The Mustang Spotlight Spring16

THE MUSTANG

SPOTLIGHT SPRING 2016

WHAT YOUR SHOES

SAY ABOUT YOU

DEALING

WITH Depression Powered By

How Well DO YOU

KNOW YOUR

BFF?

From the Desk of the Superintendent:

W

elcome to the first edition of the Mustang Spotlight!

This is a magazine FOR students, written, produced and directed BY OUR students! Yes! Our junior high students have completed this publication on their own from cover to cover! I am so excited about the pictures, articles, effort and hard work that went into making this a fantastic first edition.

I am hopeful you will take time to read and appreciate each and every page.

Some of the articles will make you laugh, some may have you shed a tear, but they will all make you THINK! Here at Prairie-Hills Elementary School District 144, we are committed to Excellence! We are proud of our students, and we burst with pride at their many and varied accomplishments. Our students are the BEST and the BRIGHTEST in the state of Illinois! As such, I invite you to enjoy this first edition of many to come!

We are the Mighty Mustangs!

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CONTENTS A World of Change

6: GOOD FOODS THAT AREN’T GOOD FOR YOU BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR. 7: LOVE IS LOVE BY ALAUNA RUPERT

Pens & Pencils

8: HOW TO DEAL WITH DEPRESSION BY CHERANIC NATHAN 9: LIFE OF AN HONORS STUDENT BY ESSENCE KNIGHTEN-EL

Down to the Wire

10: TOP 5 SMART PHONES BY CAMERON RICHARDSON 11: THERE’S AN APP FOR THAT! BY CAMERON RICHARDSON

What’s Hot

12: SIX PRINCE HITS WE LOVE THE MOST BY DAESHIA GOWDER 13: CARTOON CRAZY, TOP 5 THAT MAKE US LAUGH BY ALAUNA RUPERT 13: TOP 5 SUPERHERO MOVIES BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR. 14: 6 GREAT SUPERHEROES BY MATTHEW RICHARDS, 8TH GRADE 14: ZOOTOPIA MOVIE REVIEW BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR. 15: BIG HERO SIX MOVIE REVIEW BY DAESHIA GOWDER

Fashion

16: THE LAMEZ - LAME IS THE NEW COOL 20: SUMMER STYLE GUIDE BY KRYSTAL WILCHER

Behind the Scenes

21: WHAT OUR SHOES SAY ABOUT US BY BY ALAUNA RUPERT 22: QUICK NO FUSS RECIPE BY KRYSTAL WILCHER 23: HOW WELL DO YOU KNOW YOUR BFF? BY DAESHIA GOWDER

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

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

CONTRIBUTORS

Alauna Rupert

8th Grade Culture & Society Correspondent

Cameron Richardson 8th Grade Technology Correspondent

Cheranic Nathan

8th Grade Health & Wellness Correspondent

Christopher Scarver Jr 7th Grade Movies & Food Correspondent

Daeshia Gowder

7th Grade Lifestyles & Entertainment Correspondent

Essence Knighten-El 7th Grade Education Correspondent

Krystal Wilcher

8th Grade Politics, Fashion & Food Correspondent

Matthew Richards

8th Grade Superheroes & Games Correspondent

A World of Change

Good Foods THAT

Aren’t Good For You

BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR., 7TH GRADE

T

here are lots of foods that we eat that may taste great in our mouths but are doing damage to our bodies inside. Before you go looking for a snack to munch on, take a look at this information about some of your favorite foods.

1. Doughnuts

Doughnuts are viewed as a national breakfast food. But what you don’t know is that doughnuts can be harmful to you.

Many doughnuts contain about 13 grams of sugar and have trans fats, which make up 30-40 percent of the doughnut. According to webmd.com, trans fats increase your chances of getting heart disease. They are used to enhance flavor, texture and shelf-life for process foods.

2. Soda

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An average can of soda contains 10 teaspoons of sugar, up to 150 calories and 33-55mg of caffeine.

Manufacturers add preservatives that can be harmful.

3. French Fries

French fries are one of the most common foods we eat. But that doesn’t mean that they are good for you.

Studies have shown that French fries may contribute to serious health issues such as blood clotting, inflammation, and worst of all, cancer. The most common issue that people face when eating too much of this food is weight gain.

4. Chips

Potato chips also contain trans fats. They are not as bad as doughnuts, but still have risks. Unlike doughnuts, they only have approximately 10 percent of trans fats. Chips don’t have as much sugar as doughnuts, only about 1 gram per serving.

