In today’s society the media tends to only educate the public on the negative aspects of news stories.

So, it comes as no surprise that American citizens have misguided ideas when it comes to certain subjects.

A group of kids standing in a parking lot is seen as a “rowdy gang of teenagers” and a cluster of young adults seen walking the streets of downtown Birmingham are often assumed to be “gang members” or “drug dealers.”

But what if that group of kids that you just saw were on their way to Boutwell Auditorium to participate in a massive Thanksgiving food drive for the needy and the homeless?

A large portion of adults tend to allow the radio and the media to determine their view of America’s youth.

Now, don’t get me wrong, there certainly are rambunctious troublemakers that thrive on creating mayhem and mischief in our high schools, but the majority of the middle school and high school students in our area help give back to our community in ways that often go unnoticed.

Today schools are brimming with new clubs that not only provide ways for students to be involved in community service, but that also strive to help the environment, promote drug free life styles, and insure strong leadership skills in our youth.

When it comes to students, a lot of the amazing works that they do go unannounced and unnoticed.

So in light of having just celebrated my last Thanksgiving as a child, I want to make sure that the people of our community know that not all teenagers brew up trouble.

Before you jump to conclusions about those teens walking the streets of downtown Birmingham at night, realize that situations are not always as they seem.

Remember that the majority of the kids in our community aren’t causing problems but are instead working to continue blessing us with reasons to be truly thankful this holiday season.

Bethany Adams is a senior at Pelham High School.