Teens get regular air time

Among those who do are some Marana High School students who star in and produce a weekly television program that airs at 11 a.m. Saturdays on KMSB Fox 11.

The students, who also take part in Marana's Parks and Recreation after-school program, are involved in Build Up Purpose, a local nonprofit organization dedicated to providing hands-on, curriculum-based programming to youth.

"I found that there was a need to create programs that actually engage the kids," Build Up Purpose President Michael Wiles said. "I am always looking for new programs that have the hands-on component."

The nonprofit organization was formed in August and relies on donations from the community.

YUNG TV — Young Urban Network Group — is a component of Build Up Purpose that features Marana students performing the duties associated with a broadcast television show, such as hosting, writing, producing and editing.

"It opens another door into your life," Marana freshman Anthony Uzarraga said. "I've been on TV. It's been a fun experience."

YUNG TV aired its ninth episode last Saturday.

Since its inception, the show has featured interviews with 2007 Arizona Teacher of the Year Kristin Bourguet, who teaches at Marana, and Marana government officials. Segments featuring Marana High School's band and dance team also were included on the program.

"It's really exciting," Marana sophomore Emily Oceguera said about being one of the hosts of YUNG TV. "You have to remember your lines and do everything in one take, not four."

The youth-produced show aims to spotlight the local community through interviews and coverage of events. Music videos also are shown on the program. An entertainment segment features interviews with recording artists, but those are not done locally.

Students meet Mondays and Wednesdays after school to write scripts, film segments and edit.

While YUNG TV is the organization's flagship program, Wiles and his partner, Linda Lammers, are branching out.

Last week, Build Up Purpose launched Build a Plane to introduce students to aviation and aerospace careers.

Three small planes and a hangar at Marana Regional Airport were donated to the organization so students can put science, technology, engineering and math skills to work while building planes.

"It fits really well with what we are doing with our academies," Marana High School Principal Jim Doty said. "We can't really offer the aviation part because it's so expensive."

The high school provides curricula geared toward careers in medicine, business and human services, fine and performing arts, and science and technology.

"It's an opportunity for them to apply what they've learned in class," Doty said.

To be eligible for Build a Plane, students must submit an application, receive C's or better in all classes and commit to a minimum of three hours per week.

So far, Marana and Mountain View high schools have been approached to participate, but the program is open to all Pima County students.

Wiles and Lammers would like to see Build Up Purpose reach as many teens as possible.

"We are looking to basically grow into a globally recognized program that has a concern for our youth," said Wiles, who works in the music industry as a producer.

Other Build Up Purpose offerings include an employment program and a medical-professions program. Future programs could include law enforcement and culinary arts.

Right now, the Marana students are dedicated to producing their weekly show and learning about broadcasting.

"I learned how to use a video camera and how to interview, ask questions and meet new people," said Marana junior John Miranda, who is president of YUNG TV.

The biggest perk is getting to watch themselves on television, some students say.

"I like being on TV because people see me," Marana sophomore Berenise Galindo said. "You get to meet new people so you can understand what they do for a living. It's pretty interesting."

Others, however, aren't so thrilled seeing themselves on the small screen.

"It's weird watching yourself on TV," Oceguera said. "You're always criticizing yourself."

Build Up Purpose

To learn more about Build Up Purpose, e-mail info@Buildup purpose.org.