15 SPRING 20
CAN TAKIS CAUSE CANCER?
RACISM:
STILL AN
ISSUE? E
WORLD
DIGGY
E
THE FANDOM
THE EVOLUTION OF
F R
GETTING PAID FOR SELFIES
Are You A
TRUESTAR?
REAL TEENS
REAL ISSUES STYLE TRENDS
CELEBRITY INTERVIEWS
HEALTH,
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AND MORE! CHECK OUT WWW.TRUESTARIS.COM
CONTENTS EXPOSE’
CREATIVE CORNER
6: RACISM: STILL AN ISSUE? BY ABIGAIL F.
26: UNBREAKABLE FAITH BY DIOVION
DIZON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE
GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE
7: OH, THE (IN)HUMANITY! BY KIERA
27: INSIGHT BY MIKAH MARTINEZ, LINDBLOM
STECKELBERG, CHASE ELEMENTARY
MATH & SCIENCE
8: DEALING WITH ALZHEIRMER’S DISEASE BY KIERA STECKELBERG, CHASE ELEMENTARY
DEEPER THAN SKIN
9: WORLD WAR II: THE ATOMIC PLAGUE BY
28: CAN TAKIS CAUSE CANCER? BY ASHLEY
ANTHONY CHAVEZ, CHASE ELEMENTARY
SANCHEZ, CHASE ELEMENTARY
TALKIN’ NERDY
KEEPIN’ SCORE
10: MERGING DISNEY CHARACTERS BY KAYLA
29: WE NEED SPORTS BY JAYDA MANZO,
STYPINSKI, CHASE ELEMENTARY
CHASE ELEMENTARY
11: FUN FACTS: TOP FIVE ENERGY EFFICIENT
30: CHICAGO TROJANS BBALL TEAM BY
ENVIRONMENTAL INVENTIONS, BY ZOË
MAGALY MURO, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE
MITCHELL, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE 12: THE FANDOM WORLD BY JASMINE WHITE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE
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14: LYRIC POWELL-MCCORD BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE
EMAIL: TRUESTARJR@TRUESTARMAGAZINE.COM
15: VINERS BECOMING ACTORS BY JAYDA MANZO, CHASE ELEMENTARY 16: DIGGY SIMMONS BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE
FASHION 18: INSTAFASHION 20 - 23: SPRING FASHION
4EVER YOUNG 24: GETTING PAID FOR SELFIES BY MONET-AALIYAH HARKINS, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE 25: STEPS TO SUCCESS FOR COLLEGE BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE
EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS DEANNA MCLEARY & J. NA-TAE’ THOMPSON MANAGING EDITOR MARTI PARHAM EDITORIAL INSTRUCTORS NYKEYA WOODS WEB CONTENT & MARKETING MANAGER JOI MITCHELL WEB CONTENT ASSISTANT HENRY COLLINS ART DIRECTION DESIGN AND ILLUSTRATION ANGEL D’AMICO-BAUER FASHION CREATIVE DIRECTOR JOI MITCHELL PROMOTIONS MANAGER DESHAUN ADAMS MARKETING ASSISTANT DANEISHA GOODMAN
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CHASE
Back row left to right: Ashley Sanchez, Kelissa Medina, Kayla Stypinski, Kayla Stypinski, Xavier Rios Front row left to right: Anthony Chavez (on the banister) Elton Aguilar, Erandi Gopar, Brenda Rodriguez, Mayra Perez Not pictured: Carlos Sandoval, Jayda Manzo, Jerania Barrios, Kiera Steckelberg
4 TRUE STAR JR.
LINDBLOM
Left To Right: Tia Smith, Jasmine White, Abigail F. Dizon, Diovion Gallimore Not Pictured: Tyra Smith, Magaly Muro, Monet-Aaliyah Harkins, Zoe Mitchell, Mikah Martinez
WHITNEY YOUNG Blake Carnes
EXPOSE’
Racism:
Still An Issue?
