ENTERTAINMENT NEWS
May 19, 2008
A Night of Stars
TIME magazine honors 100 of the world's most influential people
 |  GREG GALLENT FOR TIME FOR KIDS Political blogger Arianna Huffington said she would love to have Hannah write for her site, the Huffington Post. |
"Did you ever imagine yourself at a night like this?" That was the question I asked honorees as they walked down the red carpet at the TIME 100 gala. Each year, TIME Magazine creates a list of the world's most influential people, called the TIME 100. This year's TIME 100 honorees included entertainers, scientists, writers, business leaders, politicians and athletes.
The extravagant event was held at the Time Warner Center, which is located near Columbus Circle in New York City. On Thursday, May 8, the air around Columbus Circle was filled with the flashing lights of the press and paparazzi. But even ordinary people were armed and ready with their cameras just waiting to snap a familiar famous face. And there were plenty of familiar faces! Entertainers Amy Pohler, Chris Rock, Tina Fey and Mariah Carey were on hand.
I met pianist Herbie Hancock on the red carpet and asked him what advice he would give to kids who were aspiring musicians. "My advice is to listen to your parents and appreciate them," he said. "Study hard, continue to learn and never lose your youth. I'm 68 years old and never lost my youth—the number doesn't matter."
 GREG GALLENT FOR TIME FOR KIDS Money adviser Suze Orman had some questions, answers and advice for Hannah. | |
Financial expert Suze Orman asked me a question: "Do you have any credit-card debt, Hannah?" And, I think political commentator Arianna Huffington offered me a job writing for her blog. Sorry, Ms. Huffington, I already have a job as a TFK Kid Reporter!
All the 100 honorees could not attend the gala. But all will receive a Swarovski crystal award. The night was jam-packed with speeches and performances. I spotted many people whom I admire, including scientist J. Craig Venter, Martha Stewart, Matt Lauer and Lance Armstrong.
Senator John McCain, who is running for President, took a moment to chat with me. I wanted to know what benefits children would get if he were President. "Well, I would devote myself to making sure that every young person in America has an affordable and an available education and an opportunity," he said.
|  GREG GALLENT FOR TIME FOR KIDS Playwright and actor Tyler Perry told Hannah that kids should always imagine themselves being successful in life. |
Playwright, actor and director Tyler Perry also spoke to me about opportunity and following dreams. "Yes, I did picture myself (being) at a night like this when I was a kid," he admitted. His formula for success: "See it first in your mind."
Bob and Suzanne Wright are two of the world's most influential not just in TIME's opinion, but mine as well. The Wrights started the organization Autism Speaks, which aims to raise awareness of autism and expand research into its causes and treatment. Bob Wright was the head of NBC. After the couple learned that one of their grandchildren had been diagnosed with autism, they devoted themselves to helping other children and families. My cousin is autistic, so I asked the Wrights what kids my age could do to raise awareness. "If you want, you could start an Autism Speaks club in your school," Mrs. Wright advised. "Kids in your school (may have siblings with autism and may not) talk about how difficult it is."
I am proud to have been a part of an amazing night with the TIME 100. At the end of the evening, I thought about how it all took place near Columbus Circle, which is dedicated to Christopher Columbus. He is arguably one of the most influential people of all time. When Columbus was my age, do you think he had an idea that he would have so profound an impact on the lives of so many people?
