“Hi! And Welcome to ‘Mind Your Business Junior!’ I’m Damaris, and today I want to talk to you about saving money,” said seven year-old Damaris Almon as Abilene got a glimpse of a potential future broadcast celebrity. As family watched, she tossed her hair, smiled at the camera, and confidently began a short talk on the importance of putting money in the bank.

Damaris Almon on camera

Senior Leadership Seminar Students from Hardin-Simmons University worked with children from the HSU Friendship House after-school program to develop an educational television news segment for children that will be broadcast on KTAB in the near future.

Students worked with the children to teach basic principles of market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, and business ethics. The principles were incorporated into a script the children practiced and then presented at a special taping in the KTAB studio last Saturday. Senior Leadership Seminar student, Julie Teague noted, “The project is great exposure for these children, and gives them first hand experience with one of the many opportunities they can have if they embrace education.”

The venture allowed the children to present information they learned in a creative and exciting environment, while presenting leadership students with an opportunity to invest in the lives of children who will be the future of the community and whose education needs to be seen as a high priority.

Shelby Bailey takes a turn in the anchor's chair

Five children, ranging in age from seven to 12 years, presented their segments on the actual broadcast set for KTAB News with lights up and cameras running. There were a few miscues and a persistent case of the giggles, but the sense of accomplishment, and a good measure of relief, were clearly evident on the faces of the young broadcast talent as they joined their families for a tour of the studios once their time in the news anchor’s chair was over.