True Star Jr Fall 2017

.COM

JR TRUESTAR

7 FALL 201

Adjusting TO A NEW Year of SCHOOL

Get To Know "GREENLEAF" Actress

Desirée Ross

Social Media Star

Complexion

E

IS FLEXIN' HER

E

Rogers

Cayen Martin Alina Morse Khloe Thompson Hadiya Love Kevin "Boopie" Miller Aaliyah Merrick Kinyah Braddock

F R

Kheris

Inside:

TRUE STAR Foundation A LEADER IN YOUTH PROGRAMS

Our Purpose TO INSPIRE DREAMS SO THAT YOUNG PEOPLE CAN FIND THEIR VOICE, CHOOSE THEIR PATH, AND PREPARE FOR LIFE.

TRUE STAR FOUNDATION

Our Mission

The True Star Foundation’s mission is to demonstrate healthy transitions for youth coming into early adulthood by exposing them to real world experiences in the workforce through the development of their own media and being an intricate part of the strategic direction and overall business operations of the organization.

Our Work

True Star is a youth work collaborative that amplifies youth voice through producing content for True Star Magazine, True Star Jr. Magazine, The Park Magazine, True Star Online, True Star Media TV, and True Star Radio.

Our Impact

• True Star has provided on-the-job training for over 3,000 youth since its inception.

• The vast majority of True Star students (70 percent) reported that their team-working, oral communication, researching, problem-solving, writing skills, as well as their confidence and ability to do other schoolwork, improved as a result of True Star’s programs.

• In 2016, True Star provided 600 work opportunities that paid out $200,000 in stipends and youth pay.

BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Board President - LaTonya Wilkens Director Talent Management, University of Illinois Business School Treasurer -Giuseppe Commodaro Director Strategy & Execution - CME Group Secretary - Mia Nelson Sr. Analyst, Baxter David Douglas Founder & CEO – Yolobe, Inc. Leslie A. Hairston Alderman, Fifth Ward Sean Harden Non-Profit Consultant David Nichols Americas Leader - EY Malcolm Weems - Senior Advisor Public Policy and Regulation, Dentons LaTonya Wilkens Director Talent Management, University of Illinois Business School Sharming Scott-Nathan Human Resources Director, Fox Television Stations

Thank You To Our Major Partners

TRUESTARFOUNDATION.ORG

TRUESTARIS.COM

YOUTUBE.COM/TRUESTARMEDIATV

To donate visit truestarfoundation.org or send check payable to True Star Foundation - 1130 South Wabash - Suite 302 - Chicago, IL 60605 For Advertising Inquires email info@truestarmagazine.com or call 312.588.0100

CONTENTS EXPOSE’

FASHION

6-7: KAM 2 AFRICA, BY KAMREN CALE, KENWOOD ACADEMY 8: KARE FOR THE WORLD WITH KHLOE KARES,

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 9: NATURAL NOT “NAPTURAL,” BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL

26: TOP SHOE BRANDS, BY KAMREN CALE, KENWOOD ACADEMY 27: SCHOOL FASHION 101, BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 28-31: FASHION PAGES

TALKIN’ NERDY 10: ADJUSTING TO SCHOOL, BY MADISON RAMIREZ, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL 11: WEBCOMICS, BY BLAKE CARNES, WHITNEY YOUNG 12: ARE BOOK ONLY FOR NERDS? BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 13: 5 HACKS THAT WILL KEEP YOU ORGANIZED FOR SCHOOL, BY MADISON RAMIREZ, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL

4EVER YOUNG 14: ALINA MORSE: THE CREATOR OF HEALTHY SWEETS, BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 15: IS RAP MUSIC GOOD FOR TEENS?, BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 16: DOES SCHOOL MEAN NO MORE FUN?, BY MADISON RAMIREZ, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL 17: TOP DISNEY MOVIES BY KAMREN CALE, KENWOOD ACADEMY

HOT OFF THE PRESS 18: CAYEN MARTIN: A CHICAGO ACTOR TO WATCH, BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 19: LET'S B CHILL FOR A MOMENT, KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL 20-21: FLEXIN’ IN HER COMPLEXION, BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 22-23: GET TO KNOW THE BUBBLY & ENERGETIC DESIREE ROSS, BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 24: KEVIN “BOOPIE” MILLER: BALL OUT THE HOOD, BY KAMREN CALE, KENWOOD ACADEMY 25: LOVIN’ HADIYA LOVE?, BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL

DEEPER THAN SKIN 32: IS SUNSCREEN REALLY NEEDED FOR A DAY IN THE SUN?, BY MADISON RAMIREZ, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL 33: MAKEUP AND ITS EFFECT ON YOUNG SKIN,

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK HIGH SCHOOL

CREATIVE & CULTURE CORNER 34-35: FULL OF BLACK GIRL MAGIC | PEANUTBUDDAR ART, BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY 36: SZA, INKA SALINAS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL 37: FNAF BABY, KAYLEE "KIWI" RUTHERFORD, PARKER JUNIOR HIGH 38: INSANITY, BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

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 SHERMAN & J. NA-TAE’ THOMPSON MANAGING EDITOR MARTI PARHAM EDITORIAL INSTRUCTOR NYKEYA WOODS WEB CONTENT & MARKETING MANAGER JOI MITCHELL WEB CONTENT ASSISTANT HENRY COLLINS ART DIRECTION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION ANGEL D’AMICO-BAUER PROMOTIONS MANAGER DESHAUN ADAMS

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

CONTRIBUTORS Morgan Park High School, Chicago

Kenwood Academy, Chicago

Kayla Holloway

Kamren Cale

Lindblom Math & Science Academy, Chicago

Kellar Middle School Robbins, IL

Makayla Idelburg

Madison Ramirez Whitey Young, Chicago

not pictured Blake Carnes

Parker Junior High, Flossmoor, IL

Kaylee “Kiwi” Rutherford

YOUTH FASHION MUSIC TRUESTARIS.COM

Kellar Middle School, Robbins, IL

Inka Salinas

URBAN CULTURE BLOG

EXPOSE’

Kam 2 AFRICA: MY TRIP TO THE

Motherland

BY KAMREN CALE, KENWOOD ACADEMY

I

nternational travel is something that few people get to experience. Luckily, my mom’s company, It Works Global, granted her an Africa wish trip for 10 days, which became an amazing experience that changed my life. I have always loved Africa, especially after studying about Nelson Mandela and the apartheid.

