ThreeSixty reachout Third Edition June 17-29, 2007 University of St. Thomas St. Paul, One troop’s mission to educate By Mysee Chang families are excited as they are. Buffalo High School Chao Lee, mother of Mai Yang Lee, said her daughter will be a It’s a Monday evening and Kia model of something big in their Lor is on her way to the Girl Scout family. She also said the trip will Council of the St. Croix Valley. help Mai Yang walk farther in life. “Every time, before I go to the Traditionally in the Hmong cul- meetings, I feel like I have nothing ture, Hmong girls’ duties include to do, and then right after, I feel staying home to clean, cook and like I have so much to do,” said care for children. For these girls, Lor, 16. the experience of preparing for Lor and the other six members this opportunity has taught them of her Girl Scout troop are leaving that the traditional role of Hmong on a trip to French Guiana July 11. women is now a thing of the past. Last year, the seven girls guided “The way people look at the girls ten Hmong girls from French Gui- in our culture, we can’t really do ana around the Twin Cities. The anything. I’ve always pushed my- Minnesotans took their visitors to self to work harder than my broth- Hmong stores along St. Paul’s Uni- ers just to prove to my parents that versity Avenue, the State Capitol, I can do it. Now that we’re going , Mall of to French Guiana, it’s the first time America and their high schools. I’m finally finishing the challenge While spending time together, I’ve been working so hard for,” the Minnesotans learned a lot of said 18-year-old Nina Lee. new things about the Hmong in The girls worked hard to raise French Guiana, a country north of $2,050 to fund each girl trip. Fund- Brazil. raising began last summer when the “Even though they were born in girls sold water balloon yo-yo’s at French Guiana and French is their Photographs by Mysee Chang the Lumberjack Days in Stillwater, Above, Kia Lor and Nina Lee went through a list of egg roll orders in mid-June. On July 11, they will be joined by second language and English is presented Anti-Tobacco projects, other members of their girl scout troop on a trip to French Guiana where they will complete an educational project. ours, we’re still the same. We’re worked at the Mall of America, Below, Lee, Lor, Xy Xiong and Mai Yang Lee are members of the troop traveling this summer. all Hmong people,” said Mai Lee sold Girl Scouts cookies, egg rolls Yang, 18. Cacao, one of the first Hmong vil- learn and care about and Hmong Women Circle bags. As a result, the girls decided to lages created in French Guiana. themselves and help Janet Gracia, Director of Mem- plan a trip to French Guiana. Chaperone Choua Her said in the close cultural gaps bership for the Girl Scout Council In 1977, when many Hmong left second week they will visit other between the Hmong- of the St. Croix Valley, said she’s Laos or Thailand for the U.S., oth- Hmong villages, explore the Salva- American and the very proud of the girls for being ers emigrated to French Guiana. tion Islands, and the space station Hmong-French peo- great leaders and role models. She The Hmong are only one percent in Kourou. ple. also is happy that Girl Scouts has of the population in French Guiana The Minnesotans are producing For most of the been able to extend the group’s op- but grow half of the country’s veg- four service projects, which they girls, their families portunities by helping them raise etables and fruits. plan to use to educate the Hmong are their motivation money. “One of the things I will gain is community in Cacao. for the trip. For some, After getting their passports, re- respect for the Hmong people liv- The girls will share their anti- it’s a different story. ceiving their shots, malaria pills, ing there because we both live in tobacco project to educate those in “My mom wants to see me go on this. He has this thing where raising money and preparing their our own worlds. They farm and we French Guiana about the dangers but she’s kind of doubtful ‘cause you’re a girl and you can’t do any- projects, everyone is looking for- don’t,” said Xy Xiong, 18. of smoking and to help prevent fu- no one has done this before,’ ” thing, but that just motivates me to ward to the experience. The group will spend one week ture smokers. said Pa Houa Moua, 19. “Also, my achieve more.” “It’s all about fulfilling our with Hmong families living in They will also teach people to oldest brother doesn’t back me up For the majority of the girls, their dreams,” Lor said.

This publication was pro- duced during ThreeSixty’s Teens: no talking while driving summer 2007 journalism By Kris Mitchell Birai talks to his friend for a couple of With cell phones, though, the differences workshop held June 17-29 at De La Salle High School minutes then finally hangs up and pulls up are slight. the University of St. Thomas safely at his friend’s house. In 2005, cell phones caused three of ev- in St. Paul, Minn. Sixteen-year-old Thomas Birai walks out “I do it all the time. I drive safely and I see ery 1,000 crashes among teens, ages 15-19, Articles were written by of his house chomping on some toast. The no problem with it,” he said. “Adults do that compared with two of every 1,000 crashes students selected for the chain around his neck jingles with each step. all the time.” among adults, ages 35 to 64, according to workshop and were also He gets into his car, buckles his seat belt and So far, there’s no law banning Minnesota Department of Public Safety statistics. Cell printed in the July 5 edi- takes off down the street adults from driving and talking. Those under phones are blamed in two of every 1,000 tions of the Star toward the corner. His cell the age of 18, however, can be pulled over multi-vehicle crashes for both age groups. Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer phone rings. It’s a friend. for talking while behind the wheel, accord- The University of Central Oklahoma did Press. He slows down, picks up ing to the law, which took effect in 2006. The a study based on reaction time to a comput- Students were mentored the phone and answers. penalty for the misdemeanor offense is a fine er program that simulated quick stops and by staff and students from Birai, a Plymouth resi- and fees that vary by county. road hazards. The teens and adults without dent, just broke the law. The law’s sponsor, state Rep. Steve Smith, cell phones had the quickest reaction times. the University, Star Tribune, While cell phones have R-Mound, could not be reached for com- Teens with cell phones reacted faster than Pioneer Press, Minnesota become a common acces- ment. adults with cell phones mainly due to age. Public Radio and other jour- sory, a way to stay in touch Why does the law only cover teens? This indicates teens are more likely to stop nalists. with others and to get in- “Teens are inexperienced compared to faster than an adult. ThreeSixty is a non-profit formation on the go, the adults who have been on the road longer,” Gordy Pehrson of the Minnesota Depart- organization that provides devices are increasingly said Gail Weinholzer, spokeswoman for ment of Public Safety said he believes all interested students with being labeled as driving AAA Minnesota in drivers – regardless of age – should be pro- real-world experience in distractions. Eleven Burnsville. “Teens are 7.5 percent of all hibited from using cell phones while driving. journalism. states, including Min- drivers but are involved in “They need to minimize all distractions,” he For more student work and nesota, and the Dis- 15 percent of all crashes.” said. information about ThreeSixty trict of Columbia, According to the Minnesota Department Teens remain unfazed. programs, visit: restrict cell phone of Public Safety, Minnesota drivers ages “I will continue to drive and use my cell,” www.ThreeSixtyJournalism.org. use among young 16-18 are involved in one out of four injury Birai said. “I use a headset. That way my drivers. crashes and one of six fatal crashes. eyes are on the road and my hands are free.” 2 ThreeSixty| Journalism Workshop What’s so cool about Caribou? By Belle Lin one, gushes about his favorite Doyle says during the school Mounds View High School flavors (caramel or chocolate) and year, her store is filled with mix-ins (Oreo or Snickers candy teenagers doing homework or “just Jake Holden is the face of bits). hanging out.” Caribou Coffee’s teen market. Cindy Doyle, store manager “The number of teens that He plays baseball and tennis, at a Maple Grove Caribou, says come depends on the time of day. works at the local carwash, plays Caribou’s new flavors such as In the early morning it’s mostly the guitar, runs errands for his the Acai berry smoothie and the the working class, 20-to -45 year elderly neighbor, and takes classes upcoming Heath-flavored drink olds. Later in the day or evening during the day. The 17-year-old are aimed at people from their are when teens and young adults high school junior is dead asleep come,” she said. when his head hits the pillow every Caribou spokesman Ryan King night. What keeps him functioning, Among 18-to- said in an e-mail that while Caribou Holden says, is a daily boost at does not market directly to teens, it Caribou Coffee in Edina. 