CBS News – The Early Show

Original story: Click here.

How it began

Tracy Smith, CBS News Correspondent, contacted the principal, Dr. Robert Radford in February 2003 to ask if she could do an exclusive feature story for her segment of CBS News/The Early Show, on Greenwood's Aviation program. He said that she could do the show; however, the story must wait until June to include the culminating event, involving the kids flying. Dr. Radford asked, "How did you hear about Greenwood Elementary School in Seattle?" Tracy said, "I saw it on the wire." She had recently seen The Seattle Times article about Greenwood hosting a dinner in honor of the Tuskegee Airmen on February 2, 2003. On a monthly basis, the principal and Tracy would communicate with each other about plans for the story.

June 10th was the agreed-upon date for the filming and interviewing. The CBS News crew arrived at Greenwood Elementary at 7:30 AM on the 10th to begin the process of interviewing and filming. About 5-6 hours of footage was taken for the story, resulting in about 5 minutes of airtime.

Some outcomes

The Interim Superintendent had a private showing of the news story, and the Seattle School Board showed it during an executive session in July.

PASS, the Principals Association for Seattle Schools, applauded and celebrated Dr. Radford's efforts in bringing such outstanding media attention on a Seattle school.

Dr. Radford has received numerous emails from various parts of the world, applauding this unique opportunity being offered to children in the public schools.

The CBS News video was presented at the annual Washington State Air Force Association and Aerospace Education Foundation July 12, 2003 at McCord Air Force base.