5. Fried seafood Like chips, fries, and doughnuts, fried seafood contains trans fats, and also carries a risk of mercury, which can pose a serious health risk. Seafood doesn’t contain a lot of mercury when uncooked, but when it is fried, the mercury levels rise. There are about 32 grams of trans fat in seafood.

Love is LOVE

BY ALAUNA RUPERT, 8TH GRADE

The Mustang Spotlight: How did you come out?

Winderlin Phillips: I actually told a friend of mine. He is like a brother, so I told him first. It was the end of the summer before 7th grade.

S

ticks and stones may break my bones, but words can never hurt me. But they can if they are aimed at something that you can’t control. This is something that the LGBTQ students in this school deal with on a daily basis. Our school is filled with mean, closed-minded people. Therefore the LGBTQ students have to defend themselves every day.

Many people know Winderlin Phillips. He was the school president for 2015-2016.

Phillips is my friend and a member of the LGBTQ community. He has been a student in this district since 6th grade and is in the Honors hallway. I think he is a very charming and excellent person. Sadly, he has to deal with bullying. Even though it is 2016, and even though it isn’t his choice, people target him because of his sexuality. Phillips was kind enough to share his experience with us.

TMS: What experiences with bullying have you had?

WP: I have been picked on by a lot of kids.

I also have been made fun of and even called a fag. People have treated me like I was from a different planet and didn’t fit in.

The only people who picked on me were guys and I guess it was because I wasn’t cool. I felt like if any of the cool kids said they were gay, everyone would have been cool with it.

TMS: How have these experiences shaped you?

WP: They made me really want a friend, so I can just have someone to hold me and I can break down. So I have always put on a fake smile and acted like nothing was happening.

TMS: What do you do to cope with bullying?

WP: I normally just listen to songs on how I feel and that I can connect to.

TMS: Do derogatory terms hurt you?

WP: Surprisingly no. It actually makes me laugh that you must call me names to make yourself feel good.

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 7

Pens & Pencils

How To Deal

With DEPRESSION

BY CHERANIC NATHAN, 8TH GRADE

N

o matter what age, depression could affect you. Even though this is a difficult topic to talk about, there are still ways to overcome it.

You could talk about it with a social worker, a parent, or even one of your friends that you’re super comfortable with. Here are five things that I think can help if you are battling with depression.

• Recognize the signs: Teen depression causes a constant feeling of sadness and loss of interest in activities. It affects the way a teen thinks, feels and behaves. It could also cause emotional, functional and physical problems.

Peer pressure, academic expectations and changing bodies can bring a lot of ups and downs for teens.

• Talk about it: One way of dealing with depression is talking it out. Talking about what’s bothering you could make you hear the words that are coming out of your mouth and other people could share what they think could help you.

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• Music: Listening to upbeat music helps. It distracts from the distractions of depression. It fires up your spirit and helps you have something different to think about. When I listen to upbeat music like songs by Panic! at the Disco, I rock out and I think of chill cool type things. It makes those “thoughts” go away. Don’t listen to music that makes you feel worse; instead, listen to music that gets you in a better mood.

• Connect with friends: Connecting with my friends has to be the best way to deal with depression. Friends are there for you and they’re always there to help. Talk with them and tell them how you feel. They might not have professional advice but it’ll still be better if you talk with a peer. It could help you have a stronger bond with that friend or friends. That friend could even help you distract yourself from the thoughts. Having friends during depression is great. They listen and they could talk to you in a way that makes you to feel better.

Life of An

HONORS STUDENT

BY ESSENCE KNIGHTEN-EL, 7TH GRADE

I

went behind the scenes with fellow True Star journalists, many of whom are honors students, to see what life as an honors student is really like at Prairie Hills Junior High. Here are 10 quotes I got from them.

• “The work has been harder and I have talked to people I didn’t think I would talk to.” -- Alauna Rupert, 8th Grade • “It’s smaller, it’s more secluded, everybody knows everybody.”

-- Alauna Rupert, 8th Grade • “I think that it’s a little helpful because I get challenged on some things.”

–Daeshia Gowder, 7th Grade • “They expect you to be able to engage more in discussions because they think that we know enough that we can bring more to the table.”

–Daeshia Gowder, 7th Grade

• “They have higher expectations and when we take the Constitution, they go deeper into the background and we learn more than the other hallways.”

