Q&A with Amherst's Own Champion for Children

Rick Katzenberg is certainly a one-of-a-kind guy.

He was recently named the New Hampshire Champion for Children 2013 by The New Hampshire School Administrators Association. It is easy to see why after taking a peek at his résumé of work.

Rick is an active member of the Souhegan community, serving on the school’s governing body as an advocate for student health and wellness. He also focuses his efforts on instilling these qualities in the minds of the students he mentors.

His time has also been dedicated to the Milford Court House where he has helped troubled kids get on the right path through a program called Diversion. On top of all of his other work, Rick also established and mentors Teen Job Bank, which connects local students and employers.

Amherst Patch sat down with Rick to talk about his work with local youth and passion for community service.

Patch: What Drives You to Work With Kids?

Rick: It's their amazing reception to information, ideas, their own personal philosophies on how to make the world a better place. I work with all ages, but the part that excites me the most is working with kids. They are like a clean blackboard with whom you can work. You can just see lights come on and the enthusiasm is there. I see kids show up to voluntary practices, and they are not afraid of failure. I learn as much from them as they learn from me

Patch: What brought you away from politics and into the local community?

Rick: I had been involved in politics for many many years. I’ve worked with many politicians and have been invited to the White House numerous times. I know my way around the political game, but there are almost no winners in the political game. People build walls and they can’t cross over them. There is no cross pollination and people are not receptive. A couple of years ago I got very ill and I couldn’t travel much, so I got involved in the local stuff. When I got better, I decided to stop beating my head against the wall. It is much more fun to work locally, work on projects where you can actually see results and progress. I like the phrase "think globally, act locally."

Patch: What is your most proud accomplishment with local youth?

Rick: Teen Job Bank was the right idea at the right time. I’ve worked on a lot of projects, but you say “teen job bank” and everybody gets it. They think it is a good idea without even knowing what it is because it is a self-explanatory phrase. It is all benefits with no downsides. Kids get money for doing good work, the jobs are safe and local and we know who the employer is. The students run the organization and they really get a taste of what it takes to market and implement an idea. Employers get to meet interesting, energetic young people right from our school system. It provides a positive connection between these students, businesses and their community. It’s a win-win-win.

Patch: What is your response to negative comments about “Kids These Days?”

Rick: The phrase “kids these days” is interesting. We were kids these days back in our time, and people were wondering about us as a generation. I can tell you our generation hasn’t exactly solved all of the problems in the world. Kids these days are criticized for a lack of attention and too much focus on technology, and a lot of adults are looking down on this generation. I would not have won the Champion for Children 2013 award without the unbelievable skills, philosophy, maturity and energy of the kids I work with. Our kids are doing amazing things and there is no limit to what they can accomplish.

Patch: How does Amherst prepare youth for challenges?

Rick: I think our high school does a remarkable job of opening their eyes and encouraging them to take risks. They are given the freedom to work and connect to the community, while thinking outside of the box. I can see so much in the kids I work with, and the high school is the key. They are able to succeed in and outside of their community because they are well-prepared.

Patch: How can we improve students' lives?