POETRY (And PROSE) COMPETITION and AWARDS CEREMONY

ILLINOIS TENTH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT DEMOCRATS NEWSLETTER 2015 LITERARY EDITION

Tenth News Special Edition

Community Connection

5th ANNUAL POETRY (and PROSE) COMPETITION AND AWARDS CEREMONY

Literary Edition Volume IV Our 2015 Poetry + Prose Competition Winners

First Prize, Poetry First Prize, Prose La’Kendra Mayfield, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Samantha Bahena, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, “1619” “Finding Her,”

Second Prize, Poetry Second Prize, Prose Rosario Ocampo, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Raimondi Tomeni, Zion-Benton High School, “Once Upon a Time” “Misery Row”

Third Prize, Poetry Third Prize, Prose Daniel Gomez, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Luis Pacheco, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, “The Few Perks of Humanity” “Pepe’s Story”

Honorable Mention, Poetry Honorable Mention, Prose Gustavo Baca, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Marjanae Maggett, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, “Hope is...” “Hope for Society”

Honorable Mention, Poetry Honorable Mention, Prose Iris Sanchez, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, Oswaldo Bahena, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, “Hope for Tomorrow” “Talents”

Honorable Mention, Poetry Honorable Mention, Prose Lisette Hernandez, Waukegan High School, Jennifer Aguilar, Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, “Hope for My Mom” “A Pretty Boring Vase”

2 Table of Contents

Winners...... 2

Hope Inspires High School Authors ...... 4

1619 by La’Kendra Mayfield...... 5

A Pretty Boring Vase by Jennifer Aguilar...... 6

The Few Perks of Humanty by Daniel Gomez ...... 8

Finding Her by Samantha Bahena ...... 9

Hope for My Mom by Lisette Hernandez...... 12

Hope for Society by Marjanae Maggett...... 13

Hope for Tomorrow by Iris Sanchez...... 14

Hope is… by Gustavo Baca...... 15

Misery Row by Raimondi Tomeni...... 16

Once Upon a Time by Rosario Ocampo...... 18

Pepe’s Story by Luis Pacheco...... 19

Talents by Summer Sadler...... 20

Slam Photos...... 21

Our Judges...... 22

More Slam Photos...... 24

About Tenth Dems/About Community Connection...... 27

3 Hope Inspires High School Authors in Community Connection Writing Competition by Carol Hillsberg

“Hope lies in dreams, in imagination, and in the courage of those who dare to make dreams into reality.” Jonas Salk Prompted to explore the theme “Hope,” in March students College, has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize for from three high schools in north Lake County created poetry and fiction. In addition, she is a literacy tutor at and submitted stories, essays, and poems to the Fifth the Waukegan Library. Nina Geater, a Waukegan resident, Annual Community Connection Writing Competition. The has been writing and performing poetry since middle culminating event—Awards Night—took place Tuesday, school. She volunteers with the Waukegan Park District, April 14 at the Ramada Inn in Waukegan. Tenth Dems teaching a poetry class for youth. Heather Juanita Crain, volunteers decorated the meeting room for the evening, a writer, performance poet, and visual artist, is a member and brightly colored renditions of the word “Hope” served of the Karcher Artspace community in Waukegan. She has as a cheery backdrop. mentored poets and hosted poetry open mics in Lake Students from Waukegan High School, Christo Rey St. County for over four years, and is currently working on her Martin de Porres High School, and Zion Benton High first book of poems and essays for publication. School submitted nearly 300 original works of poetry and In addition, Elizabeth Bloom Albert served as “originality prose. Twelve prizes were awarded, six for poetry and six judge,” that is, she reviewed all of the submissions to for prose. In each category, the first place winner received ensure they were original works of the students. Elizabeth $100, second place received $75, and third place received is a professional writer whose work has appeared in a $50. In addition, there were three Honorable Mention number of literary magazines. Notably, Elizabeth counts as awards in each category, which also included cash prizes. one of her greatest achievements the founding of this very The four competition judges, all of whom are published writing competition, for which she served as Chair in 2011 writers, worked diligently to select the best among all and 2012. the entries. In the interest of fairness, none of the works It was an excellent evening as nearly a dozen student read by the judges included information about the author. writers, as well as each of the five volunteer judges, read All students’ works were identified by a number, with the their original works aloud. There were laughs, tears, and identification key retained by volunteers who kept it far smiles, but, most of all, hope. With the talent and character from the judges—an exercise in blind justice. displayed on Tuesday night, this generation inspired all This year’s panel of judges was headed by Jacqueline Nicole present with the hope that the future will be bright. Harris, who has judged this competition in prior years. The program began with a welcome by Hon. Mary Ross Jackie is a writer, performance poet, and Shimer College Cunningham, Lake County Board Member, District 9, who graduate from North Chicago who works from home while brought Hon. Lauren Beth Gash, Tenth Dems Founding trying to get out and give back to her community whenever Chair, Democratic State Committeewoman, and Illinois possible. Her books can be found on Amazon and www. Human Rights Commissioner to the podium to introduce createspace.com. the evening’s emcee, Angelo Kyle. In addition to serving The other three judges also brought stellar qualifications to as a Pastor at Restoration Ministries, Rev. Kyle, works at their task. Lois Barr, a professor of Spanish at Lake Forest the Office of Regional Economic Development for the continued on page 23 4 {{{ “1619” }}} {{{ }}}

