Latest news with #DavidBegnaud
CBS News
5 days ago
- Entertainment
- CBS News
From the stage to real life, speech students find their voice in new documentary "Speak."
For Esther Oyetunji, becoming the first three-time National Speech and Debate champion in Original Oratory, the first in the competition's history, captured just how far she had come from being a shy teenager. Her journey, along with four other former high school students, is captured in a new documentary titled "Speak." that reveals how speech and debate competitions have become launching pads for future leaders, from Oprah Winfrey and Brad Pitt to three Supreme Court justices. The documentary follows students competing in Original Oratory, a format where competitors deliver roughly 10-minute speeches attempting to convince audiences about problems needing solutions. Besides Oyetunji, the film features fellow competitors Sam Schaefer and Noah Chao-Detiveaux. CBS News contributor David Begnaud, who reached the national speech and debate finals as a teenager, now serves as emcee for the annual tournament. "The power of speech and debate is that there's so many different perspectives and just so many different life stories, and that's why, like, listening is my favorite part," said Oyetunji, whose speeches have addressed childhood poverty and gun violence in schools. The competition teaches students life skills beyond public speaking. "To take someone who was shy but had a lot to say and be able to progress and learn, like, how do I argue for myself and for other people? How do I learn to convey stories and say people's stories in a way that's honest, but also ethical," Oyetunji said. "Those aren't skills you get to learn how to do in any other environment." Fellow competitor Schaefer agreed. "Doing speech in high school really prepares you for everything, whether it be a job interview, being able to confront people when you don't feel comfortable in something," he said. The documentary also reveals the intensely personal nature of the competition. Chao-Detiveaux delivered a speech about his mother's death by suicide, using the platform to advocate for a better understanding of mental health issues. "We don't stop suicide by labeling it as something evil," Chao-Detiveaux said in his speech. "Stop it by making the alternative, life, better." The competitive atmosphere, students facing off against with the nation's top speakers, creates both pressure and growth opportunities that develops listening skills and empathy, participants say. "Probably one of the greatest lessons they all learn is how to lose, how to have their thoughts challenged," said Scott Wunn, who runs the National Speech and Debate Association. "It's pretty cutthroat, but also pretty awesome." The National Speech and Debate Association, which represents thousands of students competing annually, views the activity as leadership training that develops listening skills and empathy. "This is a pathway to train people for leadership," Wunn said. "Let them speak because when they speak, they grow, and them growing is what our future needs." The documentary was filmed at various locations including the Ron Clark Academy, a Hogwarts-inspired middle school in Atlanta where participants gathered to discuss their experiences. David Begnaud loves uncovering the heart of every story and will continue to do so, highlighting everyday heroes and proving that there is good news in the news with his exclusive "CBS Mornings" series, "Beg-Knows America." Every Monday, get ready for moments that will make you smile or even shed a tear. Do you have a story about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary for someone else? Email David and his team at DearDavid@
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
102-year-old Chicago woman gives viral life advice
A chance meeting at Chicago's airport has transformed 102-year-old Beatrice Stieber into an unlikely social media sensation, spreading her simple philosophy of life to millions around the world. CBS News contributor David Begnaud first encountered Steiber during a layover earlier this year. Their impromptu interview, in which the centenarian shared her secrets to longevity, garnered nearly 9 million views and more than 17,000 comments on social media. "The secret to me is attitude and gratitude," Steiber told Begnaud during their initial meeting. "Attitude and gratitude, attitude and gratitude." The overwhelming response prompted Begnaud to return to Chicago, where Stieber has lived since 1953, for a follow-up visit. Despite her age, Stieber maintains an active lifestyle in her apartment building, where she has resided for more than 40 years. She grocery shops independently and deep cleans her own home. Building manager Ken noted her sharp mind, saying he would never guess she's over 100 years old. "I always get taken for 70," Stieber said. "Not only that, there are a couple of 70-year-olds that look like they're 102." Stieber was married to her late husband, Robert, for 52 years and raised two sons, Jay, 77, and Dean, 68. She continued driving until age 98. Her philosophy on life remains refreshingly simple after more than a century of experiences. "You plot along and you find the humor and you say thank you for the trees, thank you for life," she said. "Life is a miracle." The viral fame has brought unexpected connections. Fans from Long Island, New York, and New Jersey called Stieber, sharing how her message of gratitude has impacted their lives. "She changed my life for the better," said Carmel from New Jersey. "Sometimes I used to be a little bit sad, but after I saw her, I want to live." The visit concluded with a celebration of Stieber's 102-and-a-half birthday at her favorite Chicago restaurant, surrounded by family — a fitting tribute to someone who believes every moment deserves celebration. "Thank you, God, for everything," Stieber said while making her birthday wish. Her unexpected internet fame hasn't gone to her head, though she admits the attention has been overwhelming. "I got a million calls," she said."I live in a world where I couldn't even imagine the response. I couldn't even imagine we met by accident." David Begnaud loves uncovering the heart of every story and will continue to do so, highlighting everyday heroes and proving that there is good news in the news with his exclusive "CBS Mornings" series, "Beg-Knows America." Every Monday, get ready for moments that will make you smile or even shed a tear. Do you have a story about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary for someone else? Email David and his team at DearDavid@ Australian reporter covering Los Angeles protests shot with rubber bullet by police officer Kristi Noem says "we are not going to let a repeat of 2020 happen" amid L.A. crackdown Magic in the dark: The fantastical worlds of Lightwire Theater
