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tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 1
About the Program Contents Summer 2011
The Temple University High School Press is a summer enrichment program
that enabled 15 high school students from Philadelphia to study at Temple
WEEKLY UPDATES
University’s Center City campus in the Journalism Department’s “newsroom” and
work as journalists over four weeks between July 11 and August 5. Page 3
The Philadelphia Daily News printed this publication – free of charge – to HOMELESS PARTY
display the students’ work. Pages 12-13
Besides writing articles, blogs and editorials and taking photographs,
the students created video works, wrote stories and conducted other interviews TEENS ON THE JOB
accessible on our website: tuhspress.wordpress.com. Pages 4-10
Although Temple University supplied the home and equipment for
this endeavor, the work of the student journalists and their teachers also was
supported by a grant from The Dow Jones News Fund. PHILLY PHOTOS
The Career and Technical Education Summer Employment Program Pages14-15
of the School District of Philadelphia selected the students and worked in
RIHANNA!
cooperation with the Journalism Department of Temple University’s School of
Communications and Theater, The Prime Movers Media Program, a Washington, Page 11
D.C., -based enrichment program for high school students and its Philadelphia OPINIONS
affiliate, Prime Movers-Philadelphia. Representatives of the National Association Pages 16-23
of Black Journalists (NABJ), which held its annual convention this year, also
mentored students. The high school program sponsored by the NABJ at its
convention each year is called JSHOP.
During the school year, Prime Movers Philadelphia (primemoversphilly.
TUHSPress Staff
org), begun in 2007, has been supported by an initial grant from The John S. Director: Professor Maida Odom
and James L. Knight Foundation, the Otto Haas Charitable Trust, an anonymous
grant submitted through the Philadelphia Foundation, Target Corporation and Assistant Directors: Bonnee Breese, Sarah Fry, Reginald Moton,
Samuel L. Fels Fund. v Professor Linn Washington, Lisa Wilk
Student Journalists: Zyhir Baker-Elam, Henry Beard, Jamel
Crawford, Donte Green, Alexa Hicklin, Davia Magee, Nashali
The WorkReady Program Maldonado, Darrell Moore, Dado Nianghane, Kenisha Pinckney,
Joshua Randall, Que Scott, Sindora Stallworth, Shaquil Taylor,
The School District of Philadelphia, through the Office of High School Devon Wheeler
Reform, provided summer employment to high school students through the
Career and Technical Education Summer Employment Program. Significant
budget cuts reduced the number of students working in the program from 700
last year to about 100 this year.
Donate
All donations will be given in full to the Temple University High
The students are employed through WorkReady Philadelphia, a system School Press program. Your donation will support Philadelphia
of programs supported by a broad-based partnership dedicated to building the Public High School students in their effort to learn and practice the
region’s future workforce and managed by The Philadelphia Youth Network. craft of journalism. For information about how to donate please
Our students traveled on their own to the work site, presented themselves and e-mail Professor Maida Odom at mcodom@temple.edu. Thank you
worked as young professional journalists and photographers. Here are the for your generous support.
stories and photographs they produced. v
2 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
Student Journalists on the Job
TUHS Press reporters, Kenisha Pinckney and Que Scott, cover a story.
TUHS Press reporter, Zyhir Baker-Elam,
focuses on a subject.
TUHS Press reporter, Alexa Hicklin, adjusts the settings on the camera before taking a photograph.
TUHS Press reporter, Dado Nianghane (right), conducts an interview.
It’s full of interesting people wouldn’t mind if we talked to her, but the homeless people
Alexa’s First from all walks of life. I
basically think of it as the
them. But, in a way, we were
sort of wrong. LOVE Park is
of Philadelphia. There was
music, people, and plenty
Week in the heart of Philadelphia and to a very touristy place. Most of food. I personally thought
work in the middle of where of the people there were it was nice for all these
Heart of the City everything is happening has interested in taking pictures people to come together
been such an experience for in front of the famous LOVE and celebrate. We did more
By: ALEXA HICKLIN me. sign. The people that were man-on-the-street interviews
Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush
High School What I liked most sitting on the benches or in and we also took a lot more
about the program was front of the water fountain pictures. I had to take video
L ast week has been sort doing the man-on-the-street didn’t want to be interviewed. footage with my partner and
of like an adventure to me. interviews. My partner and We ended up interviewing I personally thought it was a
Coming from the Northeast, I were turned down plenty one person in LOVE Park difficult task because there
I didn’t know much about of times, but we also got and from there we moved was a lot of background
Center City, so I was excited lucky with a few people who onto other places. noise, and on top of that,
to explore a new environment actually stopped to talk to On Friday, there was there was loud music. Out of
that is drastically different us. We started out in LOVE an event going near City Hall all the interviews I did, I did
from the one I’m used to. Park because we figured that for Councilwoman Jannie get a few quotes.
Center City is fast-paced, most of the people would be Blackwell’s birthday. The This whole week
thrilling, noisy, and busy. hanging out and probably event was thrown not only for overall has been great. v
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 3
Teens on the Job
Down on the Farm at that there is a farm on the opposite side of
the high school. This farm is approximately
responsibility,“ said Joshua Veloz, a senior
and returning intern.
this City High School 150 acres of land meant specifically for
students to work with farm animals and Some of the common
Story By: SINDORA STALLWORTH
crops. Currently the high school is growing responsibilities at the agricultural school
Communications Technology High School in its student population. There are 15 are washing and giving vaccinations to
major agriculture classes and expanding animals. Josie Baxt, a senior student,
Photos By: JAMEL CRAWFORD programs for students. W.B. Saul has a enjoys working with the animals on the
A. Philip Randolph Career Academy
and SINDORA STALLWORTH
graduation rate of 95 percent and more farm. Sheep, horses, pigs and steers are
than 80 percent of graduates continue their often what she caters to on the farm. One
“I love animals and I‘m willing to work,” education at post-secondary institutions. of the reasons why she is enrolled as a
said Destiny Feggins, a senior at W.B. In 2004, W.B. Saul seniors earned in full-time high school student at Saul is so
Saul High School of Agricultural Sciences excess of $250,000 in scholarship money, she can pursue her dreams of becoming a
in Roxborough. This summer Feggins and including $145, 000 in agricultural-specific veterinarian.
her peers are learning how to work with awards. Much of the high school funding
animals in order to get them adapted to comes from Land-O–Lakes and Weavers For Feggins and Veloz, they go to
human interaction.“You have to get down Way. Many students who attend the high Saul because it’s different than a traditional
and dirty,” she said as she wiped the sweat school are involved in programs supported public high school. Saul High School gives
off of her head. through the school. many students in the city a unique outlook
on agriculture as well as other academics
“It’s fun and many people don’t “I want experience in the that aren’t usually a choice as career
know about our school. Many students that animal field. Farming is a good learning opportunities in city schools. v
attend other schools around the city call it experience and teaches you about
the farm school,” she said.
Founded in 1943, the
school was named in honor of
Walter Biddle Saul, a former
president and prominent
attorney of the school board of
Philadelphia. Saul High School is
the largest agricultural high school
in America.
Many people don’t know
4 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 5
Summer Jobs for Work Ready Teens
Engineering
On The Job
Story By: ALEXA HICKLIN
Arts Academy at Benjamin
Rush High School
Photos By:SINDORA
STALLWORTH
Communications
Technology High School
Sessi Adin
Nineteen-year-old
Shaunnay Patton Quenzell Robinson
Alliance is a non-sectarian,
Teens Learn By non-profit organization that
Quenzell Robinson loves his So what exactly does Quenzell
internship at Michael Baker, Inc.