24 year olds, does welcome teens to call Caribou “I have either a cappuccino or “their place.” How-ever, he stated cooler every morning,” he said. the percentage that the “peak hours for teens are “It’s basically impossible for me to typically after school, around 3:30 wake up without one.” of those who until about 6 p.m.” With coffee’s popularity Starbucks spokesperson Bridget expanding exponentially, young drink coffee rose Baker declined to comment on people are willing to pay to keep Caribou’s marketing strategy, but caffeinated. from 16 percent said that Starbucks doesn’t market Among 18-to-24 year olds, the specifically towards youth. percentage of those who drink in 2003 to 37 “We’re always providing new coffee rose from 16 percent in 2003 and innovative beverages…for all to 37 percent in 2007 according percent in 2007 of our customers, whether they’re to Joseph F. DeRupo, director of young or old,” Baker said. communications for the National Caribou faces stiff competition Coffee Association. “late-teens to early twenties” from Starbucks and new rivals like Neither Caribou nor Starbucks, with “expendable cash.” Though McDonald’s, Dunkin’ Donuts and the number one coffee company in her store has a number of older Wendy’s. Photograph by Belle Lin the country, said they specifically customers, she says, teens are “a “Caribou is on a tougher playing Mark Gislason and his friend Jake Dahlstrom share cups of Caribou and a target teens. But informal large part of our consumer base.” field than they were on before laugh outside this Maple Grove location. conversations with teens like Mahyar Sorour, a 16-year-old because more people are going Holden and others illustrate the high school sophomore, says her after the coffee business. People At the same time, Davidowitz Maple Grove resident, was sitting inroads Caribou is making into Shoreview Caribou is always who have a lot more money than said, Caribou has found a niche in with a friend on the patio of his teen life and suggest that they are filled with local teens getting their Caribou, people who have deeper the quality of its coffee, its customer neighborhood Caribou. becoming an important part of its caffeine fix. She describes it as pockets, and many more locations service and in the environment of Gislason said he prefers Caribou consumer market. more laid-back than Starbucks, are going after their business,” said their stores. Coffee to Starbucks because Holden and other teens regu- which she calls “more fancy.” Howard Davidowitz, chairman of “Caribou looks like a cool place Starbucks is “too corporate. larly come for the assortment of “One of the things I like best Davidowitz & Associates, Inc., to go, and that’s very important to Caribou is a lot smaller. Caribou is caffeinated and non-caffeinated about [Caribou] is that every time I a national retail consulting and teens,” Davidowitz said. low-key and not loud, I can chill or drinks offered by the Minneapolis- go I can see someone I know,” she investment banking firm in New On a recent weekday afternoon, smoke on the patio.” based coffee chain. Holden, for said. York. Mark Gislason, a 23-year-old MLK is a unique rec center for teens By Ben Pearce team will travel to Milwaukee to play high- St. Paul Central High School level teams. Smith feels MLK is unique because “We’re Tucked away in the Rondo neighborhood of just a community team that has been together St. Paul is the Martin Luther King Recreation for years. With us it’s family.” Center. And in the hallway off the lobby are The teams sometimes as far as Oregon and two trophy cases with evidence of the center’s for tournaments. Considering that many two top-notch basketball programs. players come from low-income families, Lori Prioleau and Ronnie Smith, volunteers raising $250 to $2,500 per player isn’t easy. who coach the girls’ and boys’ teams Volunteer coaches spend a lot of their own respectively, select neighborhood kids in time and money. Parents and players bag grade school and cultivate their talents through groceries, sell candy and wash cars. They also high school. The neighborhood focus, quality ask for donations. coaching and long-term commitment pay off. Prioleau coaches the girls’ winter team. One example is Angel Robinson, who During the summer she heads the Sugaa played guard on the Central High School program, a community girls’ basketball Photograph by Stephanie Edquist basketball team that won this year’s girls’ state program that gives players a chance to From left to right: first row: Lilla Hassan, Nico McClellan, Mysee Chang, Tiana Daun, Sheta Lo. Second row: Kyla Riley, Belle Lin, Julia Wang, Aimee Cote, Edgar Ullaguari, Priya Kailash. Third row: Kris Mitchell, Maggie championship. Angel played in the summer compete in high-level tournaments. Clemensen, Michelle Berry, Levi Ismail. Fourth row: Ben Pearce, Matt Smith, Thomas Birai, Andrew Worrall. Sugaa (a play on “Sugar”) program at King Prioleau takes 11-year-olds and trains them from fourth grade to ninth grade. Robinson’s until the middle of high school. During the Minnesota Public Radio: Toni Randolph dad, John Robinson, said the experience winter, the teams play against other recreation Many, Many Thanks Star Tribune: Laurie Hertzel, Sharon Schmickle, Jerry Holt, Regina McCombs, Denise Johnson, Mark was great for Angel and other girls in the centers and travel throughout the state to Boswell, LaVelle Neal III, WCCO-TV: Angela Davis, neighborhood. tournaments for tougher competition. These articles and photos were produced by the Jeff Kiernan. KARE-TV: Tom Cornell TPT-TV: “[The Sugaa program] did a lot of nice During the off-season, MLK offers other 19 high school students who participated in the Hlee Lee ThreeSixty Summer Journalism Workshop at the Camp Staff: things for girls in community. The positive sports to players such as softball, which University of St. Thomas in St. Paul from June 17 to Lynda McDonnell, ThreeSixty executive director feedback from parents and kids themselves helps players work on catching a basketball. 29, 2007. Dave Nimmer, ThreeSixty asst. director keeps rejuvenating the program,” he said. Sugaa has received national exposure by The Star Tribune, St. Paul Pioneer Press, Twin Cities Rhoda Fukushima, St. Paul Pioneer Press Many of the players were close friends competing in AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) Black Journalists, University of St. Thomas and other Delma Francis, Star Tribune donors sponsor the annual workshop, as well as other Rebecca Dallinger, ThreeSixty youth publications even before they started playing together in tournaments that were NCAA-certified programs throughout the school year. Stephanie Edquist, workshop assistant the MLK program. Prioleau feels the perception that MLK ThreeSixty students and staff wish to thank all the Robert Craig, Michael O’Donnell, Maggie Feldman, “There’s a lot of people that are my friends draws good players is not exactly true. “We journalists, teachers, sponsors and donors who make Courtney Dirks, Kate Renner,Sara Rieland and this program possible. Chandler Sentell of the University of St. Thomas now that have been my friends back when I don’t draw good players. We make good Chaperones: was four years old that I’ve played with,” said players, and we even take kids who can’t Mentors: Steve Brandt, Star Tribune team member Cameron Smith, a sophomore at dribble and make them superstars,” she said. Star Tribune: Patrice Relerford, Chen May Yee, Jeff Rush, Star Tribune St. Paul Central. He is also the son of Ronnie While it took a lot of effort, MLK basketball Delma Francis, Allie Shah, Mark Holland, Chris Serres, Star Tribune H. J. Cummins, Chris Havens, Greg Patterson, Ifrah Jimale, St. Thomas student Smith, who coaches the Kings, the center’s benefited greatly from traveling. She said a Pioneer Press: Laura Yuen, Nancy Ngo, Maggie Feldman, St. Thomas graduate boys’ team. “high percentage” of elite Sugaa girls go on Maria Reeve, Bao Ong, Dave Orrick, Rachel Stassen- Ben Katzner, St. Thomas student Coach Smith selected a roster of third to play in college. Berger. Special thanks to: graders seven years ago and has cultivated D.J. Johnson, another Kings player, said University of St. Thomas: Amy Kamenick, Star Tribune and St. Paul Pioneer Press for funding, Jim Winterer, The Catholic Spirit: Chris Williams, staff support, newspaper donations and publication them into talented basketball players. Most he keeps coming back to the team because “I KSTP: Brandon Benavides. of students’ stories. The