True Star Jr Magazine Spring 2019

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JR TRUESTAR

019

SPRING 2

the "L "

Zandra

Cunningham

IS A BOSS Literally

BANG

TO YOUR

Bedroom Inside:

NAHZI THEE BAKER Lidya Jewett Mesiyah Oduro-Kwarten NADIA SIMONE SIMMS Jossie Thacker E

FROM TAKING

E

THE MOST

ADD Some

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Make

CONTENTS EXPOSE’ 6 INSTITUTIONAL RACISM, BY ALEXANDRYA FRYSON, KENWOOD ACADEMY, CHICAGO, IL 7 SOCIETY, WE CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE, BY JACKSON DOWELL, WAUBONSIE VALLEY HS AURORA, IL 8 #LIVINGWHILEBLACK, BY ALEXANDRYA FRYSON, KENWOOD ACADEMY, CHICAGO, IL 9 CULTURAL APPROPRIATION, THAT AIN’T IT CHIEF,

BY JACKSON DOWELL, WAUBONSIE VALLEY HS, AURORA, IL 10 VIOLENCE IS NEVER THE ANSWER, BY KAILAH BURNS, O.W HUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL, CHICAGO. IL 11 THE EARTH IS DYING, BY CHANEL TALBOTT, ALAN B. SHEPARD HS, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL

TALKIN’ NERDY

12 2019 MUST-READS, BY JACKSON DOWELL, WAUBONSIE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, AURORA, IL 13 WHY HOMEWORK? BY KAILAH BURNS, O.W HUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL, CHICAGO, IL 14 OL’ TIME FAVORITES, BY MARIAH STEVENS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL 15 SOCIAL MEDIA: GOOD OR BAD?, BY LATIYFA A. BRUESSARD, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

4EVER YOUNG 16 M.A.D.D. RHYTHMS, BY ALEXANDRYA FRYSON, KENWOOD ACADEMY, CHICAGO, IL 17 TIPS TO HAVING NICE NAILS

BY MADISON RAMIREZ, BREMEN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL, MIDLOTHIAN, IL 18 MOVIE WARS, BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL 19 ADD SOME BANG TO YOUR BEDROOM,

BY MADISON RAMIREZ, COMMUNITY HS, MIDLOTHIAN, IL

HOT OFF THE PRESS 20 ZANDRA CUNNINGHAM: FROM LIPBALM TO BOSS, BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL 22 JOSSIE THACKER: DANCER, ACTOR & MENTOR,

BY JAILA MABRY & MARIAH STEVENS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL 23 NADIA SIMONE SIMMS IS ON THE COME UP, BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL 24 MESIYAH: A STAR ON THE RISE, BY JAILA

MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL 25 LIDYA JEWETT ON THE MOVE, BY MARIAH STEVENS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

FASHION

26 SPRING FASHION

DEEPER THAN SKIN 32 THE SWEETNESS OF NAHZI THEE BAKER, BY JACKSON DOWELL, WAUBONSIE VALLEY HS, AURORA, IL 34 TAKE THE L, BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL 35 ADVENTURES IN PUBERTY, BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

CREATIVE & CULTURE CORNER 36 UNTITLED, BY JADEN KULICZKOWSKI, ALAN B. SHEPARD HS, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL 37 THE POWER OF WORDS, BY MARIAH STEVENS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL 38 SELF PORTRAIT, KAYLEE “KIWI” RUTHERFORD, PARKER JUNIOR HIGH, FLOSSMOOR, IL 39 THIS IS MY END, BY JEFFREY PICKARD, BETTY H. FAIRFAX HS, PHOENIX, AZ

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CONTRIBUTORS

Kailah Burns

Mariah Stevens

O.W. Huth Middle School, Chicago, IL

Kellar Middle School, Robbins, IL

Jackson Dowell

Waubonsie Valley High School, Aurora, IL

Jaila Mabry

Madison Ramirez

Kellar Middle School, Robbins, IL

Bremen Community High School, Midlothian, IL

Chanel Talbott

4 TRUE STAR JR.

Alan B. Shepard High School, Palos Heights, IL

Jeffrey Pickard

Kaylee “Kiwi” Rutherford

Betty H. Fairfax High School, Phoenix, AZ

Parker Junior High, Flossmoor, IL

Jaden Kuliczkowski

Alan B. Shepard High School, Palos Heights, IL

Alexandrya Fryson

Kenwood Academy, Chicago, IL

Latiyfa A. Bruessard

Kellar Middle School, Robbins, IL

TRUE STAR JR. 5

EXPOSE’

Institutional Racism 101

THE KEY THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

BY ALEXANDRYA FRYSON, KENWOOD ACADEMY, CHICAGO, IL

I

nstitutional racism—the act of discrimination from a organization, business or the government, against a group of people based upon the previse of race—has been normalized by society. This is drastically affecting the youth in education when it comes to discipline influencing learning. According to a recent report from the Government Accountability Office, “Black students accounted for 15.5 percent of all public school students but represented about 39 percent of students suspended from school during the 2013-14 school year, an overrepresentation of about 23 percentage point.”

This inadequate educational system is strategic and intentional. Institutional racism in schools is a contributing factor of high incarceration rates. This school-to-prison pipeline is fueled by zero tolerance policies and school disciplinary actions. “Students enter into the juvenile justice system through an interaction with a police 6 TRUE STAR JR.

officer in the community or through a referral from schools,” according to americanbar.org.

The most disturbing statistic that contribute to the school-to-prison pipeline is the severity, or lack thereof, of the incident in question.

According to tolerance.org, “one 2005 study found that children are far more likely to be arrested at school than they were a generation ago. The vast majority of these arrests are for nonviolent offenses. In most cases, the students are simply being disruptive.” In addition, the U.S. Department of Education, “found that more than 70 percent of students arrested in school-related incidents or referred to law enforcement are Black or Hispanic.”

People all over the U.S. are sitting in jails partly because schools are not teaching black children their value, allowing them to grow up and not have a real chance for success in corporate America. Having more staff like counselors or therapists could help with that. Schools could also try alternative discipline. Calling in the police should be the absolute last resort.