Helping Others believes young people belong
in families and families have
do at his internship? On the
morning he was interviewed
“Baker doesn’t really by the Temple University High
Story By: KENISHA PINCKNEY a better chance of thriving in
accept people out of high school School Press, he was going
Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS strong communities. During the
or college until their junior over engineering drawings on
summertime at the Women’s
Photos By: SINDORA year, so I’m really fortunate to traffic patterns and accidents.
Christian Alliance, young adults
STALLWORTH have something like this, “ said He also runs errands for the
from the ages of 14 to 21
Communications Technology High Robinson describing his work staff at the office, located at
provide service for the younger
School at the Philadelphia office of the 1818 Market St.
children in the program.
engineering and design firm,
Did you know that 2,660 of our Shaunnay Patton is
which has offices across the Robinson works in
children are born in poverty nation. a bright and friendly office
a 15-year-old sophomore
everyday? Fourteen million who attends Frankford High environment. The walls are
children live in poverty in the Robinson, who just covered with vibrant colors and
School in the Northeast section
United States and to meet basic of Philadelphia. She works graduated from Carver High the employees are very open
living expenses a family needs with the youngest children School of Engineering and and willing to help Robinson
an income of at least $48,778, Science, became interested in when he needs it. Robinson
ranging from 2 to 5 years old
according to a 2010 federal engineering in his sophomore said he’s learning something
and in an office where she is
report. year of high school. He found new everyday. He couldn’t ask
responsible for working on her
that this was something he for a better job.
service-learning project. With
Statistics such as these the children she takes them wanted to do in the future.
are continually on the rise and Although he’s mainly interested After his internship,
out to the Pearl Movie Theatre
special non-profit organizations on Tuesdays and Thursdays, in electrical engineering, his he plans on attending North
try to intervene in efforts to internship at Baker is more Carolina A & T with a major in
teaches them their ABC’s and
help. The Women’s Christian focused on civil and electrical engineering. v
plays games.
environmental engineering.
>>>continued on page 10
6 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
Robert Cooper (right) and Vallery Salomoy (left). Sierra Bright
From Legos to from his engineering teacher.
However, this summer he has
Travel Takes Sierra said she
Engineering been “just learning how to work Planning enjoys this job “because it’s
in the office.” different” for her and “it is very
Story By: HENRY BEARD Story By: DONTE GREEN interesting.” Perhaps she
Kensington CAPA High School Besides engineering, A. Philip Randolph Career Academy enjoys it so much because
Salomoy likes science, the she makes a point to “keep a
Photos By: ALEXA HICKLIN piano, violin, and music. Photos By: NASHALI MALDONADO
Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush Julia Deburgos Bilingual Magnet positive attitude.”
High School JMT’s other intern, Middle School
Robert Cooper, 17, also is a When Sierra grows
At JMT Engineering in Center senior at Swenson Arts and Sierra Bright is a very talented up she would like to be an
City, the atmosphere is nice and Technology. He started his young lady who enjoys singing, accountant. But she also has a
the people are nice, according career track playing with Legos. acting, and just having fun. back- up plan and that is to be
to Vallery Salomoy, 17, a “Ever since I was a little kid I But, this summer she is doing an auto repair technician.
senior at Swenson Arts and loved playing with Legos.” something entirely different.
Technology, who lives in Oxford Sierra is from Olney.
Circle. Cooper wants to She is 16-years-old and attends
Sierra is working as a
become an architect but was transportation assistant at the school at A. Philip Randolph
JMT, one of the top directed to JMT by a teacher School District of Philadelphia. Career Academy where she
highway design firms in the who is trying to get Cooper just finished her junior year. Her
nation is multi-disciplined interested in engineering as
architectural/engineering Working in the favorite subject is math.
well.
employee owned company that transportation office at the
offers a full array of consulting school district headquarters, In her free time Sierra
Besides Legos and
and technology services she lays out different bus enjoys listening to music mostly
architecture, Cooper said, “I like
for infrastructure projects track and field, criminology, and routes, gives out SEPTA Hip-Hop and R&B. Some of her
throughout the United States. hip hop dance, and also TransPasses to students, and favorite artists are Trey Songz,
helping people.” v looks up directions for bus Wiz Khalifa, Lil Wayne, and
Salomoy heard about the job drivers taking students on trips. Chris Brown. v
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 7
People For People Jade Livingston, who also works in the People
For People office said, described the program as a good
experience. Livingston, 16, a rising junior at Strawberry
Story By: JAMEL CRAWFORD Mansion High School spends her days answering phones
A. Philip Randolph Career Academy and filing papers. She said that while she likes working
Photos By: DADO NIANGHANE with others, she prefers working alone. Livingston said the
Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS program keeps her occupied with something to do during
the summer.
Not surprisingly, working at People For People, Inc. (PFP) West Chester University sophomore Nakia
has taught Chika Duru how to work better with people. Lancaster, 18, works in the Hope Center, in the Pregnancy
Duru, 16, attends G.W. Carver High School of Engineering Center. Nakia helps schedule pregnancy tests and
Jade Livingston
and Science, where she will be in the 11th grade. She ultrasounds. Also people go there to get counseling on
explained the program has been a learning experience that abortion issues.
teaches you how to be a well-rounded person. This summer Lancaster is hoping to be a dentist or orthodontist.
she has enjoyed working with others in a PFP office. She explained that the program is to get students ready for
Founded in 1991 by Herbert H. Lusk, the the work world. Also People For Program pushes people
foundational mission of PFP is to drastically reduce into college, she said.
the blight of poverty in the North Central Philadelphia Students working at People For People are required
community. For over 15 years PFP has helped low- to meet a dress code – no jeans or T-shirts. The program,
income individuals leave behind their dependency upon Lancaster said, helps build self-awareness. Overall, she
welfare and substance abuse by providing education, job says that the program is a good way to keep students
training, computer skills training, program certification and
occupied through the summer. v
counseling.
Nakia Lancaster
Landing Airport jobs Daishalina Vazquez, 17, is a
new graduate of Thomas Edison High
School. She lives in North Philadelphia.
Story By: Zyhir Baker-Elam Vazquez has been working at the airport
Abraham Lincoln High School Photos for four weeks now and has two years
of job experience. Vazquez processes
Photo By: DONTE GREEN purchase orders, puts old documents into
A. Philip Randolph Career Academy the computer, runs errands and helps with
conferences. Asked why she likes her job,
At the Philadelphia International Airport there are two she said, “This job is fun, and I want to apply
young teenage students that work behind a desk in the for this job full-time. It’s a great environment
human resources department. One is named Sasha and will help me later in life.” Daishalina Vazquez
Santiago and the other is named Daishalina Vazquez. Vazquez found this job after she applied for
Santiago, 19, a new graduate of Mastbaum High an internship two years in a row, and the WorkReady
School and lives in South Philadelphia. Santiago has Philadelphia program found this job for her. When
been working at the Airport for one month and has three Vazquez was asked why do you think this job will help
years of job experience. you later in life, she answered, “This job is fun, and I have
Asked what she does at work, Santiago said, “I more experience and it will help me get better. I can show
purchase orders, put old documents into the computer, that I’m a good typer, and I could become a better typer.”
run errands and help with conferences.” She likes this job. Both Santiago and Vazquez really like their jobs
“This job is fun but it can be boring,” she said. “Lots of at the airport. Both hope to be able to work full-time at the
paper and lots of running around.” airport and are happy that their internships are helping
Santiago found this internship through the School prepare them for better futures. v
District of Philadelphia. She thinks the job will help her in
her life. “It will look good for my resume,” she said “and Sasha Santiago
shows that I have good typing skills.”