Asian American Journalists of them are sophomores who have played on think [Smith] is a good coach and role model.” Speakers: Association Minnesota chapter for funding the their high school basketball team. To develop Smith takes his role seriously: “They need Minneapolis Public Library, Christy Mulligan, publication of the camp newspaper, University of Pioneer Press: Marcus Fuller, Rhoda Fukushima, St. Thomas for use of facilities and staff support, them, Smith signs the team up for tournaments someone like me to help them make it through Chris Hewitt, St. Thomas: Kris Bunton, Tara LaFerla, Minnesota Twins for donation of tickets, Minnesota during the winter. “We’d play three to four certain situations, certain struggles.” Gary Schulzetenberg Public Radio for staff support games a weekend,” he said. Next month the ThreeSixty| Journalism Workshop 3 Wilder Foundation estimates that 650 youth are homeless on any given night in Minnesota Never too young to be homeless With demand for youth shelters, By Aimee Cote outreach centers and other youth Buffalo High School programs increasing, the Minnesota Legislature this year appropriated It’s five a.m. in Minneapolis $1 million to fund the Runaway and under the overhang of an abandoned Homeless Youth Act. This provides building. It’s cold and damp from $500,000 annually for two years the morning dew. Most teenagers to improve and expand emergency still have a few hours left to sleep, shelters, supportive/transitional but not Mack, a 19-year-old housing and street and community runaway from Portland, Oregon. outreach. His life is far from average. For nearly 30 years, Sisters of His bedtime is when he feels Camelot has been distributing safe enough to sleep. pure organic food to needy people. His alarm clock is the sun. Four times a week all the food, His only transportation is his workers and volunteers load onto feet and freight trains. their bus, which was decorated as “I’m homeless,” he said. “I have a community art project. They stop been on and off since I was 14.” the bus, covered in orange, blue An estimated 550 to 650 and green paintings, and allow Minnesota youth ages 17 and anybody -- including homeless under are homeless on any given teens -- to shop. They travel to night, according to a 2006 Wilder Chicago Avenue, Franklin Avenue, Foundation report. In addition, the North Side and other areas. the report estimates there are No questions asked. No strings 1,300 young adults (18-21) who attached. experience homelessness on an “Our ultimate goal as a group average night. Although the would be to put ourselves out of Wilder survey shows that the business,” Czernik said. “It would number of homeless young people mean that there wouldn’t be people in Minnesota has stayed consistent in need of food anymore.” the past few years, other resources Life on the streets requires street show fluctuation in the number. smarts and a sense of protection. “Particularly in the summer we Forty-eight percent of homeless see homeless teens, when they are Photograph by Nico McClellan teens have been physically abused, homeless by choice, wandering In uptown Minneapolis, these three teens live and travel across the country by freight train, scavenging and going to according to Wilder. and just being punk kids,” said shelters for their next meal. When times get rough, some return home, others stay put, and the hardest hit face death. “I’ve had guns and knives pulled Rob Czernik, the ad-hoc organizer According to a 2006 Wilder Foundation report, about 550 to 650 Minnesota youth aged 17 and under are homeless on me. I’ve been stabbed a few of Sisters of Camelot, which on any given night. times. My nose has been broken provides free food to homeless more than a dozen times. But I’ve people in Minneapolis. “There are reasons include: parental neglect, said Nikki Beasley, emergency Homelessness isn’t apparent by also put people in the hospital lots of kids who have been kicked violence in the house, sexual abuse, service program supervisor at The looking at someone. Young people myself,” said Quill, a 22-year-old out of their houses. A lot of kids pregnancy and sexual orientation. Bridge. ages 21 and under are some of the runaway from Oregon who travels because of being gay or lesbian The Bridge in south Minneapolis, The Bridge’s goal is to reunite least visible and most vulnerable with Pancake, a Collie/German find themselves being disowned by which was started in 1970 by two youth with their families. But segments of persons who are Shepard mix. their families.” nuns, was one of the first youth for reasons that aren’t clear, their homeless, according to the Wilder On the streets, homeless teens Factors leading to homelessness crisis centers nationwide. success rate (of reuniting families) study. know the fittest survive. vary. According to the Wilder study, “The main mission or philosophy dropped from 80 percent in 2005 “There would be no way to know “I’ve been in a lot of fights,” 63 percent of the homeless teen of The Bridge is to help resolve to 74 percent in 2006. Also, The anything was wrong with these kids Mack said. “You have to fight to population said fighting frequently family conflicts, provide shelter Bridge has been experiencing an unless they opened their mouth and survive out here. If you don’t fight with parents or guardians is their for youth and provide counseling increase in the number of youth told you,” Beasley said. “They look to survive you’ll die. Someone main motivation to leave. Other services with no charge to anyone,” coming in for help. like regular kids.” will kill you.” Students gang together to fight murder By Julia Wang distressing was that the youngest said Lt. Amelia Huffman, a Eden Prairie High School person in Minneapolis murdered spokeswoman with the Minneapolis Homicide Rates 2000-2006 last year was an infant,” said Police Department. In 2006, there 60 Kimberlee Adams, one of two were 60 killings in Minneapolis. 60 For sixth graders at Northeast 54 Middle School in Minneapolis, coaches for the team. “They had So far, there have been 25. 50 49 recurring reports about the climbing never looked at murder in that Those were daunting statistics 50 46 47 murder rate in their own city were aspect before.” to Adams, the problem-solving 43 a call to action. A group of young In a report they submitted for coach. “My initial feelings were 40 problem solvers are delving into the the competition, the students that there was no way that they issue – by interviewing convicted described how the murders were could solve this problem,” said murders in jail. affecting them personally: “We Adams, who suggested cleaning up 30 Through an academic program have a friend who was threatened the playground or recycling items Homicides called Future Problem Solving, by a gang when he was walking in their building. 20 28 students have committed to home. Some kids bring threats of Her students’ convictions tackling the city’s homicide rates, murder to school with them. Some eventually won her over. “I’ve seen 10 which have been rising over the of us think it’s hard to pay attention the research that they’ve done,” past six years. in class because we’re thinking of she said. “I’m in total support Starting last fall, they interviewed violence.” of helping them work with the 0 a psychologist and a Minneapolis One of the students felt the topic community.” 20002001 20012002 20032002 20042003 20042005 20052006 20062007 police officer, as well as convicted was especially important because At Northeast Middle School, Year killers through a video conference. his own father was killed in a 76.4 percent of the student body Source:-Julia Mpls. W P.angD. But they’re also bringing a homicide. is considered to be economically Source:-Julia Mpls. W angP.D. unique perspective to the issue The students chose to tackle the disadvantaged, compared to the by relating it to their own school issue of murder after brainstorming statewide average of 29.9 percent, critical-thinking skills. homicides, they still have to finish environment. As part of their about 40 possible subjects. In the according to the school’s Web site. Cheryl Whitesitt, the state Future the hard part: coming up with project, they’re seeking to prevent past years, other schools across the Starting in 1982, the Future Problem Solving director, said probable solutions. future violence in their generation country have addressed such issues Problem Solving Program in she was pleased by the Northeast Starting this fall, the students by reducing school bullying. as littering, energy conservation and Minnesota has taught students Middle School team’s project. will continue their work. Their last On April 4, the team took first domestic abuse. about a systematic approach to “I am proud, amazed, and step would be to put their solutions place in the junior division at the But despite the suggestions solving problems. The