True Star Junior Spring 2013

13 SPRING 20

DEAR HADIYA: A TRUE STAR

ALUMNI

REMEMBERED

CRAZE

A SPLASH OF COLOR: SPRING FASHION

HOOPS: FRENCH FRY KENNEDY CHANEY E

THE MCCLAIN SISTERS

SHAKE

E

INTERVIEW WITH

HARLEM

F R

EXCLUSIVE

Are You A

TRUESTAR?

REAL TEENS REAL ISSUES STYLE TRENDS CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS HEALTH, NEWS, SPORTS AND MORE! check out www.truestaris.com

CONTENTS EXPOSE’ 6: CHICAGO’S VIOLENCE CLAIMED A TRUE STAR ALUMNI 7: DEAR HADIYA 8: HOW TO STOP BEING BULLIED 9: OLDER GENERATION RUINING YOUNGER GENERATION

4EVER YOUNG 10: IS REALITY TV AFFECTING US IN THE WRONG WAY? 11: HARLEM SHAKE CRAZE 12: CAN SOCIAL MEDIA MAKE YOU FAMOUS? 13: SOCIAL MEDIA GETS A BAD RAP 14: JORDANS & CHUCK TAYLORS: SHOES THAT NEVER GET OLD

FASHION 15 - 19 BLACK AND WHITE

HOT OFF THE PRESS 20 & 21: MCCLAIN SISTERS 22: MEET GG LYRICS 23: AHSAN, THE ONE TO WATCH 24: DIGGY & OMG GIRLZ SHOW LOVE TO CHICAGO

TALKIN’ NERDY 25: ARE CELEBRITIES AFFECTING YOUR DECISION TO GO TO COLLEGE? 26: HOW TECHNOLOGY AFFECTS ACADEMICS 27: YOU’RE NOT A DORK BECAUSE YOU WEAR GLASSES & BRACES 28: CONSEQUENCES OF BEING A SLACKER 29: WHAT ARE YOU DOING FOR SUMMER BREAK?

CREATIVE CORNER 30: SPRING CROSSWORD PUZZLE 31: LOST: WORDS FOR HADIYA

DEEPER THAN SKIN

33: AUTISM AND YOUTH 34: KERATIN TREATMENT FOR NATURAL HAIR 35: IS YOUR LIFESTYLE IN NEED OF SOME SPRING CLEANING?

KEEPIN’ SCORE 36: FRENCH FRY LEAGUE 37: KENNEDY CHANEY PROFILE 38: NBA INJURIES: HOW THEY AFFECT THE TEAMS & FANS 39: DO YOU HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A STUDENT-ATHLETE?

SCHOOL SPIRIT 40: LINDBLOM 41: U.C. WOODSON 42: MORGAN PARK

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS DEANNA MCLEARY & J. NA-TAE’ THOMPSON MANAGING EDITOR MARTI PARHAM EDITORIAL COORDINATORS MARTI PARHAM , KATHY CHANEY & VERONICA HARRISON WEB CONTENT & MARKETING MANAGER JOI MITCHELL WEB CONTENT ASSISTANT HENRY COLLINS ART DIRECTION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION ANGEL D’AMICO-BAUER PHOTO COORDINATOR DESHAUN ADAMS SPECIAL PROJECTS MANAGER DESHAUN ADAMS & PHILISTINE THOMPSON CELEBRITY BOOKER RANDY BONDS

32: HEALTHY FOODS VS. FAST FOODS

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Morgan Park 7th Grade Brendyn Anthony Jones, Taylor Miggins, Stephen Excellent, Imani Davis, Rikyah Wright, Daniel Quin, Dejahnae Goldsmith, Nasir Johnson,Ezekiel Stevens, Eden Strong, Toriano Clinton,Tyler Houston, Lauren Noisette, Stacie Taylor, Breanna Beck. Not Pictured: Jayln Williams and Corey Alderson

Morgan Park 8th Grade Robert Martin, Gregory Diggins, Ronald Thompson, David Street, Cameron Gardner, Emanuel Thomas, Eugene Gutter, Damone Seals-Templeton, K’Lynn Brown, Cameron Thomas, Roderick Anderson, Emanuel White, Ari Slaughter, Xavion Meye, Amani Fashola, India Everett, Gabriel Sanders, Carla Jones, Charday Goosby, Pierce Thompson, Janea Taylor, Kapri Dowdell, Taylor Ivory, Sydney Guillory, Kayla Holmes, Toni Allen, Frederick McGee, Akilah Smith, Camry Moore, Kaylen Poindexter

Lindblom Aaliayah Romer, Amber Fry, Diamond Burton, Sydney Tenton, Jalynn Stubbs

Woodson Kyla White, Brittany Hull and Ahmad Chaney. Not pictured: Kaylah Wright

STUDENT EDITORS

MORGAN PARK ACADEMIC CENTER

KELLY REYNOLDS EDITOR

MORGAN PARK ACADEMIC CENTER

LINDBLOM MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY

KELLY REYNOLDS

AALIAYAH ROMER

EDITOR

EDITOR

GRAPHIC DESIGN CONTRIBUTORS: CORLISS HIGH SCHOOL INSTRUCTOR : POLINA ZIONTS STUDENT ART DIRECTOR & TEACHING ASSISTANT : ANSHAUNTI HILLERY

CARTER G. WOODSON CHARTER

KYLA WHITE EDITOR

Kewain Archie Donovan Ingram Nathaniel Jackson Brandon Johnson Noshma Lawson Jesus Leonard Jaylin Lovinsky Michelle Mosley Shantrice Ousley James Palmer Robert Redus Aalayha Robinson Tichina Williams TRUE STAR JR. 5

EXPOSE’

Chicago’s Violence

Claimed a True Star Alumni

BY AKILAH SMITH, MORGAN PARK

T

he violence in Chicago has escalated to an unreasonable point. Every day there is a new story about another Chicago teen dying as a result of gun violence. Unfortunately, tragedy hit home for True Star in January when Hadiya Pendleton, a sophomore at King College Prep, was killed at a park near her school. She was an innocent bystander of an apparent gang-related shooting. A male schoolmate who was with her was also shot. He survived. Two people have been charged with her murder.

