The Park Winter 2016

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Open Gym, Fundamentals, Teen Leagues, Instruction and more. Open Gym, Fundamentals, Teen Leagues, Visit us at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com Instruction and more. to find basketball programs near you. Visit us at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com to find basketball programs near you.

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City of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, Mayor Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent & CEO Citymore of Chicago, Rahmabout Emanuel, For information yourMayor Chicago Park District, Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.7529 Michael P. Kelly, General or 312.747.2001 (TTY) Superintendent & CEO For more information about your Chicago Park District, visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.7529 or 312.747.2001 (TTY)

STAY CONNECTED. STAY CONNECTED.


WELCOME LETTER


CONTRIBUTORS

Ashley Gordon

Briana Wilson

DaQuan Hampton

LaKenya Chapman

Naja Harrington

Precious Carroll

Not Pictured:

Leah Ellis Sakora Henderson Danyae Robinson

Special Thanks Temia Ivy

COVER PHOTOGRAPHY BY: SAM ZACHRICH 4 THE PARK

Mayor Rahm Emanuel Superintendent Michael Kelly Board President Bryan Traubert Board of Commissioners Chicago Park District Teen Committee Vaughn Bryant Chief Program Officer


CONTENTS SOUND OFF

6: CULTURAL DIFFERENCES IN HIGH SCHOOL – PRECIOUS CARROLL 7: TRANSGENDER TEENS AND THE BATHROOM DEBATE – ASHLEY GORDON 8: PRIVATE AND PUBLIC SCHOOL STEREOTYPES – LEAH ELLIS 9: THE IMPORTANCE OF TEEN INDEPENDENCE – BRIANA WILSON 10: GAINING FAME FROM SOCIAL MEDIA – BRIANA WILSON 11: TEENS AND DRUG USE – TEMIA IVY 12. WHY ARE GAY TEENS AFRAID TO COME OUT? – NAJA HARRINGTON 13: TEENS AND MENTAL ILLNESS – DAQUAN HAMPTON 14: WHY ARE SCHOOLS SO MUCH LIKE PRISON? – PRECIOUS CARROLL 15: WHY BLACK LIVES SHOULD ALWAYS MATTER – LEAH ELLIS

CODE SWITCH

16: KAPPA LEADERSHIP INSTITUTE – DAQUAN HAMPTON 17: DEALING WITH COLLEGE APPLICATION STRESS – LAKENYA CHAPMAN 18: SAYING GOODBYE TO SENIOR YEAR AND HELLO TO COLLEGE – TEMIA IVY 19: HOW TEENS CAN BALANCE WORK AND SCHOOL – NAJA HARRINGTON

STATUS UPDATE

21: HOTTEST MIXTAPES OF 2015 22: “EMPIRE’S” TA’RHONDA JONES - BRIANA WILSON

FASHION MADNESS

24: WINTER MADNESS 28: HOW TO PICK THE RIGHT PROM DRESS – LAKENYA CHAPMAN

THE LOCKER ROOM 29: MUM BOWL – DAQUAN HAMPTON 30: CHICAGO ELITE CLASSIC - BRIANA WILSON

PARK PROGRAMS

32: ONE SUMMER JOB FAIR - BRIANA WILSON 34: EMCEE SKOOL – PRECIOUS CARROLL 35: NORTH REGION HALLOWEEN EVENT - SAKORA HENDERSON 36: TIP FEST 2016 – LAKENYA CHAPMAN 37: JOFFREY @ HAMILTON PARK - DANYAE ROBINSON 38: SOUTH REGION CALENDAR OF EVENTS TRUE STAR STAFF EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS 40: CENTRAL REGION CALENDAR OF EVENTS DEANNA MCLEARY & NA-TAE’ THOMPSON 41: NORTH REGION CALENDAR OF EVENTS PLEASE LET US KNOW YOUR THOUGHTS ON THE PARK MAGAZINE CONTACT US: INFO@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM CHICAGOPARKDISTRICT.COM

MANAGING EDITOR MARTI PARHAM EDITORIAL COORDINATOR BRYAN CRAWFORD ART DIRECTION DESIGN & ILLUSTRATION ANGEL D’AMICO-BAUER PHOTOGRAPHER DESHAUN “TRIG” ADAMS


SOUND OFF

Cultural Differences IN HIGH SCHOOL

BY PRECIOUS CARROLL, SENIOR, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

EACH [PERSON] HAS THEIR OWN UNIQUE CULTURE AND THAT’S WHAT MAKES THIS COUNTRY SO COOL.

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merica is often called a melting pot because of the different places people come from who live in this country. Each has their own unique culture and that’s what makes this country so cool. This concept has also trickled down into the school system as well.

If students were able to learn more about their peers, it would make it much easier for them to come together and not be afraid to associate with someone who might be different. There are a couple of easy ways to solve this problem.

Many teens today are used to sharing a classroom with people who aren’t like themselves. This can be fun because you get to learn about someone new and they can introduce you to things that you may not have known about. But there is a negative side to the melting pot culture in high school too.

The most important thing is that no matter what peer or cultural group you belong to or identify with, you have to remember to treat everyone with respect. Disrespect is the fastest way to a disagreement and it closes the doors to learning and communication. Everyone should feel appreciated and like they are equals at all times.

Most times, people will form peer groups with those who are just like they are. Maybe they come from the same kind of neighborhood or have similar home experiences. This is a natural thing to do, but sometimes, it alienates people considered to be outside of that circle, which can lead to division. Many culturally diverse schools are often divided and there is a lot of cliquish behavior that goes on. This keeps people separated.

Teens who go to schools with people who are different from themselves need to understand the importance of learning from people who have different backgrounds and cultures. High school can be very similar to the experiences you’ll have in your adult life and it’ll prepare you for what you may experience in college and in adulthood. Take the time to be comfortable learning about someone with a different background. It’ll help you in the long run.

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TRANSGENDER TEENS AND THE

Bathroom DEBATE BY ASHLEY GORDON, JUNIOR, CHICAGO TECH ACADEMY

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ecently, there has been a lot of talk about the right of transgender students to use the bathroom that matches their gender identity. The Chicago Tribune reported that the U.S. Department of Education recently found that Township High School District 211 in Palatine was in violation of Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 because of its refusal to allow a transgender student access to the girls’ locker room. The case was important because this action was seen as a civil rights violation because Title IX was designed to protect students from discrimination of any kind. But there is a flip side to this discussion that no one is taking in to account or it is being ignored completely. Transgender people are free to live their lives and identify with the gender of their choice. However, when it comes to issues like access to bathrooms and locker rooms, this makes people who aren’t transgender, uncomfortable. There are some students who might be afraid to share the same bathroom as a male who identifies as female, and vice versa. To address this, many schools have started creating bathrooms exclusively for transgender people. The worst part about all of this is that if you’re one of those people who is uncomfortable being in the same bathroom as a transgender person, you’re given all kinds of ugly labels like transphobic, closed minded and sometimes, even a bigot.

