The Mustang Spotlight Winter 2017

THE MUSTANG

SPOTLIGHT WINTER 2017

JUSTICE

ARE WE THERE

YET?

Winter Wear FOR YOUR HAIR

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Reading

WRITING &

RELIGION

Recipes

THAT

ROCK

From the Desk of the Superintendent of Schools for Prairie-Hills ESD 144

W

elcome to another edition of the Mustang Spotlight!

This is a magazine FOR students, created, written and produced BY OUR students!

Yes, our junior high students have completed this publication on their own from cover to cover! I am so excited, as they have expanded their list of topics this year. The voice of this generation is so powerful that I remain excited about their ideas, reflections and opinions.

I am hopeful you will take the time to read and appreciate each and every page. Some of the articles will make you laugh, some may make you cry, while others may make you SHOUT! I guarantee all of the articles and blurbs will make you THINK! Here at Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144, we are committed to EXCELLENCE! We remain proud of our students, and we continually burst with pride and joy at their many and varied accomplishments. Our students are the BEST and the BRIGHTEST in the state of Illinois!

As such, I invite you to enjoy this second edition of the Mustang Spotlight!

We are the Mighty Mustangs!

2 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

CONTENTS A World of Change

6 WHO ARE YOU? BY DAESHIA GOWDER 6 OVERCOMING STRESS BY ANTHONY DESADIER 7 SURVIVING THE COLD BY MALIK BRANDON 8 PREVENTING TEEN SUICIDE BY ASYA BRYANT 9 READING, WRITING AND RELIGION BY GLORIA AGBLAMI

Pens & Pencils

10 A DIFFERENT TYPE OF SLAVERY BY LAUREN PROBY 11 BEYOND THE BARS: LOVING AN INCARCERATED PARENT BY TAMIRAH GREEN

Down to the Wire

12 WHICH IS BETTER: PLAYSTATION OR XBOX ONE BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR. 13 BEST PLACES FOR WIFI BY NYLA ROBINSON 13 LIFE HACKS BY JENNIFER BRAVO

What’s Hot 14 15 15 16 17

THE MAGNIFICENT LADY MUSTANGS BY ESSENCE KNIGHTEN-EL MASTER YOUR SANDWICH BY NYLA ROBINSON HEALTHY SNACKING WITH SPICE BY JENNIFER BRAVO EL CHAPO AND THE RAP GAME BY JENNIFER BRAVO BEST SIGNS FOR BFFS AND RELATIONSHIPS BY DAESHIA GOWDER

Fashion

18 TOP MEN’S FASHIONS FOR WINTER BY MALIK BRANDON 19 HAIR FASHION FOR FALL AND WINTER BY DAESHIA GOWDER 20 WINTER FASHIONS

Behind the Scenes

22 THE GOAT IS FREE BY MALIK BRANDON 23 JAILED, IN MEMORY OF KALIEF BROWDER

BY LAUREN PROBY

PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON TRUE STAR JR. MAGAZINE CONTACT US: LETTERS TO TRUE STAR JR. 1130 SOUTH WABASH, SUITE 302 CHICAGO, IL 60605-2717 EMAIL: TRUESTARJR@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM

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TRUESTARIS.COM TO DONATE TO TRUE STAR FOUNDATION, VISIT TRUESTARFOUNDATION.ORG

CONTRIBUTORS

Lauren Proby - Social Policy & Culture Correspondent

Jennifer Bravo Anthony Desadier - Health & Wellness Correspondent

Daeshia Gowder

- Food & Lifestyles Correspondent

Gloria Agblami

- Lifestyles & Fashion Correspondent

- Lifestyles and Culture Correspondent

Malik Brandon - Meteorology, Sports & Fashion Correspondent

Tamirah Green - Lifestyles and Culture Correspondent

Asya Bryant - Health & Wellness Correspondent

Essence Knighten-El Chistopher Scarver, Jr.

- Sports Correspondent

- Video Games & Technology Correspondent

Nyla Robinson - Food & Technology Correspondent

Zaniah Ball - Sports Health Correspondent

A World of Change

Who ARE You?

BY DAESHIA GOWDER, 8TH GRADE

W

ho are you? That is a question that you may not be able to answer. As young, growing teenagers, we are still trying to figure ourselves out mentally and physically. We are just open books with our stories in them that have a few extra pages for new experiences and feelings. We are people who are full of wonders and possibilities. You are a human being with many wonderful features and things that make you, you. Spread your wings and

Berself

You

fly, butterfly. So who are you, that you cannot answer? You are yourself, and that is all you can ever be and the best that you can be. Be yourself because you are beautiful inside and out.