{{{ I don’t see a difference between the whites and blacks. }}}

{{{ Only the way you cut your eyes and }}}

{{{ Speak harsh words. You take away }}}

{{{ our pride and ability to stand. Bring out }}}

{{{ the coffins we have another one }}} {{{ }}} dead here tonight. {{{ }}} Will I see another night full with stars? {{{ }}} Or just darkness? {{{ }}} We can stand together as one {{{ }}} just like we are seen in God’s eyes. {{{ }}} Bury your hatred and grow {{{ }}} a bright new flower. {{{ }}} May one day come that we can {{{ }}}

{{{ walk side by side and have }}}

{{{ a good time. }}}

{{{ No need for separate bathrooms and schools. }}}

{{{ Then I wake up and realize }}}

{{{ I’m still hoping. }}}

{{{ }}} La’Kendra Mayfield {{{ Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School }}} {{{ }}} 5 {{{ }}} “A Pretty Boring Vase” {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} It was never my intention. The clay simply felt moody and frowned as its knees clumped to {{{ }}} the ground. A tall vase that screamed to be seen. That was my intention. I wanted something {{{ pretty and simple. Something that didn’t make you question the piece as we were to avoid }}} any interrogation of any sort. Oh, that’s nice. And then you’d walk away. {{{ }}} It was a rainy Monday morning. Outside the roads were drowning pleading for help and I {{{ was there, looking at the posters taped on the grey smooth wall. }}}

{{{ Room 101. The doors looked just so inviting, quite vicious at times. }}} The only instructions given to us came with a greeting and almost mocking smile. Good {{{ morning guys, today you all are to start pottery pieces and that was it. }}} {{{ Now I was the one drowning in my thoughts and ideas, not the roads. I felt angry and }}} determined, and frustrated and capable, and with the desire of an exhilarating cherry {{{ }}} smoothie. Restarting a piece fifty times is no fun. Nope. {{{ Besides, I was in sixth grade and the only experience I had had with clay was turquoise }}} play dough. I read a book where a girl uses her pottery talent to predict the future but that’s {{{ }}} irrelevant right now. Legit. A pretty vase. That is what I wanted. I wanted it, I wanted it, I {{{ wanted it. }}}