Washington, D.C. to attend President Obama’s State of the Union address. They were special guests of First Lady Michelle Obama.

Pendleton is a reflection of many students who were on the ball and had so much promise.

She was involved in many school activities and performed with fellow majorettes at President Barack Obama’s inauguration.

WE HAVE TO GET CONTROL OF THE GANG’S THAT ARE CAUSING ALL OF THIS VIOLENCE.

Her funeral was attended by hundreds, and many were turned away because there wasn’t enough room. A few days after Pendleton’s funeral her parents and little brother went to 6 TRUE STAR JR.

Pendleton’s death brought national attention to Chicago’s gun violence. When she was in 6th-grade she recorded a Public Service Announcement about gang violence. After her parents’ D.C. trip her mother also recorded a PSA about gun violence.

There’s also a gun bill being introduced in the state legislature in Pendleton’s name.

Young children are becoming gang members and there’s no stopping it. Many kids don’t have role models so they end up joining the gangs. Too many guns are in the hands of these kids. Greater measures have to be taken by the authorities to prevent more senseless deaths.

Dear Hadiya,

We became friends at Providence St. Mel when you were in 2nd-grade and I was in first. We both attended the after-school program at Garfield Park.

That’s when our journey began. It continued when we transferred to the University of Chicago Charter-Donoghue Elementary School.

I remember when you spent the night over my house and I trusted you so much that I told you the alarm code to our home. That next morning you told me I snored, but I denied it.

The time I spent the night at your house was the first time I realized I was allergic to cats, but that didn’t stop me from staying. Your mom gave me Benadryl and we continued to party!

Remember when I came up with the nickname “Little Bill” for your brother Junior? I still call him that.

At Donoghue, we both tried out for cheerleading and made it. When we took our team picture, you and I were photographed right next to each other.

Our journey carried on into middle school at the University of Chicago Charter-Carter G. Woodson. At Woodson we took part in a photo shoot for the 2010 issue of True Star Jr. and were featured on the same page.

Our journey would have gone on throughout high school because I too was accepted to King College Prep. Although I chose to attend a different school, we made a bond that I will always hold close to my heart.

“We made a bond from the very beginning. I found my homie and my best friend. We would be together until the very end. No matter what.” - Verse from Future’s “No Matter What.”

You will forever be missed, but never forgotten.

Sincerely, Noelle

BY NOELLE WALTON, MORGAN PARK ACADEMY TRUE STAR JR. 7

How to Stop

Being BULLIED

BY ERIC DAVIS, MORGAN PARK

M

any adult say that being bullied is just a stage that most kids go through, and that one day we’ll outgrow it. To the person being bullied this advice is not comforting.

The information found in a new study from Duke University doesn’t help either. The researchers discovered that bullying increases the risk of anxiety and depressive disorders for decades after the actual bullying occurred. More than 1,000 children were followed for up to 20 years and what was discovered was that the victims of bullying were much more likely to wind up with severe problems as adults. While this isn’t the best news either, it should serve as motivation to stop anyone from becoming a victim of bullying. *David Johnson, a 7th-grader at Morgan Park, is no stranger to being picked on. But instead of just taking it, he decided to stand up for himself.

In his case Johnson was bullied by a boy much bigger than him.

8 TRUE STAR JR.

“He poured milk on my jeans, slapped the back of my head, and called me inappropriate names,” said Johnson. “He thought I was small and wasn’t going to do anything.” To solve his problem Johnson got up the nerve to confront his bully. “I threw a fruit cup at him, and I told him if he ever hit me again we would have a problem.”

In Johnson’s case the bullying ended because he showed the boy that he wasn’t afraid of him; but not all cases are the same or end with the same results. If confronting someone isn’t your style then take action by letting an adult know what is going on.

DON’T LET YOUR BULLY GET THE BEST OF YOU. DON’T BE AFRAID TO STAND UP FOR YOURSELF. *Name has been changed.

RIGHT WAY

Is the Older

WRONG WAY

GENERATION

Ruining the Younger Generation?

BY RODERICK ANDERSON, MORGAN PARK

MY GENERATION IS CRAZY AND CHAOTIC. Many kids are involved in drugs, guns and violence and some would argue that it’s mostly the parents’ fault.

Some parents don’t take care of their kids like they’re supposed to. They don’t lead them in the right direction. Some of them even teach their kids the same wrong things they did when they were growing up. A large number of boys don’t have fathers to show them how to be a man. Because of this boys grow up to be gang bangers and drug dealers. This causes many of the problems in our neighborhoods.

Parents need to go back to old-fashioned parenting and treat today’s kids like their parents treated them. Things would definitely change.

According to www.livestrong.com, the way a parent interacts with others and reacts to various situations creates a valuable example for their child. When the parent is calm, helpful and acts with integrity, the child understands that behavior and holds it as a priority in his life. If the mom or dad is dishonest, quick to anger or lazy, those behaviors are passed down to their children.

The way the parent approaches a relationship toward other family members in general often affects the way the child interacts with others.

THE PARENT’S INVOLVEMENT IN THEIR CHILD’S SUCCESS IS AN ACCURATE INDICATOR OF OVERALL ACHIEVEMENT. TRUE STAR JR. 9

4EVER YOUNG

IS REALITY TV

Affecting Us In the Wrong Way?