BY ABIGAIL F. DIZON, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
R
ace is a concept made to identify groups of people by their physical features and native habitats. As we know, racism has been a huge issue throughout history. Discrimination led to segregation, educational gaps and other unfair situations. There’s been racism through slavery, and just recently, Indiana passed a law that allows discrimination against homosexuals legal. With this new law, what’s next for people of different races? Among today’s society, race is brought up very often, and racism is becoming more routine in schools by students. It’s also become common for some students to hear disrespectful language on a daily basis and not feel offended. That’s how 13-year-old Curtis Johnson feels. “Every time I walk down the hallway, people say to me, ‘what’s up my n---a?’ I don’t really care because it happens all the time. I got used to it,” said Johnson, an African-American Lindblom Math & Science Academy student. 6 TRUE STAR JR.
While Johnson has adjusted, not everyone has. Some think being mean to one another will grant power and superiority over others. Nobody likes being insulted, especially when it comes to race and/or culture. Racism among schools has resulted in bullying and a spread of ignorance through peer pressure. What many people forget to realize, is that this form of bullying can lead to suicide. According to NoBullying.com, more than half of Asian Americans aged 12 to 18 have reported being bullied or taunted. Thirteen-yearold Amelia Catacutan knows this all too well. Catacutan, who is Filipino and attends St. Mary’s Parish, said, “When I walk through school, all I hear is, ‘Hey Asian!’ or ‘Hey, Ching-Chong!’ It happens every day and it irritates me.” It’s been too long to not understand that racism is simply not okay. After being taught about discrimination in schools, teenagers should know and understand by now that we shouldn’t be this way to one another. It is a problem alongside many others that will take a lot of effort to eliminate.
Oh, The (In)Humanity!
BY KIERA STECKELBERG, CHASE ELEMENTARY
M
any horses are abused each year for the entertainment of derby fans, and it doesn’t come to light nearly as much as it should. Horse racing has taken place forever all over the world, but are the horses being treated as humanely as the owners and derby fans say they are? The international Welfare Guidelines for Horse Racing states that “training and racing schedules should be carefully planned to minimize the risk of musculoskeletal injuries.” But this is damage that can come to horses that aren’t properly cared for. The horse can have a disorder that the owner doesn’t even know about, and there are plenty of loopholes. Another issue is how the whip is used on the horses. Jockeys use a racing whip to make the horse speed up. “Abuse of the whip cannot be condoned, for example, to make a beaten horse run faster,” according to the international guidelines. It cannot also be used “if a horse is unable to respond, or if a horse is clearly winning. Any post race whip weals clearly
indicate injury.” If you’ve ever seen a race, you know that jockeys are constantly whipping their horses, which is a direct violation of the guidelines. In addition, racehorses are ridden much too hard. The bits put between their teeth to steer them can cut the corners of their mouths and their saliva can become frothy if they are ridden to hard. Problems not properly acknowledged by the guidelines are injuries and deaths on the racetrack. The Society Pages said recently that, “a team of investigative reporters at the New York Times has found that over 1,200 horses die at race tracks every year in the U.S. Many of them die immediately after a race, euthanized after their bodies literally crumble underneath them.” Gruesome, right? Shouldn’t such a painful death get more attention? But the rules say, “If injuries are sufficiently severe, the horse may need to be destroyed on humane grounds. Euthanasia should be undertaken as soon as possible with the sole aim of minimizing suffering.” TRUE STAR JR. 7
Dealing with
Alzheirmer’s Disease
BY KIERA STECKELBERG, CHASE ELEMENTARY
A
lzheimer’s disease is a hereditary disease that causes dementia. Alzheimer’s is a disorder that directly victimizes nearly five million U.S. senior citizens, but it affects many more. The friends and families of the affected go under a lot of financial and emotional distress. Caretakers must be hired, an affordable housing situation must be found, and people must be supported. Alzheimer’s is caused by a genetic and possibly environmentally-induced disorder that kills brain cells, making the seniors lose short-term, and eventually, long-term memory. Causes are not yet understood, but lumps of a protein called betaamyloid are a suspect. These plaques can ruin cell-to-cell communication, and maybe even be at fault for the destruction. Another cause may be tau, a protein vital for the transport of information in the brain. In Alzheimer’s patients, it has been tangled or defective. My grandmother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s five years ago when I was 8. At first, 8 TRUE STAR JR.
she was very independent, as she always was, and refused help. The disease started to get bad and my aunt’s family had to move closer to help with my grandmother. One of my more profound memories of her was when I was sleeping over at her house. I was getting out of bed and she asked me: “Now, whose daughter are you?” At the time, I remember keeping calm, for her sake, but at home I was a flurry of tears. Her disease got progressively worse and my family learned to be patient and calm with her. She would often ask the same question several times in one visit. Learning to be calm can be difficult, but it’s very important if you know somebody with Alzheimer’s. Breathing and counting exercises are great calming techniques for family. Another important thing for family members when dealing with Alzheimer’s is getting support. People in support groups have gone through the same thing. It would be therapeutic just vent to anybody. So, if you know somebody going through this, be sympathetic and offer support.