Before the missionary trip, we prepared quite a bit by gathering donations from organizations like Project I Am, Days for Girls, The Beauty Project and several family and friends for the women and girls in South Africa. I had traveled from Chicago to Atlanta and then after 14 hours we landed in Johannesburg. But our final stop was in Mbabane, Swaziland with Children’s Cup, an organization that works with churches to help communities through holistic child development.

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Days were spent making home visits, walking, serious hiking and experiencing the culture, which included a safari with mountains, monkeys and elephants we got to see up close.

One Saturday was an early day, but the most important part of my trip. After church services, we planned a women's day event—the I Am conference—for all of the women that spend their time taking care of all of the many kids.

The women were happy that this time someone was serving them, not that they were serving someone else.

After all of the women left, we visited the I Am Not Forgotten Home that was close by. The home(s) are for kids that are in really dangerous situations. They were physically and mentally abused, neglected, thrown out on the streets, and more. I met several new friends there and had the best time ever!

Couple Kaylee and John Stemkoski were part of the missionary team and said the trip was moving.

“It was impactful,” said Kaylee, 21. “We got to help so many people and brighten their days.”

John agreed. “The trip gives you a sense of fulfilment and it feels good to help people out in their time [of] need. It just makes you more of a complete person, you know,” the 24-year-old said.

I found that the most interesting part of this trip was going to the Carepoints—a place where kids can come to have fun, learn and get food if they cannot get the things that they need themselves. I also enjoyed the home visits, and giving back to all the kids and grownups that needed it. Seeing all of the smiles on all of the kids’ faces was also a plus.

TRUE STAR JR. 7

Kare FOR THE World with Khloe KARES

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH THE & SCIENCE ACADEMY

“IN THE FUTURE, I WANT TO HAVE MY OWN COMMUNITY CENTER WHERE HOMELESS PEOPLE CAN HAVE SOMEWHERE TO WORK AND LIVE…” – KHLOE THOMPSON

A

t only 10 years old, Khloe Thompson has dedicated her life to helping homeless women around the world. She started the initiative, Khloe Kares, where she distributes various items such as toothpaste/toothbrushes, socks, deodorant, and more in her handmade bags for homeless women in Los Angeles. Thompson has also found a way to get other people more involved in the problem of homelessness by starting “Kare Bag Day” which is a faster way to give out her bags in different communities. As for Thompson, she said she thinks it's fun to be able to help out people around the world. To date, Khloe Kares has donated nearly 8,000 items in the Kare Bags.

“In the future, I want to have my own community center where homeless people can have somewhere to work and live, so when they get back on their feet they’ll have money and some type of experience with jobs,” she said. But until that 8 TRUE STAR JR.

happens, she frequently visits the Ann Douglass Center in southern California and becomes familiar with the ladies that live there.

Thompson has recently gone to Ghana where she distributed more of her Kare Bags to the homeless women. She was especially close with Dawn’s Sunday Girls because the main reason she travelled to Ghana was to give them an encouraging speech on how to put a business into works and that you're never too young to make a change. It was also a very emotional time for her when she saw the conditions that the women were living in, but that only shows how much this young lady really kares for the women she has set out to help.

You can see what Khloe's been up to by visiting any of her social media sites: Instagram: @khloekares Twitter: @KhloeKares Facebook: KhloeKares Website: khloekares.com

Natural Not “Naptural” #NaturalisBeautiful

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK

I

n today’s society, there is a certain bias for what is “accepted” and what’s not accepted for natural hair. That bias gives a certain stigma that it's “unprofessional” or “distracting"; spreading negative attention about how natural hair really is.

Many people describe textured hair as “nappy.”

This term, according to blacknaps.org, is a historically disrespectful term that used to insult African slaves and their hair. Now, many people describe “nappy" hair as “hair that is tightly coiled and short.”

“The Good Hair Study” from Perception Institute explains how Americans show bias towards Black women and their natural hair. A key finding from the study revealed that “the majority of participants, regardless of race, show implicit bias against Black women's textured hair.”

Fifteen-year-old twin sisters Mya and Deanna Cook caused a lot of controversy earlier this year because they wore braided hair extensions at their Mystic Valley Regional Charter School

in Massachusetts, according to The Washington Post. Although it is not their natural hair, the controversial rule did start a debate because the attorney general’s office found out that the school did not hold White students to the same standards. They were banned from sports, banished from prom and received a lot of hours of detention because they refused to change their hair.

In February 2017, Teen Vogue interviewed Black women who wear their natural hair and many said they felt a need to change [styles] in their careers in your average, white-collar workplace.

Latasha W., a marketing and communications professional in New York City, especially felt this impact. She brought up an interesting unspoken rule—‘Straight hair for the interview, natural hair once you’re in the door.’ ” Because of the controversies and opinions about natural hair, there is a movement spread to celebrate women's natural locks. The natural hair movement encourages women to embrace their hair because #naturalisbeautiful.

TRUE STAR JR. 9

TALKING NERDY

ADJUSTING To School

BY MADISON RAMIREZ, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL

S

chool can mean a lot of things to different people. It can mean getting to see your friends after summer break, but most importantly it also means homework, projects and grades. Coming back to class after a three-month break can be hard to suddenly jump into work. Here are some ways to help you adjust to that.

For homework, you can start off slow and take your time. If you aren't able to complete an assignment, but know you a have a period before that class you can do it in, do it in that class period.

Projects take a lot of work to do. When you are given the assignment, along with the rubric and due date, you can plan out how much work to do a day. One day you can finish one part of the project and perhaps start another. If you have a partner, the two of you can split the work evenly.

Try not to wait until the last minute. It will be more of a hassle and also build up stress.

If you are not understanding the topic you are learning in class, ask a friend in that class or the 10 TRUE STAR JR.

IF YOU ARE NOT UNDERSTANDING THE TOPIC YOU ARE LEARNING IN CLASS, ASK A FRIEND IN THAT CLASS OR THE TEACHER FOR HELP. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK; WE ALL NEED HELP AT TIMES.

teacher for help. Don't be afraid to ask; we all need help at times. If you don't ask for help, it can lead up to you failing an assignment and bringing down your grade.