Overcoming STRESS

BY ANTHONY DESADIER, 8TH GRADE

Y

ou are not alone. Teen stress happens to all of us. Sometimes, it’s family or friends.

Or at times, it is school, homework and exams.

Dealing with what is expected from you, and meeting goals can be hard. But it’s important to not get stressed out. It’s important to not let your day overwhelm you, even your teachers. I interviewed Mustang Spotlight correspondent, Asya Bryant, to get her take.

Q: How do you deal with teen stress?

A: I write down what I’m feeling or just yell somewhere others can’t hear.

Q: What works best?

A: Writing and sometimes talking to my friends.

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Q: Is there anyone in your family that helps you deal with stress?

A: Not really, because none of my family members are teenagers. I’m the only one.

Q: How do you help your friends deal with stress?

A: I listen to what they have to say and try to help.

Q: What else can people do?

A: Talk to your guidance counselor.

Surviving The COLD

BY MALIK BRANDON, 8TH GRADE

B

rrrrrrr, It’s cold outside! By now, you’re probably playing in the snow or maybe after being outdoors, you are sitting by the fireplace getting warm. If you’re aware of climate change and terms related to meteorology, you can better prepare for the weather.

Precipitation Types There are different types of precipitation: rain, hail, sleet and snow. In the winter, expect to see snow and sometimes rain. Snow is usually produced when the weather is below freezing (32 degrees and lower). Snow is also frozen into an ice crystal but falls slower than rain, sleet or hail. Rain, on the other hand, falls in a liquid form and falls faster than snow. Rain usually melts snow and could make ice and make your sidewalk slippery. Both will prove troublesome when traveling; however, both can offer opportunities for fun experiences that can be spent with family.

Temperature Measurement To measure temperature, you would need to know about the thermometer. The thermometer is a small instrument that can measure temperature in Celsius, Fahrenheit and Kelvin. The U.S. primarily uses Fahrenheit, but it could be converted into Celsius. Knowing the temperature will help you plan events, especially outdoor activities, such as ice skating and skiing.

Fun in the Snow Playing in the snow is fun, but it can often get quite cold. You can have snowball fights. Just remember that snow can turn into ice and can hurt. You can ski, sled or snowboard on the mountaintops. There is even bobsledding. You can make snowmen. Be careful when you’re playing, and be mindful of any sudden drops in the temperature.

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 7

Preventing Teen Suicide

CONVINCE YOUR FRIENDS TO GET HELP

BY OFFERING TO GO WITH THEM TO TALK TO

BY ASYA BRYANT, 8TH GRADE

A

ccording to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, there are 117 teen suicides per day. Often, teens battling with issues at home or at school don’t feel as though they have solutions to their problems. But there is help. Mustang Spotlight set out to learn how we can better identify possible signs that a teen might be considering suicide and ways to help them, especially when they feel no one else can.

We spoke with a counselor at Prairie-Hills Middle School, Camille Greer, to explore how we can all become better helpers of those who need it most.

Q: What signs should you look for that might indicate a teen is considering suicide?

A: If they say they don’t want to live; if they are continually depressed, express rage or demonstrate a loss of interest in things or activities they used to enjoy; if they isolate themselves from friends and family or begin to give away prized possessions.

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SOMEONE. ALWAYS BE SUPPORTIVE.

Q: What can you do when you think someone might be considering committing suicide?

A: Tell an adult immediately! Convince your friends to get help by offering to go with them to talk to someone. Always be supportive.

Q: How do friends or family deal with suicide if it happens?

A: You will never get over the loss, but you can get through it with proper support and patience.

Q: Are there certain groups, like the LGBT community, that have higher rates of suicide?

A: There is definitely suicide present in this community. It’s important for anyone considering suicide to seek help. If you or someone you know is in crisis or needs immediate support, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK(8255).

Reading, Writing & RELIGION

RELIGION MIGHT HELP US TO LOOK AT HOW WE ARE

BY GLORIA AGBLAMI, 8TH GRADE

S

tudents at Prairie-Hills are part of the public school system. As a result, religion is not taught in the classroom. Some might even consider public schools to be religion-free zones. Others have questioned whether students would do better academically if religion were included in the public school setting. Mustang Spotlight interviewed members of the school community and learned that a majority of people believe that religion might help students be more open- minded and more tolerant of differences.