BY TRINITI MAYE, MORGAN PARK

N

owadays the most popular shows are the ones considered reality TV, but are the programs sending a good message to the people who watch them? Reality TV can have a negative and positive effect. Shows that give off a negative effect include ‘’Love and Hip Hop Atlanta’’ on VH1, MTV ’s ‘’Jersey Shore’’ and ‘’Bad Girls Club” on the Oxygen Network.

Most of these shows consist of cussing, fighting, and outrageous behavior. This is not a positive impact on the youth.

successful without dealing with a lot of drama.

Fox’s “American Idol” encourages youth to be determined and to go after their dreams, and the show “Empire Girls,” also on Style, shows two young women, Julissa and Adrienne, leading successful lives in New York City. Need another example? This season the NBC weight loss show “The Biggest Loser” is taking a stand against childhood obesity by featuring kids on the program and demonstrating the right way to lose unwanted pounds.

The shows that do tend to have a more positive effect on the youth are ones like A&E’s “Beyond Scared Straight,” which is about taking troubled teens out of negative situations and leading them onto the right path, and “Tia and Tamera,” which is on the Style Network. On that show cameras follow the two child stars that grew up to be

One reality show in particular gives off both a negative and positive effect to its audience, and that’s MTV’s “Teen Mom.” This show glorifies teen pregnancy but, it also shows how it’s a struggle to raise a child as a teenager.

When it comes to reality TV you can go in one of two directions. Choose the positive route.

10 TRUE STAR JR.

The Harlem Shake CRAZE

BY RODERICK ANDERSON, MORGAN PARK

W

hat is the Harlem Shake and why is it so popular?

It’s a random dance done by all kinds of people.

One person is usually doing something crazy while everyone else in the background is doing something normal. Then, when the beat drops everybody goes crazy.

The dance caught on because people love to have fun and do stuff that’s unusual. Plus, if you videotape it and put it on the Internet, that makes the craze grow and you’re a part of it.

But, did you know the Harlem Shake really started in Harlem, New York in the 1980s? Yep, it was a dance done during halftime at basketball games. Then, a dance group called the Crazy Boyz put their twist on it and it was called the Harlem Shake. Now, just about everyone has put their own spin on it and there’s no stopping it.

Wouldn’t it be fun to make your own version of the Harlem Shake? Yeah, we think so too. We’re working on it.

STAY TUNED! TRUE STAR JR. 11

Can Social Media

Make You

FAMOUS?

BY FREDERICK MCGEE, MORGAN PARK

A

years. Unlike some people, she hasn’t let her social media status make her arrogant.

They have all these “friends,” yet don’t personally know half of them. Teens post half-naked

She has over 560 followers on Twitter, more than 2,000 Facebook friends and enjoys socializing on all of them. She uses them to “meet

large amount of teens across America have Facebook accounts with the maximum number of friends – 5,000.

photos of themselves and get 500 or more “likes.” If you get 500 “likes” on a photo lots of people think of you as famous. The attention goes to the teen’s head and they truly begin to believe they are famous.

The “famous” teens on Facebook go out grocery shopping and when kids scream their Facebook name (because you know it’s not their real name) they ignore them like some real celebrities would do to fans. These same people then go home and update their statuses about how their fans were “on their tip.” These “Facebook celebrities” would even rather be called by their Facebook name than their government name.

Jelyn Rocque, a senior at Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, has been on Twitter, Facebook, Tumblr and Tagged for nearly three 12 TRUE STAR JR.

people” she generally wouldn’t get a chance to connect with.

Seventeen-year-old artist J’Real uses social media to promote his talents. He’s been successful and admits social media made him more popular, but hasn’t gone to his head.

He has a huge Twitter fan base – 32,000 followers, and has maxed his Facebook friends limit. As a result he’s had to set up a “Like” page.

“I’ve been on Facebook for three years and Twitter for a year. It took me about a year to grow them,” J’Real said.

When asked if he gets recognized a lot he said, “Yes.”

Teen Social Media Groups

Get A BAD RAP

BY GABRIEL SANDERS, MORGAN PARK

A

lmost every Chicago teen that has a Facebook, Twitter or Instagram account has heard of the groups of teens that usually form on social networks. Some of these groups, generally ranging in age from 12 –17, are: Sadity Gang, TYN, TYB, Fame Gang and Arrogant Fame.

These are not street gangs, though some have allegedly engaged in gang-related activities such as throwing up hand signals to symbolize their groups.

If you were at Ford City Mall in February when the teen boy group Mindless Behavior did a “meet and greet” in a vacant store near the mall’s food court, then you know what happened

after Mindless Behavior left the mall. The melee, as it was repeatedly described on the news, was a result of a social media group meeting up. The crowd started small then word got out on social media and it grew. ABC 7 News reported that cars in the parking lot were vandalized, and that up to 20 people were arrested. At least two were treated for minor injuries.

While that incident put a black eye on the impact of teen social media groups, they all don’t wreak havoc. Some of the groups have innocent fun like normal teens. But, it’s the ones that do harm that give mostly all the groups a bad rap.

TRUE STAR JR. 13

Chuck Taylors & Jordans:

The Shoes That NEVER GET OLD

BY BRANDON LONDON, MORGAN PARK

I

f you walked into any Chicago school and looked at the shoes worn by the average boy or girl, there is a good chance that he or she will have a pair of Chuck Taylor’s or Jordans on their feet. Both pair of shoes have been around for what seems like forever, yet they still manage to stay in style year after year.