Your sleep schedule will also require some adjustments. When you're on break most people stay up late, and wake up late. When school is back in session students start to oversleep or are tired during the school day. Thirteen-year-old Diego Frausto has his own system for waking up on time. “I usually go to sleep around 10:30 and set up about three alarms to me get up in the morning,” the Central Park student said.

Adjusting to school can be hard for students; maybe not all but most. These little tips may help you at the start of the school year. “I believe these tips are good for students; it can be hard adjusting to work, pressure, and all sorts of things after three months of vacation,” said 13-year-old Lizbeth Ramos, a Kellar Middle School student. Hopefully you find these tips to be useful too.

Webcomics: A New

Look For COMIC STRIPS

BY BLAKE CARNES, WHITNEY YOUNG

T

he most popular webcomic on the Internet, xkcd, is viewed by approximately 281,500 unique visitors every day according to hypestat.com. It is immensely popular for its creativity, artistic genius and writing. Surely an art piece this famous must have an outstanding art style? No, it is just stick figures drawn on a plain-white background with variations only in their hair and headwear. It generates a fortune in merchandise and the creator, Randall Munroe, has become famous.

Munroe, who used to work on robots at NASA's Langley Research Center in Virginia, explains on his website how his idea came about. “I was going through old math/sketching graph paper notebooks and didn't want to lose some of the work in them, so I started scanning pages. I took the more comic-y ones and put them up on a server I was testing out, and got a bunch of readers when BoingBoing linked to me,” Munroe posted. “I started drawing more seriously, gained a lot more readers, started selling T-shirts on the site, and am currently shipping T-shirts and drawing this comic full-time.”

Many other webcomics as popular have emerged, for with the advent of the Internet comes a medium not just for chatting about the latest viral video but for sharing art with the world in an easier way than ever. The powers of the Internet, such as animation and accessibility, allowed for the creation of an entirely new, easy-to-make and easier-to-read medium: the webcomic. Creating one is as simple as drawing a panel on a computer or scanning it from paper and then uploading it onto a host site, such as SmackJeeves or Tumblr (which offer free image hosting). This art can then be shared with a viewership, and the best ones generate a devoted fanbase.

“If a comic comes out on the scene and it's really knock-out brilliant, the community is pretty good about getting the word out about good newcomers,” said Scott McCloud, a comic artist who has written plenty on comics’ Internet-reliant future.

With it being so easy to build a webcomic, why not try your luck? You could be the next webcomic superstar!

TRUE STAR JR. 11

Are Books ONLY FOR NERDS?

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

H

ow many of you have heard someone say things like “I don't read books?” or “That person is smart because she reads all those big books?” You may have even heard the line “Why are you always reading books like a nerd?” Today's generation is so dependent on technology that they forget that the physical copy of a book can give them a much better understanding on–well anything!

A book’s job is to hold your attention to the point where you can imagine the story as you're reading it. You can't do that if you have notifications popping up every few minutes. The reason people classify reading as nerdy or even geeky is because you're so absorbed in the book that you isolate yourself from reality. The status quo of society is to be social and likable. If you're not then you're pretty much an outcast.

However, reading has a dangerous power. When you gain knowledge from a book instead of Googling for information, then that makes you the smartest kid in the class. Cool right? Not. Everyone decides that you're unbelievably smart, 12 TRUE STAR JR.

have answers for everything and want your help.

But when you're done helping them, they go right back to ignoring you. It's frustrating really.

Fourteen-year-old Carson Chriswell understands this all too well. “I don't believe books are only for nerds because any and everyone has the ability to read books,” Chriswell said. “It's really just how they perceive the person who would always read all the time. So it's arguable why people even call others nerds for reading.”

Kyra Brown said books are for the imagination.

“Books can take people to places they've never been to. There are endless possibilities. And you can read all types of books depending on what you like,” the 12-year-old said. Brown also said there is nothing wrong with using technology to learn. “It is OK to watch YouTube sometimes and watch TV or use social media, but you should use it all in moderation. It's the same as eating junk food.”

So the next time you get the urge to sign on to social media, try switching things up and reading a book instead. You just may learn something.

5 Hacks THAT WILL KEEP YOU Organized

For School

BY MADISON RAMIREZ, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL

S

chool can be challenging in all types of ways. Work related or not, it can be hard to keep yourself organized during the school year. Use these helpful hacks to put some order in your life to kick-off a hassle-free semester this fall.

• Book bags. Keep your book bag

clean at all times. Pick one day a week, maybe Fridays or Sundays, to take out all the things you don’t need to carry. All the garbage or unnecessary things take up more room and you end up luging around extra weight. “This tip will definitely help me because my book bag gets filled with pieces of paper or broken pencils.

[That space could be used to] fit another book,” said eighth grader Charles Parrish.

• Folders. Instead of rummaging through your locker to find the folder for the next class, put them in order of the what classes you have.

Another tip is to label or color code your folders for easy access.

•Binders. If you use a binder use tabs to

separate each section. One section may be for loose leaf paper, the other for notes, and maybe for papers that are given to you that have three holes on the side. If you don't have tabs you can use a piece of card stock as a divider that says what is in that section.

•Mark Your Calendar.

Keeping a notebook with a calendar in it to keep track of important dates is a must. Things such as tests and assignment due dates can be written in here to make sure you are prepared for those days. Use the calendar in your phone if a notebook is too much of a hassle.

•Being Prepared. Before you

leave the house for school, make sure that your book bag has your homework in it and has any other materials you need for that day of class.

Before you go to bed each night, you should also have what you are going to wear the next day already picked out and ready to put on too. This will make your mornings easier.

TRUE STAR JR. 13

4EVER YOUNG

Alina Morse: THE CREATOR OF HEALTHY Sweets!

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

I

n 2013, a seven-year-old girl had an idea that would make the all time rivalry of oral hygiene and sweets come to an end. Alina Morse (now 12) came up with this idea just because she was denied a lollipop from a bank teller. Her dad, having made her refuse the lollipop, was teaching her the lesson of candy being bad for her teeth, but she took it a step further. With the idea of “Why can't there be healthy lollipops?”

Morse spent the next two years searching for the perfect formula of what would make the best healthy candy—Zollipop.

“I talked to my dentists and dental hygienist about what would be good magic teeth cleaning ingredients and they recommended xylitol and erythritol which are both extremely healthy,” she said. Now with a distinct recipe, Morse turns back to her main focus of helping moms and kids alike with the problem of eating too much candy.

