© 2024 WGLT
A public service of Illinois State University
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
00000178-3092-da2f-a5fe-fbbf0c520000Reactions to the 2016 ElectionNPR and GLT are here for you as we all react to this historic election. Trust Morning Edition, On Point with Tom Ashbrook, Here & Now and All Things Considered for in depth reporting and thoughtful analysis of the national races and international reactions. Count on GLT and IPR for comprehensive coverage of events here in central Illinois.

NCHS Students Promote Positivity During Trump Presidency

Staff
/
WGLT

Several groups of students at Normal Community High School are working on a project to promote positivity under President Donald Trump's administration.

NCHS Senior Ryan Watkins said he is leading his classmates in making a video based on kindness and acceptance within the school and community.

Watkins said the students are trying to create a welcoming atmosphere without minimizing anyone's political beliefs.

"Because of the concerns that some people have had, that I think are shared by a large percentage of the country as a whole, we can all come together and agree that it's time as one people to affirm the identities of everybody, not just a select few people," said Watkins.   

President Trump said Americans will never be ignored again during his inaugural address on Friday. Watkins said Trump's words are a step in the right direction, but his actions will speak louder than words. 

Watkins added many students still see Trump as a very divisive figure.

"It's very uneasy for a lot of people who fear that some of their family members might be sent back to their home country or be persecuted under this new administration because of something about them," said Watkins.  

Watkins said most of his fellow classmates are open to whatever the President has to offer, but only if it is beneficial to all Americans. 

Watkins also said the video will be shared in social studies classes along with being posted online. 

Mike joined GLT's staff as a student reporter in February of 2016 having worked previously as a reporter at Illinois State University's student radio station, 103.3 WZND. He acted as a director for the WZND newsroom for two years. Mike was also seen as a reporter, producer, and anchor at TV-10 News. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in broadcast journalism in May of 2017 before starting his post-graduate career with the Public Affairs Reporting Masters Program at University of Illinois Springfield.
Related Content