The Converse Rubber Shoe Company debuted the Converse All Star shoe in 1917, but it was a salesman by the name of Charles “Chuck” Taylor that helped make the shoe as popular as it is today. According to the website Inside Hoops, Taylor was an All-American high school player who also suited up with the original Celtics. In the 1920s he began traveling the country selling shoes and doing basketball workshops. Taylor’s name was added to the shoe in 1932. The first pair of Chucks are believed to have sold for around $1.

14 TRUE STAR JR.

Basketball legend Michael Jordan made his pair of red, black and white Nike high-tops famous when he wore them during a 1984 Bulls game.

Mentalfloss.com reported that the first pair were released to the public in 1985 and sold for $125.00.

Today you can find Chucks in every color imaginable, even some with all types of designs, fabrics and customized themes. But buying them for $1 is out. Expect to pay about $40 and close $70 for a more stylish pair. Since 1985 Nike has released a new pair of Jordans every year; prices range anywhere from $100 to about $250. Even with the price increase people can’t seem to get enough of these shoes. Will there be a day Chucks and Jordans go out of style? As of right now, it doesn’t look like it. Then again, only time will tell.

&

BLACK White

Photography: DeShaun “Trig” Adams Location: Little Black Pearl Make-up: Chaka Washington Hair: Diamond Beach

SOPHISTICATED STYLE

SIMPLY SPRING

COLOR ME GOOD

SHADES OF CLASS

TRUE STAR JR. 19

HOT OFF THE PRESS

The McClain Sisters: A Triple Threat

BY AALIAYAH ROMER, LINDBLOM MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY & KYLE TERRY, MORGAN PARK

C

hina Anne McClain and her sisters Sierra and Lauren are famous for their work on the Disney soundtrack “A.N.T Farm” and for starring in the movie “Daddy’s Little Girls.” But beneath their fame and fortune they are fairly normal teenage girls. China Anne, 14, Lauren, 16, and Sierra, 18, spoke to True Star Jr. about their future, fans, inspirations and hobbies.

True Star Jr.: Who inspires you?

China Anne: Definitely Beyoncé. She’s an amazing singer. I haven’t had a chance to meet her, but one day I will. I’d probably pass out.

Sierra: My mother’s an incredible vocalist. She’s where we get our strong passion.

TSJ: Do you write your own music?

Sierra: We do.

TSJ: How do your parents feel about you all being big in the entertainment industry?

Lauren: We brought it to mom first. We thought we were the Cheetah Girls. Then she brought it to my dad and they’ve always been very supportive.

TSJ: How many instruments do you play?

China Anne: Guitar, that’s the main one, and piano. I’m learning bass and violin right now. Both instruments are really fun. Oh, keyboards too.

20 TRUE STAR JR.

TSJ: What advice do you have for others?

Lauren: Listen to your parents. We’re Christian and the decisions we make are based off that.

Sierra: Be responsible with what you put out there. That’s your image. We want to show the youth positive impressions.

TSJ: What kind of acting do you like best?

Lauren: China’s pretty much got the comedy thing down. She’s funny on and off camera. For me, it would be dramatic.

China Anne: I’d love to stick to comedy right now.

Sierra: China is very versatile. I would stick to dramatic movies. I’m more comfortable with that.

TSJ: What colleges are you thinking of attending?

Lauren: Julliard or Berkeley.

TSJ: What are your hobbies?

China Anne: Other than sing, I’m not sure I have a lot of hobbies. I actually like to draw. We have family movie night. We also go to the skating rink. We’re not good at it though.

Lauren: I do ballet and do tennis with my dad. I don’t have much coordination though. I play football too. I play quarterback.

TSJ: How does it feel when people say they admire you?

Sierra: We always get emotional. We really enjoy interacting with the fans.

That’s why I feel so strongly about putting positive images out there.

China Anne: Overwhelming. Some people think it’s a lot of pressure but it’s not.

We’re grounded.

Lauren: Our parents kept us grounded and humbled to stay strong to our beliefs.

TSJ: What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishments?

China Anne: “A.N.T. Farm.” It’s getting an amazing fan base. And getting the opportunity to influence all the kids.

Lauren: Learning to play the guitar four years ago. I don’t like to go anywhere without it.

Sierra: The opportunity to influence others in a positive way.

TSJ: How similar are China Parks and China Anne McClain?

China Anne: It’s fun playing China Parks because she’s a lot like me. Something many people may not know is my character’s name was Rain Davis before it got on the air. Then when we started filming, they changed the name to China Parks.

TSJ: How did it feel to be on the set of “A.N.T. Farm?”

Lauren: The first season we were on the set all the time. The second season, not so much because we were working on the album. It was great.

Sierra: I have a greater appreciation for China and her craft after working with her on the set.

Meet BZN GG LYRICS

BY KELLY REYNOLDS, MORGAN PARK

H

ouston teen rap sensation GG Lyrics took time out from her growing performance schedule – she performed at The Eyes Wide Open Teen Tour last August -- to talk to True Star Jr. about who inspires her.

Dierra Foster, or the Golden Girl (GG), is no stranger to entertaining. After all, she is a former pageant star. At the age of 6 months old she was in the Texas Beautiful Babies Pageant and at age 4 she was crowned Little Miss Texas in the Missy division. As a performer, she was part of DK High Steppers Twirling Group and the Lil Supa Stars Drill and Dance Team.

She recorded her first CD “Sitting on Top of the World” when she was 10 years old and recently released her current CD “High Maintenance.”

The “High Maintenance” single is available on iTunes.

22 TRUE STAR JR.

True Star Jr.: What made you want to start rapping?

GG Lyrics: I just love music. Since I can’t sing, I rap. I also dance.

TSJ: What do you rap about?

GG Lyrics: About non-violence and other positive stuff.

TSJ: Who inspires you to write your raps?