CBS News
09-06-2025
- Entertainment
- CBS News
How life changed for a 102-year-old woman after viral moment: "I got a million calls"
A chance meeting at Chicago's airport has transformed 102-year-old Beatrice Stieber into an unlikely social media sensation, spreading her simple philosophy of life to millions around the world. CBS News contributor David Begnaud first encountered Steiber during a layover earlier this year. Their impromptu interview, in which the centenarian shared her secrets to longevity, garnered nearly 9 million views and more than 17,000 comments on social media. "The secret to me is attitude and gratitude," Steiber told Begnaud during their initial meeting. "Attitude and gratitude, attitude and gratitude." The overwhelming response prompted Begnaud to return to Chicago, where Stieber has lived since 1953, for a follow-up visit. Despite her age, Stieber maintains an active lifestyle in her apartment building, where she has resided for more than 40 years. She grocery shops independently and deep cleans her own home. Building manager Ken noted her sharp mind, saying he would never guess she's over 100 years old. "I always get taken for 70," Stieber said. "Not only that, there are a couple of 70-year-olds that look like they're 102." Stieber was married to her late husband, Robert, for 52 years and raised two sons, Jay, 77, and Dean, 68. She continued driving until age 98. Her philosophy on life remains refreshingly simple after more than a century of experiences. "You plot along and you find the humor and you say thank you for the trees, thank you for life," she said. "Life is a miracle." The viral fame has brought unexpected connections. Fans from Long Island, New York, and New Jersey called Stieber, sharing how her message of gratitude has impacted their lives. "She changed my life for the better," said Carmel from New Jersey. "Sometimes I used to be a little bit sad, but after I saw her, I want to live." The visit concluded with a celebration of Stieber's 102-and-a-half birthday at her favorite Chicago restaurant, surrounded by family — a fitting tribute to someone who believes every moment deserves celebration. "Thank you, God, for everything," Stieber said while making her birthday wish. Her unexpected internet fame hasn't gone to her head, though she admits the attention has been overwhelming. "I got a million calls," she said."I live in a world where I couldn't even imagine the response. I couldn't even imagine we met by accident." David Begnaud loves uncovering the heart of every story and will continue to do so, highlighting everyday heroes and proving that there is good news in the news with his exclusive "CBS Mornings" series, "Beg-Knows America." Every Monday, get ready for moments that will make you smile or even shed a tear. Do you have a story about an ordinary person doing something extraordinary for someone else? Email David and his team at DearDavid@
CBS News
21-05-2025
- General
- CBS News
Colorado teacher gets a big surprise: she's being inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame
CBS News recently gave some good news to a special group of teachers across the country. For a segment on "CBS Mornings," they were able to tell five teachers in five different states that they were inducted into the National Teacher Hall of Fame, including one in Colorado. Teacher Michelle Pearson works with a student at Century Middle School in Thornton. CBS Denver-area teacher Michelle Pearson has spent 31 years sharing her love of learning with students. Her principal at Century Middle School in Thornton says she's often the first person to arrive at school and the last one to leave. Pearson also has a passion for getting outside the classroom. She has taken students to national parks and monuments, including Colorado National Monument on the Western Slope and the Statue of Liberty National Monument in New York. She has had them work with legislators to help craft the Great American Outdoors Act, which helped to fund public lands. CBS News reporter David Begnaud interrupted Michelle Pearson's social studies class at Century Middle School to surprise her with the news that she is a 2025 National Teacher Hall of Fame inductee. CBS CBS News contributor David Begnaud interrupted Pearson's social studies class to break the news to her that she is a 2025 National Teacher Hall of Fame inductee. It was a very big surprise for Pearson, who was then flown to New York City for an in-studio appearance this week on "CBS Mornings." At an assembly where Begnaud broke the news to the entire school, the student body was amped up and eager to celebrate their teacher. Pearson credited everyone she works with and everyone she teaches for the honor. "All I'm going to say is, I'm not here because of me, I'm here because of you guys and because of your teachers," she said. "You only reach excellence because of those you lift up." Principal Kristin Devlin-Vollmar presents teacher Michelle Pearson with a plaque. CBS Maddie Fennell, executive director of the National Teachers Hall of Fame, said Pearson and the four other teachers who are being inducted this year "embody excellence, compassion and commitment to students." "We are thrilled to partner with CBS to shine a well-deserved national spotlight on the people shaping the future of our country," Fennell said in a prepared statement. Pearson will be inducted in a ceremony in Kansas on June 20. The National Teachers Hall of Fame is located in Emporia and the ceremony will take place at Emporia State University. Only one other Colorado teacher is in the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Marjorie West from Lakewood was inducted in 1995. She was the "first blind teacher in Colorado to be allowed to continue to teach in the regular classroom with a guide dog, "Rush," and full-time aide," according to the NTHF website. As part of the honors, each of the teachers will be given $20,000 by Canva, and their schools each also got $20,000. Century Middle School is part of Adams 12 Five Star Schools.