This would be helpful in the diverse world in which we are living and maybe lead to less violence and more peace.

Mustang Spotlight interviewed members of the school community—a counselor, teacher and student, identified by their roles only—to ask them about their opinions on religion in school.

“I think discussing and praying in school can be beneficial for all,” said the counselor. “It can

SIMILAR AND NOT SO MUCH HOW WE ARE DIFFERENT.

teach tolerance and acceptance of those not like yourself. Learning about other religions can be very rewarding.”

The Prairie-Hills student interviewed said, “I don’t believe it would be beneficial.” The student added, “It would not make a difference because students will not pray by themselves, unless at a religious place and forced by a parent.”

It is the author’s belief that if kids were able to share their religious beliefs, it may not help them get better grades, but it would help them get along better with other students. Religion might help us to look at how we are similar and not so much how we are different. As shared by some Prairie-Hills community members we spoke with, there might be more respect and less violence.

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 9

Pens & Pencils

A Different Type

of Slavery

BY LAUREN PROBY, 8TH GRADE

T

he 13th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution made it unconstitutional to hold someone as a slave, unless as punishment for a crime. The so-called justice system found a loophole. According to an article from latimes. com, “Ava DuVernay’s documentary 13th simmers with anger and burns with eloquence.”

Although the United States holds just 5 percent of the world’s population, it houses 25 percent of the world’s prison population. And of that 25 percent, African-Americans make up 40.2 percent of these prisoners. African-Americans also make up only 6.5 percent of our country’s population.

And this is the ‘Land of the Free’?

Mass incarceration, which generates more than $4 billion a year, is a big business that keeps booming. The “Land of the Free” is the same land imprisoning people for petty crimes, such as loitering or buying and selling small amounts of marijuana. Why? Slavery is over, so why are we still enslaved? If you haven’t committed a crime but are still imprisoned, by the end of 10 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

your sentence, you’re criminalized. Your prison environment, which is barbaric in nature, is certain to change you.

Even if your mentality hasn’t been changed by the time you’re out of prison, what options do you have once you’re finally out? What about a job?

A home? What if you’ve lost them both? Where do you go? Many ex-offenders return to prison because where else do you go? You’re unable to function in society because prison has broken you—mentally, socially and emotionally.

It’s clear that our justice system disproportionately affects Blacks and Hispanics. America is still racist.

And yet, we’re constantly asked to believe that everyone is free. Today it seems that it doesn’t matter if you actually committed the crime or not. If our justice system thinks you’re guilty, you’re guilty.

Consider this: the statistics, our prison system, our government. It’s a different type of slavery.

It’s not fair, but was it ever? Do we really even know what it means for something to be fair in our country?

Beyond the Bars:

Loving

YOUR INCARCERATED PARENT

BY TAMIRAH GREEN, 8TH GRADE

A

lthough it’s not often discussed, there are students who have parents who are, or have been, incarcerated. But there are ways to maintain a relationship with a parent or loved one and stay in constant communication. If you’ve only written letters up until now, here are some additional things I do to keep in touch with my dad. These are my top three ways of maintaining the love between my dad and me, which I highly recommend to anyone if they have a parent who is away.

Tip #1: Shared Camera

Use a shared camera that you could mail back and forth to view videos and pictures. Moms and dads who are away love this option because they can see you and even members of your family. This lifts their spirits and makes them smile.

Tip #2: School Pictures

Sending school pictures is always a plus. Parents

love to see their children’s faces, and they can stare at the picture for hours. My dad told me his environment is pretty boring, and he could pretty much sleep the entire day. So sending your school picture won’t just help you to feel closer to your loved one, it’ll help your parent feel connected to you. Try to send some pictures each month.

Tip #3: Phone Number and Contact Information Make sure that you have your phone number

in the prison facility’s system. When you do, you are able to call and talk to your parent because you’re on an approved list of authorized callers. Hearing your parent’s voice and then allowing him or her to hear yours helps on both ends. This helps the parent know that you’re OK. It means everything to a parent, at least, that’s how my dad feels.

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 11

Down To The Wire

Which is Better:

PlayStation 4 or Xbox One?

BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR. , 8TH GRADE

M

ost students at Prairie-Hills Middle School have either played on a PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. Some just care about playing the game, but others want to know which gaming system is better.

To compare what each has to offer, Mustang Spotlight conducted a poll with staff. The majority liked the PS4, but the differences were not major. Check out the chart below, which illustrates our research.