program impressed that such a young group into practice. The local police state’s Future Problem Solving of their coaches, the Northeast was founded in 1974 by E. Paul of people would take on such a department would work with the competition. kids kept returning to the issue of Torrance, a psychologist and a huge challenge,” Whitesitt said. students to look at their plan. At Despite those honors, the task homicides. University of Minnesota alum. Still, the students’ work is far the state competition next April, wasn’t easy, given the troubling Even as general crime in The program’s main focus is to from over. Even though they they’ll have a chance to qualify for subject matter. Minneapolis is decreasing, murder encourage students to improve took state honors for identifying nationals. “What they found most rates have been steadily rising, their society by implementing problems associated with the city’s 4 ThreeSixty| Journalism Workshop Growth in gas prices makes teens mature Gas prices up, teen fun down By Maggie Clemensen Duffy said. people are only spending $5 or $10 has continually gone up, regardless not have to do what I have to do, Northwestern High School, As gas prices continue to rise, instead of filling their tanks. of what that price is,” Duffy said. driving that far every day. It’s hard Mellette S.D. these teens have to make sacrifices “One thing to keep in mind that I The higher gas prices do make because it is a lot of money and a and smart decisions in order to think is really interesting is that gas teens think about their futures, lot of gas, so I think I will do it a As she pulled up to the pumps pay for their gas. “I used to get my prices alone do not determine what though. “I think I will live closer little different when I am older,” at a gas station near her home in nails done every week; I used to the demand for fuel is; our demand to the school so that my kids will Patnode said. Maple Grove, 16-year-old Ellie go shopping every weekend. I’ve Patnode sighed. Gas had reached changed a lot. Now all my money $2.89 a gallon. She stepped out goes to gas; I don’t go shopping of her white Ford Taurus, opened ever. It’s harder, but it’s what you her gas cap and put the nozzle in. get for being 16, I guess,” Patnode Patnode carefully watched the said. total until it reached exactly $10. Unlike some other teenagers, Another sigh. This was the third Patnode pays for all her gas. She time this week. says she has been using money she Patnode is one of many teenagers has saved up from babysitting and who commute long distances is looking for a job close to home. to their schools or jobs and are Minnesota’s average gas price pinched by the higher gas prices. lately has been $2.88 per gallon, Patnode sometimes travels the according to Duffy. A year ago, the 24-mile, one-way commute to average was $2.79 per gallon. Five Buffalo High School twice a day. years ago, it was $1.34 per gallon. Teenagers in rural areas or This increase affects everyone. outer-ring suburbs spend much of Becky Waldof, a 19-year-old from their money filling up their tanks. Zimmerman, drives her Toyota “I have to fill up probably two to Corolla about 30 miles daily to her three times a week. It is a lot; I job at the University of Minnesota’s mean it really is, especially when I Extension Services in Wright don’t have a job,” Patnode said. County. She said she and her family According to Dawn Duffy, talk about this issue all the time. public relations manager for “Generally, I think everybody is AAA Minneapolis, the amount affected, and everybody gets pretty of teenagers’ disposable income upset about it,” Waldof said. affects their spending. “Although these gas prices are “A lot of teens have to pay for increasing, no one seems to be using their own insurance or buy their less gas,” Duffy said. Haywood own cars. Some teens have to buy Siejko, 17, a worker at a Holiday their own clothes, and then when gas station in Maple Grove, has not Photograph by Maggie Clemensen gas prices are going up to nearly noticed fewer people buying gas. Ellie Patnode, a 16-year-old from Maple Grove, drives 48 miles rouundtrip to school in Buffalo everyday. $3, that’s a big added pressure,” One thing he has noticed is that High gas prices are affecting teens like Patnode. Students pay high price to park at school Some schools charge as much as $300 for a yearly permit

By Priya Kailash lots was under construction. leave at their own time,” said a double-edged sword. On one Eden Prairie High School Kids are driving Eden Prairie’s parking permits Boney, a 2007 graduate of Eden hand, I think they [students] will to school because are among the most expensive Prairie. “They also don’t have to appreciate driving more; it’ll give Every year Louis Boney wrote in the metro area, according to depend on someone else and [it] them better appreciation of driving the dreaded check so he could park of peer pressure a random sampling of area high gives them an opportunity to sleep and they won’t take it for granted,” his Hummer in the Eden Prairie schools. in.” said Alex Riordan, senior at Eden High School parking lot. The and because they Eden Prairie’s fees are $300 The school uses the money Prairie High School, “On the other payment line: $300. for Lot A, $200 for Lot B, Lot C. collected from the parking fees hand, it’s ridiculous how much it He’s not alone in paying this think it’s the cool Arlington High School in St. Paul to pay for security personnel who [gas price] is rising.” much in parking permit cost. Even charges $157, and Wayzata in drive around checking for permits Riordan pays $200 to park in with parking costs and rising gas thing to do. Plymouth comes in at $125. Edina and for the gas they use, Holmes Lot C. He uses his car in winter and prices, students are still choosing students pay $112.50 while Como said. bikes rest of the year. As for Boney, to drive to school. High School. Park High School students pay Parking costs aren’t the only he’s happy he doesn’t have to write “I think kids are driving to Despite the high fees, juniors and $20. thing putting a dent in teenagers’ the dreaded $300 check every year; school because of peer pressure seniors at Eden Prairie High School “I think [driving to school] gives wallets. Rising gas prices have now he’s off to college. and because they think it’s the cool bought 629 permits. The number of [students] a sense of independence deterred some students from thing to do,” said Jan Holmes of permits sold this year was actually and a sense of identity, and it also driving. the support staff at Eden Prairie below average because one of the gives them freedom and lets them “I think it [high gas prices] is Lack of transportation difficult for Somalis By Lilla Hassan residents living below the poverty option “It’s just not safe because years and has been an Eden Prairie of more bus service Eden Prairie High School line. Like many others who don’t Eden Prairie has many highways resident for six years. Based on Carlson said that Southwest have a car and have no bus available that run through the city... like his experience, he believes the Metro Transit tries to focus on On a hot Tuesday afternoon, to get to work, school and run basic Highways 5 and 312.” city needs to do more to help areas with high-density housing Bahjo Mahamud packed her lunch errands, she is directly affected by In 2006, Money magazine people get around because without and works closely with the U.S and left her family’s Eden Prairie the city’s lack of accessible public named Eden Prairie the nation’s adequate transportation, it is hard Department of Housing and apartment to begin her daily 30- transportation. 