Society, WE CAN’T TAKE IT ANYMORE

BY JACKSON DOWELL, WAUBONSIE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, AURORA, IL

S

ociety’s standards are unrealistic for girls. Period.

Thirty-two female teens were informally surveyed.

Of those 32, 90.6 percent (29) said that they feel that there is pressure from society to look a certain way. Sixty-eight percent said they felt pressured by society to act a certain way. When questioned to elaborate further, the girls said: “Everyone wants to look their best and there’s a set image of looking the ‘best.’ So a lot of girls feel as if they don’t look like this ‘flawless image’ they think they’re worthless.”

“I feel like I need to fit to everyone else’s standards and I need to care about what others think about me.”

“I’ve sometimes gotten told to not say certain things because it’s not something a woman should be saying. I’ve been told that if I don’t smile [then] I don’t look attractive.”

“Everything you do, everyone has a problem with it. People don’t like it if you laugh too much.

But people think you’re mean if you don’t laugh at all. Everything you do, people have a problem with it.”

These aren’t quotes out of a book. They are the real opinions of real girls living in a society.

Societal standards are way too high. Girls are expected to have the perfect body, looks, friend group, grades, and so much more. According to dosomething.org, “75 percent of girls with low self-esteem reported engaging in negative activities like cutting, bullying, smoking, drinking, or disordered eating. This compares to 25 percent of girls with high self-esteem.”

The surveyed girls said that the societal standards for them are much higher than those of males their age. From a young age, girls and boys are taught and treated differently.

Girls have to conduct themselves in a mature manner at all times, dress appropriately as not to “distract others,” and are told that they can’t work in positions that are a “man’s role.” It’s too much to handle. It causes unnecessary stress, self-hate, and negative body image. Girls know it, and it’s time for society to know it too, so hear it goes: “How I look and choose to express myself should not be based upon the fact that society holds unrealistic standards.”

TRUE STAR JR. 7

#LivingWhileBlack

BY ALEXANDRYA FRYSON, KENWOOD ACADEMY, CHICAGO, IL

Y

ou’ve heard the stories. White people calling the police on black people for petty reasons. You know, “Living while black”? These stories are examples of extreme white privilege and racial profiling. Recently, in Massachusetts a woman called the police on a man because his dog was humping her dog #DogParkDebbie.

According to cnn.com, there were nearly 30 reported incidents across the country that involved calls to police. Incidents included mowing the wrong lawn, teens shopping for prom clothes and babysitting white children.

In two of the cases, the white individual wants control, and tries to use loopholes in the laws to get their desired result. The last case seems almost as if history is being repeated. It takes you back to the time of the Civil Rights Movement when white people still wanted to be able to control African-Americans with scare tactics and violence.

In Oakland, Alison Ettel, #PermitPatty, called the police on an 8-year-old African-American girl selling water outside. Ettel said the girl didn’t have a permit to sell the water. Why would you call the police for something so minute as hydration, but according to “Permit Patty,” who said in a video that went viral, “I did call police, but not on anybody,” it was strictly her following the rules, and being a good citizen.

A different Oakland woman, Jennifer Schulte, became known as #BBQBecky. This educated environmental scientist called the police on an group of African-American people at Oakland Park, because they were barbequing. What 8 TRUE STAR JR.

educated person finds fault in a situation such as a non-violent, cookout? She said in a viral video, “They enacted rules for a reason and they should be followed." This is just another way for white Americans to control all aspects of AfricanAmerican culture.

Sebby Strempel, dubbed #PoolPatrolPaula, was caught on camera, striking an African-American teenager at a pool in Summerville. “There’s three numbers I could dial: 911. OK?” the woman said in the video, which was posted last summer on Facebook and viewed more than a million times in a week. “Get out! Little punks.” She was charged with one count of third degree assault and battery, as well as two counts of assault of an officer, while resisting arrest. She pled guilty.

Some of the privledged are catching flack for their actions, but to make things right the racial profiling needs to stop.

Cultural Appropriation, That Ain’t It Chief

BY JACKSON DOWELL, WAUBONSIE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, AURORA, IL

T

here have been several people exposed for wearing African-American hairstyles, darkening their skin, and changing their appearance in other ways to make themselves appear to be black. This is cultural appropriation.

you’ll see people doing blackface where they wear dark paint or makeup and pretend to be African-American. This is not funny or cool. It’s offensive and angers many people to see their culture being taken as a joke.

Cultural appropriation is defined by Cambridge as “the act of taking or using things from a culture that is not your own, especially without showing that you understand or respect this culture.” It’s been a recent topic in social media lately and while many are confused about it, it’s not okay.

Cultural appropriation is often frustrating because people can use a culture to make a profit. For African-American women, it’s upsetting to have your hairstyles used when you face repercussions and judgment every day for how you wear your hair.

Many people have painted sugar skulls on their faces on Halloween. Traditionally, these are used to celebrate the Day of the Dead—a Mexican holiday which lasts two days and celebrates the life of deceased family members.

“From baby hairs and box braids worn by white models on the runway to tutorials for how to achieve afros with white hair, black culture is often appropriated in the name of fashion. The primary problem lies in the fact while black women receive cultural repercussions, like being fired from their

“Appropriation could include mixing in aspects from Halloween or participating in Day of the Dead activities without learning about its history.

It's not automatically wrong to participate in Dia de los Muertos events without having Mexican

job, for wearing dreadlocks or braids, women who aren’t black can sport the same hairstyle and be praised for being ‘cool and edgy,’” bustle.com reported. Who hasn’t seen the video of the Asian trying to recreate an Afro?

heritage,” according to kunc.org.

Every Halloween, and even on random days,

Appropriation is disrespectful. There is no question about it.

TRUE STAR JR. 9

Violence IS NEVER THE ANSWER

BY KAILAH BURNS, O.W. HUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL, CHICAGO, IL

V

iolence is behavior involving physical force intended to hurt, damage, or kill someone or something. According to World Health Organization, “Each year over 1.6 million people worldwide lose their lives to violence, accounting for 14 percent of deaths for males and 7 percent of deaths for females.”

