Langston Hughes Middle School students celebrate America on CBS News
- The Reston Letter Staff
- 2 days ago
- 2 min read
By Kaydence Smith, Staff Writer
Reston students read their writing for the CBS news crew. Pictures by Steven Brasley, Fairfax County Public Schools
Langston Hughes Middle School [LHMS] students stepped into the spotlight after earning a chance to showcase their writing in a CBS News segment honoring America’s upcoming 250th anniversary.
The feature is part of “America A to Z,” a CBS series celebrating the nation through the voices of Americans across generations. LHMS was selected to represent the letter “B,” themed “America the Beautiful,” after CBS producers specifically sought out middle school students to share their perspectives.
According to Jackie Durr, LHMS Teacher of the Year and instructor of the selected class, the opportunity came together quickly. A CBS producer contacted district leadership, which then worked with school administrators to identify a class that could best represent the school and respond to the prompt.
With just one day’s notice before winter break, students took on the prompt “America the Beautiful” with complete creative freedom. Durr encouraged them to “use your most sincere voice.” Some students chose poetry, others wrote essays, and a few addressed their pieces directly to America in letter form.
Each student offered a distinct perspective. One wrote that “America holds an unlimited amount of opportunities for all sorts of people,” while another reflected that “the dreams we create along the way, the freedom to be whoever we want, and the hopes we set for our future” are what make America beautiful.
Students could opt out of appearing on television, and several chose to do so. From those who volunteered, nine students were selected based on the sincerity of their work. In collaboration with the school division’s communications team, Durr helped ensure the final group reflected a wide range of voices and viewpoints.
The selected pieces included vivid descriptions of sunrises and beaches inspired by family trips, reflections on friendships and neighborhoods, and heartfelt tributes to teachers and learning. Two students collaborated on a two-voice poem, alternating sections as they recited it together.
“Middle schoolers are still very hopeful,” Durr said. “They are great examples of hope for the country and the future.”
For the school community—and especially the students chosen—the experience is both a point of pride and a rare opportunity. “I focus a lot on validating that their ideas are worthy of putting pen to paper,” Durr said.
Adding another local connection, the Annandale High School band recorded a rendition of “America the Beautiful,” which played during the segment.
The feature, titled “Sixth-grade students share what they believe makes America beautiful,” aired Jan. 15 during the 8 a.m. hour on CBS News and is now available on the CBS News website.