–Daeshia Gowder, 7th Grade • “The work is harder and there are higher expectations.”

–Christopher Scarver, Jr., 7th Grade • “I think it makes you feel proud and it’s an honor to be in honors.”

–Christopher Scarver, Jr., 7th Grade • “They have a higher respect for you and you have to have really good grades.”

–Christopher Scarver, Jr., 7th Grade • “Well, for one it’s smaller than the other hallways. Two, there are less teachers. Three, we are trusted with more things.”

–Christopher Scarver, Jr., 7th Grade • “When we have those very hard projects, they give us enough time to work on it.”

–Christopher Scarver, Jr., 7th Grade MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 9

Down To The Wire

5 Smartphones

Top

BY CAMERON RICHARDSON, 8TH GRADE

CELL PHONES ARE ONE OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PARTS OF THE STUDENT LIFESTYLE. I TALKED TO SEVERAL STUDENTS, AND SOME ADULTS TOO, ABOUT THEIR FAVORITE CELL PHONE. HERE ARE THE RESULTS.

Galaxy 7s

IPhone 6s plus

IPhone se Lg g4

HTC One M10 10 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

There’s An

App For That!

BY CAMERON RICHARDSON, 8TH GRADE

A

pps are the language that students use today to connect, study, socialize, and share information with others around the world. I talked to students at Prairie Hills about which they use the most and what they like, or don’t like, about them. This is what the students had to say.

Kik

Kik helps students connect to people in class right beside them and all over the world.

“It is the best way to message people if you don’t want them to have your numbers.”

-Taylor O’Neal, 8th Grader

Instagram

Students use it to help share photos and videos.

You can like, share, and comment.

“Instagram is a great way to connect with friends and share photos.”

-Jaida Frenses, 8th Grader

YouTube

Use it to share videos, comment on videos and upload as well.

“YouTube is funny, helpful and entertaining.”

-Karyn Reynolds, 8th Grader

Oovoo

OOvoo allows people to connect though video chatting.

“The video quality sucks.”

-Xavier Woods, 8th Grader

Snapchat

Sharing quick and fast pictures and videos to all your friends that disappear within 10 seconds.

“Snapchat is a way to embarrass your best friends.”

-Karinton Taylor, 8th Grader MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 11

What’s Hot

The 6 Prince Hits

We Love The Most

T

BY DAESHIA GOWDER, 7TH GRADE

HE RECENT LOSS OF PRINCE WAS A SHOCK TO US ALL, BUT HIS SONGS WILL LIVE ON FOREVER. HERE ARE SIX HITS THAT PRAIRIE HILLS STUDENTS AND STAFF LOVE THE MOST.

1. When Doves Cry 2. Purple Rain 2. I Would Die For You 3. Diamonds & Pearls 4. 1999 5. Kiss 6. Let’s Go Crazy 12 MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT

Cartoon Crazy The Top 5 That Make Us Laugh E

BY ALAUNA RUPERT, 8TH GRADE

VERYONE HAS A FAVORITE CARTOON, AND THE PRAIRIE HILLS STUDENTS AND STAFF ARE NO EXCEPTION. CHECK OUT THE TOP FIVE PICKS THAT MAKE US LAUGH THE HARDEST.

1. Spongebob Squarepants 2. Steven universe 3. The Simpson’s 4. Adventure Time 5. Fairly odd parents

The Top

5 “Must See”

superheroes Movies

T

BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR., 7TH GRADE

HERE ARE LOTS OF GOOD HERO MOVIES OUT THERE TO ENTERTAIN US, BUT NOT ALL OF THEM WILL BE CONSIDERED CLASSICS BY THE MAJORITY OF PEOPLE. THE OVERWHELMING BOX OFFICE NUMBERS OF THESE FIVE FILMS ARE PROOF THAT THEY WILL GO DOWN IN HISTORY AS THE BEST OF THE BEST SUPERHERO FLIX EVER. IF YOU HAVEN’T SEEN THEM, GO AHEAD AND ADD THEM TO YOUR MUST-SEE LIST.

1. The Avengers 2. The Dark Knight 3. Iron Man 4. The Incredibles 5. Superman

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 13

6 Great

Superheroes

BY MATTHEW RICHARDS, 8TH GRADE

B

eing a superhero takes bravery, strength and most often, a supernatural power or two. Take a look at our list of heroic faves and find out what powers help them protect the world, fight crime and save lives.

