Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: MONDAY, November 15, 1993 TAG: 9311150094
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-4 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MICHAEL D. SHEAR THE WASHINGTON POST
DATELINE: CENTREVILLE LENGTH: Medium
But the 13-year-old host of "U.S. Kids" has a growing following on Fairfax County's cable system.
"U.S. Kids" is a magazine-type show produced, directed, edited and performed by Fairfax County children ages 8 to 13 and targeted at youths from preschool to junior high. The taped program airs on the local public access channel three or four times each month.
While she admits to having a limited audience now, the energetic Centreville teen is determined that everyone eventually will recognize her.
"I want to be an actress," said Courtney, an eighth-grader. "I've always been a talker. I've always been the one that makes the stupid jokes. When I found out I was on this show, I was thrilled. I thought, `Oh my God. My big break.' "
It certainly didn't hurt her self-confidence that recently Courtney received a "Telly" award, given out by the county public access system. She defeated several adults in the "Best Host on Air" category.
The half-hour show is filled with flashy, fast-paced segments on topics that appeal to youngsters. Last year the show featured an interview with "Sesame Street" star Bob McGrath and a story about young people who raise guide dogs for the blind.
The show has about 25 Fairfax-area correspondents who rotate in narrating the stories. They reported on the Clinton presidential inauguration and the gala opening of the county government center.
Wherever they go, the correspondents are on the lookout for anyone who will say, "Hi, U.S. Kids" on camera, much like the "Good Morning, America" bits that appear on the ABC program.
This month, Courtney is traveling to the depths of Luray Caverns as host of an upcoming show. Also, John Walsh, host of "America's Most Wanted," is working with the children on producing a safety video. And several young correspondents are scheduled to tape segments at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade in New York City.
To date, Courtney said, the show's most exciting moments have been when she and another correspondent traveled to New York to interview ventriloquist Shari Lewis and her puppet, Lambchop.
She prepared for hours before the interview by researching Lewis' career.
While the camera - operated by another "U.S. Kids" participant - rolled, Courtney asked Lewis about her former life as a dancer and about the difficulty in taking care of a young daughter while appearing on television, writing her books and making speeches.
The show, which aired last month, earned Courtney her Telly award nomination.
Her show also won for "Best Programming for Youth" for the second time.
"U.S. Kids" was conceived two years ago by Jim Halley, a local businessman who said he wanted to give people a chance to have something of their own. More than 100 children showed up to audition.
One of the requirements Halley has insisted on from the beginning is that every participant must learn how to do everything: operate the cameras and videotape machines, hold the cue cards, write the stories and interview guests.
For many of the youths, working on the show is their first step toward a career in broadcasting, journalism or performing.
But Courtney said most of her colleagues find a deeper meaning in the show they produce: It is one of the few shows just for children.
"I think it's important to get the kids' perspectives on stories," she said.
by CNB