World War II:
The Atomic Plague
BY ANTHONY CHAVEZ, CHASE ELEMENTARY
S
ince it’s going to be the 70th anniversary of the launching of the atomic bomb, I am going to dedicate this story to all of the people who, not just died during this tragic event, but were affected by World War II. The United States and Japan had been at war since the early 1940s, and by 1945 the U.S. troops where closing in on Japan’s mainland and had been launching bombs towards Japan. On July 16, 1945, the U.S. had found a breakthrough in science with the first ever working nuclear bomb: Trinity. The U.S. tested Trinity in New Mexico. Even Gen. Leslie Groves (leader of the Manhattan Project) said that this was a breakthrough for the war “[The U.S.A.] now had the means to insure [the war’s] speedy conclusion and save thousands of American lives,’’ according to FindingDulcinea.com. The U.S. tried to reason with Japan, but Japan did not surrender. This was the beginning of the
end for Japan in this war. President Harry S. Truman was authorized the use of the atomic bombs as soon as Aug. 6th to Aug. 9th 1945. Four cities were then selected as targets. Less than a month later America dropped the two bombs that would change everything. When they dropped the bombs on the two Japanese cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, they killed “tens of thousands of men, women and children in an instant,” according to reports. But also left thousands to die in a horrible, slow, agonizing death from the burns and radiation sickness in the months, even years that followed. On August 15, 1945, Japan surrendered and World War II was over. But this is still a remembered part of history because of its huge impact in science as well as the war itself. Killing over 70,000 to 80,000 people, the bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki is truly a memorable but tragic story. TRUE STAR JR. 9
TALKING NERDY
Merging
Disney Stories
BY KAYLA STYPINSKI, CHASE ELEMENTARY
M
any people don’t know that several Disney stories have a lot in common. For example, Frozen is connected to Tangled by Elsa’s and Anna’s parents going to Rapunzel’s coronation, so they say. But if you look at the time of when the movies were made, it makes a lot of sense, because Tangled was made on November 24, 2010, and Frozen was made on November 27, 2013. It just so happens that in Frozen after the song “Do You want to Build A Snowman,” the movie jumps ahead three years to Elsa’s coronation. So coincidence or not, the years between the movies probably have something to do with the plot of the movies. But if there were two neighboring kingdoms and you found out that the neighboring kingdom’s 10 TRUE STAR JR.
rulers died on their way to your coronation, then you would probably go to their eldest daughter’s coronation. Another way that a lot of Disney movies are connected is that they have the mysterious code A113. Some of the movies where the code can be found include Lilo and Stitch, The Princess and The Frog, Toy Story and Up. The reason why this code is in a lot of Disney movies is because it was a room in the California Institute of Arts where Disney animators learned their craft, so they thought it would be cool just to add something to a lot of Disney movies. In all, there are just so many connections and secrets in Disney movies that it’s difficult to find all of them, so these are just some.
Fun Facts: Top Five Energy Efficient Environmental Inventions BY ZOË MITCHELL, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
O
ver the last decade, finding a sustainable energy source, unlike fossil fuels and greenhouse gasses, has been pretty high on America’s “to-do list.” However, some of the most impressive inventions aren’t widely known, so here is a list of five environmental saving and energy harnessing devices: 1. Thermal-Depolymerization (TDP): This process recycles biomass, waste with carbon, and plastic into light crude oil. Examples of materials that can be recycled include certain animal waste, tires, and biomass from plants. Go recycle oil! 2. Fuel Cell Vehicle (FCV): This is a car that literally runs on water. It uses hydrogen instead of fossil fuel, and uses oxygen to create H20, which creates hydro powered energy. Ever seen a car that expels steam instead of pollution? Well, check out the Toyota Mirai. 3. Wavebob: It took 14 years, but there is a wave energy converter being tested in Ireland. Using help from the US, Ireland is now able to test a series of wave energy converters and slowly figure out how to use ocean power on a large scale. The specifics of these plans, however, aren’t yet available to the public. 4. Phytoremediation: It’s no secret that pollution exists in water, air, and soil. But did you know people have started growing plants in these polluted areas in order to soak up the contamination, such as crude oil, lead and arsenic, and convert it back into oxygen? Mustard plants, alpine pennycress, hemp and pigweed are common examples of plants great at filtering the toxic waste. Save the world, plant a seed! 5. Electronic Paper: “Don’t waste paper” has taken a whole new meaning. This type of paper uses display technology, similar to a tablet monitor, to give you the appearance of real paper and ink when in actuality it is just reflected light that looks like paper. Although companies are still working on full color displays, you can read your “paper” in direct sunlight and it has a waterproof layer.