There seems to be a lack of understanding and even empathy toward those who are genuinely uncomfortable with sharing a bathroom with a transgender person. Because of this, there could be many more cases similar to the one in Palatine. Transgender people should not be denied their rights. But at the same time, the rights of others should also not be infringed on either. Bathrooms or locker rooms designated exclusively for trans people should be enough to settle this debate and make everyone happy. But it seems like people just want to take things to court for publicity instead of using common sense and coming up with a solution that benefits everyone. THE PARK 7


Stereotypes Between

Public and Private Schools BY LEAH ELLIS, JUNIOR, CHRIST THE KING JESUIT COLLEGE PREP

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arents sometimes have a hard time deciding on what kind of school they want their children to attend. Many times this decision comes down to schools they classify as being “good” or “bad.” However when you look at it, there really is no such thing.

presence. They are good students but someone who doesn’t know them would think they aren’t based on the school they go to. That’s unfair.

Public and private are the only true school classifications that exist. Some might say that charter and Catholic schools count as types of schools, but in reality, one is public and the other is private.

The flip side of that is private schools are almost always stereotyped as being good and better than public schools. In some ways, this is true. Private schools don’t have a strong police presence and in most cases, the academic status and standing of these students are higher than public schools.

Public schools often get stereotyped as being bad, especially in Chicago. A lot of CPS schools have a police officer parked outside during the school day and some even have an actual police station inside. This causes public school kids to be labeled negatively, especially when a fight breaks out or someone brings a weapon to school. Of course these things are bad, but what people don’t realize is that they don’t consider the school as a whole. There are students who get straight A’s and B’s who go to public schools with a strong police 8 THE PARK

But that doesn’t mean that private school students don’t fight or sometimes bring weapons. The only difference is that the things that go on in private schools aren’t always reported. Parents want their kids to get the best education possible, but the public and private school stereotypes have to stop. No school is perfect and each has their own issues. The important thing is that students go to a place where they can learn and have fun in a safe environment.


The Importance

OF TEENAGE INDEPENDENCE BY BRIANA WILSON, JUNIOR, VON STEUBEN

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very teen has had that moment where we’ve seen something that we really wanted, but couldn’t get it because a parent didn’t buy it for us. Maybe it was because they didn’t have the money at the time or thought it wasn’t a necessity. But whatever the case may be, every young person knows how disappointing this can be. As we get older, we tend to want a lot of things such as phones, clothes, and video games, but our parents aren’t always eager to buy them for us. This is where getting a job comes into play. Having a part-time job at a young age results to teenagers earning their own money which they can use to purchase whatever they want. However, there are many pros and cons that come along with this. While being able to make your own money is a dream come true, one of the biggest things that teens have a problem with is managing their time. We still want to be free to hang out and participate in activities with our friends, and sometimes making plans and having a job don’t always mix.

“I had to make a tough decision about whether I was going to risk my job in order to attend my best friend’s birthday party,” said Khalia Phoxay, a 16-year-old high school student who works at McDonald’s. “I had to ask myself: Should I go support my best friend, or should I go to work and make it up to her with the money I make?” Another challenge for teens who have a job is learning how to budget their money and set priorities between buying the things they need and those they want. This is a skill that is very beneficial once you become an adult because you’ll already know how to budget and plan on how to best spend your money. All in all, having independence at a young age will have its ups and downs. There will be times when you’ll have to make sacrifices when it comes to having a job, but the bright side is that you will gain beneficial skills and talents that come with working at a young age. THE PARK 9


Gaining Fame FROM SOCIAL MEDIA BY BRIANA WILSON, JUNIOR, VON STEUBEN

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t seems like every teen loves social media. Whether it’s Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Snapchat, young people are almost always glued to their phones and talking about something they saw on their social media account. While this can be fun, there is a negative side to it as well. Some teens have become so obsessed with social media that they actually use it to try and become famous with the hope of being the next Kylie Jenner. Many young people love the idea of fame and all of the things that come with it. But the problem is that some teens are willing to do almost anything to gain the attention of a lot of people – many that they don’t even know – just to become an instant celebrity. Essena O’Neill is a teenager from Australia who used to post pictures of herself wearing bikinis or eating elaborate meals on her Instagram account. Even though she is a model in her home country, she told New York Magazine that a lot 10 THE PARK

of her posts were staged and the people who are social media famous, usually feel empty in real life and only do it to fill some kind of void in their life. “Social media isn’t real,” O’Neill said. “It’s purely contrived images and edited clips ranked against each other. It’s a system based on social approval, likes and dislikes, validation in views, success in followers ... it’s perfectly orchestrated judgment.” Social media has its positives and negatives, but it’s mainly supposed to be fun. It can be dangerous for teens who lose themselves in their social media world because many times, they get out of touch with reality and they feel pressured to keep the illusion of their life going to entertain their followers. This can be extremely dangerous to a teen’s mental health, and young people who are trying to be social media famous should think about the long-term effects instead of the instant gratification.


Teens & Drug Use BY TEMIA IVY, SENIOR, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

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hen you’re in high school, one of the easiest things you can find is drugs. Whether it’s on the streets in your neighborhood or even in the hallways at school, if a young person wants to get high on something, it’s not very hard for them to do. Many teens get high because they hear it talked about in music and it is also a social thing they do when they’re hanging out with friends. But the things that young adults almost never think about are the consequences of these actions and the path that early drug use can take them down. Getting addicted to drugs when you’re in high school will cause you to have issues once you become an adult. And it seems like these days, many teens are open to trying almost anything. In a 2015 study conducted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse which polled students between 8th and 12th grade, the NIDA found

that while cigarette and alcohol use has actually declined over the last 20 years, illicit drug use (marijuana, prescription pills, etc.) has gone up. Marijuana is the most popular and widely used drug by teens, but amphetamines, cough syrup, and drugs containing opioids are also heavily used by young adults. While the NIDA study found that overall, drug abuse by teens is going down, in cities like Chicago, it feels like it’s actually going up. If they’re not doing it themselves, every young person in this city knows someone who is using or hooked on drugs because it is so easy to get. So what can be done about this problem? It’s really hard to say. Young people have a lot of different reasons why they use drugs, but it seems that no one thinks about their future when they do it. Actually, maybe that’s the answer. Instead of living in the now and in the moment, think about all of the negative things that can happen in your life as a result of long-term drug abuse. THE PARK 11


WHY ARE Gay Teens Afraid to Come Out? BY NAJA HARRINGTON, SENIOR, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

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here are a lot of teens that are gay and no one knows about them. Even though we live in an era of inclusion and tolerance, a large number of high school students feel stigmatized by their sexual orientation or preference and choose to keep it to themselves. But is this healthy?

health problems for these adolescents in young adulthood such as depression, illegal drug use, risk for HIV infection, and suicide attempts,” Caitlyn Ryan, the Director of the Family Acceptance Project at the César E. Chavez Institute at San Francisco State University, told Psych Central.