GG Lyrics: Nicki Minaj, Janet Jackson and Beyoncé.

BZN Meet

AHSAN

BY KYLE TERRY, MORGAN PARK

A

hsan is a 14-year-old rising artist with Interscope Records who recently performed at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

He started singing when he was about 5 years old. Years later, as Ahsan sang Stevie Wonder’s hit song “Ribbon in the Sky,” he was surprised on stage by the music legend himself.

Ahsan loves classic music and loves to sing “Who’s Loving You” by Michael Jackson, his favorite artist. He’d love to one day work with Adele or John Legend.

He’s been influenced by family and friends, most whom have singing and producing backgrounds.

Ahsan writes his own music and believes in order to become a great artist, and to be noticed, you have to strive to your best ability. When he’s not recording or being homeschooled, he can be found creating more music.

He wants his fans to be on the lookout for his new single “You.”

HE’S ONE TO WATCH! TRUE STAR JR. 23

Celebrities Fight

VIOLENCE IN

CHICAGO

BY DIAMOND BURTON, LINDBLOM MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY

O

n January 19, 2013 Diggy Simmons and the OMG Girlz performed at an antiviolence event at the new concert hall at Christ Universal Temple on the South Side. The concert was to spread awareness about ending gun violence in Chicago. During the show True Star Jr. caught up with the OMG Girlz.

True Star Jr: What do you hope to accomplish by doing this anti-violence event?

OMG Girlz (Beauty): We just plan to let kids know that they don’t have to participate in violence even if everybody else makes it look cool. It isn’t cool.

TSJ: How has violence in Chicago touched you or someone you know?

OMG Girlz (Baby Doll): Just hearing about it on the news is crazy… We just pray that it gets better.

TSJ: Have you taken part in any other anti-violence events in other cities?

OMG Girlz (Beauty & Star): We actually have. Like Baltimore and D.C. We actually do these town meetings like we did on the Scream Tour. We would go to different cities and gather up a whole bunch of children and just talk to them about violence and a lot of other things.

24 TRUE STAR JR.

TSJ: Do you feel as if your music has motivated young teenagers and if so how?

OMG Girlz (Beauty): I think music definitely motivates teenagers because if you put out the right message, like with us on our album, any new music that we put out is really inspiring and letting kids know that is an outlet.

TSJ: What do you think can be changed to bring the violence down in Chicago?

OMG Girlz (Baby Doll & Beauty): Just kids paying attention to their parents, you know. It all starts in a home if they are being obedient, and coming together as teens.

TALKING NERDY

N

CELEBRITIES WITH A COLLEGE DEGREE

Are Celebrities

Affecting Your Decision TO GO TO COLLEGE?

M

any youth want to be just like their role models. In many cases, that’s a celebrity.

Some celebrities make it a point to let everyone know they didn’t attend college and they still became successful. They say their talents carried them and that they became successful because of their hard work.

Today’s youth are impressed by fame and what they see as fast money. Some think education is important, but going to college isn’t quite necessary.

BY RODERICK ANDERSON, MORGAN PARK

I DISAGREE. No matter what your goals are, continuing your education beyond high school is important. So what if your favorite celebrity didn’t go to college? That doesn’t mean you have to follow in their footsteps.

Don’t let someone, especially someone you don’t know personally, influence your decision to go to college.

TRUE STAR JR. 25

How Technology Affects Academics

BY JANEA TAYLOR, MORGAN PARK

N

owadays people have a lot of access to technology. The younger generation isn’t familiar with a time when they didn’t have so much technology available to them at once. You can do anything if you have a computer, cell phone or WiFi access, even your school work.

definitely have a positive outcome on a student’s life, including academic performance, motivation, critical thinking skills, literacy, attitudes and reallife work skills.

BUT, BEWARE.

You can use technology to communicate with others anywhere in the world. You can talk to a teacher to get help, download answers for standardized tests (which can get you in trouble) and if you’re not careful, you can also miss important information in class by using the loads of technology available at your fingertips.

You can also find the wrong information and get in trouble by snatching stuff off the Internet.

Students can copy and paste information to a paper and take credit for someone else’s work.

That’s plagiarism, and it can get you in loads of trouble.

According to the Center for Applied Research in Educational Technology, technology can

Responsibility when using technology for educational purposes is very important.

26 TRUE STAR JR.

You’re Not a Dork

Because You WEAR Glasses & Have Braces

BY KYLE TERRY, MORGAN PARK

M

any kids and teenagers form their cliques in the beginning of the school year. What about the outsiders or kids that can’t find their clique because of the way they appear to others?

Many people get braces or have to adjust to wearing glasses. Because of these necessities, others view these students differently; some would even call them dorks.

WELL, HOW DO YOU DEAL WITH THIS? In this case I have had both glasses and braces.

It is pretty difficult, because when you get these

things the children around you create stereotypes that make you seem out of place. When dealing with someone’s opinion about your outer shell you have to learn to really respect yourself and have self-confidence because many people will try and take you down.

One must not care about comments made by other people who don’t know you, because even a dog barks at someone it doesn’t know. You have to be satisfied and happy about how you look. You might not have outer beauty, but you have inner beauty. Just know that you will be judged throughout your life no matter what, but the way you respond to the judging is up to you.

Wearing glasses and braces don’t make you a dork. They just make you a well-accessorized human being.

TRUE STAR JR. 27

The Consequences of

Being a Slacker

BY LAUREN NOISETTE, MORGAN PARK

W

hen you don’t do your school assignments you’re hurting no one but yourself.

Some people slack because they may not understand the work. If that’s the case don’t be ashamed to ask your teacher for help. But, many students slack because they just don’t “want” to do the work. The one rule slackers often forget is this: There are consequences to your actions.