Facts

Xbox One

PlayStation 4

Main processor

Has a single chip processor.

CPU is low powered x86-64 Jaguar; 8 cores

Has an 8-core custom built CPU; Manufactured by Microsoft

Graphic Processors

Uses 1.84 TFlops and Radeon next Engine

D3D 11.1 chip with 32 MB embedded memory

Memory

Uses 8GB GDDR5

Uses 8GB DDR3

Optical Drive

Blu-ray/DVD combo drive

Blu-ray/DVD combo drive

I/O

USB (3.0)

SuperSpeed USB (3.0)

Communication

Ethereal (10base-T, 100baseTX, 1000base-T) IEEE 02.11 b/g/n Bluetooth 2.1(EDR)

Ethereal Three 802.11 radios Wi-Fi direct

AV Output

HDMI Analog AV out Digital Output

HDMI

As you can see, both systems have similar offerings. There are minor differences, however, related to the main processor and the AV Output. Although a majority of correspondents said they prefer the PS4, it’s important to conduct your own research to know what you really want.

12 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Best Places for Wifi

BY NYLA ROBINSON, 8TH GRADE

B

ased on my research and the opinions of students at Prairie-Hills, the best place to access Wi-Fi is McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts, Applebee’s, Wendy’s and Panda Express. According to the students I spoke with, these establishments have the strongest signal for Wi-Fi. Additionally, guests can easily access the Internet. This is extremely helpful when you’ve got loads of homework, a healthy appetite and need to use your device. Each of these facilities also has great-tasting food, ample

seating and a clean environment. It also helps to visit one of these spots if you’re running low on data. Try it for yourself.

Life Hacks:

Tips to Save Time & Mind

BY JENNIFER BRAVO, 8TH GRADE

S

tudents have homework and lots of it.

Between school, activities and chores at home, there is so much to do every day. But there’s a way to make life easier. At Mustang Spotlight, we came up with five ways to save time and make sure you’re ahead of the game.

1. Pen stopped writing. Try writing with the pen on the bottom heel of a rubber shoe. The pen will start to function again.

2. Low cellphone battery. Put your phone in airplane mode, and it will charge twice as fast.

3. Wrinkled clothes. Throw your clothes into the dryer with a few ice cubes or a damp hand towel for five minutes.

4. Blurry camera pics. Use a transparent and glossy tape over a smartphone camera. This will help the smartphone camera to focus, not be blurry and improve image quality.

5. Dirty CD. Rub a peeled banana over scratches. Then buff with the outside of the peel.

Or, put the CD in the freezer for one or two days.

Don’t spend your days being stressed out about things that you can’t control. Instead, take control and follow these easy tips to make your days better, easier and more fun.

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 13

What’s Hot

The Magnificent Story of

The Lady Mustangs

BY ESSENCE KNIGHTEN-EL, 8TH GRADE

T

he story of the Lady Mustangs is a great tale. Most of the girls have been on the basketball team since sixth grade and have been with the same great coach, Mr. Ted Trulley. At the close of November 2016, the Lady Mustangs had a record of 13-1, which is outstanding, and were on their way to regional and sectional competitions.

Because most of the team has been together for three years, there are many different outlooks among players and the coaches. I interviewed Mr. Trulley and eighth grader Nyla Robinson, one of the players from the team. Here is what they had to say: Q&A with Coach Trulley, Prairie Hills Girls’ Basketball Q: Mr. Trulley, what is it like to be coaching the same team since sixth grade?

A: I have become very familiar with the girls, and I have been able to gain an understanding with the girls. We get to enjoy our success together, and I get to watch their progress grow first-hand every year.

Q: Why did you want to continue coaching the same team?

A: Because, not only were they good on the basketball court, but they were great individuals both on and off the court.

14 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Q: Why did you want to coach a girls’ basketball team?

A: I didn’t plan on it, but it has been a great experience.

Q&A with Nyla Robinson, Prairie Hills basketball since 6th grade Q: What does it feel like to have been on the team since sixth grade?

A: It feels great because I know that they appreciate me and that I’m eligible to be on the team.

Q: How does it feel to be working toward the championship?

A: It feels good because we know that we will make it there together and as a team.

Master Your Healthy SANDWICH

BY NYLA ROBINSON, 8TH GRADE

Snacking With SPICE

BY JENNIFER BRAVO, 8TH GRADE

E

ver felt hungry but didn’t have a lot of time? Here’s a tip to create a healthy and greattasting sandwich in only eight minutes. Become the master of your time and your plate. It’s a great afterschool snack, late night pick-me-up or a quick fix whenever your stomach starts to grumble.