No single factor explains why one person and not another behaves in a violent manner.

People our age are dying because of violence.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention, nearly “26,000 children and teenagers younger than 18 were killed by gunfire in the United States between 1999 and 2016.” A variety of events or circumstances can put people at increased risk of harming themselves. People die from poverty, loss of loved ones, arguments with family and friends, a breakdown in relationships, and legal or workrelated problems.

Suicide happens worldwide with nearly 80 percent happening in developing countries, 10 TRUE STAR JR.

according to the WHO. “Close to 800,000 people die due to suicide every year, which is one person every 40 seconds,” the site said.

Every day, people our age kill themselves from being bullied. Bullying is a need to seek to harm, intimidate, or persecute someone. According to kidshealth.org, bullies might make fun of others for many things including appearance, behavior, race or religion, social status, or sexual identity. Bullying comes in a variety of ways such as physical bullying verbal bullying, psychological bullying, and cyberbullying.

When you are believed you might feel afraid, stressed, depressed, or anxious, you might also have thoughts about suicide, have trouble with school work, and have problems with your mood, energy level, sleep, and appetite. Bullies like to be in control of others and to focus on themselves. You should take yourself and others lives seriously, because life is not a thing to play with. You have a purpose in this world and you are expected to figure it out. So listen to encouraging words to help stop the violence.

Earth is Dying,

and We’re Killing It

BY CHANEL TALBOT, ALAN B. SHEPARD HIGH SCHOOL, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL

U

sing our gas-fueled cars every day is not as great as it seems. You may love the ease of getting wherever you want quickly, but every second more than 2.4 million pounds of carbon dioxide is released into the air each year.

Burning one gallon of gas creates 20 pounds of carbon dioxide and the average car emits about six tons every year, according to climate.gov. But averages do not tell you much about your own carbon footprint, which is as personal as your fingerprint. That carbon footprint may be killing Earth. This is a reason why we need to switch to electric cars.

Simply, an electric car is a plug-in electric automobile that is propelled by electric motors using energy typically stored in rechargeable batteries, just like your cell phone or wireless headphones.

Our dependency, if we continue to use petroldependent cars, will run out in 53.3 years, according to bartleby.com. Freshmen Chris Chapa is not old enough to drive yet, but his plan is to own an electric car when he can. He said he understands that the electric car may initially be expensive to buy, but he thinks it will be worth it.

“I think it’s more efficient than a gas car,” Chapa said. “You could just charge the electric car. But with a gas car, you have to keep buying more and more gas. And gas prices can go higher.”

The carbon dioxide emitted from cars is also affecting animals. When factories were being built, they created air pollutants. This changed

lots of living environments and forced animals to live in environments not meant for them.

Every year 1.2 million species become extinct.

These conditions are not great for our planet.

According to techtimes.com, “since the year 1900, about 477 different species have become extinct because of continued human degradation and destruction of natural habitats.”

Fifteen-year-old Daniel Adock thinks that more should be done to prevent further animal extinction.

“Why would we want to kill innocent things,” he said. “There needs to be a big group of people to a make change.”

It’s not a hard lesson to understand. If we save Earth, we save ourselves.

TRUE STAR JR. 11

TALKING NERDY

MUST- Reads For 2019

BY JACKSON DOWELL, WAUBONSIE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, AURORA, IL

L

ooking for a way to pass time other than sitting in front of the TV or on your phone? Try picking up a book. Here are three 2019 books you need to add to your must-read list.

On the Come Up by Angie Thomas Angie Thomas’s breakout novel The Hate U Give was one of the best books of 2018. It was loved by many and even became a movie!

Thomas’s second novel On the Come Up was released in February and is a #1 bestseller on Amazon. The novel follows 16-yearold Bri who wants to be a legendary rapper, but she has some pretty tough obstacles. But she uses the anger at her struggles to make her first song which went viral. Unfortunately for Bri, this isn’t ideal and she ends up being heavily criticized in the media. But Bri has to make her dreams come true before she ends up homeless.

The Vanishing Star

by Maureen Johnson This sequel to Truly Devious is a mystery novel describing the life of Stevie Bell. Stevie finds her dead classmate while searching for the key to the Ellingham mystery. She solves this mystery but she still wants to figure out the Ellingham 12 TRUE STAR JR.

one. But then, her parents pull her out of Ellingham Academy for “her own safety.”

Stevie’s obsession with crimes has gotten out of hand. She feels disconnected from everything, but Edward King, a despised politician, offers her a solution to her problems. The only issue: Stevie has to be nice to David King, Edward’s son, who she’s had several issues with.

Stevie knows she has to solve the Ellingham murders and she’s close, but uncovering the truth is much more difficult than she thought. She will have to betray someone she cares about and someone will pay the cost with their life.

Black Enough: Stories of Being Young & Black in America

by Ibi Zoboi Edited by Ibi Zoboi, Black Enough is a collection of short stories by AfricanAmerican from all over the country and details what it’s like to be young and Black in America. Using 14 different stories, each person from different backgrounds details what it means to be black enough.

If you can’t afford to purchase these books, remember that there is always the library.

Why HOMEWORK?

BY KAILAH BURNS, O.W. HUTH MIDDLE SCHOOL, CHICAGO, IL

U

ghh. Homework, homework, homework.

Such a dreadful thing. There are those who argue that homework does serve a purpose.

For example, it helps to prepare students for national and statewide exams and tests. It helps to reinforce what's being taught in the classroom.

It enables parents to actively engage in their child's education. So why do teachers give out homework? Homework is school work that a student is required to do at home. Are they trying to make us die of BOREDOM? “Homework is a repetition of what was taught in class. Teachers give homework to see if you understand and know what was taught in class so you can retain it,” said middle school teacher Anita Day. “Most kids don't do homework, so they can't do the lesson taught.”

Research shows that students will not do homework if it takes longer than an hour. But homework is additional work given by teachers that is supposed to help reinforce lessons.

Second grade teacher Angelia Handley said, “Homework teaches children responsibility and

how to study. It also teaches and shows parents what their child is learning in school.”

