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(Describer) In computer animation, different news scenes in rectangles move fast around a turning globe.

(Describer) In front of a blue background with a triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News. A boy sits at a desk with monitors behind him.

- Hi, you're watching "Teen Kids News." I'm Luke. Let's begin with our top story.

(Describer) The Teen Kids News logo is on curved screens that form a turning cylinder. Title: Top Story. In a newsreel...

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- (announcer) A tournament of beauty in Atlantic City! It's the 35th annual edition of the "Miss America" pageant with 49... - (reporter) It's the oldest and most famous beauty competition in the world.

(Describer) Chloe:

And "Miss America" is celebrating its 100th birthday here at Connecticut's Mohegan Sun. - (announcer) Vying for the crown that means fame and fortune, a Cinderella year for the wearer... - So when and why do you think the "Miss America" program started?

(Describer) Ayriss Torres:

- I mean, I know the original history of "Miss America" started on the New Jersey boardwalk kind of as like an ankle bikini modeling competition. They wanted to keep Memorial Weekend open for people to still vacation on the boardwalk in New Jersey. So that was kind of a fun event to put on where people could come look at all of these beautiful American women and still participate in the activities going on.

(Describer) The first Miss America smiles in a photo.

- (reporter) As times changed since "Miss America" first started in 1921, America's attitude towards beauty contests also changed. The organization responded to criticism that judging participants by how they look in bathing suits and evening gowns demeans women.

(Describer) Maddie Louder:

- So upon my start of the "Miss America" program, there was a swimsuit portion in the competition. And about one year after I first competed at the state level, they eliminated the swimsuit portion of the competition.

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(Describer) Various competitors and winners through the years are shown in ads and different events. One plays piano and another performs an Bollywood dance. Torres, Miss Idaho:

And now we really just compete in a personal interview. We do a social-impact pitch on stage, which is kinda like a 60-second Ted talk, which is pretty cool. We also do a talent, which is the main part of our score. And then we have an onstage interview as well.

(Describer) Lydia Sohn:

- Changes like that within the "Miss America" organization I think really shows how we are a modern woman, how we are empowering women to take in their next steps into the world and empowering them to be great. - (reporter) Miss New York took that message to heart. For her talent presentation, she wrote a poem, encouraging young women to fight preconceptions that try to control their behavior and limit their ambitions.

(Describer) Sydney Park:

- I thought that this was such a universal feeling that so many of us have of when we were young being told to sit like a lady, being put in small spaces told to be quiet, be smaller, be this, be that. And I really wanted to as someone who has continued my education, as someone who's in law school, as someone who's working in the legal field as a woman say, "I'm not going to be put in a small space. "I'm not gonna be told to be quiet, "and I'm not gonna be told to sit like a lady, because this is what a modern woman is about." She's about shattering glass ceilings and breaking perceptions. And that's the message that I wanted to convey on the "Miss America" stage. - (reporter) Last year's winner used her knowledge of science to earn the title of "Miss America", 2021.

(Describer) At a press conference...

So I represent "Teen Kids News." I have a question for why you chose STEM, and why you encourage girls, especially girls to do STEM.

(Describer) Camille Schrier:

- Gosh, well, it's difficult because I was a science nerd from the time I was in kindergarten. And so it's really always been who I was. I think it's important for everyone to understand the relevance of science. And I don't think that's ever been more relevant than through COVID 19. So it's a lot easier for me to explain that to people now that we've dealt with a global pandemic. But my greater mission is really to inspire young people to be who they are. I was a nerdy scientist, but if there is a young woman or a young man who is a talented instrumentalist, if they have an artistic talent, if they are really gifted in, you know, performing arts or something, that's completely different than STEM, I want them to follow that passion. I don't want them to pursue a STEM career because I told them to; I wanna give them the tools to understand the relevance of it and why I love it so much, but really encourage them to follow a path that's authentic to themselves. - (reporter) The competition is open to women 18 to 28. In all, 51 candidates are chosen, one from each state plus the District of Columbia. In addition to a $100,000 scholarship, the reigning "Miss America" spends the year helping to make a positive social impact. And you don't have to wait to enter the "Miss America" competition to do that. - (announcer) "Miss America's" outstanding teen... - (reporter) Girls 13 to 18 years old can participate in the "Miss America's Outstanding Teen Program".

(Describer) Wearing a crown...

- And I know that from personal experience. - I'm honored to be "Miss Washington's Outstanding Teen." Participating in the various pageants has earned me $15,000 in scholarships for college. - You can find out a lot more about "Miss America's Outstanding Teen" by visiting their website. - By the way, congratulations to this year's "Miss America." Emma Broils is the first candidate from Alaska and the first Asian American to win the coveted crown. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Chloe.