When teens that are gay come out to the world, they do it because there is a feeling of freedom that comes with not having to keep such a big secret. But they make this decision while being afraid that their friends and family will treat them differently than before they ever said anything about their sexual orientation.

So what is the answer to helping teens with this very difficult decision?

This rejection can lead to a lot of negative consequences for teens. Some run away. Some commit suicide. Others develop very bad drug and alcohol addictions to try and cope with their pain and frustration. “Research has established a predictive link between specific, negative family reactions to their child’s sexual orientation and serious 12 THE PARK

The first is openness and acceptance. As a parent, having a child come out as gay can be just as difficult for you as it is for them. But you should let them know that regardless, you will always love and support them. Hearing those words will make it easier for them to face any rejection or bullying that may come from their peers. For teens who are gay and thinking about coming out, you should know that not everyone will accept your lifestyle preference, but that should never prevent you from not being comfortable in your own skin or stop you from being who you are.


Mental Illness In Teens

IS MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK BY DAQUAN HAMPTON, SENIOR, FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY

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ental health is very difficult to diagnose. It’s much easier to call someone weird or crazy than it is to take a step and wonder if their thoughts, actions or behaviors may be related to something going on inside their heads that we can’t see. This is especially true for teens. According to the site teenmentalhealth.org, 1 out of 5 young people suffer from mental illness. That’s an estimated 20 percent of the population. Many times, young people struggle with things that they don’t understand and don’t know how to communicate. Sometimes parents will dismiss it as a phase or fad without ever realizing that their son or daughter may need some kind of professional help. Some well publicized examples of teens dealing with mental health issues have involved the police. LaQuan McDonald was shot 16 times by a police officer on the South Side and after his death, it was discovered that he suffered from mental health issues all of his life. Quintonio LeGrier was shot and killed, along with his downstairs neighbor, when police responded to a domestic disturbance call. LeGrier’s father and other family members said that he had been dealing with mental health issues several months prior to being shot and killed.

feel like his or her life is spiraling out of control and start behaving strangely.

Teens deal with all kinds of things that can contribute to mental health problems. Stress, anxiety, depression and even drug abuse all contribute to teens sometimes displaying erratic behavior. The good thing is that many mental health issues are treatable and can actually be addressed early before a young adult begins to

Also, teens who are having mental health issues

The problem is that many teens sometimes keep their thoughts and feelings to themselves and don’t discuss it with anyone. It’s important for youth to speak with an adult that they trust about what they’re going through, instead of a peer or someone else who may not have enough understanding of their problems to help them out.

should never be stigmatized for it. This is why many young people stay silent because they don’t want to be labeled. We all play a part in helping teens deal with mental health trouble, and the more we educate ourselves, the more we can help those who need it. THE PARK 13


WHY ARE Schools

So Much Like Prison? BY PRECIOUS CARROLL, SENIOR, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

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any teens enrolled in Chicago Public Schools can relate to having police officers on campus at all times. Depending on where the school is located and the neighborhood it’s in, you’ll probably see at least one patrol car parked outside. Some schools have officers as security guards and even actual police stations inside.

Schools also implement strict policies that students must follow or they risk getting detention, suspension and in the worst case, expelled. According to the Rolling Stone article “The School-to-Prison Pipeline: A Nationwide Problem for Equal Rights,” these zero tolerance policies seem to target schools in predominantly minority communities.

who are trying to learn and better themselves, as they get ready to move into adult life.

Eva Nagao and Mariam Kaba jointly published a Project NIA report titled, “Policing Chicago Public Schools: Gateway to the School-toPrison Pipeline.” They found that “Black youth accounted for 75.5 percent of school-based arrests in 2012.” The report also wrote that an overwhelming majority of the arrests (84 percent) were for crimes considered to be misdemeanors and young Black men were much more likely to be arrested than young women.

It’s understandable to want to keep the troublemakers out of school entirely, or at the very least, in check during the day, but it seems like no one thinks about the good students who are just trying to get their education.

Police officers inside of schools, especially high schools, have a tough job. But they don’t know who is considered to be “good” or “bad,” so they end up treating everybody the same and that’s unfair.

Because teens spend the majority of their day in school, it should be an environment where they feel safe. However, the heavy police presence can sometimes make you feel like you are in jail instead of a place where you are supposed to be getting an education. Some officers even treat students as if they are adults, not young people

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Why Black Lives

SHOULD ALWAYS MATTER BY LEAH ELLIS, JUNIOR, CHRIST THE KING JESUIT COLLEGE PREP

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he Black Lives Matter movement was created in response to the large number of shootings carried out by police against unarmed Black citizens, which has taken place over the last two years. Since then, BLM has been mischaracterized by people who are propolice and who don’t seem to understand the importance of everyone being treated equally and fairly under the law. Unless you know what it’s like to be profiled by police on a regular basis, or be in fear that you may be arrested, or even possibly killed when you encounter a law enforcement officer, then you’ll never understand the effect of policing on the Black community. Some Black people see these shootings as an attempt to make the Black race extinct. While those who support the police and what they do, view these incidents as nothing more than crime fighting. These two ideas that are obviously

polar opposites of one another, have created a divide that prevents the problem from actually being solved. At the end of the day, people who aren’t affected by police brutality, shootings, false arrests and profiling, need to understand that these things all make life hard for Black people. Everybody isn’t a criminal. Everybody isn’t a drug dealer or a murderer. These things go on in our communities because there are no opportunities. This is one aspect of Black Lives Matter that people who aren’t of color need to realize. The circumstances that we live in, whether they are within our control or not, should never be used to determine what a Black life is worth. Not only is that unfair, it’s flat out wrong. We’re all human and people should be more empathetic to the things taking place in Black communities that make them think that our lives are really worthless. THE PARK 15


CODE SWITCH

Kappa Leadership Institute STRIVES TO HELP YOUNG MEN SUCCEED BY DAQUAN HAMPTON, SENIOR, FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY

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any young Black men in Chicago don’t have a lot of positive influences around them. On top of that, just being a Black teenager in this city is dangerous. You have to worry about getting caught up in gangs and being profiled by the police, which could put you in jail or even worse, killed. It seems like the odds are stacked against Black male teens in Chicago, which is why the Kappa Leadership Institute is trying to help save as many as they can. The Kappa Leadership Institute has been active in Chicago for the last 13 years and in that time, the mentoring program has seen a number of young men not only go to college, but excel at the highest levels once they get there. The program, however, is extremely competitive and for the young men who are accepted, a lot is expected of them. “In October 2015, we had 138 applicants and only 12 open slots,” said Rodney Gore, executive

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director of the Kappa Leadership Institute. “Once a young man is accepted into the program, he has to commit to attending four meetings per month, he has to commit to studying abroad overseas for 6-8 weeks in the summer prior to his senior year in high school – something that we fully fund. A young man has to be willing to do community service with the Brookfield Zoo which is our largest community partner, and he has to commit to ACT testing prep to achieve a score that opens up more college scholarship opportunities to help pay for their education. So far, the average ACT score for the young men in our program has been a 28.” The program also helps young men better their writing and public speaking skills as well. The Kappa Leadership Institute will remain competitive in its selection process, but is trying to open up more slots for those interested in participating so that they can help as many young men as possible because in Chicago, it’s something that we need badly.


Dealing With

COLLEGE APPLICATION

STRESS

BY LAKENYA CHAPMAN, SENIOR, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

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oing into your senior year is exciting for teens. After three years of high school, the only thing you’re thinking about is finishing up your last two semesters, graduating, then moving on to college. But it’s that last part that can be the most stressful when it comes to being a senior. Applying to colleges can be a long, frustrating, and drawn out process. Once you decide on the schools that you’d be interested in attending, filling out the applications can be tedious. Not only are you going to need to complete the basic information, but you’re also going to need to send the college or university your academic transcripts, letters of recommendation, and some even make you complete an essay as part of the application process. Doing this once is stressful enough. But if there are three or four colleges that you’re interested in attending, you’re going to have to complete the same process again for all of them. And there’s really no way around it. You have to do it.

Here are some tips that can help make this process easier and less stressful: •If you have to write an essay, take your time and think about what you want to say. Not everyone is a writer, so you have to plan out ahead of time what you’re going to write for your essay. It’s easier to write it all out as a rough draft first then make edits. Once you’re happy with what you’ve said, then write it out on your college application. •Going into senior year, most teens like to use the summer as a time to relax, chill and hang out with friends. However, the summer is probably the best time to get started on your college applications. Don’t procrastinate and think that you have all the time in the world. Lots of colleges have application deadlines and if you miss it, it’s already too late. •Take some time to relax. If you ever feel like filling out applications is overwhelming you, just take a step back and calm down. Once you feel comfortable again, get back to it. THE PARK 17


Saying Goodbye TO SENIOR YEAR AND

Hello to College BY TEMIA IVY, SENIOR, WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

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he last year of high school is exciting for seniors. There are a lot of things you look forward to like prom and graduation. But it’s also a time when you know that the next big step ahead is college. Your last year of high school can be fun, but knowing that you’re about to start college can be stressful and sometimes even sad. It can be difficult to leave the people that you’ve formed a bond with over the last four years because you know that everybody is about to go in a different direction. You know that you’re going to be leaving a lot of good memories and even some friends behind as you get ready for the next step in your education. Not everybody will go to the same college or university and once you get there, you’re going to meet new people and make new friends. This can be hard, especially if you’ve grown close to people that you went to high school with. 18 THE PARK

Another thing that can be stressful is just the unknown of college. Most teens have a general idea of what it will be like, but it’s the same as it was when you left 8th grade and started high school: It’s usually a lot different than you imagined. Being in college takes a lot of responsibility; way more than you had in high school because now, you’re on your own. Many teens are excited about this new independence and think they can handle it, but some have difficulty making that transition. This is another thing to think about. Regardless of all of these factors, graduating high school and moving on to college is exciting. You know that this is your first step into being an adult and teaching you what life is all about. If you’re a teen who’s about to graduate and go to college, don’t be afraid. Just take it one day at a time and know that there are people who have your back and who will support you and are willing to help you succeed.


HOW TEENS CAN BALANCE

Work and School BY NAJA HARRINGTON, SENIOR, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

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ost teens love the feeling of independence. But it’s hard to have that when you’re depending on your parents to buy your clothes, shoes, food and give you somewhere to stay. This is why a lot of young people who are old enough to work will try and get a job when they’re in high school. There is nothing like having your own money to be able to do what you want and not have to ask anybody for anything. For some teens, when they get a job and start making their own money, their schoolwork may suffer. It can be hard to juggle spending all day at school, getting out, and then having to go to work a few times a week. Eventually, if you start focusing too much on the money, you can forget to do your homework and that will bring your grades down. So how can you balance going to school and work at the same time? Here are some suggestions that might help: •The first thing you should do after you get a new job is talk to your teachers. Explain to them that you just started working so that if there are any issues relating to homework or projects, they will know what your situation is and most likely be willing to help you out. •When it comes to your job, see if you can get more hours on the weekend instead of during the week. This way, you can make sure that you stay focused on your schoolwork. Who wouldn’t want to sacrifice their weekends so that they can make money?

•Time management is essential for a student to learn when they’re in school and working a job. For example, if you have to take a bus or train to work after school, use that time to get some homework done if you have it. You can also ask your teacher if you can get your assignments early so that you can work ahead and not fall behind. Teens who want to be independent have to understand that they need to be responsible too. If you learn these skills now, they’ll help you in the future. THE PARK 19


Citywide Teen Fitness Classes (For ages 13 to 17)

Teen Fit Box offers a high energy, fun cross-training approach to fitness. Workouts are designed around the principles of constant variety, functional movements, and high intensity to reach optimal performance. Classes promote overall health by providing hands on nutrition education, individualized coaching and a positive social outlet for building your very own fitness community. Check online for Teen Fit Box offerings near you!

Register online at www.chicagoparkdistrict.com For more information about your Chicago Park District visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com, or call 312.742.7529 or 312.747.2001 (TTY). MAYOR RAHM EMANUEL

Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners Chicago Park District, Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent and CEO

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Stay connected.

#getďŹ tforlife


Hottest

STATUS UPDATE

MIXTAPES OF 2015 BY DAQUAN HAMPTON, SENIOR, FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY

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t was a good year for music in 2015. A lot of artists dropped new music and we can’t forget about the legendary beef between Drake and Meek Mill that got Drake a Grammy nomination for his diss song “Back to Back,” the first time ever in the history of rap music. These days, rappers still make albums, but it’s their mixtapes that get the attention of their fans. If their mixtape is hot, chances are people will either buy an album or go to a show. With so much new music released last year, it’s hard to say which mixtapes were the hottest, but here’s a top five list that you should check out if you haven’t already heard them.