Ingredients: • Wheat Bread • Butter • Mayo • Ham (or Turkey) • Lettuce

• Cheese • Tomatoes • Hot chips • Apple juice

Directions: In a skittle, brown bread that is buttered on each side until golden. Remove the bread from the skillet and add mayo to each slice of bread. Place a slice (or two) of lunchmeat into the skillet, and cook for about two minutes. Be careful not to burn it. Place the meat on top of one of the bread slices, then add cheese on top of the meat. Finally, top with lettuce and tomatoes. Add the remaining slice of bread.

Enjoy your meal with chips and apple juice, and make sure you clean after yourself. Also, have fun.

S

o many times when we get out of school, we reach for the regular. A sandwich or granola bar. Maybe leftovers from the night before or something sweet that will only make us even more hungry in the long run. But here’s a spicy cucumber recipe for eating healthy. It’s quick, easy and packs a punch with just a little bit of spice. The flavor is a great way to satisfy the munchies and stay healthy.

Ingredients: • 3 cucumbers • 1 bottle of tajin • 3 teaspoons of salt • 1 lemon • Knife Directions: Wash and peel the cucumbers. Chop them up into any shape you want. Sprinkle a small amount of tajin over the cucumbers. Sprinkle three teaspoons of salt all over the cucumbers evenly. Squeeze the juice of the lemon over the cucumbers, covering them. Enjoy!

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 15

What You Need To Know About

EL CHAPO

BY JENNIFER BRAVO, 8TH GRADE

E

l Chapo, the famous Mexican drug cartel chief, has escaped three times from maximum security prisons in Mexico. Before his escape, he was waiting for the Mexican legal system to decide if he’d be sent to the U.S. to stand trial for murder, money laundering and conspiracy. It’s an interesting story that sounds more like a movie than real life, but the issues are very real. Here’s what you need to know about El Chapo.

Q: Who is El Chapo?

A: His real name is Joaquin Guzman Loera and he’s a Mexican drug dealer.

Q: When did he escape?

A: El Chapo escaped Mexican prisons in 1993, 2014 and 2016, according to reports from CNN.com and abcnews.com.

16 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Q: Why is he important?

A: He has been described as one of the most influential, richest and most dangerous men in the world. Despite this, some people are fans. There is even a song, “All I wanna be is El Chapo.”

Q: What’s surprising about this story?

A: El Chapo has inspired famous singers and rappers. According to reports on billboard. com and CNN.com, El Chapo is mentioned and praised in some current hip-hop music, including songs by Gucci Mane, The Game and Chief Keef.

Best Signs for BFFs E

BY DAESHIA GOWDER

ver wonder if your BFF is really your BFF? Or if your new crush is actually able to return your affection? Learning your sign and how it works with other zodiac signs might help. Take a look at our research to see how you fit with a new BFF or a current crush. Share the information with your BFF or crush so they’ll know how they fit in your life, or if they don’t.

Zodiac Sign

Perfect Match Description

Pisces

Scorpio and Cancer

Willing to sacrifice anything to make the relationship work.

Cancer

Scorpio and Pisces

The backbone of the relationship. They deepen the love, even if it’s not true.

Aries

Leo and Sagittarius

Aries are challengers and get bored easily. But they are the glue that keeps the relationship together.

Taurus

Virgo and Capricorn

Desires long lasting relationships with 100% mutual trust and commitment.

Gemini

Libra and Aquarius

Leo

Libra and Aquarius

Taurus and Capricorn

Libra

Gemini and Aquarius

Sagittarius

Love to be loved but aren’t eager to be loved. Need to be center of attention.

Difficult to attract. Impossible to please.

Nothing is up to their standards.

Virgo

Scorpio

Full of fun. Some people think they lack feelings but their feelings are true.

Cancer and Pisces

Aries and Leo

Capricorn

Taurus and Virgo

Aquarius

Gemini and Libra

Perfectionists when it comes to relationships. They believe every relationship should be equal and balanced.

Full of passion and desire passion in return. Not good at showing their feelings, but you get to know what makes them tick.

Uncomfortable in relationships that restrict them from being free, who they want to be and how they want to live their life.

Go-getters in relationships. They want a family and a house and a successful life.

Desire relationships where they can learn.

They crave affection and love.