(Describer) Luke:

- We still have a lot more to tell you about. "Teen Kids News" will be right back. - So what were you doing when you were in kindergarten? Most of us were starting to learn the alphabet. A very talented few might have started to learn to play an instrument or even a sport like soccer. As Shane tells us, the teen we're about to meet was learning something completely different. - That's right. When Rocco Landers was just five years old, he entered his first race on a pocket bike. That's basically a mini motorcycle. He won and decided that racing was his passion. Now 16-year-old Rock has moved on to bigger bikes and far faster races. And he wins... a lot.

(Describer) In a race...

- (announcer) Top qualifier and the fastest racer in "Twins Cup", he's just clicking off records, day after day. Rocco Landers, a winner in the "Twins Cup," taking the championship with eight victories on the season. - (Shane) Like I said, he wins a lot. He even won two separate racing titles in a single season. That's a very rare feat, and one of the reasons why his fans call him the "fastest kid on two wheels."

(Describer) On video chat...

Rocco, when you race, how fast do you typically go? - The top speed I've hit was 182 at Daytona in Florida. But generally most tracks you don't go much faster than 160. - Wow, 160 is fast. Now at an age when most of us are just learning to ride bicycles, you were already riding motor bikes. What was it that drew you to racing? - I actually started riding when I was two years old on a little Yamaha PW50-- just a little dirt bike. My dad used to race. He kind of got me into it. He was the sort of the mastermind behind it. And he's helped me all the way to where I am right now. - In addition to racing all across America, you've also raced in Europe, right? - Yeah, when I was eight years old, I went over to Europe for my first "European National Race" in Italy on a pocket bike. I think my best finish was eighth, I think. It was a bit of a shock to my system 'cause generally, I was winning most of my races over here. But it's always better to go against the fastest guys, 'cause I never really learned much when I was racing over in the States. So once I got over to Europe, it made it much easier to learn, to go faster rather than just kind of win and not learn anything. - (announcer) But here's that battle for third! It's Rocco Landers who got around. Here they come down the hill! Is anybody gonna outbreak Rocco Landers? No, through the final corner Landers. Oh! To the throttle stop, Benjamin Smith off with a problem. And how about Rocco Landers will stand on the podium! - (Shane) You're often competing against riders who are easily 10 years older than you and beating them. What's your secret? - Practice, training. I mean, I raced in Europe for four years. So you even the guys who are four or five, even ten years older than me, I actually have more experience than a lot of them. So like, it's just lots of training. - (Shane) In the racing world, you're known for wearing very colorful outfits. Is there a story behind that? - Yeah, actually with one of my friends, I would go out on the starting line with them to meet him. And I'd basically, I'd hold this umbrella and I'd wear a "Dumb And Dumber" suit or a checkered flag suit. And he would do the same for me when I would roll up to the starting line. - Sounds like fun. With all the training, traveling to compete, how do you keep up with schoolwork? - I'm homeschooled. I've been homeschooled for, dang, since I was eight, when I first started going to Europe. - Guess you have extra time to study since you probably don't need to take driver's ed. - Oh yeah. I already finished my-- I already finished my driving school. Now I just need to go back home whenever I get the chance so I can get my license. I got my permit already. - Wait, you mean to tell me you don't have your driver's license? - Huh, I don't have my driver's license. I don't have my street motorcycle license. I have my racing license that I got when I was 11. You really, it's not that hard. You just basically just do a one-day school where you, where they basically just teach you the etiquette on track. So no, I do not have my license. I have my racing license, but I don't have my driver's license or my motorcycle street license, which I will get hopefully in a few months. - Well, good luck with getting your driver's license and with your racing career. - Thank you so much. Thanks for having me on. - Rocco says his goal is to make it to the super bike racing. That's the highest level with the fastest and biggest motorcycles. I'll just stick with my trusty bicycle, thank you. For "Teen Kids News," I'm Shane.

(Describer) Luke:

- We've gotta take a short break. Then we'll be back with more "Teen Kids News."

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(Describer) Spinning with the triangle and circle, title: Teen Kids News.

(Describer) Title:

- (voices) What's in a name?

(Describer) The letters have different colors.

[audience cheers]

(Describer) Veronique:

- He was a graduate of Princeton and he worked as a financial analyst before quitting to start his own company. When it came to choosing a name for the company, he wanted a word that started with the letter A, and he wanted to name it after the world's biggest river because he wanted his company to be the world's biggest. His name is Jeff Bezos, and that's how the company that sells just about everything got named Amazon. No question Bezos certainly delivered. With What's In a Name, I'm Veronique.

