offers scholarships and opportunities for top participants to write op-eds and even take part in televised discussions. The participants are not merely engaging in one-off conversations; they’re building skills and awareness that will likely shape their futures. The maturity and eloquence they displayed during the forum serve as a beacon of hope that the future might harness these younger voices to address societal challenges head-on.
During the session moderated by Nevada Secretary of State Cisco Aguilar, the value of continuous dialogue was underscored. “You have to continue to have these conversations,” Aguilar advised, reinforcing the importance of ongoing engagement in the civic landscape.