10th best place to for families to get and keep jobs. Urban Development to locate the minute walk to work at the local Fellow Eden It’s so hard for live in its annual “We try to meet our community’s housing areas in need of public Target store. Prairie resident list highlighting needs,” said Bonnie Carlson, transportation. Since neither she nor the family Mahad Abdi shares me to get around the top 100 best administrative service director of She said that Southwest Metro members she lives with own a car her frustration. places to live in the Southwest Transit, the public transit Transit recently organized a and there isn’t a bus that runs from Abdi owns a car without a car in . Eden service for Chaska, Chanhassen Tuesday morning shopping bus to her building to the store, she must so he is not only the Eden Prairie. Prairie was lauded and Eden Prairie. help families without transportation. carefully navigate her own route to primary source of for its economic Carlson said according to the The Tuesday morning shopping work, despite the lack of sidewalks transportation for opportunities and transit service’s information, about bus goes to Cub Foods as well as and surrounding highways filled his family but also for his sister’s quality of life. 200 families need bus service in Wal-Mart for a $1 fare. with speeding cars. family. Speaking in Somali, “It’s no wonder why families the Eden Prairie area. Until Mahamud saves up “[Transportation] is an issue for Abdi said, “I drive my nephew to would be attracted to this area.” “We work very hard and right money to buy her own vehicle or me because it’s so hard for me to summer school every day because said Martin Mohamed, executive now we aren’t seeing more demand finds public transportation, she will get around without a car in Eden there’s not public transportation.” director of the Immigrant Culture for more service,” said Carlson. continue her 30-minute walks to Prairie,” said Mahamud. He said people who aren’t near a Center in Eden Prairie. Mohamed disagrees. He said work - rain or shine. Mahamud is just one of the bus route and don’t own a car must Mohamed has worked with that he knows of approximately estimated 2,100 Eden Prairie resort to walking, a less-than-ideal immigrant families for almost 10 1,000 Eden Prairie families in need ThreeSixty| Journalism Workshop 5 MAD DADS fight back in Northside By Michelle Berry curred in the fourth precinct (the North High School, Minneapolis North Side). That’s almost half the city’s homicides for 2006. Reports Balloons are no longer only also show that 47 of those 60 used to show where a birthday homicides (about 78 percent) were party is being held on the north caused by gunshots. side of Minneapolis, but are décor Despite the statistics, there are on memorial trees for innocent many north side residents that victims, including 14-year-old want to decrease the murders Charez Jones who was shot and taking place in the community in killed June 9. various ways. “What [memorials] represent “We need to stop having that is a life that is no longer here ghetto mentality,” Smith said. where there used to be a human “The mentality that we have to body there is a tree or there’s a have is the community mentality.” pole or there’s street sign or there Smith and his team of about is something there to hang those 30 MAD DADS (Men Against balloons on, those pictures or little Destruction, Defending Against notes… some way to release that Drugs and Social-disorder) message inside of them to say you know well what it means to have know what, I hate this happened a “community mentality.” It’s and maybe I can do something,” not uncommon to see the MAD said V.J. Smith, the founder of DADS in their green shirts and the Minneapolis chapter of MAD contagious smiles walking up and DADS. down local streets of Minneapo- Minneapolis Police reports lis, Brooklyn Park and Brooklyn show that in 2006, 48 percent of Center. Minneapolis’ 60 homicides oc- With their signs in hand that

Photographs by Michelle Berry Above, a group of MAD DADs walk the streets for peace in mid-June. At left, a tree is wrapped with flowers and memorials on 24th Street and Fermont Avenue North in Minneapolis.

said “Honk to stop the killing!” violence but he’s still motivated to youth need to be more involved, and “Turn in your guns now: make a difference in the lives of but she also feels that local reli- cease fire!” the MAD DAD team young people on the north side. gious organizations could do more sets out on a Thursday afternoon “Basically I love the north side to clean up the streets. to “mend the nest” one honking and I won’t give up on it and I “I think we should go around car at a time. But they don’t just will be here until the bottom falls to different churches and encour- stop at the roaring honks of the out,” he said. age them to come out here like the cars. They make it even more Another north side resident, MAD DADS,” she said. personal than that. Karlinda Brown, also believes the As the summer continues, the “We do this because we see young people need more oppor- MAD DADS and other outspoken there is a need, matter of fact most tunities to contribute positively to residents will keep encouraging of us came from that dysfunction the community. their North Side neighbors to take that we see in this community,” “People are not giving the a stand with them. Smith said. youth a voice out here,” she said. “You have to be the one to take Life-long resident who said he “Us older folks are just com- advantage of your position in the was Charez’s cousin and a North ing in and taking over and we community, Smith said. “You have Minneapolis musician known as should stand back because it’s the to say I am one person and I can Chaz Millionaire, agreed with younger folks who are doing the make a difference in the commu- Smith. He said he knows how it damage out here.” nity.” feels to lose a family member to Not only does she think the Methodist church attracts more youth By Matt Smith In a world where school, approach toward reaching youth. of Reform Judaism, calls “the to hang out in a structured Como Park High School parents and the media compete for In preparation for Confirmation, connection between Judaism and environment where they can also a teenager’s attention, Twin Cities a Reform Judaism ceremony social justice.” study the Bible, Mergen said. On a recent bright and muggy churches continue to seek new similar to the bar and bat mitzvah, Namath hoped that by the end The school and church Sunday at Park Avenue United and inventive ways to lure young the temple took its students to of the four-day experience, all relationship is unusual, Mergen Methodist Church in Minneapolis, people. Washington, D.C. They met 250 250 teens, including those from said. 12 teenage worshippers climbed As they talk about their faith, other Jewish teens. Minneapolis, “understand the “Any time I tell other youth the staircase bridging the old and one sentiment is clear: they feel In Washington, the teenage Jewish mandate to be a part of pastors about it their jaw drops,” new. passionate about attending church. students did something social and political change.” Mergen said. The old sanctuary consists of “It doesn’t feel like my mom unorthodox for the nation’s Like Temple Israel, Grace These churches have figured ornate woodwork and flowing forces me because I force my capital: instead of separating Fellowship, a Baptist church out ways to attract young people banners adorning the altar, mom to go,” said Levi Caffes, church and state, they integrated in Brooklyn Park, is marrying to their services and help them which holds a foot-high golden an eighth grader. “She’s the one the two subjects to learn what it another taboo: religion and public understand what their churches cross. The teens approached the who brought me to Christ and if means to be Jewish American. schools. preach, religious leaders said. more modern “Youth Center,” she starts not going, then I’ll stop This integration gave them a Champlin Park High School For Mari Fitch, a 10th-grader a room filled with plush, multi- going.” unique opportunity, where they contacted Grace Fellowship who attends Park Avenue colored couches surrounding a Other students share Caffes’ not only learned the responsibility about forming a program called Methodist, church should be an giant television set with a pool devotion to his faith. They keep of being an adult from a religious “Something Else,” said Dave integral part of every teenager’s and Foosball table. A youth busy throughout the year with viewpoint, but also what it’s like Mergens, the Baptist church’s life. minister greeted them with hugs lock-ins at the church, camping to be an adult in their country. youth pastor. “Living in a secular society, it and handshakes as they walked trips and the Iron Man and Woman The teens then were taken around Grace Fellowship receives help really is important, at least for me through the doors. bike trips, a highly anticipated the city where, for four days, from Champlin Women of Today to know about all my options, so They could be doing anything week of bike riding and camping. they learned about what Rabbi to bus students between the high I can make decisions in my life,” else on a Sunday morning, but At Temple Israel, also in Michael Namath, the director school and church twice a week. Fitch said. they made a choice to attend. Minneapolis, there is a different of the Religious Action Center The program allows students 6 ThreeSixty| Journalism Workshop Former crack user is a sister to “sisters” By Tiana Daun three children and lived in south In 1996, Goynes met Robert Patrick Henry High School Minneapolis. Goynes believed White. They dated for four years, everything was fine, until in 1986, and they have been married for It’s a sunny day in June on the she discovered her husband had seven. They currently live together north side of Minneapolis and abused her oldest daughter, who in north Minneapolis, next door to Linda Goynes is feeling blessed. was 12 years old. one of the two houses the sisters Goynes lives next door to four According to Goynes, he