“According to the U.S. Surgeon General, we found out that tooth-decay was the single greatest epidemic facing kids in America today,” Morse said, a fact she learned while doing research. “With our product, we could make a difference in kids across the country because the problem is most likely due to the lack of dental care.” To ensure this happens, Morse donates 10 percent of her products to support education and schools.

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Now let's talk about the name Zollipop. Who came up with it and why does the name fit perfectly with the healthy lollipop? Well, we can thank Morse’s little sister, Lola, for that one!

While trying to come up with a name for the unique candy, Morse handed one to her little sister and said, “Do you want a xylitol lollipop?”

And Lola, not understanding the name, says, “You mean a Zollipop?” And that's how the Zollipops name was born!

Zollipops are sold at Whole Foods, Kroger, Amazon, Toys R Us, and Dylan’s Candy Bar (which also sells their newest product Zaffy Taffy!).

Support Morse by visiting Zollipops.com.

Is Rap Music

Good for Teens?

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK

C

hild rappers and teen rappers are taking over the rap industry today, but the main focus of this article is on adult rappers. Since the 1970s, rap music has taken over pop culture, especially with adolescents. Teens listen to an average of two-and-half hours of music daily, and according to The New York Times website, “Studies have shown that media messages have a pronounced impact on childhood risk behaviors.” This means if a child or teen is exposed to the media (in this case, music), it will affect their everyday behaviors.

Studies done by Western Connecticut University have shown that people who listen to music with violent lyrics are more likely to be violent. Many rap songs today consists of sexual innuendos, substance abuse (drugs, alcohol, etc.), and violence in the lyrics. And to 14-year-old Lexi Miranda, although rap music is entertaining to listen to, it disrespects women. “Sometimes I can really vibe and connect with rap because it says

what I feel, but sometimes it makes me angry because it degrades women,” she said.

On the other hand, rap music can teach its listeners some things too. It can teach about matters going on in the world and it can teach what to do and what not to do in various situations. As the website livestrong. com explains, “It's an invitation for parents to help teens develop greater awareness of adult issues.”

Alissa Alexander, 14, said, “Rap can leave me with a good mood or it can teach me something [or] open me up to something. For example, Jay Z’s ‘The Story of O.J.’ really makes great points about things going on in the real world.”

When listening to adult rappers, make sure to be open-minded about what's going on in the song.

Is it spreading a positive message or spreading a message that shouldn't be said?

TRUE STAR JR. 15

Does SCHOOL

MEAN NO MORE Fun?

BY MADISON RAMIREZ, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL Middle School student.

S

chool. Better known as the place that doesn’t allow you to have fun because of its connection to homework, projects, and books.

But is that really true? If you think life is lost once classes start, there are activities you can still do to make sure you are able to have fun during the school year.

One way to make your day enjoyable is to hang out with the people you like most. “In my opinion, school doesn't mean fun has to come to an end,” said Kellar Middle School student Juana Gallardo, 14. “You're still able to spend time with your friends during the six hours you spend at school.”

Fourteen-year-old Alexandria Berry agreed with Gallardo. “School does involve work and stress, but that doesn't keep me from having fun. I still talk and go out with friends,” said the Kellar 16 TRUE STAR JR.

Enjoy some social time with your friends by making plans to hang out once everyone has gotten their homework out of the way. You can pick a time to meet at the park or pick a date to go to the theater to see that movie you've been wanting to check out.

Another great time to get together with friends is to celebrate a birthday. You can also make plans around upcoming events like concerts. Go online now to find out when your favorite artists will be coming to town. With enough notice, you and your bestie can save up money for tickets and make plans to enjoy a night of music and fun.

And if you live in a big city like Chicago, there’s always something happening like haunted houses during Halloween time, neighborhood festivals, traveling carnivals and holiday parades. These are just a few ideas on how to keep the fun in your life during the busy school year.

Top Disney MOVIES D

BY KAMREN CALE, KENWOOD ACADEMY

isney is constantly remaking movies and shows to bring back memories for people and make news. Now the family-oriented company is turning movies like Cinderella, Beauty and the Beast and Aladdin into live action shows and movies. Here’s a list of some of Disney’s most likeable stories.

The Lion King Many people would say The Lion King is the best of all the Disney movies. It is popular because of its great storyline and it is able to provide that parent-child relationship when watching it as a family.

James and the Giant Peach James and the Giant Peach is an amazing movie about a boy that was mistreated by his aunt and becomes friends with bugs inside a giant peach to take a journey to New York.

Beauty and the Beast In Beauty and the Beast, Belle offers herself as a prisoner to a beast in exchange for her father’s freedom. What she doesn’t know is that the beast is actually a prince that was put under a spell.

Moana Moana is about a young girl that was chosen by the sea when she was just a baby to restore healing to the earth.

Zootopia In Zootopia the movie showed that it doesn't matter how small you are, because anybody can become anything that they want if they put their mind to it. Also, it showed that people might put you down but as long as you get back up it will be alright.

Hercules This movie was put on the list because of the different emotions that were displayed by the main character. Hercules is the son of a god and a human. Hercules has to prove himself worthy to be able to live with the gods on Olympus.

Big Hero 6 Big Hero 6 tells the story of Hiro, a young robotics prodigy, and the bond he has with an inflatable robot name Baymax. Together they team up with some friends and form a hi-tech super hero group to solve a mystery.

The Princess and the Frog This movie deserves to be on this list because it was the first African-American princess movie that Disney made and it was phenomenal. It is also important because it touches on different types of relationships and women being entrepreneurs.

TRUE STAR JR. 17

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Cayen Martin:

A Chicago ACTOR

TO WATCH

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK

H

ave you ever wanted to be on TV, in movies or even star on Broadway? Cayen Martin is doing just that. He played various roles, such as Young Simba in “The Lion King Musical” on Broadway in New York City, and Men In Black 3 as the younger version of Will Smith’s character, Agent J. According to Martin, the best part about acting “is getting to be different people, or getting to be outside of the world you’re living in.”

Since Martin started acting, his career changed his life. “I started acting when I was three years old because I did really good impressions and my grandpa said that as well, so my mom signed me up [to be an actor],” he said. “When I was younger, I did toy commercials, and as I got older, I did TV shows and movies.”