8 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
Auto Works at Amtrak Through the WorkReady program he
has been working there this summer.
because there
is an increased
Brian likes how Amtrak’s auto shop runs amount of
Story By: DEVON WHEELER
because he can learn things at his own pace. mathematical
A. Philip Randolph Career Academy
“I’m not rushed so my work can be perfect. ” equations. ”
Brian said, that he likes working there Pearson
Photos By: DARREL MOORE
because he likes the atmosphere and how he wants to
Samuel S. Fels High School
can learn new things on a regular basis. Brian eventually open
said, that he worked at another shop but it was his own shop
Amtrak has more than train cars. It has a fleet too fast paced for him. and run things at
of automobiles and those cars need service. At 17 years old Pearson who attends his own pace. In
Brian Pearson has always been very Swenson High School, has chosen to major in addition to having
good at fixing and detailing automobiles, which Auto Mechanic and Auto body. people do the Brian Pearson
inspired him to want to work at Amtrak Train “My favorite subject in school is math, work for him. v
Services. since I think math is very important in this field
Sunrise of is located in the culinary shop of Bok Area
Vocational Technical High School, an award
stay in a safer environment.
Students at Sunrise acquired
Philadelphia winning facility.
While Bok facilitates Sunrise, the
information about the program through school,
previous years at a summer job, through family
students are part of WorkReady, a program members and teachers. Once students found
that provides work opportunities for teenagers out that they were eligible for a six-week culinary
without summer jobs. program that paid bi-weekly, students rushed for
Sunrise tends to be special among all the opportunity.
of the other camps around the city. One of the At
instructors from this program stated, “What’s the end of
special about [Sunrise] is that the staff invites Sunrise’s
us to have sort of a family atmosphere and then program the
Sunrise staff prepare breakfast. we’re more of a work study verses a camp. So students
Story By: KENISHA PINCKNEY we learn as well as work at the same time.” are then
Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS Gratefully, Sunrise students experience educated
Photos By: ZYHIR BAKER-ELAM a family oriented atmosphere. Enhancing that enough to
Abraham Lincoln High School atmosphere students prepare easy and healthy partake in a
foods. For example, students prepare Italian competition
What do teenagers want? Teenagers want to food, desserts, salads, drinks, and dressings. All where students from different areas get involved.
have fun and venture off to discover new things. food is prepared from scratch and is then dished A challenge such as this prepares the students
These new elements of discovery out mainly to the staff and program participants. and encourages them to cook for the future.
ensure that teens will never grow bored. In Most of the students in the program come from The information retained is valuable
addition, teenagers are constantly growing and different schools around Philadelphia. Although, for years to come and it opens up different
searching for answers. So this also provokes they all come from different places they share career choices. Moreover, students feel that
them to want to learn more and gain more fun and happiness with each other. They believe the teachers and instructors care to help, they
knowledge.” that Sunrise gives them something to do rather lend support, stimulate social spirits, encourage
There’s one place where some than getting in trouble on the streets. students to think outside the box, embrace
teenagers can find what they truly want and A sophomore from Bok mentioned, “they differences and push for dedication.
that’s at a summer camp called, “Sunrise of care for us students and as children they don’t All in all, the Sunrise of Philadelphia
Philadelphia”. want us to be out on the streets.” summer camp at Bok High School is the one
Sunrise of Philadelphia is a six-week In fact, Sunrise is a place where stop shop for teenagers to be free and gain
summer program located at 1901 South 9th students can make new friends, earn money and experience for their future. v
Street in South Philadelphia. This program
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 9
<<< Teens Learn continued from page 6 family. Shaunnay needed to occupy herself with a job to strengthen her
self -discipline and sense of responsibility. “I wanted this job so that I could
help this agency and provide for myself. When I get older I plan to be more
She enjoys getting involved with the water games that the children adore responsible and have greater knowledge into what I’m doing.”
playing. All in all, both ladies feel that the WCA creates better opportunity
In addition, Patton works in the office as a receptionist, prepares for themselves and the community. Without the program they would have
food for the younger children and watches over them during naptime. nowhere to work in the summer time.
For her service-learning project Patton must work at a garden on St. The WCA employs more than 100 people and maintains a
Elizabeth’s preparing peppers, tomatoes and fruits for homeless veterans. current budget of six million dollars. Also, they supply resources and
Part of her work at the garden is to deliver food for victims of STDs, assist more than 5,000 children and families in and around North Central
diabetes, HIV and other diseases. While many people would grow Philadelphia every year. The WCA is located at 1722 Cecil B. Moore
exhausted with the duties at WCA she thinks differently, “My experience in North Philadelphia and was founded by Dr. Melissa Coppin in 1919.
here is fun. This is just what I do. I work and get paid.” Shaunnay hopes to Their purpose is to support and find homes for children, get involved with
gain more than enough experience from this job so that she could apply it activities that promote and ensure stability and integrity of families, provide
to future work. services and programs which are child-focused, family-centered, culturally
Sessi Adin is a 14-year-old freshman at George Washington sensitive and community based and to advocate and influence social
Carver High School and she believes that where she works is like a camp policy that develops progressive, rational child welfare practices.
and school all at once. She also advocates for the younger children, works Therefore, the Women’s Christian Alliance is an organization fit
on the same service-learning project as Patton but on Wednesdays. for struggling families in the community. They offer a lending hand when
Both ladies learned about the program through friends, school and others aren’t willing to provide. v
and woman. P.R.I.D.E. stands for Personal Recognition Ignites Deliberate
Emotions.
Founder and President Kenneth Perry was born and raised in
Middletown, Conn. and now works as mentor to young men and woman in
Philadelphia, Pa. He received his Associates degree from Mitchell College,
his Bachelors from West Virginia University, and his Masters from Temple
University and his Principal Certification from Cheyney University.
Perry said that “Once you understand who you are you can make
a great impact on the world.” So in the Philly Project Perry is responsible
for helping public school kids with the college process. He also said that
Kenneth Perry
“college is an aspect but its not the aspect,” meaning that it’s not what you
have but how you use it and how much effort you put into it. He teaches
Project P.R.I.D.E. Helps Youths his kids to surround themselves with good people and if the company you
keep is not helping you get where you are going don’t let them hold you
Prepare for the Future Success back. Perry said he feeds the children information about what is needed
for them when they are getting ready for college and how to go about
arranging the financial situations associated with college.
Story By: SHAQUIL TAYLOR Philly Project P.R.I.D.E. is in the public schools that provide
Benjamin Franklin High School funding and it operates on Saturdays at University City High School. Perry
started the program in 2007 but prior to the project he looked after many
Photos By: ALEXA HICKLIN kids and gave them a good sense of direction. Perry believes that “no
Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School community is greater than the production of its children,” which is reflected
in his work at Philly Project P.R.I.D.E.
The Philly Project P.R.I.D.E., Inc. is a program established to build For Perry the children come first. Children are the future and
character in young men and woman and to prepare them for what is to education is more important than putting up new buildings, said Perry.
come in the world.This program helps with developing internal skill sets Philly Project P.R.I.D.E. is open to any individual who is trying to find help
and gives young people another helping hand in becoming successful men to better him or herself for the future. v
10 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
conveyer belt. events were happening that night and it was a bit
Rihanna performed about a confusing, but there was a lot to see.
dozen costume changes that I took pictures of the Rihanna tour bus
all helped to enhance the visual and the vendor’s stand and some of the people
experience. in the audience that were already seated in the
She closed the concert arena. J. Cole opened up the show, then a rap
with “Umbrella,” the longest artist from North Carolina performed about six
running number one single of songs. Then it was Rihanna’s turn, but it took
the previous decade. Rihanna an hour and a half to finally come out.