(Describer) Luke:

- Driving, it's not just a privilege. It's a responsibility. And to help you drive responsibly, "The National Road Safety Foundation" produced this video.

[car door closes]

(Describer) Someone puts a paper bag in a passenger seat, and drives off.

[bag rattles]

[car starts]

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(Describer) The driver reaches in the bag and pulls out a wrapped burger. He takes a bite. With the burger between his legs, he reaches in the bag again and puts fries with ketchup on top of the burger, and eats.

[bag rattling]

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(Describer) He pulls out a beverage cup, and puts in a straw. Raising it to his mouth, he drops it on the floor, then reaches down for it.

[car honking urgently]

- Whoa!

(Describer) Title: Distracted Driving is tasteless. In a kitchen...

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- Not a lover of mushrooms? My recipe just might change your mind. That's next on "Teen Kids News."

(Describer) Titles: Coming up, Mushroom Mindset.

If you love food, as much as I do, then you're gonna love this next report.

(Describer) Gene'e:

- Mushrooms get a bad rap. That's because they're in the fungus family, and let's face it-- the thought of eating a fungus may not seem that appetizing at all, but don't let unfortunate choice of words prevent you from enjoying one of the food world's delicacies. So let me show you how to make a killer recipe with mushrooms. Here's what we need. Fresh spinach,

(Describer) Six ounces.

white mushrooms. I have them big enough for us to stuff.

(Describer) 20.

We have grated Parmesan cheese, two garlic cloves.

(Describer) A cup.

Panko, it's pretty much just a Japanese breadcrumb but of course you could use any breadcrumb. I have an egg that I already beaten and some salt and pepper here. Alrighty, so first thing, we're gonna clean our mushrooms. I've already done a few here, so I'm gonna finish my tray. Because white mushrooms aren't very dirty, I'm just gonna wipe them with a damp cloth.

(Describer) She cleans one, and sets it upside-down with others on parchment paper on a baking sheet.

That should be it. Alrighty.

[placing bowls on shelf]

Okay, so next we're gonna pop out the stems. So to do that, you're gonna hold your mushroom steady on one hand, and just push it with your thumb and it should pop right out.

(Describer) She pushes the stem with her thumb.

There you go. And we're saving the stems. It's actually part of our stuffing.

(Describer) She puts the stem in a bowl, then picks up another mushroom and pops another stem out.

Perfect. And I'm gonna hold these on the side while we make our stuffing.

(Describer) She puts the baking sheet on another counter.

Okay. So for stuffing, I'm using a food processor.

(Describer) She opens it.

Of course, ask your parents before using one, get their permission. All right. And into the food processor, I'm gonna add all of my stems,

(Describer) She dumps them in.

and my garlic.

(Describer) She dumps in the cloves, then sets down the bowl they were in and puts the processor lid back on.

Okay, so now that we have it all in there, we're gonna start at a very low speed.

(Describer) She presses a button.

Okay, so really what you're looking for is that they're all small and cut evenly, and you don't want big chunks.

(Describer) She takes off the lid again.

Perfect.

(Describer) Setting the lid aside, she pulls out the blade.

I'm gonna take out the blade. Just be very careful because these can be sharp and deceiving.

(Describer) She puts that aside, then takes the container off the base.

Okay. We're gonna take our mushroom and garlic and we're gonna go into our pan over here. So we are using the stove. Of course you wanna get your parents' permission for this as well, or have them help you.

(Describer) She sets a pan on a burner, and turns it on.

Alrighty, we're gonna oil the pan just very lightly.

(Describer) She drizzles oil in the pan.

Alrighty, and we're gonna take our mixture and put it right into the pan.

(Describer) She uses a long spoon to get it out of the container.

So we wanna cook this on a fairly low to medium heat. You don't want any color on your mixture. We want them to stay moist and... there we go.

(Describer) She puts the empty container aside.

(Describer) Then she stirs the mixture.

Check, put a little higher heat on there. Okay. And don't forget to season. Just a pinch of salt, and a little bit of pepper. Also, you are putting Parmesan on cheese into this recipe. So that also adds a lot of salt.

(Describer) She stirs again.

(Describer) A little later...

Okay. So this has been cooking for about five minutes. I have been constantly stirring it. You don't want your garlic to burn because it will get bitter. Okay. And now the liquids are still in there, and we're gonna go ahead and add our spinach.

(Describer) She gets a bowl of the spinach.

All right. This does seem like a lot of spinach, but once you put it in your pan and it wilts,

(Describer) She does.

it's gonna shrink down. All righty.

[sizzling sounds]

(Describer) Holding the pan handle with a kitchen towel, she stirs everything with the long spoon.

(Describer) After some time, the spinach that filled the pan has wilted.