Although the 12-year-old has performed on Broadway, he said his favorite role to play was on Disney XD’s “Gamer’s Guide To Pretty Much Everything” where he portrayed Lenny.

Lenny is a fan of the gaming team “Thumbs of Fury,” and Martin said he wanted to be just like his character. “I loved that role because I got to hang out on a Disney set, which I’ve always wanted to do,” he said.

To the young actor, acting is a form of expressing your feelings. “I love acting because it lets me be 18 TRUE STAR JR.

different people at different times,” he said. “It lets me have a wide variety of what my reality can be.”

Martin is currently filming a miniseries called “Waco,” playing Jamie Martin. The miniseries is about the Waco, Texas siege that took place in the spring of 1993. It is set to premiere on Paramount Network in 2018. He is also currently working on his first cartoon with Nickelodeon.

Cayen’s is like any other tween. He loves social media, especially Instagram! Make sure to go follow him @cayenmartin and @ cayenmartinofficialfanpage on Facebook, where he posts updates about his acting life.

Let's B Chill FOR A MOMENT

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK

W

hen life gives her lemons, 8-year-old Kinyah Braddock makes lemonade. Her business, B Chill Lemonade, makes fresh squeezed lemonade in a variety of flavors including mango, coconut and strawberry. The fourth grader says her father encouraged her to start a business by the time she was 10 years old.

Already ahead of the game, she goes out of her way to sell lemonade at the community farmers market and makes sure her voice is heard by helping others at events like the Global Youth Initiative.

“My mission is to create a community network system that closes the gap between young dreamers and current entrepreneurs,” she says.

In her words, it means that if she can do it, you can do it too.

Braddock understands the impact of being an entrepreneur and likes to show people the positive business affects of her life. “Selling lemonade allows me to be a part of other people’s lives,” says Braddock. “I have been a part of weddings, birthdays, graduations, family dinners, etcetera, all from serving lemonade. My family has been extended due to my B Chill Lemonade family. Also through this company, I have been requested to speak on various platforms inspiring others to believe in themselves and maximize their potential.”

Believe it or not, her company, which was created this January, wasn't planned! When Braddock went into the kitchen to make some lemonade, her father was impressed with what she had created and an idea for a business was born.

Another fun fact is that the company name wasn't originally B Chill Lemonade. According to Braddock, the company was originally named B Cool Lemonade, but she always had a bigger vision—to have her own creamery because she “loves” ice cream. “The name changed because my father brought to my attention that if I was going to start my creamery, I should make it different,” Braddock said. If you haven’t guessed, the “B” in the company name stands for Braddock.

Being down to earth and approachable is incredibly important to her. Braddock is not humble for her own recognition, but she is humble because she wants other people to know that what she does it not about her. She is serving others through her lemonade. Braddock hopes to have lemonade offered on every continent, including Antarctica, in five years. The young entrepreneur also desires to have her ice cream shop opened during that time.

You can find her lemonade by following her Facebook page @bchillllemonade1. Visit her website at www.bchilllemonade.com.

TRUE STAR JR. 19

She's

#FlexinInHerComplexion

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK

H

as someone ever made fun of your skin complexion? If your answer is “yes” you are not alone. Meet Kheris Rogers. This 10-year-old Los Angeles native uses her melanin and confidence to tell others about the importance of being proud of your skin tone. On Instagram she is @kherispoppin with over 30k followers who know her best for the hashtag that has now become her signature– “#FlexinInMyComplexion.”

When Rogers was younger, she got bullied because of her dark skin tone and her selfesteem wasn't at its highest. But she got her confidence back earlier this year after her sister posted a photo on Twitter. Her sister added “#FlexinInHerComplexion,” and the photo went viral with over 80k likes and over 30k retweets.

That line was something she heard all her life and wanted to share how empowering that statement could be with others.

“That's what my granny used to always tell us, so I decided to make shirts that say ‘Flexin’ In My Complexion’ to empower others,” said Rogers.

“I enjoy making the shirts, and the best part is giving out the shirts. I get so excited because I feel that the people get empowered.”

20 TRUE STAR JR.

Being color shamed happens way too often. Just like Rogers, Academy Award-winning actress Lupita Nyongo had endured this shame publicly for having what she calls “night-shaded skin.”

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas talked negatively about Nyongo’s skin tone twice after fans praised her skin for being beautiful.

According to thegrio.com, the basketball star went to Instagram in July and posted, “Everybody says her (skin) looks beautiful, how about her face tho?? Lights off.”

“Flexin’ In My Complexion” started in late April and Rogers’ brand and popularity have continued to grow. “Every time I go to the mall, I get stopped,” she said. “A person would say, ‘Can I get a picture?’ then I would say, ‘Sure!’” she said. “I get super excited because I never felt that way before.”

For now, she's working on some new items, like new shirt styles including cropped tees. To keep up with Rogers and purchase some “Flexin In My Complexion“ shirts to keep you empowered, visit her website, www.flexininmycomplexion.com.

“I ENJOY MAKING THE SHIRTS, AND THE BEST PART IS GIVING OUT THE SHIRTS. I GET SO EXCITED BECAUSE I FEEL THAT THE PEOPLE GET EMPOWERED.” – KHERIS ROGERS

TRUE STAR JR. 21

GET TO KNOW The Bubbly & Energetic

Desirée Ross

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

S

ince she was three, Desiree Ross has always had an eye for acting. Ross asked her mom to get an agent for years, and to her surprise, her dream came true when an agent happened to move in across the street from her South Carolina home. That was the kick-start to her career, and from then on, Ross went from audition to audition until she finally booked a role in the Lifetime movie A Country Christmas Story starring, Dolly Parton. She starred as country-music singer, 'Grace Gibson'. With a little experience under her belt, Ross landed a recurring role as 'Mira' on TNT’s drama “Falling Skies.” Two years later, she currently stars as 'Sophia' on OWN’s hit show “Greenleaf.”

Ross describes her time on set as a learning experience. “I've learned a lot from my co-stars.

I've gotten to do scenes with them and I like to watch them to learn as much as I can based on their different behaviors during their scenes.

I ask them questions, so I get a lot of vital information. When I put that advice to use, I feel more confident in my skills as an actress,” said the 18-year-old. As a breakout actress, it was intimidating for Ross to work with such experienced actors, but over time they've grown 22 TRUE STAR JR.

to become just like family. “At the beginning there was pressure, but over time I started getting more comfortable. Everything became more fun and we just helped each other out. They're my family and there's no hiding anything at this point.”

