More than 1,000 high school students from across the Valley gathered at the Las Vegas Convention Center today to share their opinions at the Sun Youth Forum, an annual day of discussion presented by the Weekly’s sister paper, the Las Vegas Sun.

Each year participants are divided into themed discussion groups (topics include “law and crime,” “around the world” and “teen topics”) led by influential locals who serve as moderators. This year’s crop includes political journalist Jon Ralston, Clark County School District Superintendent Pat Skorkowsky and Clark County Commissioners Mary Beth Scow and Susan Brager.

Of course, it’s not just the moderators who are notable. A number of prominent Nevadans participated in the Forum as high schoolers:

Harry Reid, U.S. Senator

Fun fact: Harry Reid and Lorraine Hunt (then Laurie Perry) actually shared the front page of the Sun in 1956 after being chosen to write opinion pieces as finalists from the Sun Youth Forum.

Steven Horsford, U.S. Congressman

Fun fact: Horsford was named a finalist from the "teen topics" discussion group and appeared on television to discuss his group's findings.

Shelley Berkley, former U.S. Congresswoman

Fun fact: Berkley has also served as a moderator for the Forum for a number of years, including last year's installment.

Lorraine Hunt-Bono, former Lieutenant Governor of Nevada

Fun fact: Harry Reid and Lorraine Hunt (then Laurie Perry) actually shared the front page of the Sun in 1956 after being chosen to write opinion pieces as finalists from the Sun Youth Forum.

Frankie Sue Del Papa, former Attorney General and Secretary of State of Nevada

Fun fact: Del Papa attended the Forum the same year as fellow Rancho High School classmate and notable Forum alum Sandy Miller.

Sandy Miller, former First Lady of Nevada

Fun fact: Miller has also served as a moderator in recent years and is doing just that today. Also, she attended the Forum the same year as fellow Rancho High School classmate and notable Forum alum Frankie Sue Del Papa.