•Chief Keef - Sorry 4 the Weight:

Chief Keef has switched his style up since he first came out with “I Don’t Like.” Some of the best tracks off this mixtape are “Get Money,” “Sosa Chamberland” and “Guess What Boy.” This is one of his best projects in a long time.

• Lil’ Herb – Balling Like I’m Kobe:

A lot of Chicago teens are familiar with Lil’ Herb and this mixtape made people realize why he’s one of the best rappers out of the city.

• Tink – Winter’s Diary 3:

You can’t always listen to rap music and sometimes, you need to mellow out and slow it down. Tink is a Chicago R&B singer who hasn’t dropped an album yet, but this mixtape in her Winter’s Diary series was good enough to hold her fans over.

• Rick Ross – Black Dollar:

His last two albums weren’t that great, but Rick Ross kind of redeemed himself on Black Dollar, which came out just before his new album, Black Market.

• Future – 56 Nights:

Everybody loves Future and some people felt like this project is some of the best music he’s ever made. THE PARK 21


“Empire’s”

Ta’Rhonda Jones FINDS SUCCESS THROUGH A HAPPY ACCIDENT BY BRIANA WILSON, JUNIOR, VON STEUBEN

T

a’Rhonda Jones may seem like an overnight success, but don’t tell her that. The Chicago native, who stars as Porsha on “Empire,” one of the hottest shows on network TV, feels that she was born to be successful, even if she didn’t know how that success was going to come.

Jones got invited back for several more auditions and was offered the role as Porsha. She also received a job offer for a nutritional services position at a hospital because that’s the kind of work she was doing and had experience in. The decision wasn’t as easy as you would expect, but obviously, Jones made the right choice for herself and her career.

As an aspiring rapper, Jones thought her big break would come in the music industry. Her brother called her late one night and said that actor Terrence Howard was starting a record label and was looking for female rappers. She thought he was doing something similar to his role as DJay in the movie Hustle & Flow, so she figured she’d give it a shot and audition. To this day, Jones is very thankful that she received the wrong information from her brother. “I didn’t know that I was auditioning for a TV show. I just thought I was going in to try and be the next female rapper on the Hustle & Flow label,” Jones told The Park. “But when I went in to audition, that’s when I met [the director of “Empire”] Lee Daniels and he saw me and was like, ‘Yes!’” The rest, as they say, is history. 22 THE PARK

Now that she’s on TV and being recognized for her acting skills, Jones knows that she’s in the spotlight and wants to be an inspiration for young girls all over the world, but especially in Chicago. She knows that a lot of young women aspire to be like the people they see on TV and in movies, and that’s why Jones always tries to be herself, on-screen and off. “I live by two words in life: Be you,” she said. “For a very long time, I was trying to be something I wasn’t just to be accepted because people couldn’t accept me for who I was. But the very first time I stepped in the “Empire” casting room, I was myself and I got accepted by Taraji, Terrence, Jussie and everyone else, for being me. I just want young women everywhere to know that by just being yourself, you can go a long way in life.”


“I LIVE BY TWO WORDS IN LIFE:

BE YOU.” – Ta’Rhonda Jones

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FASHION

WInter MADNESS

Photographer - Trig for He Shoots Life Hair - Diamond Beach for House of Her Make-up - Brittany D. Beach for House of Her Fashion Stylist - Nicole Parrott for Kaleidoscope by Kolaberri

TOP: ASHLEY GORDON Black Rudsak Coat, www.jimmiskouls.com White L/S Floral Gracia Shirt, www.jimmiskouls.com High Waisted Black Moto Pants, shop.outfit101.com Max Edition Flat Black Riding Boots, Burlington LEFT: NAJA HARRINGTON White & Black S/S Bandage Dress, www.jimmiskouls.com Black De Philo Duster Jacket, shop.outfit101.com Unlisted Black Nubuck Panel Heeled Boots, Burlington RIGHT: TANISHA M. ROSA White Mesh Gracia Ruffle Blouse, www.jimmiskouls.com Black Circle Skirt, Urban Outfitters Diamond Cut Tights, Marshall’s Circus by Sam Edelman Studded Ankle Strap Pumps, Burlington 24 THE PARK


HER: BRIANA WILSON Black TOV Silk Kimono Blouse, shop.outfit101.com Black Caribbean Queen HiLo Tweed Coat, shop.outfit101.com Black PZI Jeans, www.jimmiskouls.com Black Guess Fur Cuff Lug Booties, Ross HIM: DAQUAN HAMPTON Jachs NY Plaid Button Down, www.jimmiskouls.com Tackma Black Lthr Sleeve Varsity, www.jimmiskouls.com Rivet de Cru Acid Wash Black Denim Jeans, www.jimmiskouls.com Creative Recreation Black Hi Top, www.jimmiskouls.com

ABOVE: LAKENYA CHAPMAN White Mockneck Bodysuit, shop. outfit101.com Gracia Black Sheer Grid Jacket, www.jimmiskouls.com White & Black TOV Striped Maxi Skirt, shop.outfit101.com LEFT: MIRSAHA ESTRADA Black Sheer Grid Gracia Crop Top- Jimmi Skouls, Gracia Black on Black Satin Leopard Skirt, Jimmi Skouls

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LEFT: LAKENYA CHAPMAN Gracia L/S White Collar Blouse, www.jimmiskouls.com Blue Dreams Necklace, www.jimmiskouls.com Joes Jeans Pastel Turquoise Denim, www.jimmiskouls.com Pink & Pepper Peanut Butter OTK Flat Boots, Burlington PRECIOUS CARROLL Comme L/S Denim Shirt Dress, shop. outfit101.com Off White Faux Fur Vest, Ross Off White Leggings, Marshalls Fergie Chocolate Chunky Heel Boot, Burlington

RIGHT: MIRSAHA ESTRADA (left to right) Denim & Plaid Top, shop.outfit101.com Joes Jeans Peach Denim, www.jimmiskouls.com Navy Blue Studded Over The Knee(OTK) Boots, shop.outfit101.com BRIANA WILSON Multi Grey & White Fur Vest, shop. outfit101.com White L/S Gracia Blouse, www.jimmiskouls. com Skaargon Dark Denim Jeans, www.jimmiskouls.com BareTraps Chocolate Flat Boots, Burlington NAJA HARRINGTON Faux Fur Hat, Marshall’s Mocha Wool & Faux Fur Jacket, shop. outfit101.com Skaargon Distressed Boyfriend Joggers, Urban Outfitters Mauve Leather Dolce Vita Ankle Boots, Burlington 26 THE PARK