TRUE STAR JR. 11
Uniting Fandoms
BY JASMINE WHITE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
S
ocial media apps like Instagram are not just being used for cute selfies. Fangirls and fanboys are using them to spread love to their fandoms through editing pictures on apps like PicsArt or Laminar Pro. A fandom is a group of a people who share the same interest in a book, movie, show or idea. These apps, like Crop & Collage, and sites like Fanfiction.net or Wattpad, are becoming a way for these enthusiastic fans to create a community in which people can share their ideas with people who enjoy the same things as them. If you search the name of a book series or movies such as Divergent, there will be many results scaling from a few followers to thousands of follows. One of them will be Divergent_ shadowhunter01. The page currently has over 1,200 posts and 7,000 followers. Just by the name, it is known that the person behind it is a fan of both the Divergent series and The 12 TRUE STAR JR.
Mortal Instruments series. In an interview with the fangirl, Divergent_shadowhunter01 stated that she made her account because her friend suggested the idea. Now after having created the Instagram fandom page, she is not as afraid to be herself. “Being in a fandom is my life,” she stated. “You get to connect with people who like the things you do.” The creator of the page said that now “it’s easier to find people with the same interests and you get to be more open about who you are. You can connect with people from all around the world who are in the same fandom as you.” A fandom can be just like a second family – caring and supportive. The difference is that there can be thousands of different people with different voices from different places from all around the world. People from across the globe joining together because of what they love, and not hurting anyone, certainly can’t be a bad thing.
Which FANDOM Do You Belong To? BY JASMINE WHITE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
TRIBUTES (HUNGER GAMES)
INITIATES (DIVERGENT)
• The three books, written by Suzanne Collins, have been turned into four movies. The three movies that were released have made nearly $3 billion.
• Veronica Roth wrote the trilogy, which is being turned into four movies. The first two have made more than $530 million so far.
SHADOWHUNTERS
(THE MORTAL INSTRUMENTS)
• This series consists of six books written by Cassandra Clare. The first, The Mortal Instruments: City of Bones has been made into a movie.
POTTERHEADS
(HARRY POTTER) • The seven Harry Potter books are the best-selling series in history, with 450 million books in print.
RUNNERS
(THE MAZE RUNNER) • There are three books in the series and a prequel written by James Dashner. The movie for the first book, The Maze Runner, made $340.8 million.
TREKKIES (“STAR TREK”) • Dubbed trekkies in 1967, the show’s popularity didn’t really catch on until the show was cancelled two years later.
HUNTERS (“SUPERNATURAL“) •For 10 years Dean and Sam Winchester have battled demons, teamed up with angels, and repeatedly saved the world, and no one really knows.
TOLKIENITES OR RINGER (LORD OF THE RINGS) • The movies have grossed nearly $3 billion worldwide and more than 150 million books of the series have been sold.
TRUE STAR JR. 13
HOT OFF THE PRESS
Emerging Artist Talks Chicago Violence BY DIOVION GALLIMORE LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
W
hat do you call a diva with talent as big as her hair? Lyric Powell-McCord. The artist, better known as Lyr!c, grew up in Chicago. When asked about her name choice, she has said that because her real name is Lyric, she just took out the “i” and put in an exclamation point, like Ke$ha did with her “s.” Being the granddaughter of the early blues bassist Willie “Vamp” Samuels, she has always had a passion for music. Powell-McCord began recording at age 10. Besides music, Powell-McCord has a number of interests. She has performed in school theater productions and student films. The Second City workshop alum, also has a lengthy radio background, co-hosting with Power 92.3 FM on many occasions. Hosting has been a great experience for her because she loves the radio station. “I listen to them 24/7. I might be a little addicted. If I hear my favorite song on the station I will definitely jam to it!” If her singing career doesn’t go as planned, becoming a 14 TRUE STAR JR.