Pre-K teacher Tiffany Jones said, “Homework teaches kids to have a huge responsibility. It also shows parents what your children know and what they are learning in and out of school. It also has reinforced things children are learning.”

It seems as though most teachers give homework thinking the extra work will help. However, students who receive lots of homework are more than likely to have their scores down. According to procon.org. “Excessive homework leads to cheating: 90 percent of middle school students and 67 percent of high school students admit to copying someone else's homework, and 43 percent of college students engaged in ‘unauthorized collaboration’ on out-of-class assignments.”

Adults believe that there are more positive than negative effects that come from doing homework.

So, the next time you get some, remember, it’s good for you.

TRUE STAR JR. 13

Ol' TIME FAVORITES

BY MARIAH STEVENS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

A

s you know, the end of the school year is coming our way and that can be really stressful. We all need to loosen up and relax but still be prepared for tests. What's better than relieving stress by binge watching some favorite old TV shows?

“A Different World” was a sitcom created by Bill Cosby and brought HBCUs into households every Thursday night. This TV series aired for six seasons on NBC starting from September 24, 1987 to July 9, 1993. The series centered around Denise Huxtable and the life of other students who attended fictional Hillman College in Virginia. Even with the ups and downs, the students still managed to live their college life to the fullest.

“The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” made the world pay attention to Will Smith. The show aired for six seasons on NBC from September 14 TRUE STAR JR.

10, 1990 to May 20, 1996. The series revolves around “The Fresh Prince,” a teenager from West Philadelphia who was sent to move in with his wealthy aunt and and uncle in their “Bel-Air” mansion due to the many fights that had occured in his hometown. Things may be different at first but, Will learns to adjust to this new lifestyle.

“Family Matters” was initially about the Winslow family living on Chicago’s South Side.

Once annoying neighbor Steve Urkel started visiting, the show became about his nerdy antics.

There are tons of episodes to check out with a total of 215 episodes and nine seasons. “Family Matters” originated on ABC from September 22, 1989 to May 9, 1997. It later aired on CBS from September 19, 1997 to July 17, 1998.

Now you have more than enough shows to keep you relaxed and laughing. Happy binging!

Social Media: Good OR Bad

BY LATIYFA A. BRUESSARD, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

S

Social media—is it good or bad? There would be many answers to that question due to the amount of people who use and do not use it. Social media and the Internet as a whole, have both provided people with access to knowledgeable things that they would have never had before. So what's the answer? Is social media good or does it have a negative impact on society?

For most teens, being able to constantly use Snapchat and Instagram are a necessity.

Thirteen-year-old Nazima Vhora is an exception, but thinks social media is good. “I don't really use social media a lot, but I will admit it's a pretty interesting, yet dangerous, place,” said Vhora.

Cyberbullying is one bad thing about social media. It has caused people to commit suicide.

“Fifty-nine percent of U.S. teens have personally experienced at least one of six types of abusive online behaviors. The most common type of harassment youth encounter online is namecalling,” a Pew Research Center survey found.

Despite the drawbacks, social platforms have allowed people to be able to meet other like-

minded individuals and even reconnect with family members and friends. Social networking began as a way to connect with others and learn information. How many of us sought out old friends that we’ve remembered and were able to reconnect with? Humans are naturally social creatures. We need communication to survive or else we’ll go crazy. Social media can lead us to meet people that we’ve never met in real life and cause us to grow very close with that person.

While social media has positive sides, there are also some dark secrets. Social media can be very addicting with people looking at their phones way too often. In fact, studies have shown that when a person checks their Instagram to see that someone has liked or commented on their post, they get the same thriving sensation as someone does if they were addicted to drugs.

“Across virtually all age groups, Americans look at their phones more often than ever before— an average of 52 times a day, according to Deloitte's 2018 Global Mobile Consumer Survey. That's up from 47 times a day last year,” according cnet.com.

So, good or bad? What do you think?

TRUE STAR JR. 15

4EVER YOUNG

M.A.D.D. Rhythms,

TAP WITH PURPOSE

BY ALEXANDRYA FRYSON, KENWOOD ACADEMY, CHICAGO, IL

L

ooking for an opportunity to learn the art of tap dancing? The perfect people to teach you are M.A.D.D. Rhythms, which is a tap company that performs all around Chicago, pushes the envelope, and brings tap to the forefront.

M.A.D.D. Rhythms has performed at venues such as the Logan Center, Millennium Park, and The Museum of Contemporary Arts.

Star Dixon is a tap dancer who dedicates immense amounts of time to empowering young women. Dixon is part of M.A.D.D. (Making a Difference Dancing) Rhythms which is run by her tap dancing brother, Bril Barrett. Barrett has made it his life’s mission to give back to his community and provide opportunities for the youth. “If he touches just one person he has done his job,” Dixon said.

Since starting M.A.D.D. Rhythms in 2001, Barrett has created a tap academy for young students 16 TRUE STAR JR.

and a teen program in collaboration with After School Matters (ASM).

The ASM program is dedicated to exposing teens to not only the art of tap dance but all art forms.

To end every class Barrett says, “Respect the dance.” He says that means, “Even if you don’t tap dance for the rest of your life, be informed about the history, and know what’s real and what’s not.”

Both of these amazing individuals, in their own right, have come together for the greater good. These two put the M.A.D.D. in M.A.D.D. Rhythms. They truly make a difference dancing rhythms and are changing the world one tap step at a time, giving youth another option to express themselves. Using tap dance as an outlet is not only effective, but is life changing. If you are interested in taking class or booking M.A.D.D. Rhythms, please go to www.maddrhythms.com or email bril@maddrhythms.com.

Tips TO HAVING NICE NAILS

BY MADISON RAMIREZ, BREMEN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL, MIDLOTHIAN, IL

M

ost girls enjoy doing their nails. It can be hard to do them for some, as it is easy for many as well. These suggestions will make it easier to do your nails yourself.

*Make sure to push your cuticles back.

You can use a rubber, wooden or metal cuticle pusher to do this.