TOP: TEMIA IVY (left to right) Royal Blue Pea Coat, www.jimmiskouls.com Multi Color Infiniti Scarf, Marshall’s Black Boot Cuffs, Marshall’s Brown Ankle Boot w/Buckle, Ross NAJA HARRINGTON Mocha Wool & Faux Fur Jacket, shop.outfit101.com Faux Fur Hat, Marshall’s Skaargon Distressed Boyfriend Joggers, Urban Outfitters Mauve Leather Dolce Vita Ankle Boots, Burlington ASHLEY GORDON Dolce Vita Blue & Black Boucle Wrap Coat, www.jimmiskouls.com Black Leggings, Marshall’s Unlimited High Heel Mini Platform Boots, Burlington Black Cowl neck Sweater- Marshall’s

ABOVE: BRIANA WILSON Multi Grey & White Fur Vest, shop.outfit101.com White L/S Gracia Blouse, www.jimmiskouls.com Skaargon Dark Denim Jeans, www.jimmiskouls.com BareTraps Chocolate Flat Boots, Burlington LEFT: TANISHA M. ROSA Fuzzy Peach Hommage SweaterShop.Outfit101.com, Brown Knit Leggings- Marshall’s, Vintage Brown Ankle Boot- Marshall’s, Silver Agate Beaded Bracelet- Jimmi Skouls

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How To Pick

THE Right Prom DRESS BY LAKENYA CHAPMAN, SENIOR, GEORGE WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

G

oing to prom is exciting for high school teens. Months and months of planning and preparation go into getting ready for the big day. You have to decide who your date is going to be, what kind of car you want to take, but for girls, the most important thing – aside from how you’re going to wear your hair – is figuring out what kind of dress you’re going to wear. Most teens usually only think about what color they want their prom dress to be, but there’s a bigger consideration that needs to be made as well. The most important thing for girls to remember is that not everyone’s body type is the same. A dress that looks great on a model’s body may not look the same on you when you put it on. According to the website Prom Girl, the most common body types are slender, pear shaped, petite, hourglass, busty and apple. Keep these things in mind when you’re shopping for your dress because the figure that you have will make a huge difference in what you decide to wear. The website Unique Vintage gave some helpful examples in choosing the right dress based on your figure. For example, girls who have apple bodies shouldn’t wear a dress that is short and tight because it draws attention to the midsection. However, girls who have an hourglass figure can wear pretty much anything. Also important to keep in mind, is that your school probably has a dress code on what is 28 THE PARK

considered acceptable or inappropriate for prom. You should familiarize yourself with these rules because the last thing you want to do is spend a lot of money on a dress, show up to prom and someone tells you that you can’t come in because of what you’re wearing. Prom is supposed to be a fun time, especially if you’re a senior because it’s your last formal event. With the right dress, not only will you be the talk of the party, but also of the school.


LOCKER ROOM

2015 Mum Bowl

CHAMPIONSHIP BY DAQUAN HAMPTON, SENIOR, FARRAGUT CAREER ACADEMY

B

asketball might be the most widely played sport in Chicago, but that doesn’t mean that kids all over the city still don’t get out on the field and play football. In fact, every year, the Chicago Park District puts on the Mum Bowl, a championship football game for kids that’s played at Soldier Field. You might wonder, why do they call it the Mum Bowl? Well, it’s because all of the players give their mom a mum corsage on the 50-yard line before the opening kickoff of the game. Also, at halftime of the Mum Bowl, one player gets awarded the Walter Payton Award, named after the great Chicago Bears running back. The honor is given to the person who has not only shown good sportsmanship during league play, but who is also considered to be an asset to the community that he lives in. But aside from those nice gestures, the game itself is pretty competitive. This year, the Ogden Park Vikings took on the defending champion, Fosco Park Chargers. The game was close, but Fosco Park won, 12-6. Both teams are part of the Park District’s Jr. Bear Football varsity league, which encourages kids between the ages of 11 and 13 to learn the game in a structured environment and have fun competing against players from different parks all over the city.

But the coolest part of the program is being able to play under the lights at Soldier Field. It’s an opportunity that a lot of young football fans dream about, and getting involved with the Chicago Park District is one way that many kids will have an opportunity to live out their dream. The Mum Bowl just completed its 67th year of competition and based on the support from parents and the Chicago Park District, it’s an event that isn’t going away any time soon. THE PARK 29


2015 Chicago Elite Classic RECAP BY BRIANA WILSON, JUNIOR, VON STEUBEN

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he Chicago Elite Classic has been one of the city’s biggest sporting events the last three years. Teams from all over the country come to Chicago to compete against local teams and others from out of town. Over two days, the city’s most elite programs like Simeon, Morgan Park, Whitney Young and others, competed against 12 nationally ranked programs from states like California, Maryland, Missouri and Ohio. “This is the best field of teams we’ve had since the first year of the event,” said Simeon head coach Robert Smith. “This is what we wanted when we began talking about putting an event like this together. We continue to mix it up and want to bring in different teams each year.” In addition to nationally ranked teams, there was also a lot of nationally ranked players participating in the event. Morgan Park’s Charlie Moore, the No. 1 player in Illinois, showed off his skills against Evanston High School. Jayson 30 THE PARK

Tatum from St. Louis, who is going to Duke and is the No. 2 player in the country, scored 40 points in overtime against Miller Grove High School from Georgia. Zach Norvell from Simeon and who signed with Gonzaga, helped the Wolverines hold off Whitney Young by scoring 19 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. The two-day event brought a lot of people out to the UIC Pavilion to see the next wave of future basketball stars, and the Simeon head coach couldn’t be more proud of the event that he and Tyrone Slaughter from Whitney Young, organized in the city. “In four years we’ve brought in a lot of great talent with both in-state and out-of-state teams and players,” Smith said. “This is a chance for national guys who aren’t able to go to national events, to be seen and receive some national exposure.”


THE PARK 31


THE PARK

One Summer

CHICAGO

Job Fair

IS A BIG SUCCESS

TEENS WERE TAUGHT HOW TO REPRESENT THEMSELVES PROPERLY – BOTH IN PERSON AND ON PAPER – SO THAT THEY WOULD BE IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR EMPLOYERS.