broadcast journalist is definitely something she says she could see herself doing in the future. Youth advocacy is also important to PowellMcCord who happens to be a rep for “Youth Speak Out” and “Stop The Violence.” “Hearing [about] violence almost every day is irritating. I told my mom about how I felt one day, and it’s just not cool,” Powell-McCord said. “We figured it out, and I started broadcasting about violence.” She went as far as touring with “Youth Speak Out” and taking her work to social media. Unlike some her age, Powell-McCord loves Etta James, Nina Simone, Stevie Wonder, Anita Baker, and Jimi Hendrix. In her spare time she models for Huetiful, was chosen to be a McDonald’s McCafe Model in 2013, and can claim to get her Tyra Banks on. Powell-McCord is focused on building her fan base and creating music. She has a lot of music to come, and possibly an album. We wish her the best here at True Star Jr.!
iners Become Actors
Cameron Dallas
Nash Grier
BY JAYDA MANZO, CHASE ELEMENTARY
T
wo guys who started off doing silly, little six-second vine videos are now slowly becoming actors in big productions. Cameron Dallas, 20, and Nash Grier, 17, both stated that they started making the videos because they were bored. They heard about the vine app, downloaded it, and then started making short comedy skits. What made people take notice of Dallas and Grier’s Vine videos was the fact that the videos were weird and funny. This could be what caught the attention of so many, including AwesomenessTV, a reality-based YouTube channel. AwesomenessTV episodes were picked by Nickelodeon and have aired on TeenNick.
“Expelled,” which features Dallas, has been out since 2014 and now “The Outfield,” which features Grier and Dallas, is scheduled to come out in 2016. Nash, who has been known as the “King of Vine,” has 11 million followers, and he was listed as one of the top five influential people by Time magazine in March. Nash was listed as the fourth most influential, followed by President Barack Obama. Dallas was recently named as one of the 10 entertaining Latinos to be featured on Vine. He won the Teen’s Choice Favorite Viner Award at the 2014 Teen Choice Awards. The pair has also gotten the attention of TMZ. TRUE STAR JR. 15
Diggy gy Simmons
Breaks His SILENCE BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
A
s a young kid in the limelight, Daniel Simmons, commonly known as Diggy, has always been around musical influences. This spring he released his latest single, “Can’t Relate,” featuring Yo Gotti from his upcoming EP. The son of Joseph “Rev. Run” Simmons and Justine Simmons, grew up with a great support system. He, along with his siblings and parents, were on the MTV reality series “Run’s House.” He said, “Family will always be there for you. I am thankful for my family because they are very supportive, not with just music, but with life.” When asked about one of his memorable [moments], he mentioned Pharrell Williams. They have personalities that clicked and they had a great time creating art together. On Simmon’s first single, “Out Of This World,” he teamed up with French Montana (produced by DJ Mustard). They created the single “Ain’t Bout To Do.” The message of the song was to have fun. They were just having a good time in the studio when recording the single. It was full of energy. The 19-year-old is very passionate about his music. He said, “My music is from the heart, and how I feel. I am true to myself and have fun doing it.” Simmons is continuing with his music career and confessed that so many different things help him write. “Life experiences work the 16 TRUE STAR JR.
best. I took off because I didn’t want to put out music just to put it out,” Simmons said. “I want to be true to myself and who I am becoming.” While music is important, Simmons took some time to explore another part of his creative side. in the 2012, he scored a small part in the comedy, “parental guidance.” Although his part was cut, because of “creative changes” it is unclear if his role appeared in the extended DVD released version. The Atlantic records signed artist also got his own two-hour long movie on BET called “The Start-Up.” The project was due out in September 2013, but was never released. As the youngest member of the hip-hop collective “All City Chess Club,” Simmons believes balancing his social life is important, because too much work is “how you go crazy.” He tries to balance it all out by traveling, playing basketball, and working out. He also mentioned Chicago being one of his favorite cities to visit. The alternative music lover expressed interest in Maroon 5, Passion Pit and Arctic Monkeys. Simmons has said that their pop-rock genre is something he would want to try in the future. Simmons describes himself as creative. He is always creating something whether it be music or anything he loves. He will continue his music and living his life day by day.
