Greetings from True Star and welcome to our 2008 Summer issue! True Star Magazine’s objective is to address and discuss the apparent issues of teens today. We cater ything that’s been happening in the world, this time around True Star chose to focus on an issue that can be many people’s biggest fear: CHANGE. Change can be a very scary thing, but at True Star, it is encouraged. All of the content in this magazine is created by teens, and with teens being the future, True Star believes that change is something teens can control. This issue showcases everything from tips for dressing for success in Teen Biz, blazing music from newcomer Noel Gourdin in Under the Radar, to the latest coverage of the 2008 Presidential Election in Truth Is. Whatever you desire to know, True Star’s got it covered. Turn the page and enjoy! Shannon Smith Teen Staff Editor
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS J. Na-Tae’ Thompson DeAnna McLeary
Special Thanks to:
EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Deborah Walker ART DIRECTION, DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION Angel D’Amico INSTRUCTORS Editorial – Kimeco Dodd & Marcus Davis Graphic Design – Samantha Barrett Photography – Mireya Acierto & Deshaun Adams Event Planning – Joi Mitchell & Janielle Taylor Sales and Marketing – Quinn Riley ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE Carlin Tools
Editorial Staff
Michelle Clark High School Jermaine Howard Sarina Jones Valencia Smith Barbara Amos Ashley Anderson Tonia Brumfield Rosalyn Westerfield Sha’ron McKinney Raven Spellman Maquita Conner Sheniqua Moore Janisha Moore Antoinette Copeland Zakiya Woods Shiara Jackson Shaquita Pearson Aujulay Myles
Editorial Staff King College Prep Melody Howard Ashley Beridon Patricia Bogard Jaleesa Campbell Courtney Coleman Shannon Smith Macanen Gordon
Steven Hall Timarah Harris Nosha Lawrence Robin Love Maya Powe Jerian Mainor Diamond Parsons Jade Riggs Zahkiyah Sims Simone Taylor-Deaderick Shamari Truss JauRisha West
Gwen Spight Charles Perry LaTonia Porter Terry Matthews Jr. Courtney Brutus Mekeya Bell Tremayne Dumas Cameron Harris Peter Austin Gloria Coleman Shareese Arnold
Creative Staff
Percy L. Julian High School
Simeon High School Joy Heard Barbara English Gabriel Ross Loreal Nixon Hassan Childs Donald Jackson Devonye Wildon Darius Hillery Jason Perry Dante Sawyer Anthony Hamilton Anthony Whitehead Azure Dee Muldrow Michael King Gregory McElrath
Photography Staff Lockreg Blackwell De’angelo Brown Gabrielle Davis Jerome Dunkinsel Leeza Earl Darine Gosha Revon Gougis Brittany Gould Micilin Jones Alfonso Jose Beronica Littlejohn Cheria Moore Denzel Nelson Ricky Powell Nicole Richardson Stacy Rivers
Robert Sanders Shakaria Smith Rashon Snyder Jessamyn Sterling Regina Toney Malcome Townsend Ashley Washington Symone Wiley Nehemiah Young
Event Planning Staff
Harlan Community Academy Justin Allen Takeysha Brown Kenyatta Bryant Deshaun Clair Demetrius Cook Maurice Crawford Stephen Gordon Diamond Haywood Tatyana Henderson Ashley Jefferson Darmonique Hill Anna jenkins Daniel Merrick Jeremy Moore Deonca Mosley Candise Nelson Maurice Sutton Shelley Thomas
Waldel Tompkins Jr. Christian Walton Johnniemae Watson Brittney Williams
Sales & Marketing Staff Hyde Park Career Academy Michelle Barksdale Jaleel Brack Sydney Brown Gabriel Carrington Jazmin Collins Ocie Duncan IV Mariah Griffin Shawanda Jackson Alyssa Johnson Ashlee Jordan Mylia Jordan Michael Mahaffy Lichele Raye Dominique Richardson Nicolette Scott Antranell Smith Michael Ware Dominique Williams Donte’ Williams Janae’ Witherspoon
THE MAJORITY OF THIS MAGAZINE IS DEVELOPED BY TEENS IN SEVERAL AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS PROGRAMS. THESE PROGRAMS ARE HOSTED BY ITS PARTNER AND COMMUNITY-BASED ORGANIZATION, TRUE STAR MAGAZINE. AFTER SCHOOL MATTERS IS A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION THAT OFFERS CHICAGO TEENS INNOVATIVE OUT-OF-SCHOOL ACTIVITIES THROUGH SCIENCE37, SPORTS37, TECH37, WORDS37 AND THE NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED GALLERY37 PROGRAMS. FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE VISIT WWW.AFTERSCHOOLMATTERS.ORG OR CALL (312) 742-4182.