*Use a base and top coat. “Base coats don't just protect and strengthen nails—they also help polish adhere better. The best way to make a manicure or pedicure last is with a great top coat,” according to more.com.

*When filing your nails, do so in one direction. “Resist the urge to ‘saw’ a file back and forth since it can splinter the nail's edge.

Instead, use one long swipe along the edge of your nail and continue in the same direction,” according to Today.com.

*When painting your nails, apply two coats of the polish so that the polish color is not faint and is more vibrant.

*To avoid messy nails, you can buy a latex to put around your nail. Once it’s on your nails, let it dry then paint your nails as you normally would. After you’ve painted them you may peel off the latex. Any nail polish that got on your skin is now off because of the latex.

There is also an alternative to latex. “Line your nails with petroleum jelly or white craft glue before painting them for an easy cleanup,” Cosmopolitan.com said.

*To remove polish from skin get an angled brush and dip it in nail polish remover. Use this brush to go around the nail and take any nail polish off your skin.

*Waiting for your nails to dry could take some time, but there are some things you can do to help speed the process. You can dunk your nails into a bowl of ice water, and when you see your nails with water droplets on them, the polish has dried. You could also use fast drying polish that only takes 2-3 minutes to dry versus 15-20.

That’s it! Now go do those nails!

TRUE STAR JR. 17

Movie Wars: ROMANCE VS. ACTION, WHICH ONE IS BEST?

BY ALEXANDRYA FRYSON, KENWOOD ACADEMY, CHICAGO, IL

T

wo very common genres of movies are romance and action. They each have qualities good and bad, but overall, which genre takes the cake? It’s up to you to decide but before you do, why don’t we discuss a little bit about each.

Romance *Romance movies are typically about forbidden love, new found love, or uncovered love (but there are many other romance movie subgenres) *Meaning: Two people are secretly seeing each other, someone is searching for love and finds their perfect mate, or close friends have finally come to terms with their undeniable chemistry *Romance movies are totally adorable and can have some comedic quirks *Sometimes they can be a little cheesy *Sometimes they can be a little dumb *Overall, they’re good 18 TRUE STAR JR.

Action *Action movies are normally jam-packed with fight scenes, special effects, and riveting music that lures you in *Unfortunately, all these qualities can sometimes take away from the dialogue of the movie and cause it to lose value *But, many unforgettable action movies have amazing storylines *Sometimes action movies can be a little over the top but that’s what makes them so thrilling right? *Overall action movies are also good

So, action movies and romance movies are both great movie genres. They each have different stylings but honestly, the quality of a movie is based on the storyline and execution of the storyline. Does one genre indefinitely take the cake? That’s for you to decide!

ADD SOME Bang

TO YOUR BEDROOM

BY MADISON RAMIREZ, BREMEN COMMUNITY HIGH SCHOOL, MIDLOTHIAN, IL

T

oday, people enjoy their bedrooms to the fullest. In their rooms they watch TV, are on their phone, sleep, play games or hang with friends.

It’s an endless list. Some rooms may be plain, others not so much. If you spent lots of time in one room, wouldn’t you want it to be your style?

But what could you do? Decorate of course! Here are some ideas that you may use to decorate your room.

Add Lights

You can add string lights of different colors or of the same to put on your wall. You can have them hang, or put them in any pattern you desire. They could flash a pattern or just stay on, you could add photos underneath the lights for another look.

Add Canvases or Posters

The canvases or posters you put up could have positive phrases or drawings. You can also get posters of your favorite artists or albums, even your favorite characters from your favorite movies or TV shows. Shutterfly.com suggested putting up canvas prints of “photos that show your family at their happiest.” To make your poster last longer and keep it from ripping, you may want to frame them then put them up.

Add Shelves, Wall Stickers, or Calendars.

If you want shelves you could use them to put up fragrances, books, or other belongings on them. You could use them as decor by placing

plants, picture frames, or even little stuffed animals. Depending on the size of the shelves, you may be able to place little to a lot of objects on them. You may add wall stickers, most have messages or words that can be placed on your wall, maybe above the head of your bed. You can add calendars to keep track of important dates and events. Freshome.com said, “When brainstorming bedroom ideas, the most important thing to remember is that your bedroom is an expression of who you are.” So, don’t forget to decorate your room to please yourself! Pinterest is also a great website to look for ideas and to help brainstorm.

TRUE STAR JR. 19

FROM Lip Balm TO BOSS

ZANDRA CUNNINGHAM USES STEAM TO EMPOWER

BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

Z

andra Cunningham is on the come up. At only 18 years old she has already successfully launched her own business, Azariah’s Innocence.

Azariah’s Innocence is a company that creates plant-based, cruelty-free, eco-friendly health products and educates and empowers girls and women across the globe through STEAM education and entrepreneurship. And it all started when her father refused to buy her more lip balm. She decided to create her own instead.

“I was really passionate and obsessed with it,” she said. Her first product was pink bubblegum lip balm. From there, Cunningham had a plan—to expose it to other kids so they could know it is possible to have fun while learning and using math and science to create. There’s something about STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and math), and Cunningham admits she loves every element of it. “I can’t say I have a favorite because I use them all daily and I like the way I can implement it into my business.”

More than five years after she made her first lip balm, Cunningham said she is at a good place with school and her business. But when she started, it was actually very difficult. “The most challenging part was really just getting people to take it seriously and finding available outlets for kids wanting to start entrepreneurship,” she said.

As a teen, it was hard for her to receive the resources needed in the entrepreneurship industry, she said, but as she got older she was able to.

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To get people interested and take her seriously Cunningham said she expanded on her expertise.

She made sure her business was legit and all the legal factors were worked out. She reached out to different stores to find places to sell her product, made sure her social media accounts were all set up professionally, and just shared her story.

Outside of business, Cunningham’s goals are still somewhat work related. “I’m really focused on speaking and being able to share my story and hopefully inspire other people around the world, especially young people.” She said it is important that kids dream.

