I tell my journalism students that everyone has a story, you just have to find it. It's been nice that journalists have stumbled on some great "real people" stories relating to Latter-day Saints and the LDS Church. Here are some selections from the past few weeks:

A new perspective

A Honolulu Star reporter tells us how Hawaii point guard Hiram Thompson has changed his perspective on life after serving two years on a mission in Iowa.

The story begins:

"By his own estimation, Hiram Thompson has changed. Outwardly, he
appears to be the same Hawaii point guard who showed flashes of talent
and court vision as a freshman reserve three years ago. But Thompson
knows an internal shift -- borne from spending the last two years in
Iowa on a Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints mission -- is
the reason he got to where he is now. The 6-foot-2, 175-pound
sophomore has started three consecutive games for the Rainbow Warriors
after battling through a summer and fall semester rife with injuries
and frustration.

'I think I changed a lot,' Thompson said. 'I'm still the same Hiram,
but I changed a lot for the better. I realized what's really important
in life and have my mind focused on those things. Just have my life in
order more.' "

Duty to God

A story in the small-town Carroll County Times in Westminster, Md. caught my attention. When Matthew Boles was killed in a car crash in October he hadn't complete all of the requirements for the Young Men Duty To God Award. Fellow members, friends and family of Boles helped him fulfill one of those requirements by participating in a 6-mile run.

Helping the troops

The Houston Chronicle wrote about LDS Eagle Scout Geoffrey Geddie, who collected enough material to fill 65 boxes for military service members in Iraq.  An additional $800 in donations was used to purchase products that filled an additional 51 boxes.

"People seem only concerned with ending the war in Iraq and not the welfare of the soldiers themselves," Geddie told the newspaper. "One aspect of the project was to remind people here what the soldiers are going through."


Nova Scotia man's Christmas treat

The South Shore Now wrote about Jim Aulenbach who fulfilled a lifelong dream by visiting Temple Square during the holidays and heard the Tabernacle Choir and played three organs.

Dispelling stereotypes

The Baton Rouge featured LDS member Ashlee Smith, 15 and a member of the Bands of America Honor Band which performed in the Tournament of Roses Parade.
The article reads:

"Smith, a 4.0 honor student, would perhaps never have had the opportunity to go were it not for her adopted parents Sherrod and Cindy Smith's decision to ignore some bad advice given to them, she said.

'A doctor told my parents not to adopt me because I was a crack baby,' she said. 'I'm glad I proved them (the doctor) wrong.' She has dispelled all stereotypes said her father, who said they were once cautioned that Ashlee would have learning and behavioral problems.  'Once she decides to do something, you don't have to push her,' said Sherrod. 'She's maintaining straight As and maintaining her goal to one day be a band director.' "

Hawaiian football star weighs options

Manti Te'o, a high school football All American, is considering his
options for college ball.  The LDS senior from Punahou (Honolulu,
Hawaii) is rated the nation's No. 1 outside linebacker in the ESPNU
150 and plans to decide between USC, UCLA, BYU, Notre Dame and
Stanford on national signing day Feb. 4. See ESPN, Cardinal report,
Honolulu Star Bulletin


Short takes

Latter-day Saints give Delaware governor family history.  Delaware
Online

Mormons have answers to family history questions. Philippine Daily
Inquirer

Scouts recycle Christmas trees. The Wenatchee World