BY BRIANA WILSON, JUNIOR, VON STEUBEN

I

t’s pretty obvious that today’s teenagers are eager to be independent and have their own money. So what better way to fulfill that need than with your own job? However, finding businesses that are willing to hire young adults or teens can be difficult sometimes. Fortunately, many teens here in Chicago were given the opportunity to see what job opportunities were available at the One Summer Chicago Job Fair at Soldier Field. The crowded room of about 2400 attendees, ranging from the age of 14 to 18, were given the chance to meet with representatives from different work programs about jobs they could possibly get in the summer of 2016. Opportunities at Brookfield Zoo and Phalanx Family Services were just some of the many that teens were given the opportunity to explore. “Teenagers were able to be fully aware about the positions that were available to them,” said Adriane Clomax, Senior Program Specialist for the Chicago Park District. “Teens were also able to get a feel for what to expect when searching for jobs.” Two of the most significant activities at the job fair were the mock interview and résumé workshops. 32 THE PARK

Teens were taught how to represent themselves properly – both in person and on paper – so that they would be ideal candidates for employers. “I think this was really beneficial to teenagers,” said 17-year-old Jalil Washington who attends Bronzeville Scholastic Institute. “We were given many different opportunities that can help us find a job and begin working.” Many teenagers left the One Summer Chicago Job Fair with tons of knowledge and confidence on how to find a job and overall, the event was not only educational, but a lot of fun too.


THE PARK 33


Emcee Skool

HELPS CHICAGO YOUTH EXPRESS THEMSELVES BY PRECIOUS CARROLL, SENIOR, WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

T

here are a lot of rappers who come from Chicago. Some reach national fame while others remain local and respected celebrities. But either way, rap music has become a key part of Chicago’s culture and many young people in the city want to try their hand at it. Teh’Ray “Phenom” Hale is a local rapper who has created a buzz for himself, but he’s also committed to mentoring those who think they might have the skills to be an MC. That’s why he hosted the first ever Emcee Skool event at Hamilton Park as part of the Teens Re-Imagining Art, Community & Environment (TRACE) Program. “For 23 years I’ve been trying to help put a positive energy and spirit into the youth,” he said. “I had been running a similar program independently, on my own, but I partnered up with the TRACE Program and that opened the door for me to bring it to the youth through the Chicago Park District. So we started at Hamilton Park in Englewood because that’s an area where giving kids something positive to do and be involved in is most necessary.” The event ran for seven sessions in October and November and Phenom says the turnout was not only good, but he helped many of the youth who participated open up more and express themselves. Even though not everyone who came is going to be the next Kanye West, Katie 34 THE PARK

“I WOULD SAY THAT AROUND 75 PERCENT OF THE KIDS WHO CAME THROUGH CAN COMPETE MUSICALLY WITH WHAT’S BEING PLAYED RIGHT NOW.” – PHENOM

Got Bandz or Lil’ Durk, being in an environment where they could get their feelings out creatively, was a big help. “I would say that around 75 percent of the kids who came through can compete musically with what’s being played right now,” Phenom said. “The other 25 percent were inspired and had their confidence raised enough to come out of their shells and do something they’d never tried before. So in that aspect, I’d say the Emcee Skool was a success and I can’t wait to see what the turnout is going to be the next time around.”


2015 Halloween EVENT BY SAKORA HENDERSON, FRESHMAN, SCHURZ

T

he Chicago Park District is always putting together activities for kids across the city to enjoy. And when it comes to the holidays, there is no shortage of things for youth in different communities to participate in. In October, the Park District held its annual Halloween in the Parks event which included the 5K Pumpkin Run for adults and the Kids Spooky Sprint. There were also pumpkin patches at different parks around the city, but the highlight of the season was all of the different Halloween parties. During Halloween, many parents might be scared to let their kids go out trick-or-treating, but the Chicago Park District does a great job of making sure kids of all ages can enjoy themselves and have a good time in a way that’s fun and safe. “The party was fun, especially because it was free,” said Matthew Hantel, a freshman at Taft High School who attended one of the Park District parties. “There was pizza, drinks and music. There was also a haunted house. It was good for everyone involved in the Park District to get together and have a good time for Halloween.” Many of the parks in the Chicago Park District have different events that parents can get their kids involved in. But it’s not just for the little ones. There are a lot of park-related activities that teens can enjoy too. It’s all a part of the Park District’s commitment to provide people in Chicago a way to get out and enjoy themselves and their communities, without feeling like they’re in a bad area or in danger. THE PARK 35


2016 TIP Fest HOPES TO BE BIGGER AND BETTER BY LAKENYA CHAPMAN, SENIOR, WESTINGHOUSE COLLEGE PREP

L

ast year, the first ever Teens in the Park Fest (TIP Fest) was a huge success. With Chance The Rapper putting his name on the event as the musical curator and headlining act, teens from all over the city came out to see him perform and got a huge surprise when Kendrick Lamar came out to rap too. But the TIP Fest was much more than a concert. It was an opportunity for Chicago’s youth to take part in activities ranging from art design to digital media. This year, those behind the TIP Fest are hoping to make it bigger and have a lot more teens come out and participate. “It was nice to have Chicago teens come out to Northerly Island and enjoy good music and experience downtown in a way that they might not have had an opportunity to do before, and just meet up, congregate and have a good time with their peers,” said Lauren Lewis, a programming intern with the Chicago Park District. “We all learn from each other and it’s important that people from the North, South, East and West sides come together and celebrate something positive that’s going on in their city.” 36 THE PARK

Planning for the 2016 event has been ongoing for a while because the organizers not only want to make it bigger, but make it so this is something that teens look forward to and want to participate in each year. This year the park district is partnering with the Donda’s House Foundation to hold Teens in the Park Community Auditions. Young people from across the city will be invited to sign up to try out to perform on the Teens in the Park stage. The first 30 to sign up will be allowed to perform, everyone who does not make the cut will be allowed to stay and watch the show. The auditions will be held: February 27 March 5 March 12

12-3p 12-3p 12-3p

Austin Town Hall Hamilton Park Revere Park

Young people ages 14-21 are welcome to try out. The organizers are trying to make TIP Fest feel like an event such as Pitchfork or Lollapalooza. But ultimately, the goal remains the same: To give Chicago teens something positive to do in the summer to help them stay on the right path and out of trouble.