“We have no fear and I think that’s the biggest part. There are a lot of adults to this day that won’t start businesses, but being able to take that risk is really important so I encourage any entrepreneurs to start taking action on it,” Cunningham said. For fun, Cunningham enjoys sleeping, hanging out with friends and family, and “eating really good food.” She enjoys being on Twitter and is inspired by Rihanna because she loves what she stands for as one of the top female artists of today. When it comes to celebrity crushes, she has one on Drake.

Cunningham has the next five years planned out—homeownership and globetrotting. However, being a successful entrepreneur tops the list. “I do see in the next five years… me being a CEO running a multi-million dollar brand that’s everywhere globally,” she said.

Visit zandrabeauty.com for more information on her products.

TRUE STAR JR. 21

HOT OFF THE PRESS

Jossie Thacker:

DANCER, ACTOR & MENTOR

BY MARIAH STEVENS AND JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

J

ossie Thacker started her long journey of success at age 22 when she became a professional dancer. “Dancing is my way to relieve stress and feel free,” she said.

Thacker would always look to God to lead her path. With his help in leading her into the limelight, she began to rise as a star but received much jealousy. Thacker dealt with the jealousy by walking away and moving forward with her career. She felt that if she never experienced this situation she would've never known what it was like to be jealous. Thacker said “I don't like jealous people, but how would I know to be good if I didn't know what bad looks like.”

Your parents may remember Thacker as one of The Fly Girls from the TV series “In Living Color.”

She said she was inspired by Jamie Foxx and Jim Carrey. It was then that her focus switched from dancing to acting. “I would love to watch the comedians. You could learn so much from observing. I was inspired and that was my starting point,” Thacker said.

Never in a million years did Thacker think she would be an acting coach. She was motivated by her last acting coach Rick Edelstein who taught her how to develop herself into her character.

When Thacker found out that Edelstein was retiring, she felt as if it was her job to keep his legacy alive and show others his way of working.

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Thacker prefers to work with children as their brains and imaginations are still roaming.

“Children are so innocent, their weapon is their imagination. A child's imagination is still running wild,” she said. Thacker has learned that the students help her stay connected to the real world as much as she helps them. For example, her students Anah Ambuchi and Nadia Simms have helped her realized there are kids who are destined for greatness and Thacker could help with that.

“It means the world to me that my students trust me and believe that I can help them make a difference,” she said. Thacker hopes to further mentor students and help them make changes in the world.

Nadia SIMONE SIMMS

Is On The Come Up

BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

A

t the mere age of 6 months, Nadia Simone Simms started her road to fame. Back in 2013 she took part in many Carson/Bon Ton commercials, but recently she’s been acting in more TV shows and movies. With that being said, it doesn’t mean Simms’ commercial days are over, it only means that commercials are taking a backseat to bigger works.

Beginning with her first movie The Land, Simms was able to showcase her natural talent in dramatic works. In the movie, the 12-year-old had the chance to show a more emotional side.

In the show “The Blexicans,” Simms was able to explore comedy which is something she has been working on. “It was very fun and I really enjoyed doing comedy. It wasn’t my strong point, but it was my first comedy,” she said.

Now, Simms may be young but working in entertainment has inspired her to create her own project. Simms and fellow actress and friend, Anah Ambuchi, are in the process of creating a project called “My High,” focusing on colorism in the world. “We’re trying to make a difference.

We’re trying to end it. We want to make My High stand out so we can have a say in the world and spread the message that colorism needs to end,” Simms said.

Like any other teen, Simms attends school. Some may see school as a dreadful place, but Simms said she enjoys it very much. “On a scale of 1

to 10, I’d rate school a 10. Because, it has a different variety of activities and it’s unique in different ways...I have a lot of friends and I learn a lot,” she said.

Although acting had been her main career focus, Simms also has big dreams for future job choices.

She wants to be a *drumroll please* dentist!

“I just like teeth!” she said. “I just really like the smile.” Even though she has big dentist dreams, Simms does not plan to put an end to her acting, “That’s just a plan B if I can’t continue acting.”

TRUE STAR JR. 23

Mesiyah ODURO-KWARTEN: A Rising Star

BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

F

ifteen-year-old Mesiyah Oduro-Kwarten has already made a name for himself. He’s a star on the rise. Oduro-Kwarten is an actor, singer, model and producer of his own films.

Oduro-Kwarten said he loves entertaining and performing because at the end of the day he wants to positively influence others and make his presence known. “I want to leave my mark on this planet,” the sophomore said. “Everything I do is only going to help me create the legacy that I want to have.” Though he has a true love and passion for each of his fields, OduroKwarten feels that singing takes the top spot.

He’s been singing all his life and he really loves it. He said, “The gift I have singing, makes other people feel better.” His singing has a power that he just cannot let go, and nothing can replace it. “I can inspire so many people with the words that I have and I’m really blessed to have a gift like that because not a lot of people do not have the gift of singing,” he said.

Oduro-Kwarten is currently in the process of auditioning for the gospel singing competition “The Next Big Thing,” which is in the vain of “The Rap Game” or “Sunday Best.” He doesn’t plan to take a huge break from his producing and acting to participate in the shows, but he wants to balance everything out. If it comes to the point where a break is needed, Oduro-Kwarten plans to make the sacrifice and do what is best for him and what he truly wants to be a part of.

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Fun Facts Roles: If he could play any one of his favorite characters in a movie or TV show it would be Will Smith in “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Most embarrassing moment: A live performance singing some high notes in a song that he just couldn’t get out. His voice was straining but he redeemed himself with the next song.

Favorite social media: Instagram, because you get to see what your friends post and it’s very easy to use.

Life in three words: Busy, balanced and fun Leisure time: Playing games with his brothers Pets: Has a Yorkie that’s nice sometimes and mean at others

Lidya Jewett:

On The Move PHOTOGRAPHER : BENNY HADDAD STYLING: JESSIE MINOR H&MU: EMILY ZEMPEL

BY MARIAH STEVENS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

Y

ou may have seen 12-year-old Lidya Jewett on NBC’s “Good Girls.” She plays Sara Hill. Jewett said this series has been her favorite and most challenging yet because her character gives her an experience to grow. “I take in what I learn from this show. I feel that I can truly connect with my character and everything feels so real,” she said.