threa- own. contemplative nuns, Sisters of the tened to kill her and her children Realizing that living next door Visitation of Holy Mary. Years if they ever told anyone. Later to the sisters would help her serve ago, their lives were as different that year, he was convicted of God, Goynes started to form a as black and white. Today, their child abuse. Feeling she was at very strong relationship with relationship couldn’t be any fault for her daughter’s trauma, them. Each day their friendship closer. Goynes turned to crack cocaine; it grew stronger. “[The sisters] are A month ago, the sisters eventually took control of her life. my heroes,” Goynes said. awarded Goynes, a former crack After she had a heart attack, she According to her, they are like user who almost died from her realized her health was in great best friends who do everything habit, their Cross of Affiliation danger, so she quit. After about together. Goynes wanted to wear ­— one of only five they’ve given six to seven clean months, Goynes a cross, just like they do. She throughout their 18-year history in turned to the drug yet again prayed to God for the cross and north Minneapolis. because of threatening letters from for the life of a “full-blooded” “She has lived life, “ said Sister her ex-husband while in prison, sister without having to drastically Mary Virginia Schmidt. “She she said. change the life she was already has fidelity to the mission and to In 1990, Goynes suffered a living. us. … She doesn’t see it, but she second heart attack. The doctor On May 16th, 2007, Goynes’ is very helpful to us in so many told her that if she continued 55th birthday, her prayers were ways.” Every Saturday, from 9 using, she would die. Later that answered. Photograph courtesy of Linda Goynes a.m. to noon, Goynes helps the same year, Goynes fell into a The sisters invited their Linda Goynes, right, standing next to one of the sisters, wearing her Cross. sisters with household chores. three-month coma. She said she friend to a birthday lunch, later “What a sweetheart,” Schmidt prayed to God asking for her surprising her with the Cross of wears it every day and, according heart that has been searching for said. health and promised that if she Affiliation, a smaller version of to her husband, she never takes it something,” Schmidt said. Goynes’ life of trial and triumph regained it, she would devote her the ones they wear. off, except when she goes to bed Her search has certainly ended. developed when she married her life to serving Him until the day Goynes calls the cross her at night. first husband in 1984. They had she dies. “pride and joy.” She proudly “[Goynes] has a beautiful Soldier-father adjusts after third Iraq tour As a member of the armed forces man uses his hard-nosed persona news that Doug would be called to “I remember when I came since he turned 18, Doug’s life and in-your-face attitude to keep active duty again. back, my oldest son avoided me has revolved around the military, his soldiers in check. He would “I was crying all the way because he couldn’t recognize me with tours from 1984 to the latest be the first to say how difficult it (home) from his deployment, and as his father. He was so young to 2007. He began as a full-time is to separate the two personalities I couldn’t sleep for two months,” that it took almost six weeks to Army National Guardsman and when it comes to readjusting back said Doug’s wife, who worried recognize me,” Doug said. later became a reservist. As into society. about the hardships of being a After returning home from an infantry squad leader, his Doug, who is white, and his single parent. activity duty, Doug works as a responsibility has been to train and wife, who is African, have dealt “To be honest, I think the security guard. He shares a story strengthen the men and women with the difficulties of adjusting families go through much more with thousands of Minnesota activated for duty. to civilian life not once but three than the actual soldier,” Doug soldiers, each wanting to return to As the war on terrorism times. said. family life and copy with the loss proceeds, thousands of men “It’s hard back in civilian life As she struggled to provide of time. By Levi Ismail and women like Doug are where things take a lot more for the family, Doug’s wife also Doug said he has no regrets Anoka High School being activated for duty. More effort to complete compared to struggled to explain why their about his National Guard service. than 3,245 Minnesota National the Guard, where if you ask for father was missing., As for having to leave his family, The car door slams, and he Guardsmen are currently something to be done, it’s going to “Always the oldest one, if he he quoted the writer George hears the footsteps of toddlers deployed. Of the more than get done now,” Doug said. sees a white man outside the door, Orwell: “The only way for evil to making their way to daddy’s 13,000 total Guard personnel, Prior to getting engaged, Doug he runs and says, ‘Daddy, Daddy, lurk is for a man to do nothing.” outstretched arms. Day in and day nearly all have returned for their had been activated for duty, which Daddy.’ And I always say ‘Daddy “My family is the most out, he hugs his children before second or third tours. These he and his wife as a very difficult will be back soon.’” important part of my life, and if and after work, trying to make up citizen soldiers, like Doug, have time in their relationship. After Despite her frustration, she I can do anything to make their for all those lost memories. been back and forth to Iraq. The their first child was born in 2005, supported Doug by sending photos future just a little better and safer, “It’s awesome,” said Doug, effects on their lives and families Doug returned and spent time and small mementos, such as the then that’s what I’m going to do,” a security guard in Anoka who are telling. with his family. In 2006, his wife children’s pillows and even bars of he said. didn’t want his last name used. This short, solid, 41-year-old was pregnant again when they got soap to remind him of their scent. The right school for different kids: Loring Nicollet Alternative High School excels by leaps and bounds By Nico McClellan are anti-establishment. They’re about achieving personal growth According the Englund, Thomas “Rat Boy” Dunn, a De La Salle High School progressive thinkers politically. and discovering the most about the Peplinski has been described as a punk closing in on 40, was one of They get in trouble with their world and yourself.” “fascist hippie” – giving students Loring Nicollet’s first students. Loring Nicollet Alternative High home schools because they’re For students like Gibney-Jones, great freedom of expression but He knows more about music School in Minneapolis lives up antagonistic toward establishment the tiny school – with fewer than demanding high standards of than most, is covered in metal to its name: Alternative. Marin and authority,” said Brad 50 students total and no more civility and academics. Students studs and spews his opinions Peplinski, the long-time principal Englund, executive director of than 10 to 15 per class -- excels who don’t perform are put on with urgency. He said that Loring who retired this year, wears an Old the Metropolitan Federation of where other schools have failed. strict contracts. If they fail to Nicollet is a great place for kids Testament beard and International Alternative Schools. In addition to science, math, and meet the terms, they can be who are “too different for other Workers of the World tattoos. The Loring Nicollet has been around history, the curriculum includes suspended or expelled. schools. They are more open to students’ styles range from hip- for more than 30 years and started classes of a different beat, such Paplinski had only this to say: alternative lifestyles.” The classes, hop to hippie, jazz to punk – and in the living room of a house. as women’s and minority studies, “I’ve been doing this for 30 years, Dunn recalled, were in depth and they’re all friends. Will Gibney-Jones, who self-knowledge, activism, and Tai and followed one motto: Fly under open to all ideas. Like the 17 other alternative graduated from Loring Nicollet boxing. Loring Nicollet students the radar.” Gibney-Jones said Loring schools in the Twin Cities, the this spring, went to two other high are making waves with such bands According to a 2005- Nicollet made him feel accepted school at 1925 Nicollet Ave. S. schools he didn’t like. When he as The First Communion After 2006 report by the Minnesota for who he is. “The community is can only accept students who’ve came to Loring Nicollet, he fell Party, EZ Bleeders, and Dizzy Department of Education, Loring based off of the classroom and the had trouble in conventional in love. Obstetrics. Nicollet has an attendance rate discussions that we have. Anyone schools. Loring Nicollet’s