My participation with Pop Up and Play is important to me because at first I didn’t really like kids, believe it or not, but I learned to. It was a learning experience for not only me but for the children, too. They were able to see that someone actually cared for them and they were able to be themselves around us. I was able to see myself grow as a person. At first, they would drive me crazy, but I had to learn to be patient and guide them on what to do and even tell them what they shouldn’t be doing. It was really hard at first, and sometimes I didn’t look forward to doing it, but I’ve learned to enjoy it, whether that’s taking pictures of the children doing activities or joining them. 

Participation in community events is important because without it, there would be no activities. If people didn’t show up for International Village or the concerts in the park, they wouldn’t happen. Volunteers are just as important as the people showing up to have a good time. Volunteers make it happen, and that’s what Youth Cast does. We make things enjoyable for all ages at Pop Up and Plays. 

- Calise Johnson 

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My participation with Pop Up and Play is important to me because I like doing outdoor activities with younger children. I enjoy doing it because it gives me an opportunity to show kids how to have a fun time outside. We also teach kids life lessons at the events about not being a bully or a mean kid. I like giving out books to the kids because they can start reading at a young age and become interested in learning.

Participation in community events is important because McKeesport needs a positive makeover to wash out all the negative energy that we have right now. We could show people that we need to have more fun and that we don’t always have to revert to violence for everything. Having cops help with the events also shows that they are here to protect us. Holding these events from time to time shows people that we really care about them and this community so that they can feel loved by all of us. Without these events, people wouldn’t know that we are trying to make a difference in our community and have a positive outcome.

- Zekiel Palmer

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Youth Cast was a very exciting group. I had lots of fun at all the Pop Up and Plays, and I also learned a lot through them. I was able to learn how to take professional pictures. My participation with the Pop Ups was to keep all the kids together playing games and having fun. After that, I made plates for the kids so they can eat. Another exciting thing we did was visiting the Post-Gazette. That was fun, too.

Participation in community events is important because it pulls everyone together. It also stops some of the violence. Because if we are at a writers' workshop or Pop Up and Play, we are doing something good for our community not just shooting at each other. Youth Cast was a great program, and I thank Mr. Aaron and Mr. Herold for letting me join.

- Paul Francis 

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My participation with the Pop Up and Plays was important to me because I got to interact with the young and older people within our community. I enjoyed helping with the kids, taking photos of people, and sometimes interviewing them. I helped the kids with activities for the day. I also did the McKeesport Past & Present Reunion. A lot of people from here who moved away returned for that event, which was great to see and shows McKeesport is still a family community. I’m able to say that I am part of a group that I’m proud of. The Youth Cast is known around our community for doing the Pop Up and Plays, and a lot of parents come to them with their kids. 

I think the Pop Up and Plays are good for our community. It gives the kids something to do in the summer and gives them a chance to play with their peers. It lets the kids know we care about them and our community. It lets them know with hard work and staying focused, you can achieve the goals that you want. I am a young man and I think this program is good for boys and girls my age to help us stay focused and help mentor the younger kids if needed. It also keeps us busy in the summer for a couple of hours once a week.

- Xavier Kelly