Commissioner Ramsey answers questions on health and safety for Hope Partnership for Education 6th graders

Philadelphia police commissioner Charles Ramsey is used to tough questions from the Philly press. Recently, the commissioner took part in a press conference where the journalists were younger, but just as inquisitive as their older colleagues.

A dozen students in the six grade class at Hope Partnership for Education in North Philadelphia got the chance to interview the Commissioner.

The press conference was organized by Healthy NewsWorks (not related to NewsWorks.org) a journalism project that trains area students to report on health and safety issues in their schools and communities. The young journalists asked the commissioner about healthy eating, beating stress and staying safe at school.

The students are profilig Philadelphia area leaders who have an impact on public health for an upcoming book on promoting health solutions in the community. But for many of the students the commissioner was more than just an interview.

Ayana Gunter got over her nervousness of meeting the commissioner and took part in the interview. “First, it was really scary. My nerves almost got the best of me, but it didn’t’ said the student.

For Isaiah Outlaw, interviewing Ramsey was a chance to speak with a community leader that he looks up to. ” I think it was good meeting commissioner Ramsey because he spoke very good, inspiring words and I will always remember what he said”

The student journalists’ interviewees also include Siobhan Reardon, president of the Free Library, Marcus Allen, CEO of Achievability and Joan Meyers Brown, founder of Philadanco.

The second edition of the students’ book “Leading Healthy Change In Our Communities” will be published in June.