...is part of the reason I've been so SLACK on the blog.  All this week, the staff of CNN Student News has been working with 104 Atlanta-area high school students, shining up their leadership skills and showing them firsthand what takes place behind the scenes at CNN.

It's awesome.  We're covering everything that goes into television journalism, from digital media to marketing to the decisions we're faced with daily.  And as the MC, I've been working to moderate panels, ask questions, and try to stay out of trouble.

It's a chance to get out of the office, meet personally with students who watch our show, and try to give an example of effective leadership.  And it's really cool that I'm getting paid for this.

What have you been up to?

Carl Azuz, Anchor

...and even though we're not producing a daily show, you're welcome to drop us a line to let us know what you're up to.

For our part, we're planning summer projects, brainstorming new ideas for the fall semester, and gearing up for the 20th anniversary of CNN Student News.  Some of us are headed to the beach; others are planning "staycations," and I'm hoping to spend a little time on the ol' mountain bike this summer, hitting trails and dodging mosquitoes.

Is your break off to a good start?

Carl Azuz, Anchor

...for not hitting me with tomatoes after the puns.  All my best for a wonderful summer - God bless!
-Carl

...for blaming Carl for all the bad puns. And for being such an incredible audience.
-Jordan, CNNSN Writer

...for welcoming us into your classroom.
-Donna, CNNSN Executive Producer

...for downloading the podcast every day.
-Jeff, CNNSN Web Producer

...for bearing with the new voice behind the clusterbusters, that's me Tomeka!
-Tomeka, CNNSN Associate Producer

...for the feedback we got from around the world...from classrooms as far away as Brazil and Japan, to a journalism school in Ghana, to schools right here in the United States.
-John, CNNSN Curriculum Writer

...for being kind to the new producer.
-Jeremy, CNNSN Producer

On Wednesday's "CNN Student Views" segment, you hear some students talk about what they'd do with a thousand bucks.  Well, let's say someone just handed YOU a grand.  And it's simply yours to spend or save any way you like - no strings attached.

What do you do with it?

Carl Azuz, Anchor