TRUE STAR JR. 17
ON
S ADI
#M
#JOHN
Insta FASHION
#JAHKIL
#MAD
ISON
#EBEN
18 TRUE STAR JR.
#SKYE
#MATAYO
#MAK
AYL A
#AMIA
#JAHBRIL
#ANTO
NIO
TRUE STAR JR. 19
Spring FASHION Kennedy Cobb Tunic: Marshalls Pants: Jimmi Skouls Shoes: TJ Maxx
Alexander Pratt Bow tie: Urban Outfitters Shirt: H&M Belt: Banana Republic Jeans: H&M Shoes: Aldo Nimari Burnett Shirt: Zara Sweater: H&M Joggers: Forever21 Shoes: H&M Khalil Watson Shirt: H&M Belt: Banana Republic Pants: H&M Shoes: H&M Kishawn Morrison Bow tie: Urban Outfitters Shirt: H&M Pants: Zara Shoes: H&M
Kiera Steckleberg Shirt: TJ Max Vest: Marshalls Skirt: Marshalls Headband: TJ Maxx
Nyliah Neely Blazer: H&M Shirt: TJ Maxx Pants: H&M Shoes: Jordan Retro 13 – Model’s Own
Rita Ordaz Shirt: H&M Tank: American Eagle Pants: Marshalls Headband: TJ Maxx Shoes: Marshalls
Diovion Gallimore Shirt: Marshalls Pants: Jimmi Skouls Shoes: Marshalls
Photographer: Shelby Brown & DeShaun “Trig” Adams Clothing Stylist: Dutch Davis and Nicole Parrot Makeup Artist: Brittany Beach (Beauty Boulevard) Hair Stylist: Diamond Beach (Beauty Boulevard) TRUE STAR JR. 21
Alexander Pratt Sleeveless Hoodie: H&M Jeans: H&M Shoes: PRSVR
Kiera Steckleberg Rain Coat: H&M Shirt: Marshalls Pants: Model’s Own Boots: Marshalls Diovion Gallimore Shirt: Marshalls Skirt: Marshalls Boots: Marshalls Rita Ordaz Romper: Marshalls Vest: Marshalls Boots: Marshalls Umbrella: Marshalls
Khalil Watson Shirt: H&M Joggers: H&M Shoes: PRSVR
Nimari Burnett Extended Shirt: H&M Hoodie: Hoop Life Joggers: Zara Shoes: Nike (Air Force 1s)
Nyliah Neely Rain Coat: H&M Shirt: H&M Pants: H&M Shoes: Jordan – Model’s Own
Kennedy Cobb Shirt: TJ Maxx Pants: Jimmi Skouls Shoes: TJ Maxx Umbrella: Marshalls
TRUE STAR JR. 23
4EVER YOUNG
Getting Paid
FOR SELFIES
BY MONET-AALIYAH HARKINS, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
H
ave you ever thought of getting paid for doing what you do best? Well, there is an app that allows you to actually get paid for taking selfies in the outfit you are wearing. Then you also get a chance to see the people viewing your photo “like” what they see. This app is called Stylinity. Using the photo app, the user can scan the barcode of products that they try on or want. The scan attaches a link and a description, and other photos of the customer wearing the item, and they can share on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram or Pinterest.
Outfitters, Forever 21, Charlotte Russe and Guess. “Stylinity is different because a selfie is authentic, user-generated content,” said Tadd Spering, the app’s founder and CEO said. “It doesn’t repel customers and makes brands more real.”
Kimani Bishop, 12, was excited about being paid for selfies. “It takes a lot of time in the morning to pick the right outfit,” Bishop said. “The companies that I buy my clothes from cost a lot of money.”
Jai Wilson, 12, thought about using Stylinity for a slightly different reason. “I could use the money to help support my family. And I would also want to be known and be exposed to the outside world.” It seems as if being exposed to something new and to be known is what people want. The app is available for both iPhone and Android phones.
This app has been paired up with several clothing brands including Nordstrom, Urban 24 TRUE STAR JR.