As a teenager, change is hard, but for Ross it’s just a way of life. She embraces the amount of change her job entails; for example, after finishing A Country Christmas Story she only had five days of school before she traveled to Vancouver for another job. “I was never scared of change. I’m a very go-with-the-flow type of person, so for me it was just very exciting. I was always excited to see what was next.” Ross relies on her spiritual guidance along with her can-do attitude to help her through each day, whether it’s work or not. “I love God,” and it's no secret that without him Ross believes she wouldn't be able to be as successful as she is today.

Ross relies on her spiritual guidance along with her can-do attitude to help her through each day whether it’s work or not. “I love God,” and it's no secret that without him Ross believes that she wouldn't be able to be as successful as she is today.

Fun Facts: u Favorite Color: Blue u Favorite Movie Genre: Romance (Ross plans to be in a romance movie some day, but she doesn’t plan to be “kissing up on anybody.”) u Role Models: Viola Davis, Kerry Washington; basically any strong female lead u Future Goals: Continue acting, but also get into producing and directing u Hobbies: Traveling, eating & shopping u Motto: Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

TRUE STAR JR. 23

Kevin “Boopie” Miller:

BALLIN’ OUT THE HOOD

BY KAMREN CALE, KENWOOD ACADEMY

F

ourteen-year-old Kevin “Boopie” Miller has one goal: To get out of his neighborhood.

The point guard believes that he is capable of getting out by playing basketball, being drafted by a NBA team and becoming one of the best.

Miller, who is headed to Morgan Park, is well on his way. A Google search will show sites calling him one of the top players in Chicago and various videos of his games from as far back as sixth grade. In 2015, he “averaged near 18 points, 6 assists for his undefeated team,” according to the website ballislife.com.

At the moment, Miller plays basketball for Mac Irvin Fire, the AAU basketball team that has an excellent reputation for producing young athletes here in Chicago. Miller also said becoming successful is important because he has friends and family that grew up in the hood, but are either in jail or have passed away. He says that he uses this as motivation to work hard. But he has another plan if professional basketball doesn’t work out. “My plan B is that I would like to work in the field for sports medicine,” Miller said.

Already, he knows that when he grows up, his plan is to become a role model for other children his age. And he knows that in order to be the best he has to be constantly working on his game. Miller likes to do extra gym activities with his uncle to work on his skill.

While college is several years away, Miller really likes Kentucky University for two reasons: 24 TRUE STAR JR.

they have a great basketball program there and the education there will be cool too.

Miller cultivated his skills and began playing with Hi-Five and NBU basketball teams and suggests their awesome basketball camps and workouts if you are trying to up your game!

His personal favorite team in the NBA is the Cavaliers. Kyrie Irving is one of his favorite players.

Follow him on Twitter @boopiekmill.

Lovin' Hadiya LOVE

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK

E

leven-year-old Chicago rapper Hadiya Love makes sure she spreads her message of positivity through her raps. From her journeys, she was able to make a name for herself through her music. She started her career when she was five years old and never stopped.

“The reason I started rapping is my mom owned a studio. I would visit and say [to my mom], ‘I can do that.’ So, I made my first song when I was 5 and I really started to like it,” Love said.

Her songs are mainly about helping people. For Love, this is the best part about rapping. “I love to help people. I made a song called “No Woman, No Cry." It's to help people with cancer or diseases. Also, the other best part is that I do it really well and it's really fun.”

She also made a song with fellow Chicago rapper and actor Dusan Brown called "The Answers: 2KidsFromTheCHI™." She said the pair wanted to make more than just a song with a great beat.

“We were trying to make a song where someone would hear it, jump off the couch, start dancing and make people feel better,” Love said.

Love is no stranger to the stage and has appeared in a sitcom called “Shortiez” about three kids that always cause trouble. With all her confidence, Love said that sometimes if she gets nervous before a performance her mom, who she considers her role model, is there to pray with her and hold her hand.

In 10 years, Love said she would like to see herself, “in a recording studio, and helping people with their problems. I would love to help the homeless and I would see myself acting, because I love acting.”

Recently, Love won Best Kid Entertainer at the 36th Annual Chicago Music Awards. She is currently putting some finishing touches on the songs "Play Ball" and "Slay That Beat."

Also, she has a song with actor/rapper Dante Brown, brother of Dusan Brown. "These songs will definitely get you dancing!" said Love. You can follow her and her future endeavors on Instagram @hadiyalovemusic.

TRUE STAR JR. 25

FASHION

Top SHOE BRANDS OF 2017 The

BY KAMREN CALE, KENWOOD ACADEMY

T

he top shoe brands of 2017 are generally the shoe that rule over all of the others. These are the most popular and the best looking of the year. These shoe brands were chosen because of their creativity, design, good looks and comfortability.

First up, the best brand by far is Air Jordan with the best color-ways and designs that really make this brand stand out. You can rock any pair of Jordans with your own style. “My main reason for liking the Air Jordan is because of the quality.

Now, I have noticed in the last 10 years the quality of the Jordan has gone down greatly; even the craftsmanship isn’t the same,” said Cleve Trosclair. He really likes the Air Jordan 1 and the Air Jordan 11’s.

Nike’s has the best quality with their basketball shoes. “I like Nike because their products are comfortable affordable and easy to find in a variety of stores,” said David (DJ) Montgomery.

His favorite Nike shoe at the moment is the 2017 F.I.N.A.O. Hyperdunk Low Chicago, 26 TRUE STAR JR.

because it pays respect to local basketball player Saieed Ivey.

Every year Adidas grows in the basketball department for shoes. By teaming up with sports players Lionel Messi, James Harden, and Damian Lillard they are able to sell their own sports line with Adidas. Bernard Cale, Jr. said, “I like the Satin Smith shoe because of its classic style.”

Vans, the shoe that kids of this era are so attracted to, are climbing up the charts of the top rated shoes for 2017. Vans are based out of Cypress, Calif. and owned by VF corporation.

For years, the Vans brand has been sponsoring various extreme sports like surfing, skateboarding, snowboarding, BMX and motorcross racing.