After being adopted from an Ethiopian orphanage in 2011, it was discovered that Jewett was destined for greatness. She started her career in Miami doing local commercials. Back in 2013, Jewett received her first guest starring role on “See Dad Run,” and later received a regular role on “Wits Academy.” In 2016, Jewett took a different turn in her acting career when She played young Katherine Goble in her first movie Hidden Figures.

“I really appreciate playing the younger roles of very successful woman who inspire me,” Jewett said. Hidden Figures was not the only movie Jewett had an amazing time playing in. Two years later, she played young Nakia in Black Panther.

“Black Panther was an incredible movie,” Jewett said. “It was great of Ryan Coogler to include my scene in the bonus feature version.”

Jewett is a very busy and hard working girl.

Even when shes not on set or practicing her lines in her leisure time she is always giving back.

Jewett adores reading in general but also enjoys

reading to younger children and helping prepare them for their education.

In five years, Jewett hopes to further proceed in her acting career and become a writer. She has been working on something huge so stay tune.

Jewett is on the move.

Fun Facts *Favorite social media outlet: Instagram *Wants to go surfing *Describes herself as: Fun, Educated, and Privilege *She is afraid of FROGS! *Greatest Influence: Octavia Spencer TRUE STAR JR. 25

SPRING

Fashion PHOTOGRAPHER DESHAUN "TRIG" ADAMS

MAKE UP BY SHEKAYAH "SPARKLE" WALLACE FASHION STYLING BY NICOLE PARROTT @KALEIDESCOPEBYKOLABERRI

Journey White Puma Mesh Jacket w/Pop Color Trim-@marshalls, White Dress, Pink/Wht Checkered Tube Top, White Ice Puma Sneakers-@BurlingtonStyle, Pink, Shades-@forever21

Charisma

Pastel Tie Dye Midi Sweatshirt@BurlingtonStyle, Silver Skirt-@Forever21 26 TRUE STAR JR.

Mackenzie

Transparent Pink Raincoat, Pink/Wht Checkered Dress, Shades-@forever21, White FILA sneakers-@BurlingtonStyle

TRUE STAR JR. 27

Journey

White/Silver Rainjacket, Purple/Blue Mini Skirt, Shades-@forever21, White 1-Sleeve Ruffle Tee-@BurlingtonStyle

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London

Pink Transparent Vinyl Rain Coat, Rainbow Stripe Wide Leg Jumpsuit, Pink Mesh JoJo Siwa Bow Sneakers@BurlingtonStyle

Mackenzie

Transparent Pink Raincoat, Pink/Wht Checkered Dress, Shades-@forever21, White FILA sneakers-@BurlingtonStyle TRUE STAR JR. 29

Mackenzie

Red/Wht/Blu In My Circle Print Asymmetrical Dress - @nicknackapparel

London - Red/Wht/Blu In My Circle Print Skirt - @nicknackapparel

Journey

Red/Wht/Blu In My Circle Print Shift Dress @nicknackapparel

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London

Orange Dress-@ forever21, GirlPwr Tank, Steve Madden Sneakers@BurlingtonStyle

Charisma Blk/Wht Tokyo Print Windbreaker, Pink Joggers-@forever21, Kimora Tee@nicknackapparel

Mackenzie White Fringe Journey Top- @hauteoutfit101, Velour Adidas Track Pant- @BurlingtonStyle, ShoesModel’s Own

White/ Silver Rain Jacket, Purple/Blue Mini Skirt, White 1-Sleeve Ruffle Tee-@BurlingtonStyle

Charisma - Sheer Mesh

Coral Tunic, White Baby Tee, White Fila Sneakers-@BurlingtonStyle, Abstract Print Leggings-@nicknackapparel

Nazhi Thee Baker

DOESN’T LET SICKLE CELL Cancel Her Dreams

BY JACKSON DOWELL, WAUBONSIE VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL, AURORA, IL

D

espite having the life changing disease known as sickle cell, Rimazhanae “Nazhi” Forrest, better known as Nazhi Thee Baker, doesn’t allow it to control her life. Sickle cell is a blood disorder that is inherited from parents. It causes the hemoglobin in a person’s red blood cells to become oddly shaped. Hemoglobin is a protein which is responsible for distributing oxygen throughout the human body. In sickle cell, hemoglobin clumps together which leads to the red blood cells becoming inflexible and curved which restricts blood flow. Anemia and extreme pain are possible symptoms of sickle cell, among others.

The 15-year-old freshmen began baking after her elder sister had a stroke in 2015. She learned 32 TRUE STAR JR.

that by changing her diet, she could help herself and her family remain healthy. “I wanted to make alternative foods that are organic and non-processed,” said Forrest. Balanced diets are important for everyone, but especially for those with sickle cell because they need nutrients to help their weakened immune system. She bakes with natural, organic, non-GMO, and gluten free ingredients.

Having sickle cell hasn’t held Forrest back.

“Knowing that others have sickle cell inspires me and makes me want to achieve my dreams,” she said. Forrest and her family host several events throughout the year to promote awareness for sickle cell and help those with it.

In her free time, she enjoys dancing, learning new recipes, and learning more about sickle cell.

Forrest loves to bake two tier cakes and makes several different treats including: pound cakes, cheesecake, cookies, and banana bread. She plans to become a famous pastry chef and help small entrepreneurs grow their businesses when she grows up. Chef Duff Goldman, a pastry chef and television personality on Food Network, is Forrest’s role model. She said Goldman has inspired her to continue to pursue her dream, and even if she makes mistakes, he encourages her to keep going.

Forrest believes that kids today need to know to “always chase your dreams and don’t let anyone stop you.” She is living proof that you can achieve anything you put your mind to. Her

treats are available online at nazhitheebaker. com and at St. Lucie’s Farmers Market in Port St. Lucie, Florida. You can find her on Facebook and Instagram @nahzitheebaker, and Twitter @ nahkibakes.

