High School Valedictorian Swaps Speech To Speak Out Against Texas' New Abortion Law "There is a war on my body and a war on my rights," high school valedictorian Paxton Smith said, after swapping her approved remarks for an impassioned speech against new abortion restrictions. Bill Chappell
These Young Students Learned Photography And Gained Community During The Pandemic As the pandemic isolated students across the country, four photo programs worked to counteract that solitude. Students learned skills and documented their experiences, capturing a moment in history. Michele Abercrombie
High School Seniors Reflect On Another Unusual School Year The class of 2021 has had a strange senior year. Three teens, Gerald Burton, Emily McNichol, and Kimberly Rochin, talk about the weirdness and what they actually learned about life and themselves.
Colorado Becomes First State To Ban Legacy College Admissions Colorado has become the first state to do away legacy admissions in public colleges. The governor also ended a requirement that public colleges consider SAT or ACT scores for freshmen. Elissa Nadworny
'Dear Son': How A Mom's Letter Inspired A Graduation Speech — From Prison A student who has been incarcerated for more than 10 years delivers a graduation speech about forgiveness, perseverance and making the most of a future he sees as rich with potential. Elissa Nadworny
American Mensa Selects Los Angeles Toddler As Its Youngest Member Kashe Quest, 2, ranks in the top 2% of high IQs in the U.S. She knows how to read, speak Spanish, English and sign. She can name every U.S. state, and pick out elements on the periodic table.
Howard University Names Its Fine Arts College For Chadwick Boseman The university announced Wednesday that it is naming its newly reestablished college for performing and visual arts after the late, beloved actor and Howard alumnus. Anastasia Tsioulcas
Author Discusses Standing In Solidarity With Nikole Hannah-Jones NPR's Ari Shapiro speaks with Martha Jones, author and professor of history at John Hopkins University, about her role in writing a letter of solidarity in The Root for Nikole Hannah-Jones. Patrick Jarenwattananon
NYC Schools Chancellor Says Her Message To Parents Is Simple: Schools Are Safe The largest U.S. school district will reopen this fall with no option for virtual classes. Chancellor Meisha Porter says 70,000 employees have already been vaccinated, "and we need our children back." Rachel Martin
NYC Schools Will Return To Normal In September, Mayor De Blazio Says NPR's Rachel Martin talks to Meisha Porter, chancellor of the New York City Department of Education, about all city schools reopening for in-person classes after the summer break.