Last but not least is the Timberland brand. Many people consider these shoes to be the most liked in the year of 2017. Timberlands are popular among all age groups of people who willing to wear some great looking boots. These boots are able to be worn with almost any outfit.

School

S

Fashion 101

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK

UMMER HAS COME TO AN END AND SCHOOL IS OFFICIALLY IN SESSION. THAT FIRST SEMESTER OF SCHOOL IS ALL ABOUT MAKING IMPRESSIONS AND FEELING COMFORTABLE IN YOUR ENVIRONMENT, SO HERE ARE SOME TIPS ON HOW TO DRESS COOL FOR SCHOOL!

3 Tip #1: Follow Your School’s Dress Code

If your school doesn't have a dress code, feel free to skip over this step. But, if your school does have one, make sure to read over it and look for what you can and can't wear. The last thing you want is to get sent home of get a detention for not following the rules.

3 Tip #2: Dress Comfortably

When dressing for school, don't wear clothes to impress anyone, nor should you wear clothes like you just rolled out of the bed. For example, you can pair a hoodie with fitted jeans. It's effortless, comfortable, and casual!

3 Tip #3: Look for The Basics

"The basics" are clothes that are versatile. Clothing pieces like a white shirt, black pants or a denim jacket are examples of basics, according to wikiHow. These examples are clothes that go with any outfit, and can make an outfit within itself. No matter what season it is, these pieces are good to have around and to build on.

3 Tip #4: Pair Up Your Outfit With Accessories For girls and boys alike, pairing a solid t-shirt or top with pants or jeans is too basic. Adding accessories to any outfit can spruce it up. For example, adding a bracelet, belt or jacket takes an outfit from blan to bangin.

3 Tip #5: Wear Colors That Compliment Each Other

With this tip, think of the color wheel. Think of how the colors go together, like orange and blue, red and green, etcetera. Or you can match colors and patterns.

According to livestrong.com, matching medium and dark colors will highlight your face for school picture day.

3 Tip #6: Confidence Is Key!

The most important tip of all, BE CONFIDENT! This tip goes along well with Tip #2, so dressing to your style and dressing comfortably goes with being confident.

And you really can't rock an outfit without feeling good in it. If you feel you aren't confident, fake it ‘til you make it!

TRUE STAR JR. 27

Fall

N T O S I A C H E R FO FAS

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Isis W: Stella Tw eed Camo Girls Rule Sweatshirt Cream Distresse , Highway Jean d Skinny, Metal s lic Gold Snea Burlington kers, Natural C hokerRejon: Brookly n Cloth Mfg. H eather Grey Ja Denim Jeans-M cket, Distressed arshall's, Airwal Lucky k Wht & Blk Pr Barkley Nike Sn int Shirt, Grey eakers-Burlingt Charles on

Henry: Levi's Ch ambray Denim Shirt, VN DL Khaki Cargo Joggers-M arshall's, Camel Suede Pu maBurlington Carley: Orange Ruffle Dress-Zara, Natu ral Woven Ankle Bo ots

Rejon: Paper, Denim & Cloth Grey Button Up Shirt, L/S Black Crewneck, Black Cotton Joggers-Burlington, Nike Green & Orange KD Sneakers-Marshall's Jayden: Levi's Camo Denim Jacket-Marshall's, Natural L/S Crewneck, Army Green Levi's 513 Jeans, Rose Gold Metallic Madden Sneakers-Burlington

TRUE STAR JR. 29

, ress-Zara e Ruffle D g n ra ld Mini O ht) Rose Go (Left to rig e Boots, kl n A n ve o Natural W Zara kc a kp Bac t, Sweatshir Girls Rule o m a y, C n n d ee ed Ski Stella Tw m Distress rans Crea Je y a ral Choke w h tu Hig akers, Na e n S ld o G Metallic n to g in rl Bu ressie Jean D old Bonn G & ara ry o neakers-Z Glittery Iv c Hi-top S lli ta e M , n Burlingto eve mmet Sle ream Gro C Ankle tie a ss K I Seagra Chloe & hall's, YM rs a en Suede t-M re ir eneres G Sweatsh g e D n lle gton, E Pant-Burlin neakers S & Camo own, r-Stylist's nk Choke Li ite c hall's, Lu rs Orange Top-Ma n Ruffle Trim y rr ns, Gree Te a e Orang Skinny Je to o M e k. Oliv ton Rue 21 D le-Burling /Gum So w a m u P Suede

lank NYC Carley: B ed ther Studd Black Lea t, ke c Ja to Floral Mo w/ ine Dress W d e Fad arshall's, Lace up-M ld chet trim Fo Black Cro ots Down Bo

Isis W: Dizzy Lo ssy Gin Sleeve gham P Wrap S rint Puff h ir t, Black Legging Cami, B s, Zigi S lack oho Flo Marsha ral Boo ll's ts-

Erin: Me Jane Win e Satin Floral Pa tched Bo m b er, Me Jane Bla ck & Wh ite S triped Top, Ga p Kids C o lo r B lock Stretch D enim-Ma rshall's, Black Ze bra Leath er Kenne Cole An th kle Boot-D SW

, Dress-Zara nge Ruffle ra O : y se e o rl R Ca e Boots, oven Ankl Natural W k-Zara i Backpac Gold Min

Jayden: Hard Ed ge Grey & Black Button D o wn Top, Seven O aks Blac k Khaki Cargo P ants, Bla ck Sued Adidas H e ightop's-B urlington .

Isis F: Black Choker-Burlington, Denim Tier Sleeve Tunic-Zara, Black Leather Akira Studded Floral Skirt, Cracked Metallic Hi-top Vans-Model's own Henry: Hard Edge Wine Button Up, Diesel Jeans, Dark Suede Puma Sneakers-Burlington

Patch Bell Heart Floral Erica: Derek igh Waist Blue Spice H s Sleeve Top, ack Knit Boot Catherine Bl Ankle Jean, -Marshall's w/Sock Trim

DEEPER THAN SKIN

Is Sunscreen ReallyNeeded For A Day In The Sun?

BY MADISON RAMIREZ, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL

R

iding bikes, playing sports or even going for a walk all involve being outside. There are many people who believe that you do not need sunscreen for these simple activities. These same people most likely don't know the consequences of being outside without protection from the sun’s rays. It is important to wear sunscreen when you are outside because it can lead to sunburn and in the worst case scenarios skin cancer and death.

untreated it can lead to death. To give you a better explanation, “more severe cases (such as sun poisoning) are complicated by severe skin burning and blistering, massive fluid loss (dehydration), electrolyte imbalance, and possibly infection. With too much exposure, severe untreated sunburn can cause shock (poor circulation to vital organs) and even death,” emedicinehealth.com reported.