Joffrey ACADEMY OF DANCE Comes to Englewood BY DANYAE ROBINSON, FRESHMAN, SCHURZ

T

he Englewood community on the South Side doesn’t have the most positive reputation. Known for its high crime and violence, it was actually the neighborhood where Spike Lee filmed his controversial Chi-Raq movie. Regardless of that, Englewood isn’t a place where the people who live there are exposed to something that’s culturally positive. That’s one of the reasons why Hamilton Park was chosen to have the Joffrey Academy of Dance come in and perform the Nutcracker Suite as part of a free holiday kick-off performance. Hamilton Park has a cultural center designation and has a deep history of hosting dance performances. The center is also home to the Sammy Dyer School of the Theatre, which made it a perfect site to host the event. “Hamilton Park happens to have one of the biggest, most beautiful auditoriums in the entire Park District,” said Samantha Chavis, program and event coordinator for the Chicago Park District’s Theatre and Performing Arts division. “We feel it’s important to not only support hyper local artists, but also to share the city’s larger cultural institutions with communities that don’t otherwise have access.” The Joffrey Academy did two performances of the Nutcracker and the turnout and feedback was overwhelmingly positive. More than 700 people came out to the event, making it standing room only. Not only were people from the Englewood community invited to attend, but dance students enrolled in various Park District

programs were bused in, as well as high school and even college students. Needless to say, the event was a success and for one day, made Englewood a center of positive news instead of negative. “These performances made a positive impact on people of all ages,” added Chavis. “They provided an opportunity for residents of Englewood and surrounding communities to kick off the holidays together with a beautiful cultural event in their own backyard.” THE PARK 37




Central Region Calendar of Events

Junior Citizen Banquet February 2nd, 2016 6pm-9pm Garfield Park Conservatory 300 N. Central Park, Chicago IL 60624 Outstanding Teens are honored for participation in their parks. *Not and open event Teen Paint Party February 19th, 2016 6:30-7:30pm Jessie White Park 410-412 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60610 Create your own masterpiece! Enjoy a fun, interactive paint group led by Teens for teens. *50 attendees Black History Event February 19th, 2016 6:30-8:30pm Columbus Park 500 S. Central Teen Black History Event, “Somebody Needs to hear US: features Open Mic Music, Dance performance, vendors and more. *100 attendees TIP Fest Auditions February 27th, 2016 12:00-3:00pm Austin Town Hall 5610 W. Lake Street, Chicago IL, 60644 The talented youth of Chicago are invited out to show what they got for a chance to perform at TIP FEST 2016. *150 attendees

40 THE PARK

Teen Umoja February 27th, 2016 10am-4pm Homan Square 3517 W. Arthington St, Chicago IL, 60624 Grab a friend and attend this joyous celebration of African American heritage, which includes music, dance, spoken word, performances, and many more teen activities. Vendors and concession stand will be available. *200 attendees Area 5 Teen Clubs go to UIC Basketball February 13th, 2016 11am-5pm UIC Basketball Tour / Mike Hixenbaugh contact person Game $10 each *Not and open event Snow Tubing Trip March 5th, 2016 9am-5pm Fun snow tube trip to say thank you teens that volunteer in the parks. *Not and open event Teen Glow Party March 11th, 2016 6pm-9pm Austin Town Hall 5610 W. Lake Street, Chicago IL 60644 Teens are encourage to wear fluorescent clothing and glow-in-the dark accessories which illuminate under the glow of black lights to create an eerie multicolored experience while listening to the latest hits dancing the night away. Refreshments will be provided. *100 attendees

Use Your Words April 8th, 2016 10am-3pm Piotrowski Park 4247 W. 31st, Chicago IL, 60623 Youth-led workshops and panel discussions around youth issues, community building, using arts, media, performance to make a change. *400 attendees Flex Zone Teen Health and Fitness Day April 14th, 2016 10am-2pm Garfield Park 100 N. Central, Chicago IL, 60624 Teens will have a day filled with Health and Fitness Workshops, including Yoga, Boxing, Gymnastic, Wheel Chair Basketball, Ultimate Frisbee, Healthy Eating Demos and more! *500 attendees Teen Gym Show April 15th, 2016 6pm-8pm Garfield Park 100 N. Central, Chicago IL, 60624 Teen Performances *75 attendees Earth Day Clean Up Celebration April 23rd, 2016 9am-2pm Humboldt Park 1440 N. Sacramento, Chicago IL, 60624 Teens and all ages will help clean up the park and enjoy a fun filled festival to celebrate Earth Day. *500 attendees, about 200 are teens


North Region Calendar of Events

Drum Circle at Mozart Park January 15 | February 10 | March 18 Time: 7:30-9:30PM | FREE | ALL AGES 2036 N. Avers Ave., Chicago, IL 60647 (312) 742-7535 Join us for our monthly, facilitated, in the moment, community drum circle. Bring a drum, shaker or anything you like the sound of. There are some extra percussion instruments on hand on a first come, first serve basis. Tell your friends, bring your family and don’t miss out on this awesome gathering.

Glow in the Dark Scavenger Hunt at Horner Park March 11 Time: 7-9PM | FREE 2741 W. Montrose Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60618 (773) 478-3499 Advanced registration is required – visit chicagoparkdistrict.com Teens will work in teams to find the hidden treasures scattered on park grounds. Backlight flashlights, maps and clues will be given to each team. The team that comes out on top, wins the prize! The interactive hunt is perfect for building camaraderie among friends. So get your squad together for an incredible time. Black light party (music and pizza) to be held inside the fieldhouse after the hunt. Individual registration with teams formed day of event.

Teen Color Run at Horner Park April 10 Time: 11AM-1PM | FREE 2741 W. Montrose Ave. Chicago, Illinois 60618 (773) 478-3499 Advanced registration is required – visit chicagoparkdistrict.com Get covered in color! Just show up at the starting line at Horner Park for an amazing debut event for teens. We’ll supply each participant with a t-shirt to get bathed in an array of colors. Make it to the finish line - there will be interactive games, refreshments and music.

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SAVETHEDATE

FRIDAY APRIL 8, 2016 [NO SCHOOL DAY] 10 AM TO 3 PM

@ PIOTROWSKI PARK • 4247 W. 31ST ST.

UseYourWords 8TH ANNUAL YOUTH ART ACTIVISM FEST

WORKSHOPS PERFORMANCES DISCUSSIONS RESOURCES

City of Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners General Superintendent & CEO Michael P. Kelly www.ChicagoParkDistrict.com

Twitter: @teensinthepark • Web: www.chicagoparkdistrict.com 42 THE PARK Trace facebook: www.facebook.com/trace.chicagoparkdistrict • Trace Twitter: @teensreimaginin


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S U M M E R + FA L L + W I N T E R + S P R I N G

I N T H E PA R K S A L L Y E A R R O U N D

City of Chicago, Rahm Emanuel, Mayor Chicago Park District Board of Commissioners Michael P. Kelly, General Superintendent & CEO For more information about your Chicago Park District, 44 THE PARK visit www.chicagoparkdistrict.com or call 312.742.7529 or 312.747.2001 (TTY)

STAY CONNECTED.


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