The next time you want to take a picture, think about the money you can get off of it. Isabelle Dizon, 12, is seriously considering downloading the app, and she thinks the added money would be nice.” I want money and want people looking at me,” Dizon said. “These are national stores.”
Steps To Success For
College
BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
A
stressful part of growing up is worrying about your future. The following tips will help you educate yourself on what colleges look for in potential students. Remember, it’s never too soon to start preparing yourself for tomorrow. Academic Records. This includes not only grades and extracurriculars, but behavioral records as well. Without getting this information, colleges won’t look twice at your application. You might not like the mean girl from math class, or that obnoxious senior that bothers everyone that walks by, but you can’t let them get to you or get you in trouble. Keep your record clean. Keep your grades up. School is hard. It is supposed to be challenging because the real world isn’t easy. Luckily, you have teachers who are there to help you. Teachers usually appreciate when students show interest in their education. But, if you do not have anyone who is willing to help, you have Google, right? You can always ask for help from someone who does get it, or go around and ask different teachers.
Extracurriculars are a bonus for your records. So, you aren’t athletic. That’s no big deal. When it comes to extracurricular activities you have different choices to pick from, such as the debate team or chess club. Not only will you build your resume, you will build social skills and gain friends. The Interview. You got the interview to the college you love! Whoopee! Now you have to win them over with your amazing charisma and your killer smile. * Remember, first impressions are lasting impressions. * Professional attire only! Impress them with your maturity and professionalism. Give them reasons to want you, instead of reasons to give you the boot. * Speak at a natural and audible tone. Slang is unacceptable; try out some new vocabulary words instead. *Confidence is key. Be yourself and win over your interviewer. Make respectable side jokes, answer their questions carefully, and you’ll get that spot! TRUE STAR JR. 25
CREATIVE & CULTURE CORNER
FIDES:
Unbreakable Faith BY DIOVION GALLIMORE, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY I run away from the darkness around me, For I shan’t feel the unmistakable toll, Yet, I must love and feed my enemies, This is the price for a free soul. Lord, watch over our shoulders tonight, And help us live thy word tomorrow. For we won’t reside in a place of fright, Where we breathe depression and sorrow. Beyond the evil of the earth, The temptations of the crooked beckon. A place for the holy rebirth, For your good deeds you ascend to heaven. No matter if your trouble seems to double, Or your chances of happiness seem grim. The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble, And he knows those who trust in Him.
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Insight BY MIKAH MARTINEZ, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY I’m not saying that everyone doesn’t have struggles, but being African-American, the struggle is real. You’re born with these stereotypes, people automatically judging you don’t even know the story of your life. Oh she’s a black girl, she must be stupid and love drama. She’s always trying to fight. She’s 20 years old, three kids, a thot, not wifey type and he’s 16. I bet he’s on the corner and slangin drugs and his attitude is so cocky because he knows if there’s a problem he can so easily lift up the metal from his side, point it to your head or your chest, and cock back his gun. And these families are living in what we as people call the ghetto in these poorly built homes with a single mother who works three part-time jobs to take care of her kids who all have different fathers; or the complete opposite, and doing nothing but living off the government, and what I’m about to say is not a stereotype. I actually witnessed it. Young adults saying “I’m from Chirag” and “Drillinoise” proudly. Like, I’m confused, is this a good thing? How can you even consider it? And you honestly have people looking down on us like we’re stupid, just ignorant. Because when you’re ignorant it’s because you have been failed to be taught, failed to learn, and there are people walking around with name brand materialistic things with no care in the world, no concerns. Now let’s show these people that we are not illiterate, that we are the future generation. Let’s flip the script.
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DEEPER THAN SKIN
Can Takis
Cause Cancer?
BY ASHLEY SANCHEZ, CHASE ELEMENTARY
T
he spicy corn tortilla chips known as Takis, are not healthy for our body and can lead to many health problems, including cancer and ulcers. That’s the rumor anyway. Takis have many ingredients that are not good for our bodies. These chips can lead people to the hospital when too many bags at one time are eaten. The saltiness and spiciness are rumored to start stomachaches and other pains. Takis are also rumored to be worse than eating Flamin’ Hot Cheetos. Consuelo Galan, 11, was shocked to hear about how Taki can causes cancer, “I love Takis,” Galan said. Now that she knows the possible health risks, she said she only wants to eat two bags of Takis per month. She admitted she won’t completely stop eating them. Sixth grader Nayden Matias felt the same as Galan. “They are good because of the flavor and spiciness,” Matias said. But she also has a family friend who ate too many bags of Takis and had to be hospitalized for stomach pain. 28 TRUE STAR JR.