TRUE STAR JR. 33

DEEPER THAN SKIN

Take THE L

BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

I

n life there are many situations where we win some battles and we lose some. Often, it’s undeniably hard and even embarrassing to take an L but, sometimes losing can be a good thing.

Of course, you should always put forth your best effort and never deliberately lose but when you do, it’s not the end of the world. Losing is an experience and lesson that no one can teach you.

Hearing someone say, “you learn from those better than you” is a common occurrence in competitive situations because it’s true. Simply watching someone who may have better technique or skill than you can allow you to learn something new and use it to your benefit. It’s the same exact thing with losing to someone better than you! Take your critiques and criticism, try to fix it and become better yourself. It’s just like mentoring.

“The sting of defeat can be particularly traumatic for kids at this age [beccause they] haven’t yet developed the maturity and mental toughness to deal with a loss. They will feel ashamed and 34 TRUE STAR JR.

think of themselves as failures,” according to leaguenetwork.com. “And without the guidance and support of their coach and parent, they may feel so distressed that they may want to give up the game entirely.”

Jeremy Rodrigues has been coaching freshman football at Eisenhower High School for 13 years.

In freshman football, he said it is important to build on becoming a better athlete. Sometimes the test can be how athletes react to a loss. “I have three questions that I ask them after every game. Did you learn something? Did you have fun? What can you do next time? That way they are always kind of thinking about taking this loss not necessarily as something to stew about and lament over,” said Rodrigues. “It’s something they can learn from and build on if they did well at their position.”

Losing may seem like a bad thing, but in plenty of situations that is not the case at all, it’s the exact opposite! So the next time you take an L, use that sadness or anger as motivation to try harder in the future.

Adventures IN PUBERTY

BY JAILA MABRY, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

I

f you’re reading this, there’s a good chance you’re at the age where this thing called puberty is starting or has already started. Technically the complete definition of puberty is: the period during which adolescents reach sexual maturity and become capable of reproduction. But, most of us that endure puberty know it as: that awful stage where teens get pimples, start to smell bad, and have terrible mood swings. Or that horrible time when our innocent bodies start getting freaky and weird.

But, newsflash guys, THIS HAPPENS TO EVERYONE. Everyone goes through changes.

Fifteen-year-old Dalia Villeda agreed. According to her, going through puberty has changed for the better. “It sort of sucks, but it happens,” Villeda said. “It happens to many people, but it’s like a reassuring thing that you are okay.”

Some people grow faster than others and for those who are a little behind, it’s perfectly normal. Looking identical to your friends is not at all what puberty is about. It’s about growing up. So get out your deodorant because hygiene is very important during this stage and onward.

It’s a must to keep clean, especially since during puberty, hormonal changes cause the apocrine (sweat) glands to activate and increase in size; making B.O. a bigger problem.

Now, pimples are what many teens consider the worst part of puberty. Most of us can relate to when those bumps appear on your face and red dots are everywhere UGH! Freshman Nike Gonzalez said having acne is one of the worst things about puberty. “Acne makes you face all oily and nasty. I don’t like,” he said. Gonzalez added that he also hates the hormones which create mood swings. Sometimes he will be just fine and then suddenly he will be mad.

Also, health is a crucial part of life, whether you’re going through puberty or not. The three key parts of health are what you eat, exercise, and sleep. It’s suggested that growing teens eat as healthy as possible, mainly following the MyPlate method. Staying active will keep you at a balanced size and a balanced life as well. It is also suggested that teens get 8-10 hours of a sleep a night. Follow these simple steps and push on through puberty like a champ.

TRUE STAR JR. 35

CREATIVE & CULTURE CORNER

Untitled

BY JADEN KULICZKOWSKI, ALAN B. SHEPARD HIGH SCHOOL, PALOS HEIGHTS, IL

36 TRUE STAR JR.

The Power of Words

BY MARIAH STEVENS, KELLAR MIDDLE SCHOOL, ROBBINS, IL

Assumptions are like opinions a judgement based on what we feel, We make assumptions on others not knowing what is real, Assuming could end relationships no matter where they go, Don't trust in your assumptions only in what you know, To avoid misunderstandings ask first, I’m sure that it’ll work, Before going around telling false accusations that could cause someone else to hurt, If they refuse to tell their situation, leave it alone then and there, Show a little sympathy, put yourself in their place, and you’ll realize how assumptions aren’t fair.

“There’s a difference between knowing somebody and hearing about somebody. Just because you “heard” doesn’t mean you “know.” —Unknown

TRUE STAR JR. 37

Self Portrait

BY KAYLEE “KIWI” RUTHERFORD, PARKER JUNIOR HIGH, FLOSSMOOR, IL

38 TRUE STAR JR.

This is My End

BY JEFFREY PICKARD, BETTY H. FAIRFAX HIGH SCHOOL, PHOENIX AZ

Is this how I end Wandering down, a plain path.

The birds fly over my head, I watch as the day turns to night Will this be my end?

“My broken bones are bending,” As all the lights are spinning I see my ending coming to me, But I keep on fighting Seeing my shadow come to life.

Why must this happen to me, Do I deserve this struggle?

All the shadows following me, while my shadow has left me.

And is far away from me.

I see the dark take me over, Watching the shadows fight.

Who will win, the light?

Or might the shadows take over.

Will this be my end?

My shadow begins to fight, I wonder if I will die?

My shadow is not strong enough, After all the struggles, Is this how I might end?

I run, so far But I don't go anywhere The light sees my struggle, And begins to help me.

I get out of the forest, only to see pain.

As I see the shadows follow me, I wonder how I can survive.

The light starts to disappear, I run, but the dark holds me back “Is this the end of all the endings?”

My shadow starts to win, Fighting against all the pain Is this all my fault?

Are these shadows me?

I am causing all of this pain?

I see the branches trying to reach out, While I see wolves chasing me I follow the trial of light But it is getting smaller…

Is this the end for all?

The pain I see, is only seen by me Can I ever escape this struggle, Will this be my end?

Now I choose it to be my end.

I see the darkness, The dark bright light surrounds me.

I will be my own end.

TRUE STAR JR. 39

40 TRUE STAR JR.