Mm. This is starting to smell really good. Okay. So now that our spinach is all wilted, we can go ahead and finish our stuffing.

(Describer) She turns off the heat.

All righty. We're just gonna put everything-- combine all of our ingredients into a mixing bowl.

(Describer) She takes the pan off the burner.

All right. So we're gonna go straight into the bowl here.

(Describer) She uses the spoon.

Oh, this smells so good. Perfect.

(Describer) She sets down the pan and the spoon.

Okay. So we're gonna add our panko,

(Describer) Two tablespoons.

our beaten egg...

(Describer) She pours it in from a smaller bowl, which she stacks onto the bowl the panko was in and puts aside.

[bowls clicking together]

and you're gonna add just a little bit of Parmesan cheese so we get that nice gooey bite on the inside.

(Describer) She adds a couple handfuls.

All right. And then you wanna mix this very well.

(Describer) She uses the spoon again, getting the egg and bread crumbs evenly through the mixture.

All righty, so that's our stuffing. And we're gonna stuff our mushrooms.

(Describer) Luke:

- That recipe is coming along great. When "Teen Kids News" continues, Gene'e will finish it up. We'll be right back.

(Describer) Titles: Coming up, Stuffing the mushrooms.

Before the break, we were in the kitchen learning how to make stuffed mushrooms. Let's continue with our recipe. Gene'e is ready to stuff. - Okay. So you literally just take each mushroom and add stuffing into it.

(Describer) She uses a smaller spoon.

You wanna pack as much of the good stuffing that you just made into there.

(Describer) She gets about two teaspoons of the mixture inside.

And just pack it down.

(Describer) She uses the bottom of the spoon to pack it and smooth it out.

And then just, even off the top. Perfect. I'm gonna go ahead and continue to do the rest of the pan here.

(Describer) Later...

All righty, so I'm on my last one. I'm almost finished here.

(Describer) She stuffs the last mushroom.

And we're gonna put these into the oven. I've already preheated my oven to 375 degrees. So it's nice and hot.

(Describer) Again, she packs down the mixture and smooths it on the top and around the edges.

Perfect. And here we go. So you wanna be very careful. The oven is really hot.

(Describer) She takes the baking sheet of mushrooms to the oven, which she opens.

All righty.

(Describer) She slides them onto the middle rack, and closes the oven.

We'll leave these in here for 25 minutes. We'll come back.

(Describer) Later...

Okay. So it's been about 25 minutes.

(Describer) She opens the oven.

I'm gonna take these out. They're all fully cooked now.

(Describer) Holding the kitchen towel, she takes out the baking sheet, and closes the oven door.

Be very careful. This is hot.

(Describer) She sets it on the cool stove.

All righty. And we're gonna top these with cheese so it gets a nice golden brown color.

(Describer) With her hand, she puts a little bit of cheese on top of each one.

And once we get these all covered with cheese, we're gonna go back into the oven for about two to five minutes just to melt the cheese on top and get it all golden.

(Describer) She tops the last few mushrooms with the cheese.

All righty.

(Describer) She puts the cheese aside, then gets a kitchen towel for each hand and picks up the baking sheet again.

(Describer) She takes it back to the oven, and puts it in.

There we go. So two to five minutes, or until it gets golden brown. You can keep an eye on them, and we're actually gonna turn the setting onto your oven to broil and this will help concentrate the heat onto your mushrooms.

(Describer) Later...

Alrighty, so they're all brown and golden on top. They're all ready.

(Describer) She carefully takes them out of the oven.

Okay.

(Describer) She sets the baking sheet on the cool stove again, then closes the oven door.

I'm so excited. I can't wait to try these.

(Describer) She gets a metal spatula.

Alrighty.

(Describer) She picks up a mushroom with it and sets it on a plate.

Look at that nice color on there.

(Describer) The cheese is golden-brown on top of the dark green stuffing. With a knife and fork, she cuts off a piece.

(Describer) She tastes.

Mm. It's so delicious.

(Describer) She has some more.

(Describer) Luke:

- Looking forward to giving that recipe a try. Well, we've gotta go, but be sure to tune in again next week for more "Teen Kids News."

(Describer) Titles: Producer: Marilou Yacoub Director/Writer: Alan J. Weiss Camera and Editing: Rick Lavon, David Lauterbach Finance Manager: Tania Wilk Production Intern: Maxwell Lagano Original Theme Music: Michael Karp Created by Executive Producers: Albert T. Primo, Alan J. Weiss Copyright Eyewitness Kids News LLC 2022 Alan Weiss Productions Accessibility provided by the US Department of Education.

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Accessibility provided by the U.S. Department of Education.