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 17

Top Men’s

Coat STYLES FOR WINTER

BY MALIK BRANDON, 8TH GRADE

I

n the winter, you want to be prepared for the cold weather. In Chicago especially, it can get extremely frigid, so you should dress accordingly: warm but fashionable. Here are the Top 10 men’s fashion styles for winter.

1. The Oversized Overcoat 2. The Parka 3. The Slim Puffer 4. The Officer’s Coat 5. The Shearling Coat 6. The Neo Duffel Coat 7. The Topcoat 8. The Camel Coat 9. The Peacoat 10. The Foul-Weather Technical Jacket 18 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Top Y

3

WINTER FASHION

Hairstyles

BY DAESHIA GOWDER, 8TH GRADE

our style defines you in this world, especially your hair. Some people, including our Mustang Spotlight correspondents, change their hairstyle to match their mood, the season or their outfit.

There are as many options as your imagination can think of, and we’ve found three of the faves for the winter. They are cute and stylish and exactly what you’ll need to “survive in this generation.”

The winter hair fashion hairstyles include a braided-up bun, a waterfall colored hairstyle and the cute, classic cornrow hairstyle.

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 19

g n a t s u M

20 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 21

Behind The Scenes

The Goat is FREE

BY MALIK BRANDON, 8TH GRADE

“S

omeday the Cubs are going to win the World Series,” Harry Caray said. Well that someday is finally here—after 108 years, and the Cubs won it in an amazing style. They came back from a 3-1 deficit to win the World Series. The Cubs were victorious and history was made, but that’s not the whole story. There’s the curse.

How The Curse Began It’s known as the curse of the Billy Goat, which started on Oct. 6,1945. William Sianis bought two tickets to Game 4 of the Cubs vs. Tigers, one for him and one for his goat. The security guards told Sianis that animals were not allowed in the park, although dogs were allowed. The guards stated that they would allow William to come in, but not the goat. The guards said they wouldn’t let Billy in because he smelled bad. The story goes that William and Billy were enraged and exclaimed:

“The Cubs ain’t gonna win no more. The Cubs will never win a 22 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

World Series so long as the goat is not allowed in Wrigley Field.”

The Cubs were cursed until 2016. But now, the curse of the Billy Goat has been lifted.

How The Curse Was Broken The Cubs had the best record in 2016 of 103-58.

They were the only team to have 100 wins this year. The Cubs had the most wins at home with the record 57-24. And, they were tied for the second most wins in away games with a record 46-34. The Cubs knew how to PLAY BALL. The World Series most valuable player was Ben Zobrist. His World Series batting average was .357. He plays second base and totally deserves to be the MVP. In 2016, the Cubs made history after a 108-year losing streak in baseball. So many have passed waiting for this to happen.

To all the Cubs fans, this is for you.

Jailed In Memory

BY LAUREN PROBY, 8TH GRADE

Kalief Browder was 16 years old when he was arrested and taken into custody for allegedly stealing a backpack. For three years, Browder was an inmate at Rikers Island in New York. After being released from prison at age 22, he committed suicide.

It’s not the fact that I can’t talk back to an officer in fear of burning in a Hell It’s the fact that if I know what I’m talking about, they’ll just throw me in a cell I’m constantly told to be myself, but if I attempt to come out of my shell They’ll find another way to make sure I’m still under their ongoing spell And see me as just another prisoner or someone who’s done wrong I’ll get at least three years at Rikers when I’ve been innocent all along I’ll get my bail posted at $10,000 and they’ll mock me since I can’t pay it And after that, I’ll get no trial or they’ll just begin to delay it Until everything I once owned is gone, including my mental health But all of this could have been avoided if I’d have showed them my so called ‘wealth’ For some, it’s a race to be free, but they get sentenced to life So the race to be free involves your wrist and a knife Or the race to be free deals with your neck and a rope And the chair and the counter along with your hope But your hope was your mother who is still under attack And you’re only 16 and to top that you’re black They pushed you to the edge, they drove you to this You don’t have a will, since death is your wish But how could you write one when you sold your pen for your food Along with your soul to avoid your ongoing mood And your ongoing mood was called bipolar depression But you’d never know that since they constantly question By question I mean that they don’t believe you So they mock you, and block you, and always seem to leave you They forget you and leave you to rot in your cell And then keep you there to burn in your own personal Hell I know that if this were a test, I most likely would have failed Because I’ve forgotten any sense of human nature So I am simply Jailed

In My Memory Of Kalief Browder, featured in Ava DuVernay’s, 13th

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 23

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