Grand Prairie teen shines brightly in broadcast booth
Devoted Mix 102.9 listeners might have noticed a new talent on the radio recently. Was she a hip, young Hollywood star? A famous radio personality on her way through town? It was Alishia Givens, a Grand Prairie high school student pursuing her dreams on Dallas’ airwaves.
Givens, a participant in the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program, received the opportunity to shadow working radio professionals and explore broadcasting opportunities for her future. She had experiences at both Movin¹ 107.5 and Mix 102.9 FM.
“I didn't want to leave because I was having so much fun!” said Givens. “The staff made me feel so welcome that I soon forgot we were on the radio; I felt like we were hanging out, talking. I¹ve been looking forward to going back since the day I left I can¹t wait!”
On Mix 102.9, Givens bantered on the air with Victoria Snee, who hosts the “Morning Mix” show.
“Watching Alishia light up and show her fun, unique personality on air was rewarding for me,” said Snee, who is a role model in the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program. “Anyone who gets involved with these dynamic young people gets way more out of it than you ever put in. I am proud to know Alishia and be a part of her success.”
Givens is a member of the Boys & Girls Club of Greater Dallas at Grand Prairie, where she was named “Youth of the Year” for not only the Grand Prairie club, but for all the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas and the region. Givens, a senior at South Grand Prairie High School, is the captain of the track team, president of DECA (business marketing club), and serves on the student council. She volunteers on Saturdays, helping elementary students prepare for the TAKS test. Givens will attend Texas A&M University in the fall.
Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola is a program that brings extra enrichment and opportunities to a select group of high school juniors and seniors who are also members of one of the many Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas. The mission of the program is to encourage students to elevate their skills in the classroom, at home, in extra-curricular activities, and wherever their interests lie.
“These kids deserve an opportunity to be excited about their future,” said Ben Lawson, director of Bottler Sales & Marketing with Coca-Cola of North America. “We encourage the community to get involved in offering experiences. It takes so little time -- often as little as two or three hours -- but it can significantly impact a teen¹s future. In fact, we¹ve found it¹s often as rewarding for the business professional as it is for the student that participates.”
Companies interested in offering one-time experiences for young people in the Dallas Elevators Powered by Coca-Cola program should email carolyn@aardvarktx.com with “Dallas Elevators” in the subject line.
Interested high school students should check with the nearest Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater Dallas, which includes clubs in Dallas, Mesquite, Richardson, Coppell and Grand Prairie. More information is available at www.dallaselevators.com.