Slacking in school will eventually show in your grades. The grades you have at the end of a semester are most important because that is what decides if you’ve passed or failed. When you fail you end up having to repeat the same class all over again, most likely in summer school.

Summer is the only time you really get to sit down, relax and have fun. Most people know that they’d rather be at home than stuck in a hot classroom doing the same work they hated doing during the school year.

28 TRUE STAR JR.

Another thing to consider is that once the consequences of slacking have finally caught up with you chances are your parents won’t be happy.

Some of the punishments you can look forward to might be spending time away from your friends, no TV, no video games, no social media, no going out, and pretty much no fun at all. And don’t forget about your cell phone. You can say goodbye to talking and texting too.

When you don’t do your work your grades drop, you increase your chances of repeating classes, and all the things that mean so much to you get taken away. So the next time you think about not doing your assignment ask yourself,

“IS BEING A SLACKER REALLY WORTH IT?”

What Are You Doing

For Summer BREAK?

BY BRITTANY HULL, U.C.-WOODSON

B

efore you know it the school year will be coming to an end and summer break will be here.

Have you put any thought into all the exciting things you’d like to do over the break? If not, there’s no time like the present to start making plans. Lazy days are cool to enjoy from time to time, but don’t spend your entire break sitting around the house watching Netflix. Stay active and take a vacation tailor-made just for you.

THINGS TO DO: - Ice Skate - Roller Skate - Go to the Movies - Go shopping - Hang with Friends

According to www.kidzworld.com, here are a few other ideas to keep you busy during break time:

- Do community service - Visit the different museums - Try to see several different movies at the theater - Have a gaming party where you invite your friends over for a video game tournament - Have a sleepover

VACATIONING AREAS: - Kalahari Resort - Wilderness Resort - Tampa, Florida - Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin - Hollywood, California (Take a minute to visit the Hollywood sign.)

Don’t forget to journal about what you did during your break. That way you’ll have documented memories that will last not just for the summer, but for a lifetime.

TRUE STAR JR. 29

DESIGNED BY DONOVAN INGRAM, CORLISS EARLY COLLEGE STEM HIGH SCHOOL

CREATIVE CORNER

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ILLUSTRATION BY PIERRE SEATON

Lost: A Poem For Hadiya

BY KYLA WHITE, U.C.-WOODSON

As I capture this flower I wonder who I am.

Am I loyal, dishonest or determined?

I dream of my future and I want to live, I don’t want to die.

I want to live. I scream there are guns that cause pain.

That goes through my head.

I awake hearing guns.

My heart is breaking as I see those cars.

My broken window shows what’s ahead.

My life.

I’m a leader so I stand above.

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DEEPER THAN SKIN

VS. FAST FOODS Healthy Foods

BY AHMAD CHANEY, U.C.-WOODSON & RONALD THOMPSON, MORGAN PARK

I

n today’s society weight is a very big deal.

There are good choices and there are bad choices when it comes to deciding what foods to eat. Make the wrong choices and your health can become an issue for you down the road.

Fast foods are full of large amounts of fat, calories, sugar and preservatives. Some foods contain growth hormones and are produced with GMO (genetically modified organisms). The website Organic Authority reports that GMO products are not safe for several reasons, including the massive use of pesticides on the crops.

Your body needs a balanced diet – grains, fruits, vegetables and dairy. Fast foods contain mostly processed products. Eat too much of this and you won’t be able to receive the appropriate nutrients your body needs. Your chances of becoming overweight also increase.

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Here are a few healthy food replacements for those bad choices: Instead of chips, how about non-butter popcorn.

You are eating about 38 calories less!

Put that energy drink down! Try a cup of tea with natural lemon. It keeps you alert, has less sugar, and tastes great!

If you want to stay energized during the day, try eating warm bread (preferably 1-2 slices of wheat). This will keep you awake and won’t make you sleepy due to your stomach being empty.

Making the switch from fast foods to healthier foods may take time. Do the best you can now and your body will thank you later.

Shadows of

An Autistic Youth

BY AALIAYAH ROMER, LINDBLOM MATH AND SCIENCE ACADEMY

A

diagnosis being 1 in 88 for all children and 1 in 54 for boys. Additionally, autism costs families about $60,000 a year and receives less than five percent of research funding compared to other childhood diseases.

True Star Jr.: How does your daughter interact with other children?

Tracy Bourne: She’s really great and actually good with other kids. She’s always had an interest in other kids, but her language is what she struggles with most.

TSJ: As a parent what are some challenges you face with an autistic child?

TB: The biggest difficulty is worry. The whole bullying situation scares me.

Tracy Bourne’s daughter, Story Bourne, 4, was diagnosed with autism at 21 months. She wants people to be more understanding of the disease and of more assistance to the kids.

TSJ: What do you feel are the biggest stereotypes against autistic children?

TB: That they could pick up an instrument instantly and be a musician or an artist.

“Talk to people who may come to know other people with autism,” said Bourne. “Reach out to those kids and be patient with them; try to help them along. They are unique, but they need help.”

TSJ: Advice to parents?

TB: Surround yourself around people who are positive and understand what you are going through. Get to know other parents in the community who have kids with autism. Never ever give up.

Continue to do research, and if possible get your child therapy outside of school.

utism may be one of the world’s most misunderstood developmental illnesses. All the stereotypes should not be regarded as scientific fact. According to studies, autism in today’s youth is gaining more prevalence yearly, with the

Bourne gave True Star Jr. a look into her life as a parent with an autistic child.

TRUE STAR JR. 33

The Keratin Treatment

BY AMBER FRY, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

T

he keratin treatment is a Brazilian hair treatment used to naturally straighten hair. It doesn’t have the chemicals that are in perms and relaxers like sodium hydroxide and calcium hydroxide. Your hair is straightened with the protein ingredient of keratin.