students “In order to really flourish But the academics are rigorous. of 91 percent, a graduation can state their opinion and it’s are mostly white, smart and non- there, you need a lot of respect There may not be worksheets, but rate of about 80 percent, and encouraged. It helps the kids to get poor. for others and the things that the students must write “evals” – short students’ reading and mathematics a better grasp on the topics.” “They’re generally kids that school teaches. You need an open essays – for every topic covered proficiency meet the required are bright. They’re kids that mind,” he said. “Loring Nicollet is in class. targets. Apply for ThreeSixty Journalism Workshop at www.threesixtyjournalism.org ThreeSixty| Journalism Workshop 7 Teens compete for jobs with adults By Kyla Riley down for jobs, including one Humbolt High School at McDonald’s. “I was a little frustrated because I’ve been filling Jevita Baheriy had been search- out applications for weeks and ing for a job with no luck. “Oh my I really didn’t know what I was God! It seems like I completed a doing wrong.” thousand applications and there Some employers say teens fail would be no calls back,” said the to answer all questions on job 17-year-old St. Paul resident. applications. Deron Carrington, Not only is there competition who screens job applications at among teens for jobs, but also the YMCA on Arcade Street in St. inexperienced teens find themselves Paul, said the applicants are being competing with experienced adults. too brief. He said that if they have According to the U.S. Bureau to leave a space blank, they should of Labor, each year at least two at least put not applicable (NA). million people between the ages If applicants lack actual work of 16 and 24 swell the work force experience they could cite volunteer between April and July, making it work or babysit. Stewart said there even tougher for teens to secure a were places on the applications that job. Stewart left completely blank. “Attitude plays a key role, too. Employers look for: I want someone to be confident, • Personable people but not to the point where they are • Reliability starting to believe I need them,” • Confidence said Eric Turner of the Martin • Appropriate dress Luther King recreational center. • People with goals Angie Galvan, who manages a St. Paul McDonald’s, agreed. “I am looking for someone who is “A lot of places don’t hire 15- enthusiastic and confident, but not Photograph by Kyla Riley year-olds, so that made my search overconfident,” she said. 15-year-old Lulete Mola on her third day of work at her first job in McDonalds. limited, but not hard,” said Lulete Appearance is also important, employer “could only help,” said all across Minnesota will help. the application, the manager Mola, an employee at McDonald’s. Galvan said. Galvan understands Carrington, even though fast-food It pays to be persistent. “I knew interviewed me. I finally got the Lulete, the daughter of a single that most teens may not have restaurants and retail stores don’t a couple of people who work job after a long frustrating search.” parent, wants to be able to buy her clothing that is business casual. As usually require applicants to have at Cossetta’s so I asked if they Jevita said. She has been working own clothing and help her mother long as they are “neat,” it is fine, a resume. were hiring,” Jevita said. “Just to for Cossetta’s, a restaurant in St. with bills. she said. If teens don’t know how to put make sure, I called and asked the Paul, for a year and a half. Porsche Stewart, 17, said she Arriving at an interview with together a resume or complete an manager if they were hiring and found herself repeatedly turned a resume ready to hand to the application, Work Force Centers he said yes. After I completed Hmong professionals offer Diabetes: my struggle and secrets to success what you should know Second-generation Hmong Americans have come a long way By Thomas Birai American Medical Association, however, from traditional farming to professional careers. Osseo Senior High School shows obesity linked childhood diabetes to be rare. Emma Weber is one teenager who’s not Whatever the findings, too many By Sheta Lo schools from Brown University to the likely to “pig out” on junk food – at least not teenagers eat too much of processed foods, St. Francis High School University of Minnesota to Harvard for his more than once in awhile. She pays too big said Darlene Kvist, a licensed nutritionist Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in biology a price. at the Nutritional Weight and Wellness The Twin Cities—currently home to the and health care and his medical degree. The 16-year-old junior at Osseo Senior Center in St. Paul. largest concentration of Hmong Americans “I became a doctor so that I can make High School has Type 1 diabetes and there’s She recommends drinking water instead in the United States—is among the leaders a bridge (in the language gap) available nothing she could have done to prevent it. Her of soda, eating fresh fruit instead of candy and has spawned some of the first Hmong for the Hmong community,” Thao said. pancreas doesn’t produce insulin, the hormone or chips. American doctors, lawyers and politicians. “The Hmong community supports me by needed to process sugar. I know something about eating right Many give merit to their supportive supporting my business and I do my best All she can do is watch her diet carefully, because I was obese once, my diet community and families that have helped by giving back what I can by providing inject insulin and exercise. That’s exactly was abysmal and my exercise habits them succeed. And the larger them with my services. We all feel a sort of what she’s doing. She gives herself an the community, the stronger the support. mutual obligation to help one another.” nonexistent. Although I have Type 1 They have some advice for the next Thao advises students to stay in school insulin shot right through the fabric of her diabetes, I do all I can to control my blood generation: Honor your tradition by not and discipline themselves in order to be shirt or blouse. She’s open about telling sugar level. forgetting it. Honor your dreams by doing successful. anyone of her diabetes. And she gets the I must eat right and give myself insulin what you want. Take advantage of the time “Education is a must, stick to it because necessary exercise, some of it from her shots. If I had a choice of taking care of you’re in and the time you have. it is the key to success. Be flexible, intramural soccer games. myself or developing diabetes, it would be “The Hmong have really embraced the absorb all you can and stay focused, give She knows when she’s not been careful a no-brainer. The complications from Type fact that you can it your all. There’s a whole new world of enough. 2 diabetes include hypertension, kidney get an education here in America if you opportunity for you young people, you just “I went to the doctor and got my A1C disease, loss of sight and nerve disorders. want to, and when you do you can pursue need to work hard and want it enough.” number (the three-month blood sugar These complications can cause a premature your dreams,” said Pakou Hang, who is The way to great achievement may not average). It was really high,” she said. death. running for St. Paul city council. Hang’s always be paved but it does exist. “Then I knew I’ve got to watch what I eat.” The recommended exercise for teenagers, parents, like many first-generation Hmong, “I’ve always gotten encouragement to Weber could not have prevented getting according to nutritionist Kvist, is, 20 minutes were farmers. go to school from friends and family,” said diabetes. Unlike her, thousands of after each meal. I doubt this is being done in They’ve supported and encouraged her Tsua Xiong, a junior at the University of teenagers may be able to keep themselves this age of video games, Web site hookups and to go to college to create more options. St.Thomas in St. Paul. “The only problems from turning into diabetics, getting Type flat-screen television sets. “My parents would work hours a day in the I really encountered with 2 diabetes, also known as adult onset I’m doing my best to follow the rules to fields to make enough to send all of their college were financial issues which most diabetes. keep my diabetes in check. Diabetes is the kids to college. I owe where I am today to college kids have to deal with and figure According to the Web site Kids Health, sixth leading cause of death in Minnesota, them.” out. You can always find a way.” studies indicate that between eight and 45 according to cdc.gov. In Hang’s case she received her Xiong is currently studying for a social percent of children who’ve been recently I already have the disease. My desire is Bachelor’s degree in economics from work degree. “It really is something I care diagnosed with diabetes have