Rihanna wasn’t the only I was beginning to get tired of waiting for her.
“Rihanna” at the concert – But, when she performed, she gave us the treat
there were clones everywhere. of many songs. She danced and changed into
Rihanna impersonators who several different costumes, I was trying to get
donned bright red wigs and the lots of pictures of her and I video recorded her
LOUD with Rihanna crazy body suits were almost
like part of the show. “It’s all just about being
during the show.
After the show, I got back on the Sub,
fun and having a great time,” said Jessica Fawn the El and met two other concert attendees.
Story By: DADO NIANGHANE when asked about her getup. “I love Rihanna so They were so funny and made my trip come
Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS this was definitely one of the best concerts of my to a wonderful close. I found out that one of
life. I will definitely be going to another Rihanna them goes to my school. My new friends and
Photos By: QUE SCOTT concert soon.” v I then went to McDonald’s, walked around the
Overbrook High School neighborhood and we kept talking about the
concert until it was time to go home. I had lots of
The Rihanna concert lived up to the name of
her fifth album: Loud.
I Saw Rihanna LIVE fun! v
J.Cole gave an over-the-top Story By: QUE SCOTT For more photos and videos of the concert
performance that was a great choice for an Overbrook High School please visit tuhspress.wordpress.com.
opening act.
After J.Cole’s opening act, concertgoers Rihanna had a concert; I won a ticket to attend! Free Rihanna Tickets
sat almost an hour until the lights were finally
dimmed. Then Rihanna emerged from inside a
It was held on Saturday, July 23rd in Philly and distributed to High School
spectacularly lit silver ball while belting out the
this was the first ever event I traveled to by
myself.
Journalism Club Advisers
lyrics to “Only Girl (In the World).” As I began the trip, I was excited, hot
Throughout the concert, Rihanna Moxie, at www.gomoxie.org, since
and even more excited. After catching the 52, 1997 has provided free music, videos, and
obviously didn’t need any help from anyone as the El and then the Broad Street Sub I met five
she seemingly cast a spell on the nearly sold-out promotional “shout-outs” for high school
girls while traveling. When I finally got down to newspapers, radio, and TV organizations.
show at the Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia the sports complex area, I saw concertgoers
on July 23rd. Moxie, in conjunction with major and minor
who were all dressed up in fancy clothing. record companies, sent tickets for two student
Rihanna and her dancers certainly Many of them had on heavy make up, Rihanna
didn’t leave much to the imagination, there reporters to attend this year’s Rihanna concert
costumes and fire-engine red wigs. I figured they as an incentive to their high school’s journalism
was bumping, grinding, and Rihanna even were going to the concert since they looked very
straddled an audience member. Mothers and programming.
similar to Rihanna. I was surprised to see these Advisers can sign their student
fathers brought their nine- and 10-year-olds to types of styles for the concert.
the concert; everyone was enthralled by the journalism groups up to become eligible for
I asked a group of Latina girls if they artist interviews, current music CDs and videos,
sexually-charged acts. were going to the concert. They said yes, and
The concert was also a visually and other promotional materials. The service is
they seemed very nice so I walked with them free and there are no obligations, only that you
interesting show. There were sparklers, videos, since I was unsure about what building to go
a pink cannon, a rock-guitar soloist and part of let Moxie know about your use of the received
to. The sports complex has several stadiums materials. It’s easy, check Moxie out; read the
the stage moved on something that resembled a and other buildings there -- different games and student news reports published here. v
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 11
A Birthday Party for
the City’s Homeless
Story and Photos By: TUHS PRESS Staff
The City Hall courtyard was crowded with
people – some carrying all their belongings,
wearing raggedy clothes and messed up
shoes; others, better dressed people with their
little kids joined the homeless -- standing in
the hot sun for free hot dogs, hamburgers and
more.
They all came together to celebrate
Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell’s birthday.
Police stood by watching, but there were few
problems to pull their attention – just people
cooking on grills or serving out of deep
aluminum foil pans and a popular vendor homeless is just a condition. It doesn’t define
on this very hot day, Fred’s Water Ice, an who we are based on that by the actions of
operation that had traveled downtown from their heart.”
Southwest Philadelphia. One man named Elton recalled how he
Politicians addressed the crowd and became homeless. A friend who was also his
there was music and dancing as well, at landlord announced he was selling his house
the annual party for the homeless that the and told Elton to get out quickly. The next
councilwoman sponsored on July 15. day as Elton was sleeping, men in hardhats
It’s a way of “telling people we care and yellow vest came to demolish the house.
about them,” said Joe Tisdale, who said he Elton found living in shelters difficult to endure.
was pleased the councilwoman sponsored the “They were overcrowded and smelly,” he said
event. explaining that he didn’t want to take a shower
“We can make a change,” said Sheila at a shelter. “Homeless people are a problem
Councilwoman Jannie Blackwell, District-3
Taylor, expressing concern about the plight of in this city. If America is so rich, then we
the homeless. shouldn’t have problems like this,” he added.
This is the 14th year for the lunchtime “It’s only good for one day,” said a man
event said Councilwoman Blackwell during who would only identify himself as Michael,
an interview. “I love to serve the homeless “The next day, they will be doing the same
population everyday and try to help as many thing they were doing before: eating out of a
people as I can. This brings all people trash can. They have to find a way to survive.”
together, keeps people out of the streets and Alice Wright, 70, also was among
the shelters. It’s just to let them know that we the crowd. “I think it’s wonderful that the
do care and that we are all people,” she said. Councilwoman does not only do this for the
“I look at them as if they are my homeless, it’s everybody. For her to share her
brother and my sister and I reach out to birthday with someone else is great. She is a
them because we are only people and being blessing.” v
12 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 13
Philadelphia
Photos
Students Go On A Citywide
Scavenger Hunt for Images
Alexa Hicklin
Alexa Hicklin Dado Nianghane Devon Wheeler
Donte Green Sindora Stallworth Josh Randall
Josh Randall Dado Nianghane Kenisha Pinckney
Background Image: Sindora Stallworth
14 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
Sindora Stallworth Jamel Crawford Nashali Maldonado Zyhir Baker-Elam
Alexa Hicklin Shaquil Taylor Donte Green
Devon Wheeler Sindora Stallworth Shaquil Taylor
Background Image: Josh Randall
Que Scott Jamel Crawford Darrell Moore Donte Green
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 15
Student Opinons
for adult life. hitting, punching, pulling hair
Many people believe that the and kicking. Abuse can occur
burqa is a sign of oppression and that in both dating relationships and
women have the right to freedom. The friendships.
Qur’an (Koran) calls for modesty from Most times when a
Muslim/Islamic citizens, and some say person is being abused their
that such modesty has been taken too abuser will try to make up any
far with the burqa. Some say that it is excuse like, ‘’Honey I’m sorry,’’
the manifestation of a limited cultural or ‘’I didn’t mean it,” or “I will
mindset. Also, some people feel that it not do it again ever.’’ According
Wearing a Burqa: A causes security threats. For instance, to Teens Experiencing Abusive
Personal Decsion the Burka Bandit: a man armed with
a knife and umbrella dressed as
Relationships (T.E.A.R.) almost
80 percent of girls who have
By: DADO NIANGHANE a Muslim woman who committed
robberies. Other people will argue that
Teens and been physically abused continue
to date their abuser.
Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS
the burqa is a sign of allegiance to Abusive Often the person who
each woman’s individual beliefs and is being abusive was previously
Is it necessary to ban the wearing of that to interfere with such religious Relationships beaten or abused by someone
headscarves and the burqa? Allies for practices contradicts fundamental growing up.
the ban argue, yes that it is necessary rights and freedoms. By: QUE SCOTT Teenagers who are in
to ban the wearing of a hijab or a In fact some countries like Overbrook High School abusive relationships can go to
burqa. Others don’t think so. France, Turkey, Belgium, Canada, I believe many high school their school counselors or call
A burqa is an outer garment Egypt, Spain, Canada, Australia, and teens experience abuse in a local hotline to discuss it and
worn by women in Islamic societies for Italy have or are in the process of their relationships. My research get help. They can also contact
the purpose of concealing their bodies having a ban on the burqa or hijab. confirms this fact. In fact, almost their parents or a trusted adult.
and/or face. The burqa is related to the Two women have been arrested as one out of every eleven high If it’s physical abuse and not just
hijab (the head covering often worn France’s ban on burqas and niqabs school students is in an abusive emotional they should contact
as part of the burqa). The burqa is (the veil over the face sometimes worn relationship. I think it is important the police by calling 911.
mostly worn when a women is leaving by Muslim woman) takes effect.This to educate students about what Fortunately, many states
her home and is required to be worn is not right, but in my opinion, I think is abuse and how to handle are implementing programs to
until she returns. The burqa is worn that wearing or not wearing the burqa abuse when it happens. help teach teens about healthy
throughout the Middle Eastern nations or hijab should be a personal option. An abusive relationship is a dating and to help parents,
and most Muslim nations around This decision should not be based on pattern of disparaging and educators and police officers
the world. Only a few democratic pressure from society or from family. coercive behaviors used to recognize the signs of dating
governments are less strict about its From personal experiences, I feel that maintain power and control over violence and verbal abuse. Texas
use. Meanwhile, in stricter nations, even though I’m Muslim myself that the a former or current intimate has started requiring schools
women are forced to wear the burqa. Quran does not require the wearing partner. An abusive relationship to include prohibitions against
Not wearing it can lead to of the burqa just to dress modestly. is more than being hit by the dating violence in school safety
beatings, harassment, or worse. Islamist cultures and not religion has person who claims to love or codes. Rhode Island requires
Obviously a conservative practicing imposed these garments on women care about you. schools to teach grades 7
women wears it. A girl is not obligated who now think it’s mandatory to wear There are different types through 12 about dating violence
to wear it until she reaches puberty. it. Some people should actually sit of abuse in relationships. It can and abuse. Indianapolis has
This isn’t practiced. Girls as young as down to read and interpret the Quran be physical, emotional, or sexual started training police officers in
six-years-old wear the burqa to for themselves instead of just going abuse. Physical abuse means public schools to recognize the
physically and mentally prepare them with what scholars or family say. v any form of violence such as early signs of abusive dating. v
16 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
“ Public opinion in this country is everything.
around them.
Even people who choose not
to smoke are still at risk due to second-
hand smoke. Some people who smoke
” -Abraham Lincoln
age 14 or younger, especially if
they live in a developing country.
For mothers between 15 and 19,
age in itself is not a risk factor,
are unaware that when they smoke but additional risks may be
it doesn’t only affect them but it also associated with socioeconomic
affects the people around them. factors.”
Cigarette smoking leads I totally agree with
to death, increased health risks, this statement because, even
cardiovascular disease, respiratory if teens from the age 15 to 19
disease, cancer and other health may have bodies that are ready
effects. Many smokers do not realize to give birth, most teens are
Stop Smoking the health risks that come with not financially stable enough to
cigarettes. Smoking can cause poor support their child or themselves
By: DONTE GREEN circulation, angina (chest pains), heart Teen Pregnancy or they are simply too young.
A. Philip Randolph Career attacks, and strokes. Most teens cannot find
Academy Cigarettes contain more than By: DEVON WHEELER jobs due to the simple fact that
4000 chemical compounds and at least A. Philip Randolph Career businesses do not want to hire
Lung cancer is the number one 400 toxic substances. The products Academy teens because you cannot trust
leading cause of death for victims of
that are most damaging are tar, children to report to work and
cancer. Cigarette smoking causes
nicotine, and carbon monoxide. According to reports on Teen also teens can be lazy. I believe
most cases of lung cancer. Smoking
Non-smokers and ex-smokers pregnancy in Family Planning pregnant teens or teens with
causes about 90 percent of lung Perspectives and The British
can also look forward to a healthier children will never find jobs to
cancer deaths in men and almost
old age than smokers. Smoking also Medical Journal, researchers say, supply the barest necessities for
80 percent in women. I, for one,
affects how long you live. Of the 300 “pregnant teenagers face many their baby. In some cases, the
am absolutely against smoking and of the same obstetrics issues
people who die everyday in the UK parents of pregnant teens that get
I hope smokers realize the health as women in their 20s and 30s.
as a result of smoking, many are pregnant do not want anything to
risks and consequences of smoking However, there are additional
comparatively young smokers. >>>continued on page 23
cigarettes and how it affects the people
Do you want to be statistic? v medical concerns for mothers
love to play basketball and have dreams of being and sneakers for the players. Businesses or
professional basketball players one day. The NBA players who are from Philadelphia sponsor
recreation centers need funding to give the kids most of these leagues.
what they need to be able to practice and play. Many recreation centers around the
Everyone knows that it takes hard work and city do not hold a basketball league because of
practice to become the best you can be. That’s the neighborhood they are in. These recreation
why it’s important Philadelphia takes action centers could give the neighborhood children a
and provides recreation centers and basketball safe place to go instead of being in the streets.
leagues in the summer all over the city. These kids should be participating in more
Support Community There are different levels of play and activities and sports events.
Basketball opportunities for people of different ages. There More funding should be given to the
are developmental leagues for kids ages 5 up to recreation centers so that more basketball
By: SHAQUIL TAYLOR adults 35 and older. The leagues in Philadelphia leagues can take place each summer. For
Benjamin Franklin High School provide experience for basketball players and the children in our neighborhoods, we need
put on competitions against each other so that to provide more for them to do and basketball
In Philadelphia, basketball is kind of a big deal. players can better their talents. Some leagues leagues are just one activity that keep our
All over the city there are young athletes that around the city are able to provide full uniforms streets free of kids who shouldn’t be there. v
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 17
don’t agree with them. With the system being The approximate number of beneficiaries in
threatened by budget constraints, a plethora of the state of Pennsylvania is 2,577,714 million.
people who receive SSI and SSDI, could end up People who are qualified for Social Security are
in poverty. retired workers, children, spouses, parents, men
One of the main goals of the Social and women.
Security Administration is to reduce its backlog A reader in USA Today in June wrote on
and try to cut its budget. Social Security this email posting, “Social Security was started
insurance benefits aid people who are unable to for the earned income seniors! Not the don’t
work or receive unemployment due to a disabling want to work lazy people.”
condition. SSI (Social –Security Insurance) is Did anyone forget about the disabled?
provided for people who need financial aid. This is not a ‘one-sided’ issue. Social Security
People who are qualified for SSI are adults and is important for seniors but also people who are
children who are disabled or physically impaired. disabled and physically impaired as well.