Too often people suffer sunburns from over exposure to the sun. “Essentially, a suntan results from the body's natural defense mechanism kicking in against damaging ultraviolet sun rays. When the defenses are overwhelmed, a toxic reaction occurs, resulting in sunburn. The defense mechanism is a pigment called melanin, which is produced by cells in our skin called melanocytes,” according to livescience.com.

All of these consequences can be avoided by wearing sunscreen when you are outside.

Also, put things such as aloe vera on your skin after sunburns. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a moisturizer containing aloe vera or soy to reduce sunburn symptoms. Be sure to always apply sunscreen before you go outside; it's a way of keeping your skin protected in the hot and cold weather seasons. Don’t let going without sunscreen lead to a life of bad consequences.

If extremely severe cases of sunburns are left 32 TRUE STAR JR.

Makeup AND ITS EFFECT On Young Skin

BY KAYLA HOLLOWAY, MORGAN PARK

H

ave you ever asked your mom if you could wear makeup? Chances are that all those who said “yes” want to achieve a full face of makeup like YouTube gurus NikkieTutorials or James Charles. A lot of their makeup looks are caked on, and it's not healthy for your young skin. According to Fox News, “Young girls start to use makeup regularly as early as age 11, and the starting age has dropped several years since the 90s.” Teens, especially those with acne, wear makeup to cover up all of the imperfections they may have. Sometimes, girls (or boys) have to wear makeup because of an early career path such as modeling or acting, especially in Hollywood. But, in an everyday setting, there is no need to splurge on makeup especially if you are young.

Health On The Skin

Makeup today consists of oils and ingredients that can clog your pores and cause acne.

Going through puberty, many tweens and teens experience acne. Even though you may want to cover up your skin imperfections, caking on makeup will only block your pores, and leaving the makeup on for a long time will make it harder to remove.

Self-esteem

With social media, many teens want to have picture-perfect flawless looking skin. This can affect how a person may view herself or himself.

According to makeuptutorials.com, unattainable beauty standards are all over popular social

“WHETHER I'M WEARING LOTS OF MAKEUP OR NO MAKEUP, I'M ALWAYS THE SAME PERSON INSIDE.” -LADY GAGA

media outlets like Facebook, Instagram and Snap Chat. Working to post that “perfect” photo leads to decreased self-esteem, loss of authenticity and individualism, where the focus is to focus on the outside rather than what you have going on inside.

Long-Term Effects

According to livestrong.com, some long-term effects from wearing makeup can include having an oily face, clogged pores, infection, allergies and dryness. These things can possibly continue into your adult years, but if you keep a consistent skin care routine (cleansing, toning, moisturizing) good habits will help keep your skin looking healthier.

TRUE STAR JR. 33

CREATIVE & CULTURE CORNER

PeanutBuddarArt: Full of BLACK GIRL MAGIC

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

P

eanutBuddarArt came from a childhood nickname and the love for, well, peanut butter.

The 13-year-old artist, Aaliyah Merrick, started doodling at a very young age and her talent has only improved. She has now put good use to her drawing and sells her $10 notebooks, which have gone viral, on her website. Cardstock prints of Merrick’s art can also be purchased online.

Her inspirations for these drawings come from the random little things around her.

“I'll go shopping and I'll see a plain sweater and think, ‘I can put that sweater on a character or draw a character around this sweater,’” the eighth grader said. However, like any artist, the finished product ends up being completely unrelated to the original inspiration. You can also look at her artwork from an aesthetic point of view, she said. All art is in some way, shape, or form a representation of the artist. Merrick said that her aesthetic side has transferred to her artwork, “My aesthetic has changed from a form of fashion to something that's associated in everything.”

Merrick’s reason for selling her work is pretty innocent actually, because she was reminded of her love for Lisa Frank notebooks because of their vibrant colors and silly meanings. She said that if she put her artwork onto things like notebooks, she could bring the same joy to 34 TRUE STAR JR.

younger people and even adults that the Lisa Frank notebooks brought her.

“Everything I draw has a little bit of myself in it. Whether it be through the characters or the colors, of just the idea of it itself,” Merrick posted on her site peanutbuddarart.com. “I simply adore drawing, and I hope you like what I've got.”

In the future, the young artist plans on being a cartoonist with her own cartoon or comic book, like artist Rebecca Sugar.

Keep up with Merrick by following her on social media. You can find her on Instagram: @peanutbuddarart.

©2017 PEANUTBUDDARART OR ©2017 AALIYAH LACHEL'E MERRICK

TRUE STAR JR. 35

SZA

BY INKA SALINAS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL

36 TRUE STAR JR.

FNAF Baby BYKAYLEE "KIWI" RUTHERFORD, PARKER JUNIOR HIGH

TRUE STAR JR. 37

Insanity

BY MAKAYLA IDELBURG, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY

Sameness That’s what I see, hear, and breathe every day The same routine It was nice for a while, I didn’t have to worry about anything I liked my life But there is something that always ruins it Something that makes you question, suspect everything I didn’t want to question, but I did I started to realize that this is not what it was called out to be This is a prison and we’re all brainwashed to think the same We are sane, but we’re not We are insane Repetitiveness is what we experienced No worries because we were shielded from it We didn’t know the truth If we did we would rebel Oh no, that’s bad They will eliminate you You are a menace to society, you threaten us Why are you here? You don’t belong here. Leave.

Before we get you That was me They don’t know the truth, only I and a select few do Now they are gone Perished They didn’t want to let go of their perfect world They let it consume them Insanity

38 TRUE STAR JR.

TRUE STAR JR. 39

.COM

JR TRUESTAR

7 FALL 201

"GREENLEAF" Actress

Desirée Ross

Her

Complexion Inside:

Cayen Martin Alina Morse Khloe Thompson Hadiya Love Kevin "Boopie" Miller Aaliyah Merrick Kinyah Braddock E

Getting to know

IS FLEXIN'

E

Year of SCHOOL

ROGERS

F R

Adjusting TO A NEW

Kheris