Type 2. to help others avoid getting it. I manage and is in the process of about. I want to The main reason, according to the diabetes, but sometimes it’s a hassle. Other getting her PhD in political science at the help the Hmong community and I think National Dairy Council, is obesity. One teenagers won’t have to worry about this if University of Minnesota. social work is good way to go about it,” study showed that 92 percent of all they watch what they eat, stay on the move Hang gives this piece of advice to said Xiong. adolescents and teens with Type 2 diabetes and be aware of the problem. the aspiring student, “Get involved with It’s not always easy to want to were significantly overweight. A recent Don’t let a preventable disease get your school and community. Read the pursue goals when your family doesn’t study published in the Journal of the control of your life and your lifestyle. newspaper and volunteer any chance you particularly encourage you. But many get. You will do better in life when you more Hmong families, particularly those find your perspective on life.” with first-generation parents, have stopped Xoua Thao, a St. Paul doctor for the holding onto old traditions and are now The ThreeSixty programs are made possible by generous past 12 years, credits his success to the encouraging all their children to college Hmong community As a child, community regardless of gender. Hmong traditions sponsorship and individual donations. Thank you. members would constantly remind him to have greatly evolved and taken a Hmong stay in school and work hard. American form. Thao went to school at several different 8 ThreeSixty| Journalism Workshop Roseville group fighting for Darfur By Andrew Worrall Roseville Area High School

Roseville Area High School’s Darfur Awareness Now Group (DANG) has a story behind it that begins in a high school classroom. “In (World Geography) we teach about the genocide that took place in Rwanda in the 1990s,” said co-adviser and social studies teacher Filiz Yargici. “Usually, students are deeply moved and say they can’t believe this took place in their lifetime, which makes a good transition to teaching about the current situation in Darfur.” The freshmen in many of those geography classes are now juniors. They were shocked to learn of the massive genocide in Darfur, and the lessons sparked numerous discussions. Several students in Yargici’s class were moved to take action. This was the beginning of DANG. The group spent last school year publicizing the crisis in Darfur, a western region of Sudan. Through events including fundraisers, silent auctions and bracelet and T-shirt sales, the group raised more than $20,000 that was donated to the American Refugee Committee. Journalist Nick Clooney was featured at the culminating event the group hosted at the high school in March. Clooney spoke of his April 2006 visit to Darfur with his son, actor George Clooney, and described the spirit and hope of the Sudanese refugees. He shared riveting first-hand accounts of a people struggling to survive and asked the community to help. Photographs by Andrew Worrall Also speaking that day were U.S. At left, Hugh Parmer shares words on the situation in Darfur. In the top Rep. Betty McCollum and Hugh photograph, students look at just some of 400,000 photos displayed on 4,000 Parmer, president of the American pages in Roseville’s lunch room. The display, which was posted for two days, Refugee Committee. spanned floor-to-ceiling around all the walls and windows of the room. Each Minnesota’s two U.S. senators photo represented one life lost in Darfur, and was taken from the Facebook have recognized the efforts made group “400,000 Faces,” which initiated the entire project nationwide. by the Roseville students. Above, students found a Roseville peer on one of the thousands of pages. “It is extremely uplifting to see young people in Minnesota doing helping other people, it will provide refugees with basic living such tremendous work on behalf definitely make a difference [in needs, including water, food and of the refugees created by the the way adults view youth],” said shelter. The refugees do not receive violence in Darfur,” Sen. Norm another DANG member, 15-year- handouts indefinitely; they receive Coleman said. “Despite the long old Maria Starr. help to grow their own crops and distance between Minnesota and The money raised by the to be as independent as possible. Darfur, the students of Roseville Roseville students already is However, it isn’t easy, Kailie said. care about the innocent victims of making a difference. “Oh my God, how do we the Darfur conflict and have taken “When the news came to us intervene without support, without it upon themselves to help these that they had raised the money, so resources?” he said. “In one location victims.” significant an amount, $20,000, we have over 30,000 internationally Sen. Amy Klobuchar added that violence and allow the entry of who joined because her friend we all jumped in our office in displaced people. Contributions, “grassroots activism, including peacekeepers.” encouraged her to do so and she excitement,” said Emmanuel no matter how small, help us a long from schools and campuses across DANG members feel they are “thought it would be cool just to go Tom-Rad Kailie, a former refugee way. We are really saving lives, it the county, has been vital in focusing helping the situation in Darfur. against stereotypes and actually do who is now an American Refugee is no joke here. Let [DANG] grow, public attention on the genocide in “We have a lot more power something about [Darfur].” Committee official in Sudan. involve more people. The more the Darfur and putting pressure on the than people think we do,” said “If they see all these teenagers Donations like the money raised better. And then the voice will be Sudanese government to end the sophomore Emily Carlson, trying to make a difference and by DANG members help the ARC louder.” Education costly for illegal immigrants

By Edgar Ullaguari her apart was making the grade out of every 20 attends college. Pawlenty signed a bill that allows “There is always an option,” she Lincoln International High School while staying involved in school Most states prohibit undoc- undocumented students to pay said. “You just have to look for it. activities. umented immigrants from paying in-state tuition at two-year state I know that many good people are Editor’s Note: To protect the Sonia was a straight-A student in-state tuition. Undocumented colleges. working hard to change these laws identity of an undocumented who tutored those who needed students can’t qualify for state and Sonia isn’t satisfied. “I will never so the doors open for us, and I hope immigrant, the name of the girl help. Her classmates voted her federal financial aid. Nine states understand why undocumented that happens soon.” has been changed. to represent them in student have passed the Dream Act that students have to be limited from the According to the National government all four years. allows undocumented students opportunities other students have. Immigration Law Center, On a cold snowy day of January Things changed when she to pay in-state tuition at state People don’t realize that we are not undocumented young immigrants 2003, 14-year-old Sonia and her graduated from high school and universities. Minnesota is not one accountable for our situation and are essential for solving the labor younger brother traveled more wanted to attend college. Sonia of them. that the only thing we aspire is a shortage caused by the aging U.S. than eight hours from Ecuador to realized the cost of living in a Gov. Tim Pawlenty has said chance to make ourselves better,” population. Minnesota. country of immigrants without that it would be unfair to offer she said. Pablo Tapia, chair of civil They settled into a new life in a having legal documents. She was undocumented students who Nonetheless, she will start at rights for the pro-immigrant group country of opportunities. After six an undocumented student. graduate from Minnesota high a Minnesota community college ISAIAH, said that the current months of hard work, Sonia moved Sonia is one of more than 1.7 schools a benefit that isn’t available in August. She plans to transfer system prevents young people, from middle school to high school. million undocumented students to student from other states who to another school after getting perhaps, from becoming the Like many teens, she enjoyed in the United States, according to are U.S. citizens. her basics done in two years. person to find the cure for cancer, reading books, listening to music Minnesota Advocates for Human However, not everything seems Sonia wants to pursue a degree in the next entrepreneur or a potential and playing sports. But what set Rights. Of those students, only one to be against Sonia. Last month, business administration. scientist.