SSDI (Social Security Disability Insurance) is Cutting Social Security would have a
provided for patrons who have worked five of the huge impact financially on many Pennsylvanians
Social Security: A past ten years and have paid a Social Security that rely on Social Security as their income.
tax on income. Many seniors depend on social security for
Threatened Resource Although nearly 160 million people have paying bills and other needs in life. This could
access to health care through employment- affect their families, and people that plan on
By: SINDORA STALLWORTH based insurance, more than 54 million retirement. With the economic climate the way it
Communications Technology High School Americans receive benefits each month through is, many people are having trouble working and
Social Security. About 70 percent of the monthly finding employment. Other resources should
The Social Security Administration has checks, which average $1,076, go to retired be threatened, not this financial resources that
been plagued by financial problems. Budget workers and their families, and the rest to American citizens need. In fact we deserve
constraints are now being proposed, but I disabled Americans and recipients’ survivors. these benefits. v
Teens Struggle to need money and to get money you need a job. As a teenager, I have
little experience to put on my resume except my summer jobs. I thought
Find Jobs it would help me but I was wrong. I’ve been trying to find a job for the
summer but no one seems to want to hire anyone without experience.
By: JAMEL CRAWFORD In the past two months since school ended, I have applied for at
A. Philip Randolph Career least 10 jobs. None of these efforts have been successful. The economy is
Academy bad for adults but even worse for teens. Plus it’s so hard to get a job when
you’re an African-American teen because of all the stereotypes that still
seem to exist.
Why is it so hard for teens to According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, as of 2010, 25.9
get a job? Most teens these percent of the labor force aged 16 to 19 is unemployed. In that age range
days that try to find a job are 29 percent of white teens are employed, while only 14.5 percent black or
unsuccessful. My opinion on teen African American teens are employed.
employment is that the city of The economy is more dismal for teens than it is for adults.
Philadelphia is always focusing on the negativity about teens and not the According to data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 37 percent of teens
positive. Negative ideas about teens give them less of an advantage to nationwide worked in the summer of 2006 -- nearly 11 percent fewer than
find a job, especially now as the economy has had a major effect on teen were working in 1989, the peak of a nation-wide economic boom.
employment. In 2009, the national annual unemployment rate was 9.3 percent.
I have always tried to be a positive young man and stay out Five of the 50 largest metropolitan areas had unemployment rates over
of trouble so I can have opportunities for a job. Even though I’ve been 11.3 - two percentage points above the national rate.
working at summer jobs since I was 14, it hasn’t been easy getting a job Living in a Philadelphia as an African American teen, it seems that
this year at the age of 16. the statistics are stacked against me. Can someone help me get a job? v
My mother always told me in order to survive in this world you
18 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
device allows them to have the Internet at their within my group of friends. I do manage to keep
fingertips as well as the ability to text and instant updated with things on social networking sites
message. However, when a teen connects to and I have even witnessed someone being
the Internet, they are exposing themselves to cyberbullied.
cyberbullying. This is just as dangerous as Why do people cyberbully? In all
physical bullying and people need to be more of honesty, I don’t know. Teens are always doing
aware of it. things that some people find questionable. So,
What is cyberbullying? It occurs who knows why they do the things they do? I
when a person threatens, torments, harasses think teens bully others out of anger. Maybe
embarrasses, humiliates or targets another they want revenge or maybe they’re frustrated
person via the Internet, social networking sites and want to let their anger out on the targeted
or by a mobile phone. Cyberbullying happens person. I also think jealousy plays a huge factor
everyday and approximately 43 percent of teens in cyberbullying.
in the U.S. have been victims of cyberbullying. Words really do hurt.
Cyberbullying is nothing like what a According to USA Today and The
Bullying in Cyberspace child would experience in the classroom or
the schoolyard. It is permanent because when
Baltimore Examiner, at least three children
between the ages of 12 and 13 have committed
something is posted on the Internet it will stay suicide due to depression that was led on by
By: ALEXA HICKLIN
Arts Academy at Benjamin Rush High School there forever. This type of bullying can leave a cyberbullying. Other teens including Phoebe
long lasting emotional scar on the victim. Since Prince, Ryan Halligan, Tyler Clementi and
For most teenagers the Internet isn’t just a tool the act occurs on the Internet it magnifies the Megan Meier have also committed suicide with
to use for research, but it can also be a big part level of humiliation. strong links due to cyberbullying.
of their social lives. Seventy-three percent of So, who is targeted? Boys and girls are Cyberbullying needs to stop because it
American teenagers use social networking sites equally targeted for online harassment. I have hurts people. The end of cyberbullying needs to
to communicate with their friends and family. never been a victim of cyberbullying because start with the people who are responsible for it.
They not only use their home computers for I don’t frequently go on social networking sites We should look toward educating people about
Internet access, but also their cell phones. This or use chat rooms. I am, however, very social cyberbullying so that it stops. v
or in the ears of the user that allow the user than 75 percent of Americans because they are
to listen to the desired sound that he or she exposed so frequently.
wants to hear such as music, a tape recording, The steady consumption of these products
etc. Unfortunately, headphones are not puts many people at risk. In efforts to reduce
healthy because they are made of hazardous this cancer risk it’s only appropriate to reduce
plasticizers, cause hearing loss; in addition products that contain plasticizers. Absorption
headphones can repel bystanders. of this product puts many people in danger.
Plasticizers are unhealthy substances Substituting products that don’t contain
that can cause cancer. In order to generate plasticizers and purifying drinking water are
plasticity, a flexible hold and limit rigidity, ways of reducing harmful molecules such as
plasticizers are cast into a synthetic resin. The DEHP and DEHA (both used in plasticisers).
plasticizers tend to soften the material and Plasticizers aren’t the only health risk
Changing the Way We Use prevent any dry coatings from becoming frail. that headphone consumers should watch out for.
These are unnatural molecules made by man When people are exposed to loud noise they can
Headphones and because of that you can find them just expect immediate or gradual hearing loss. The
about anywhere. For example, you can come inner ear has hair cells that convert sound waves
By: KENISHA PINCKNEY across plasticizers in cling wrap, disposable into nerve impulses that are transmitted to the
Jules E. Mastbaum AVTS water bottles, soft children’s toys, cosmetics, brain. Loud sounds destroy these hair cells and
shampoos, soaps, lubricants, pesticides, paints, cause sensory hearing loss.
What are headphones? Headphones are medical devices, shower curtains, adhesives, >>>continued on page 20
listening devices that are placed over, on, perfumes, plastic tubing and in the urine of more
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 19
a hobby is their way of having fun. It is a great People ride them because it gives them
sport to ride them and race them. But the something to do when they are bored. But some
difference between people who ride them that people like it because of how fast they can go
live in city and people who ride them that live on the four wheeler. Also riders can do tricks
in the country is big. The people in the city ride like “wheelies” and “donuts” and this makes the
the four wheelers for fun and the people in the machine even more entertaining. Some hobbies
country use the four wheelers for their job. can only be done during certain times of the
Some people ride four wheelers for year but this one is all year long. And that’s what
hobbies because they are very fun. It is a great makes this hobby better.
sport to ride them and race them. But people Most people ride their bikes when they
who ride these vehicles for whatever reason have time. This could be anytime of the week
have to be aware of the need for safety. or day. ATVs were made in the United States
A four-wheeler is a four-wheel a decade before 3- and 4-wheeled vehicles
automotive vehicle like a car or small truck, were introduced by Honda and other Japanese
especially as distinguished from a vehicle having companies. During the 1960s, numerous
more than four wheels, such as a tractor-trailer, manufacturers offered similar small off-road
or fewer than four wheels, such as a motorcycle. vehicles that were designed to float and were
Four wheelers are called ATV’s-, which means capable of traversing swamps, ponds and
All Terrain Vehicles. A four-wheeler is a sport streams as well as dry land.