Hermione Pena, 12, also likes Takis even though she doesn’t eat them a lot. “They taste good,” Pena said. “I only like the original bag of Takis.” Now that she knows the rumored risk she is nervous about the cancer scare. The Mexico based company, Barcel, has created many different flavors like Fuego (Hot Chili Pepper & Lemon), Salsa Brava (Hot Sauce), Takis Nitro (Habanero & Lime) and Crunchy Fajita (Taco Flavored). The food color has a lot of artificial flavors that could contribute to some illnesses. According to Healthtap.com, it’s “doubtful” that Takis causes cancer. But “overeating any processed foods may cause short-term problems.” People can get really addicted to Takis and eat a lot of them, but if you don’t want to suffer the pain, then don’t eat Takis!
KEEPIN’ SCORE
WE NEED SPORTS!
BY JAYDA MANZO, CHASE ELEMENTARY
“W
E NEED SPORTS!” is the chant
that recently went around at Salmon P. Chase Elementary School. All the students are talking about needing and wanting sports. Chase has not had sports since the school year of 20122013. Students are doing everything they can to make teachers and other fellow students go along with the idea of finally having sports again starting this spring. The school advisory team is doing their best. Alondra Juarez, 14, is one of those students. The 8th grader said she is glad sports are heading to the school. “I believe we need sports because sports were a hit when we had sports two years ago at Chase, and I believe kids will really want to join.” Juarez is one of the students who is really dedicated to bringing sports back to the school. She has talked to the fellow advisory team at Chase, has sent emails to the school principal,
and has talked to teachers about bringing the sports that this school had back in the school year of 2012-2013. Juarez is not the only one who thinks Chase should have sports. Guadalupe Hernandez, 14, agreed. “We should have soccer, because if you look around when we are outside, many students from 5th to 8th grade love playing soccer,” Hernandez said. “We should add a soccer team to our school.” In March, students started to finally hear about adding sports to the curriculum again. Students had a selection of joining soccer, baseball, softball, track and field, dance/poms, karate, basketball or volleyball. Practices were planned to meet after school so students do not have to worry about having to wake up early to practice. In order to join a team, students need to be committed to the sport and have to have a “C” grade average. TRUE STAR JR. 29
Chicago Trojans
Building Winning ATHLETES
BY MAGALY MURO, LINDBLOM MATH & SCIENCE ACADEMY
H
ave you heard about the Chicago Trojans? The Chicago Trojans is a youth basketball organization that includes both boys and girls team. They have won the 2013 AAU Illinois State Championship, the 2012 NAYS National Championship, and the 2011 Lady’s Championship 6th grade level younger division level. Head Coach Marlon Jackson, and Chicago Trojan creator, told True Star, Jr. that his goal for the 2015 year was “to continue to build student athletes, and to have a winning season.” Jackson
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is currently a teacher in the Chicago Public School system. Jackson began his coaching career in 1997. His coaching centers around three main areas: working hard together as a team, rebounding/defending, and attacking offensively often. Jackson, along with four other coaches, work to build the kids emotionally, socially and academically. The coaches also teach the kids life skills. The program caters to youth beginning at the 5th/6th grade level up to the end of college. This is so that the older athletes can come back and
give to the community. The Chicago Trojans is an organization that has four different teams. They have the 5th/6th team, the Elite 13U, the Elite 14U, 15U, 16U, 17U, and the Lady Trojans. The Lady Trojans have some competitions coming up, including one on May 1st at the Illinois AAU District. In order to get on one of the teams, you need to tryout. During the tryouts to join the team the kids show off their own skill and they do some drills. To tryout you have to be a student
athlete in school. The Chicago Trojans have a variety of different sports. The sports that they have include basketball, track and field, girls basketball and flag football. The Chicago Trojan youth basketball organization is a year round program. The coaches target kids that are both on and off sports teams from their schools. The program has a track record where they follow kids as early as 3rd grade to high school and college. The program is in the city and it is affordable. TRUE STAR JR. 31
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