Teen Forum gives high school students an opportunity to express their opinions on a variety of topics related to school and culture. This feature first appears in the magazine.

What famous person would you most like to meet, and why?

The person I would most like to meet is Rachael Ray because I believe she shares some, or all of the same things in life that I do. She loves to talk and just have fun, and she doesn’t care what people think of her. She loves the fall season and celebrating it by cooking recipes that were handed down from her ancestors. She shares her successes with people around her, and she invites regular everyday people on to her show to share their experiences. If there is something that I have tried to do in my life, it is to be fair and to give everyone an even shake, just like Rachael Ray.
Erika Hart, Cheboygan, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

Someone famous I would enjoy meeting is Shawn Johnson from the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics team. I will always remember the first time I saw her on TV, competing in the U.S. National Championships in 2005. It was especially exciting for me to see her perform with so much skill because we are about the same age. I admire the courage she has to execute difficult routines with the added pressure of being judged and watched by spectators from around the world. Before she starts her events she prepares herself mentally and anyone watching can see the determination on her face. Shawn is truly an inspiration to me.
Olivia Schonert, Marion, Great Lakes Energy

If I had the chance to meet any famous person, I would want to meet Zach Hunter. Ever since he was in 7th grade, Zach has been campaigning to end modern-day slavery. To accomplish this, he started a movement called “Loose Change to Loosen Chains,” where people donate their pocket change to fund the work to free modern-day slaves. I think it would be incredible to meet someone of such a strong and directed faith in God. Zach sets a great example of what teens can do when they set their minds to it and follow God’s direction—to live empowered. I think it would be awesome to meet such an incredible example.
Rachel White, Blanchard, HomeWorks Tri-County Electric Cooperative

It is difficult to choose just one famous person I would like to meet because there are so many amazing people out there, but if I had to choose just one, it would be Bill Gates. He is a man that represents the American Dream. He was born and raised by an average family and then with one great idea became one of the richest men in the world. He shows us what someone can do with a great idea. Bill Gates represents to me that if you follow a dream, you can make it reality.
Morgan Fleagle, Cooks, Alger Delta Electric Cooperative

A famous person I would most like to meet is Theodore Roosevelt. He was a great man and a great president. He always had a smile and a laugh ready and was able to run our country very effectively. I love history and would like to ask him questions about him and our country during the time he grew up. What were popular hobbies; what did he do to pass time as a child; how did people live as far as different lifestyles were concerned? I know I probably don’t sound like most kids my age, but I would like to meet our past president simply to learn more about our past and that is simply who I am.
Alysha Patton, Mancelona, Great Lakes Energy

If I could meet any famous person, I would pick Emma Thompson, a talented actress, screenplay writer and activist. She has played Professor Trelawny in the Harry Potter films, and wrote the award-winning screenplay for “Sense and Sensibility.” She is also an activist, working with the Helen Bamber Foundation to raise awareness about the existence of human trafficking. Throughout her career, Emma has remained genuine, funny and kind. It would be great to discuss acting, writing, and activism with her.
Hannah Hazlett, Ocqueoc, Presque Isle Electric & Gas Co-op

I would like to meet David Cook, the newest American Idol winner, because he acts himself around other people and doesn’t feel pressured. At the beginning of American Idol he had no intention of entering the competition. He was just going along to support his brother, who was trying out, and they told him, “Go for it, what have you got to lose?” He did, and he became the winner. He’s an inspiration to me because he showed me that I don’t have to be different to be a great person. I don’t have to act, dress or talk differently to be liked. I am Dustin Lott, and that’s all I need to be in order to succeed.
Dustin Lott, Brethren, Cherryland Electric Cooperative

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