vehicle and is only ridden certain places unlike It’s against the law and unsafe to ride
a car or motorcycle that can be ridden mostly an ATV on the street. But many people take
everywhere. A four-wheeler is not allowed on that risk of life riding on the streets. The people
Four Wheelers the street. That’s what makes the four-wheeler that want be safe ride on the trails and other
different than other vehicles. off road places such as forests, farms, and
By: ZYHIR BAKER-ELAM There are many people that ride four beaches where there are a lot of dirt trails and
Abraham Lincoln High School wheelers. People from ages, 5-70, ride four lots of open area you are allowed to ride your
wheelers. People of both genders ride them, four wheeler and you don’t have to worry about
and all nationalities ride them and it is popular running into anything or getting hit by a car. The
all over the world. But people that live in the city only thing you have to watch out for is other
There are many exciting things to do to have need more places to ride them. There are fewer ATV’s. That’s better safety than riding on
fun. For some people riding four wheelers as places to ride in the city then out in the country the street.v
and that needs to change.
<<< Headphones continued from page 19 headphones in their ears. In order to create a connection with other people
This usually occurs first with the higher pitched sounds. Ringing in the ear headphones can get in the way. For instance, when headphones are in
often accompanies this type of hearing loss. use it either signifies that a person doesn’t want to be bothered or wants
Nowadays, our generation prefers to listen to loud music on to block out their outside environment. Secondly, wearing headphones
their headphones, which will result in traumatic hearing loss in the can be a form of disrespect. It doesn’t look good when people are in class
years to come. Acoustic trauma happens when extreme loud sounds ignoring a lecture because they have headphones thumping in their head.
like explosions, gunshot, firecrackers or engines immediately deafens Also let’s not forget that it doesn’t look professional. If headphones were
a person. In fact, when a person is consistently exposed to sources of professional looking then all worksites would allow their employees to walk
loud noise, like power tools, chain saws or loud musical effects, this around in them.
could cause hearing damage that actually could go unnoticed for a while. So there you have it, headphones are a cancer threat through
Luckily, a person may use hearing safety devices such as earmuffs or plasticizers, damage the eardrums and repel bystanders. Therefore,
earplugs to prevent drastic damage. headphone design and their usage should be altered because right now
There is another logical reason why headphones aren’t they’re no good for the consumers in so many different ways. v
appropriate. Many bystanders would find it hard to approach a person with
20 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
dedication, which keeps dancers in a positive But then again there are single dancers out
community scene while on the streets. here who really don’t know they have that much
Hip-hop is not just “getting up and talent. Teens in Philly can really “blow up” off a
dancing.” It’s an expression on how the music little post up video on Facebook. There should
makes you feel. In Philadelphia, there are be more programs out here for teens to sign up
programs out here that kids can get into rather and join organized hip-hop dance programs, that
than getting into serious trouble. For instance, way dancers can stay out of trouble or out of the
in Philly you can just walk around and see way of getting hurt.
groups walking throughout the city dancing or Teens are out here just competing
even making videos to post up on YouTube or against each other just for popularity, however,
Safety in the Lives of Facebook in hopes they go viral.
Hip-hop dance also help teens develop
there are young single dancers who just break
out and show what they’ve got when they see
Hip-Hop Dancers? their talent and makes them feel better about dance-offs in the streets or when people are
themselves. A lot of teens underestimate their just dancing for the fun of it. Today people
By: HENRY BEARD talent because people laugh or say they can’t should take dance very seriously instead of just
Kensington CAPA High School dance, so that makes some dancers think they throwing away their talent.
can’t do it. I think there should be more dance
Hip-hop dance can help keep kids out of Now there are groups who just put a lot activities for teens, that way they can stay
trouble. Dance programs demand passion and
of their videos online and get popular in Philly. out of trouble. v
Is It Really Love? to be in love. It may look easy in their eyes but love is hard to find. Lust is
not. You could be in lust with anyone.
By: DAVIA MAGEE A girl that I am familiar with, was once in a relationship with a boy.
Benjamin Franklin High School It started when she was 15 years old and he was 16. She always came to
me telling me how much she liked this boy and how different he was from
People tend to get lust and love the rest. When she first started dating him she was a virgin, he wasn’t. On
mixed up. Just because you her 16th birthday she lost her virginity to him. I found out something about
might have feelings towards a him being with other girls and I told her as a friend that she needed to let
person, no matter how long you him know that if he really loved her, he needed to let the other girls go.
have been in a relationship with But she always said to me that she knew her place in his life so she was
that person, that doesn’t mean not worried about the others.
that you’re in love. You might just Months passed in their relationship and they started to have
be in lust. problems every now and then. She would leave him alone for short
Merriam Webster’s Dictionary periods of times but she would always give in because she loved and
states “love is strong affection cared about him. She said that she thought that if she stayed by him and
for another arising out of kinship let him figure himself out, and let him mature, that he would really realize
or personal ties.”I would say lust is just a temporary feeling that you one day that she was “the one.” From the looks of their relationship she
have with someone.Merriam Webster dictionary states “lust is intense or was in love and he was in lust.
unbridled sexual desire.” I once told her that maybe if they were both committed to each
In 2009 the federal Center for Disease Control and Prevention other that they could eventually be in love, but right now where they are
reported that teenage pregnancy in the United States has risen to 42 births in their relationship, they were only in love vs. lust. After a while I noticed
per 1000 females. This is the highest rate in the industrialized world. that she must have been thinking about what I said because she started
I think most of those teen births came from lust and not love. noticing what people were telling her and eventually left him alone. I hope
Since sex sells, there is a lot of promotion towards sexuality. If she does fall in love one day or maybe he will change and they could work
you go back some years, at that time advertisers and others did not speak things out with each other.
too much of sexuality to the public. Now that it is being addressed fully When you’re strongly attracted to someone and are feeling desire
in the public eye, this could be the reason teens are very influenced to and longing for him or her, it’s very easy to confuse this with real love;
experience sex at a young age. From every aspect of the media you will but it’s not. Lust is short term and love is for a long period of time or for a
always notice something with sexual context. That causes teens to want lifetime. Lust is temporary. >>>continued on page 23
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 21
Teens and Marijuana caps you see printed with the marijuana leaf,
or how many groups sing about it, you should
percent increase risk of psychosis, and the risk
is greater among regular and frequent users.
By: NASHALI MALDONADO know this fact: You don’t have to use marijuana My mother has strong opinions about
Julia Deburgos Bilingual Magnet Middle School just because you think everybody else is doing smoking in general and they also apply to
it. Most teens (four out of five) do not use smoking marijuana. Here’s what she thinks:
marijuana! Smoking is very dangerous for your health.
There are many disadvantages in smoking. I
Q: What happens if you smoke marijuana? can’t find any single advantage of smoking.
However if you ask a smoker, “Why do you
A: The effects of the drug on each person smoke? What you will get by smoking a
depend on the user’s experience, as well as: cigarette?” and they will tell you lots of benefits
- How strong the marijuana is (how much THC it of smoking. A couple of their explanations are
has); that smoking makes you relax and smoking
- What the user expects to happen; reduces stress.
- The place where the drug is used; Cigarettes are made using tobacco.
