Nedgie Paul, top student leader and spokesperson for K is for Kids, traveled recently to New York City with founder Karen Clawson to speak at a national publicity summit about the foundation’s leading teens and the creative ways they were helping children in need succeed.
Arriving at the summit, rooms were vast but brimming with authors and experts who had traveled from all over the world to pitch their books and wisdom to some of the nation’s top television show producers, radio talk show hosts and magazine editors, all with hopes of gaining T.V. and radio appearances, and more media coverage.
Surrounded by the sea of adults and learning the names and faces of top newsmakers and news reporters, Nedgie, the youngest participant and only teenager in the room, said she kept pinching herself to be sure she was awake: this was a huge honor for her to be there plus it marked a dream come true — she had always wanted to visit the Big Apple!
Editor’s note: Due to a summit agreement, there are limited photographs of the event and its participants.
Preparing for the big event: Along with lots of practice with Karen, Nedgie was assigned two professionals by the summit organizers to help her prepare — a media consultant and an image consultant. Both offered invaluable insight and assistance and K is for Kids expresses deep gratitude for their help!
Also, the night before their flight to New York, Nedgie was invited to appear on WGCU-FM Public Radio — not only would this be Nedgie’s first live radio appearance and help her warm up for the summit, but it was also the first time the foundation had given the opportunity to a high school student, being normally reserved for senior college students. But, Nedgie proved to be a natural on air, and afterward the producers complimented her poise and for being “the calmest person in the room!”
After the summit: Nedgie landed two television interviews for herself with Karen, first via Skype on “Something to Talk About” with Bonnie Graham in New York
then on “Newsmakers”, Comcast’s local news platform featuring community leaders & elected officials discussing current events and issues.
P.S. Good deeds and hard work recognized: The Superintendent of Collier County Public Schools learned of Nedgie’s trip to New York and mailed her a handwritten card congratulating Nedgie on her achievements and thanking her for sharing how Collier County students were helping children in need.
Nedgie Paul, K is for Kids’ top student leader and spokesperson, sits in the sound booth at WGCU-FM ready for her first live radio interview.
At right: Founder and Executive Director of K is for Kids, Karen Clawson, joins Nedgie Paul, the foundation’s top student leader and spokesperson, for a commemorative photo of Nedgie’s first radio interview at WGCU-FM.
After speaking to members of the media at the National Publicity Summit, K is for Kids’ top student leader and spokesperson, Nedgie Paul, strikes a pose with Karen Clawson, founder and executive director.
Nedgie Paul, K is for Kids’ top student leader and spokesperson, gives a testimonial about her experience at the National Publicity Summit in NYC.
Nedgie Videotaping – behind camera – 2
Nedgie Videotaping – behind camera – 4 – K is for Kids info
Steve Harrison, host of the National Publicity Summit stands with Nedgie Paul, top teen leader and student spokesperson, K is for Kids Foundation.
Note: Photograph taking is restricted at the Publicity Summit, but we were able to snap pics of all the exciting sightseeing for this amazing young spokesperson who wowed the producers, radio talk show hosts and publishers and deserved a little time off.
Nedgie immediately fell in love with the City and hopes to go to school and live here – and once Nedgie sets her sights on a goal, she achieves them!
Views from the plane
First afternoon is super chilly but it doesn’t stop Nedgie and Mrs. Clawson from taking advantage of the sightseeing stops on the way to the hotel and event.
Columbia University Library
NYU
Nedgie on Terrace at hotel.
The girl can sing 🙂 Hard Rock Cafe New York City.
The lights at night – spectacular.
FAO Schwartz
Across the street from the toy store, The Plaza.
Thursday: A jam packed full day at the Summit speaking to television show producers, magazine editors and writers, and radio talk show hosts!
Hot chocolate at The Ritz Carlton-Central Park
Saturday: Another full day of meeting accomplished producers, radio personalities, and writers.
Our last night – the Lion King!
Farewell New York!