Here’s what makes them so super:

1. Barry Allen (The Flash)

4. Tony Stark (Iron Man)

Abilities: Time travel, hitting light speed, borrowing speed, speed speak, phasing through objects

Abilities: Superhuman strength, speed, vision, and hearing along with heat vision, flight and super breath

2. Peitro Django Maximoff

(Quicksilver) Abilities: Running at the speed of light and superhuman fast reflexes

5. Kal-El, Clark Kent (Superman) Abilities: Superhuman strength, speed, vision, hearing, heat vision, flight

3. Steve Rogers (Captain America) 6. Diane Prince (Wonder Woman) Abilities: Agility, strength, speed, endurance, reaction time superior to any Olympic athlete

Abilities: Strength, speed, agility, durability, endurance, indestructible bracelets, lasso of truth

ZOOTOPIA

Is One To Watch

BY CHRISTOPHER SCARVER JR., 7TH GRADE

Z

ootopia is a movie based on animals that have human behaviors. The main characters, Nick and Judy, try to solve a case that involves missing animals that become savage. Judy is a rabbit. She is smart, upbeat, and the first-ever bunny to become a police officer. She is hard-working and doesn’t like to give up. Nick, a fox, is clever, smart, and knows how to get his way out of things. Together, they help solve the missing cases.

The part that surprised me was when Judy ran over to Nick and hugged him after the incident. This was a sign of friendship. I really enjoyed this movie and I think you would like it too. I thought this movie was fun and unique and I would rate this a 4.5 out of 5 stars.

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Big Hero Six

Does Not Disappoint

BY DAESHIA GOWDER, 7TH GRADE

A

mazing! Stunning! Outstanding! These are some of the many things that I can share about Disney’s Big Hero Six.

brother’s friends and tries to find the killer. Hiro later finds out (Spoiler alert!) that it was the teacher. Shocking!

This movie gives you everything, from actionpacked feelings to heart-warming emotions.

There are six people that are part of this somewhat superhero league: Hiro Hamada, Wasabi, Honey Lemon, Gogo Tomago, Fred and Baymax. This movie begins with Hiro having fun but then it gets sad.

Hiro then learns that his teacher, Robert Callahan, has lost his daughter in hyperspace.

Hiro risks his life to save her. The story becomes

Hiro’s brother Tadashi dies in a fire and in order to avenge his death, Hiro joins forces with his

emotional toward the end when Hiro and Baymax try to save the daughter. This story examines the true meaning of friendship and bravery. Big Hero 6 is hilarious while still having some of those moments where you feel like you could cry. The bottom line is that you should GO WATCH THIS MOVIE! You will not regret it at all.

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FASHION

z e m a L The THE NEW COOL L AME IS

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Summer STYLE Guide

BY KRYSTAL WILCHER, 8TH GRADE

D

eciding what to wear this summer may not be an easy task for everyone. Why? Because Chicago has some of the most bipolar weather out there. One day, you might have on a pair of shorts and the next day, you will definitely need jeans or maybe a coat too. Or, perhaps khaki’s if you like the feel of the wind hitting your legs.

Do you want your wardrobe to look good on a Saturday night? Maybe you have a barbeque to go to and need to look fresh, or perhaps you have an after-school party to attend and want to look your best. Whatever the occasion, follow these style tips to improve your look and share them with your family too.

For Students

Wear an ironed button-up shirt with a pair of jeans and make everyone gasp when you walk in the place.

For Moms

If you want to look young again or get your groove back, try a tank top or sheer blouse with leggings and nice black heels. A summer dress with sandals can also be stylish.

For Dads

If you like being on the basketball court, try a new pair of Jays (also known as Jordans) along with a pair of shorts to bring it all together. If you really want to impress the person you love, try a shirt with a collar and dress pants.

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Behind The Scenes

What Our SHOES Say About Us

BY ALAUNA RUPERT, 8TH GRADE

W

hat are you doing when the Air Jordan Retro 11s release date comes up? Are you begging your parents to buy them for you?

Are you doing extra chores? Are you calm because you were promised them for your birthday? Are you not worried because you don’t know your 10s from your 11s? This question is for the people who care about shoes. Why do you think shoes are so important to people in our school? Tiatia Aluka says, “Some people feel it shows that they look fresh and good, but to some, it really doesn’t matter.”