- How it is taken; and Tobacco contains nicotine. Nicotine is very
- Whether the user is drinking alcohol or using harmful drug for your health. When you smoke
other drugs. a cigarette, you are not taking only nicotine
Some people feel nothing at all when inside your body but you take thousands of other
they smoke marijuana. Others may feel relaxed chemicals also. Your immune system will also be
There are many people in the world and or high. Sometimes marijuana makes users feel affected. Smokers feel older than non-smoker
they have their own opinions on the fact that thirsty and very hungry--an effect called “the of their age. Resistance power against diseases
teenagers smoke marijuana (weed). But this is munchies.” Some users can get bad effects from will be reduced by smoking.
my opinion. I don’t think it is a good idea that marijuana. They may suffer sudden feelings Another issue is that work capacity
teenagers smoke. of anxiety and have paranoid thoughts. This of your brain will be reduced. Studies shows
In fact 56 percent of kids first use the is more likely to happen when a more potent that smokers will start losing their memory at
drug by the age of fourteen, and 26 percent variety of marijuana is used. the age of 50. Stress problems are common
of kids start using the drug at the age of only I talked to my aunt about teenage in smokers. Sometimes it leads to minor
twelve. Between the years of 1991-2001 the marijuana use and she wrote these facts that I depression. Smoking creates only problems.
percentage of eighth graders who have used think you should know: So be deterministic and quit smoking for good.
marijuana has doubled from one in ten to one Marijuana is a green, brown, or gray At the time of smoking, you are taking carbon
in five. Kids and teenagers are using marijuana mixture of dried, shredded leaves, stems, seeds, dioxide and carbon monoxide in to your lungs
(weed) at an earlier age and it is not good for and flowers of the hemp plant. Marijuana has through tobacco burning. This carbon dioxide
them. a chemical in it called tetrahydrocannabinol, will be mixed with your blood and slowly it will
Here are some questions that many better known as THC. All forms of marijuana reduce your efficiency of doing work. I mean you
people ask and don’t really get an answer to: are mind-altering (psychoactive). In other will feel tired. You cannot run as fast as non-
words, they change how the brain works. smokers can run. Smoking will create breathing
“Why do young people use marijuana?” Using marijuana can also lead to disturbed problems. Another problem with smoking is that
A: There are many reasons why some perceptions and thoughts, and marijuana use it may increase your blood pressure. Chances of
children and young teens start using marijuana. can worsen psychotic symptoms in people heart attack will increase with smoking. Chances
Most young people use marijuana because they who have schizophrenia. Additionally, there are of being a diabetic patient will increase. Chances
have friends or brothers and sisters who use higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidal of lung cancer will be more in smokers because
marijuana and pressure them to try it. Some thinking among people who use marijuana when of carbon monoxide and nicotine.
young people use it because they see older compared to people who don’t use.Teens who So my aunt, my mother and I all agree
people in the family using it. Other users may started using marijuana before age 15 are more that smoking and especially smoking marijuana
think it’s cool to use marijuana because they likely to suffer from anxiety and depression is bad for teenagers. v
hear about it in music and see it used in TV and in early adulthood. A new study shows that To read this article in Spanish please
movies. But no matter how many shirts and smoking marijuana is associated with a 40 visit tuhspress.wordpress.com
22 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
<<<Love continued from page 21 <<<Teen Pregnancy continued from page 17 Are the males ready to step into that position
Love can be similar but yet so different. It is do with them. Where will these teenagers ever and play the father role? As a young male I
a wonderful, passionate feeling that keeps you find money they need? personally would not want to deal with a child
wanting more at the moment but never lasts. I agree with the statement about very knowing that I am a child myself. v
Love is also a wonderful, passionate young teens. These teenage girls’ bodies are
If there is no struggle there is no
feeling. Love is different in the sense that it not ready to give birth. Considering the risk that progress. Those who profess to favor freedom
feels like more of a comforting sense of eternal these teenage girls have doing this, I wonder and yet deprecate agitation are men who want
happiness and security. Love is a connection. Lust why they do it any way. I would think they would crops without plowing up the ground; they want
is a craving. Love is expecting nothing in return. change their minds. But you cannot make rain without thunder and lightning. They want the
Lust is all about what you can get in return. Love anyone do something that they do not want to. ocean without the awful roar of its many waters.
is a sense of unity. Lust is an intense yearning for I think that teenage women need to re – This struggle may be a moral one, or it
self-happiness. Love sustains with communication think before they have unprotected sex because may be a physical one, and it may be both moral
and commitment. Lust sustains on sex. Love is young females are risking their health and they
OP
and physical, but it must be a struggle. Power
about compability. Lust is strictly chemistry. are making life harder than it already is. Males concedes nothing without a demand. It never did
When it comes to love vs. lust there is a also need to re-think having unprotected sex and it never will.
big difference. v too because are the males ready to be fathers? -Frederick Douglass
This diversion program puts the city year.
on target to collect an estimated $3 million to At the time of his arrest, Ton was a
$5 million in savings per year by unclogging major player in the Philadelphia region’s thriving
a criminal court system that was spending drug market, an industry with at least $1 billion in
a tremendous amount of resources on illegal street sales annually, authorities say.
misdemeanor marijuana offenses. The rise and fall of Benjamin Ton offers
I think that legalizing marijuana would a glimpse into a highly lucrative drug underworld
help the world. and a look at a new breed of American gangster.
Legalizing would stop the violence Yes, for me, legalizing marijuana means
related to illegal drug dealing and reduce the being able to use and process this substance
huge costs of enforcing laws keeping marijuana without being arrested.
illegal. And yes, I think that police are too hard
ED
There is a lot of money being giving today on people who use marijuana. I do think
to marijuana dealers when a lot of that money that police can and should be hard on people
Make Marijuana Legal could go toward our judicial system and our tax who use cocaine, heroin and other drugs.
revenue. But even though I have personal
By: DARRELL MOORE Legalization should not lead to selling interests in legalizing marijuana, I also believe
Samuel S. Fels High School through pharmacies. And, sales of legal that marijuana should be legalized because it
marijuana should only be for people 18 years or could save the United States billions of dollars
older. People younger than 18 cannot and must every year. Legalizing would save $44 billion
The numbers speak for themselves. not be allowed to buy or use marijuana. dollars for the judicial system. And legalization
During 2007, approximately 38.2% of Legalizing marijuana would eliminate would produce $33 billion dollars for the
high school students surveyed in Philadelphia major and dangerous drug dealers, like Bennie government in tax revenue according to many
reported using marijuana at least once in their Ton. people.
lifetime. Benjamin “Beenie” Ton was arrested on Legalizing would allow people in
From January to August of 2008 there charges of heading a $50 million drug operation disputes to seek the judicial system for
were 630 juvenile and 3,302 adults arrested for that in just two years brought nearly 10 tons of resolution instead of having fights in the streets.
the sale and manufacturing of marijuana. high-quality marijuana and more than 300,000 Stopping the gun fights and violence,
Nearly 80 percent of the 1,636 arrests ecstasy pills to the Philadelphia area from and making streets safer for young people like
for marijuana possession of 30 grams or less in Canada. Ton, a force whose riches quietly grew me is an important reason by itself to
Philadelphia between June and September 2010 by providing illegal drugs in the United States, legalize marijuana. v
were diverted to a special court program. was sentenced to 17 1/2 years behind bars this
tuhspress.wordpress.com Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 23
Photo By: Shaquil Taylor / Benjamin Franklin High School
24 Temple University High School Press | Summer 2011 tuhspress.wordpress.com