“The keratin treatment is meant to change the way we look at natural hair,” said Anthony Jones, owner of AJ Styles Beauty Salon in Oak Park. “So often we want our hair to look good and forget that it also needs to be healthy. The keratin treatment and keratin products help keep hair both healthy and nice looking.”

n How to apply:

- Wash hair. Do not apply conditioner.

- Section hair into four parts. Apply the product starting from the top and working to the bottom.

- Apply the keratin complex with a bowl and brush.

- Once applied, run a fine tooth comb through 34 TRUE STAR JR.

your hair. If product remains on the comb squeeze the excess out until the comb runs through the hair clean.

- Let sit for 20 minutes. Do not wash out.

- Blow dry hair. It might take a while, but make sure it is all blow dried into your hair.

- Separate hair into four sections.

- Use a ceramic flat iron that is at least 450 degrees.

Rules:

n

- Do not wash your hair for three days following the treatment.

- Avoid using clips or bands for the three days as they can leave dents in your hair.

- Do not use dry shampoos or other products in your hair for the three day period.

- When you wash your hair, you must use “sulfate free” shampoo and conditioner or the recommended product from the manufacturer every time you wash. Using sulfate products can cause the keratin treatment to revert.

Is Your Lifestyle In Need of

Some Spring Cleaning?

BY EDEN STRONG, MORGAN PARK

B

ees buzzing, flowers blooming, the sun shining – these are all signature trademarks of spring. But there’s also one more thing spring is known for and that’s cleaning. Spring is the time to clean up, not just your home but also your life, and that includes school.

Something as simple as cleaning out your locker once a month or keeping loose papers in a folder instead of stuffing them in your backpack can be the difference between an A and a F. Why? Because these steps help make you more organized, and the more organized you are the less cluttered your mind will be.

Even talking in class can be something that can ruin someone’s grade without them even noticing. Just because a teacher doesn’t tell you to stop talking that doesn’t mean that he or she isn’t paying attention, and it doesn’t mean that the teacher isn’t marking it.

It’s impossible to just wake up one day and have awesome grades and good behavior marks. You have to be committed to making the change to be a better student. And being committed doesn’t mean staying inside and studying 24 hours a day. It just means actually making an effort to change.

No one said change would be easy, but gradual steps definitely work best. One step to take toward making your life less crazy at school and at home is to keep a “to-do” list. This is perfect for keeping up with all the things you have to get done. The best part is once you’ve completed a task you get to scratch it off your list and enjoy the feeling of accomplishment.

Hopefully these tips are just the thing you need for a fresh start. Good luck and have a great spring!

TRUE STAR JR. 35

KEEPIN’ SCORE

French Fry Basketball League

BY KYLE TERRY AND ARI SLAUGHTER, MORGAN PARK

F

rench Fry is a compelling and competitive basketball league. There are three divisions: Small Fry from ages 5 to 8; Jr. Fry from ages 8 to 11; and Sr. Fry from ages 11 to 13.

Joe Bussle, who started the French Fry League in 1996, saw kids being turned away from Small Fry because there wasn’t enough room for the kids. That’s how the French Fry League with the different divisions was born. The league practices at Palmer Park on the Southeast Side.

“I wanted to give young boys and girls a chance to practice fundamental basketball skills and social skills,” Bussle said.

It’s simple to join. Just “come in, fill out the application and pay the fee,” Bussle explained.

“We don’t turn anyone away.”

When you come to French Fry, you know you must come to play if you want to win, said a 36 TRUE STAR JR.

few of the players. Landon Gladney, 12, plays small forward and power forward for Sr. Fry and Cameron Gross, 13, plays small forward for Sr. Fry. Both said they love the game and have enjoyed playing in the French Fry League over the years.

The Sr. Fry division recently won the championship game.

“The intensity of the game is very high and the game is very competitive,” said Ricky Anderson, who attended the championship game.

Bussle, who got emotional during the interview, said his most memorable moments have been the championships.

“It’s good to see the kids have fun and win while doing it,” he said. “That’s always the best part.”

Full disclosure: Ari Slaughter is a member of the French Fry League’s Sr. Fry division.

Morgan Park Academy’s

Girls Varsity Basketball Team Makes History

BY KELLY REYNOLDS, MORGAN PARK

T

he girls varsity basketball team at Morgan Park Academy has a record of winning their regional championships, but this year was different. This is the first time in the school’s history they won a sectionals game. They won the sectionals semi-finals but were defeated in the championship game. True Star Jr. alumni Kennedy Chaney, a starting freshman on Morgan Park Academy’s team, talks about growing up a hooper and being part of a history-making team.

True Star. Jr.: When did you start playing basketball?

Kennedy Chaney: I originally started in kindergarten but I quit. I rejoined the team in 3rd-grade.

TSJ: Why do you like playing basketball?

KC: It’s really fun.

TSJ: What position do you play?

KC: Point Guard.

TSJ: What teams have you played for?

KC: St. Dorothy Lady Defenders. I also played on the boys team. I played AAU ball for the Pink Lady Ballers in 7th and 8th-grade and now for Morgan Park Academy.

TSJ: Do you have any athletic awards or trophies?

KC: I have a few trophies, including MVP for St. Dorothy’s and the Most Athletic Award. I I also have a couple of medals and trophies for Pink Lady Ballers, and a trophy from MPA for Most Improved Player.

TSJ: How different is it playing in high school than elementary school?

KC: It’s more aggressive in high school, especially playing on a varsity team. I play basketball year-round, so playing AAU ball when the school season is over helped strengthen my skills and helped me better prepare to play high school varsity basketball.