This sounds pretty reasonable.

I feel that the reason a lot of people make a big deal about shoes is because, in a school that is full of uniforms, shoes are the only thing that we have that reflect individuality. We all look to the media to see what’s cool, instead of forming our own opinions.

What makes one pair of shoes better than another? “The brand,” Aluka replies. I asked Gamyla Ector what makes one pair of shoes better than another. Her answer: “The style.”

Maybe everyone doesn’t care about the brand, instead they just care about the style of the shoe, but I believe that a majority of African-Americans care too much about shoes. After a shooting on March 5th of this year, after the Valentine Jordans came out, some folks said that shoes should never be that serious. The thing is that, sometimes, people want to get new shoes no matter who gets hurt.

“Black people have a mentality of spending money on things that are materialistic,” says Daniel Hall. “Therefore, you will see more Black people wearing Jordans, versus a White person. Not all Black people are like this, but the majority of Black people’s mindsets are like this.

White people have a different way of ‘thinking’; they spend money on certain things that will benefit them in the future, instead of wasting money now. Again, all White people don’t think like this, but the majority do.”

Do you agree? Do you think people care too much about shoes?

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QUICK NO-FUSS RECIPE: “Pork Chops Delight”

BY KRYSTAL WILCHER, 8TH GRADE

H

ere’s a pork chop recipe for when you have no idea what to cook for the night. This idea comes from students who shared dishes that they’ve eaten.

Even if you don’t know how to cook, these instructions are easy enough to follow. Cooking is a cool way to put something new on the table that will appeal to different palates, including your parents.

In fact, you can even make it together. If you’re especially busy, this recipe may be perfect for you.

What You’ll Need: • 15 tart apples - peeled, cored, and finely chopped • 1 yellow onion, quartered • 3 (1 inch) pieces fresh ginger root, peeled • 1 cup white wine vinegar • 1/2 cup white sugar • 1/2 cup brown sugar • 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper • 1/2 teaspoon ground cardamom • 1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg • 1 cup vegetable oil for frying • 1/2 cup all-purpose flour • 1/2 teaspoon seasoning salt, or to taste • salt and pepper to taste • 4 (3/4 inch) thick pork chops

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Instructions: • In a saucepan, mix the apples, onion, ginger, vinegar, white sugar, brown sugar, cinnamon, white pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, and cover. Simmer 30 minutes, stirring frequently, until the apples are tender. Mix in some water if necessary to keep the ingredients moist. Remove the onion and ginger. Fry or bake pork chops in separate dish. Pour mix over chops.

Ready to serve.

How Well DO YOU KNOW YOUR BFF?

BY DAESHIA GOWDER, 7TH GRADE

DIRECTIONS: Do you know everything that there is to know about your bestie? This friendly quiz on friendship can help you find out. All you have to do is answer the questions about your best friend in column A. In column B, your best friend will answer the same questions about themselves.

Make sure your BFF doesn’t see your answers in column A, so the quiz is honest and fair. At the end, you will both need to come together to discuss and follow this simple grading system to determine if you are truly BFFs.

Column A Question 1: What is your best friend’s favorite color?

Answer:_________________________________ Question 2: When and where did you and your best friend meet?

Answer:_________________________________ Question 3: What is your best friend’s favorite food?

Answer:_________________________________ Question 4: Who’s your best friend’s favorite celebrity?

Answer:_________________________________ Question 5: How would you describe your best friend in one word?

Answer:_________________________________ Cover up your BFF’s answers in Column A before answering questions here in Column B

Column B Question 1: What is your favorite color?

Answer:_________________________________ Question 2: When and where did you and your best friend meet?

Answer:_________________________________ Question 3: What is your best friend’s favorite food?

Answer:_________________________________ Question 4: Who’s your best friend’s favorite celebrity?

Answer:_________________________________ Question 5: How would you describe your best friend in one word?

Answer:_________________________________

Count Your Points!

1 POINT– You don’t really know your best friend and really need to get to know them better.

2-3 POINTS – You know them pretty well but you still need some help. You have not reached matching necklace status yet.

4 POINTS – You are pretty good at this knowing your best friend stuff and have reached matching necklaces.

5 POINTS – You know your best friend so well that you are practically siblings. Not only have you reached matching necklaces, but you have reached the point where you can receive the Bestest Friend Of The Year Award!

MUSTANG SPOTLIGHT 23

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