TSJ: Do you have any hooper nicknames?

KC: My uncle named me Lady Rose.

TSJ: Who are your favorite players and teams?

KC: The 1992 Olympic Dream Team, Derrick Rose, Rajon Rondo, Larry Bird and Notre Dame’s Skylar Diggins.

TRUE STAR JR. 37

NBA Injuries: HOW THEY AFFECT THE TEAMS AND FANS

BY EMANUEL THOMAS, MORGAN PARK

H

ow do the many injuries in the National Basketball Association affect the teams and the fans?

One major injury in the league right now belongs to the Chicago Bulls’ Derrick Rose. Rose tore his ACL in the 2011-2012 season. It was devastating to the fans. The Bulls lost to the Philadelphia 76ers in the first round that season and we were hoping Rose would recover. “[Basketball] is not as fun without my favorite players,” said Arieon Brown, age 12.

This season, more Bulls players were added to the injured list. They’ve won many games this season, but have also lost many games. The season isn’t looking as bright as it could. Too many injuries may cost the Bulls a chance to make it to the playoffs.

Marshawn Porter, 12, agreed.

The Boston Celtics also have a key injury. Star point guard Rajon Rondo went down on a torn ACL. Atlanta Hawks’ rising star Lou Williams tore his ACL too, as well as Minnesota Timberwolves’ Kevin Love.

“They seem to be waiting on their star player and they can’t play. They just might not make it,” Porter said.

These teams can go far in the playoffs, but the injured players that are off the court will make it difficult.

38 TRUE STAR JR.

Do You Have What It Takes

TO BE A

Student-athlete?

BY BREANNA BECK, MORGAN PARK

J

ust because you have the skills to be a star basketball player doesn’t mean you have what it takes to be a good student-athlete. A studentathlete is someone that maintains good grades while playing sports. Sometimes being a studentathlete is difficult because there are certain requirements that must be met. IHSA (Illinois High School Association) Scholastic Standing says, “Students must be passing enough courses on both weekly and semester basis to earn 2.5 full credits.” A good student-athlete knows how to achieve this.

Having the athletic skills of a champ but have the grades of a dummy will only get you so far.

Brittany Morris, of the Whitney Young Lady Dolphins, shares her best strategy to studying for exams. “Taking notes on lectures in class and doing my homework works for me. That helps me remember things and prepares me to review before tests.”

Time management is also important to every successful student-athlete. Striking a balance between practice, play, and homework may be hard but necessary. Morris manages her time in her own way.

“For long term projects I plan ahead and do a little each day.” She advises others to “have selfdiscipline and give yourself time to get the work done. Easing off your texting, talking and social media will help too.”

For a student-athlete being organized is also crucial because it makes your life easier and helps you stay focused. Being organized has a big impact on your grades too. Much like time management, it helps to keep up with times, dates, homework, and important assignments.

Using a daily planner can help.

It takes hard work and dedication to be successful in sports and life. Excellence is the gradual result of always striving to do better.

TRUE STAR JR. 39

SCHOOL SPIRIT

Too Early to Get Going FOR COLLEGE?

BY SYDNEY TENTON, LINDBLOM

R

ecently Lindblom’s College and Career Center offered two great opportunities tied to college. In today’s generation it’s never too soon to step your game up and prepare yourself for your dream college, which is why it’s important to Lindblom that students start learning about college early.

The competition is rising each year for college and Lindblom has offered deals to the 9th and 10th-graders to visit the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. These underclassmen are required to fill out an application and write a 500 word essay in order to be considered for the U of I trip. ​ Some may argue that it’s too early for students in the 9th and 10th-graders to think about college. However, some may disagree and think the trip may be beneficial for students.

Ms. Andrews, director of the College and Career Center at Lindblom, said, “The purpose 40 TRUE STAR JR.

of this trip is to introduce children early on to colleges and to see what college has to offer.

The trip is also for students to be exposed to a college atmosphere. We’ve noticed that students who are exposed to college settings as freshmen and sophomores are most likely to go to college after their senior year.”

Kamari McElroy, a Lindblom freshman, said, “I think this [trip] will benefit me because I can get an idea of a college I may be able to attend in the state of Illinois. I will be able to plan for my future.”

In today’s economy a degree is necessary for many jobs. The standards for good colleges are high, so it’s always good to plan ahead and get a good idea of what to expect in the future. Don’t assume that grades from early on don’t count, because every step matters, especially when applying for scholarships.

Introducing Woodson’s X-BLOCK CLASSES

BY KAYLAH WRIGHT, U.C.-WOODSON

F

or about the last five years Woodson has offered a unique set of classes every Friday at the end of the day. They’re called X-Blocks and they offer a different kind of learning from what we get in our regular classes each day.

The students get to choose from more than 10 classes offered each quarter. Real Men Talk, led

by Joel Bullock and Sam Robinson, and All the World’s a Stage, led by Kat Kindleberger, are two examples of what Woodson students are enjoying this quarter.

TRUE STAR JR. 41

Behind the Scenes

AT THE TRUE STAR JR. Photo Shoot

BY KELLY REYNOLDS, MORGAN PARK

T

he True Star Jr. photo shoot is for all of you guys who are photogenic. You get to be involved with modeling and photography and everything is set up like you have been signed by one of Chicago’s top modeling agencies.

You get the full effect:Â different sceneries and dress categories that come from your own closet, and light makeup if your parent is cool with it. The hair stylist touches up your hair if it needs to be done and then SNAP! SNAP! Your image has been frozen in time for the pages of the magazine.

42 TRUE STAR JR.

CELEBS

SHOW

LOVE

WWW.TRUESTARIS.COM

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