{{{ I had already imagined it with a flower inside. }}} My disobedient hands were not clinching to that idea though; they had something {{{ different planned out ahead for my brain to obey. }}} {{{ I created a short pot. The shortest possible. I burned my hands using the gold orangey hot }}} paint that drips from the sun to add color. Then I grabbed black coal dusting it here and there. {{{ }}} Yes, it was quite odd and definitely not what I expected. It’s like a child at a toy vending {{{ machine. After a zillion coins, it finally hooks onto a toy and drops it into the slot. The boy }}} with eagerness checks, brings it out and stares at it with a bit of curiosity and disappointment. {{{ }}} Confusion is somewhere strangled in those feelings too. He doesn’t know what to do now, {{{ since he expected the other stuffed creature. I had mixed feelings on my pot but I came to a }}} conclusion. {{{ }}} continued on next page {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 6 {{{ }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ }}} Once upon a time, Deepak Chopra said, In my life, nothing goes wrong. When things seem {{{ }}} not to meet my expectations, I let go of how I think things should be. It’s a matter of not {{{ having any attachment to any fixed outcome. }}}

{{{ The vase I wanted didn’t have to be and I don’t even think I wanted it enough. I liked my }}} pot and enjoyed its tiny appearance. It was original and different. {{{ This art room has had an impact on me, opened my eyes up a bit. As a result, I’m eager }}} {{{ and curious on what’s to come. It’s helped me look forward to things and use my mind in a }}} crooked creative way. I look ahead to dreams and how I’ll make them come true. I love the {{{ idea we can create wonderful things, the idea itself is inspiring. }}} {{{ Dear masterpiece, it was a pleasure working with you. }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ Jennifer Aguilera }}} Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School {{{ }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 7 {{{ }}} “The Few Perks of Humanity” {{{ }}}

{{{ What does earth symbolize? }}}

{{{ For some it is like a seed in the ground }}}

{{{ So we protect its people, the roots, but that is just lies }}} Earth is just a big dirt mound {{{ }}} Humans in power are like branches taking away the sun and water from the roots {{{ }}} To create pointless possessions like fatter foods and toys for their children {{{ }}} I will do whatever I can do to make noise and say it’s not true, it’s not true, it {{{ cannot be true }}} Humans lie, cheat, break, and steal {{{ }}} They also imagine, create, fix, and heal {{{ }}} Humans hate, discriminate, and stop others from rising {{{ }}} They also embrace, love and provide comfort when you’re crying,

{{{ Humans make the worst of enemies, they are the puppeteers }}}

{{{ And the best of friends, they are the pioneers }}}

{{{ They will see your story until it ends, in laughs or in tears }}}

{{{ What is first will come last }}} And humans WILL learn from the past {{{ }}} We must learn to help people by the masses {{{ }}} And that is something that will NEVER be taught in classes {{{ }}} Humanity is hope and hope is humanity

{{{ But in this world, hope is the only way of finding sanity }}} {{{ }}}

{{{ Daniel Gomez }}} Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 8 {{{ }}} “Finding Her” {{{ }}}

{{{ It’s 4023. Chaos roams through the dark place of Earth. Every corner, every alley, every }}} opening is set for destruction. There’s nothing left but the little civilization. The Earth was set {{{ for destruction. A formerly living planet, is now a dying, doomed, decaying wasteland. I always }}} think Why? {{{ }}} Why did this have to happen to us? How did things go wrong? What if things were different? {{{ }}} I see this old lady sitting adjacent to an abandoned building. Her clothes are ripped with dirt {{{ and dust. Just like mine. Before my mother disappeared like the others, she told me the building }}} used to be a nail salon ages ago. She told me it was a place where people went to get their nails {{{ }}} painted. I snorted at her statement. Why would people need to paint their finger buds? {{{ Her disturbing cough startled me. As I walk past she says something. I freeze in shock. }}}

{{{ ‘’You’re the one, son,” she whispers. I slowly turn to face her. }}} ‘What do you mean?” my voice cracks into a low whisper. {{{ }}} “You’re the one to find the reason ... the solution.” {{{ }}} “Solution to what?” I gasp. {{{ She bursts out laughing in a high pitch tone displaying her black, rotten teeth. I turn on my }}} heels and walk very fast down the road. This lady is insane, I think to myself. I stop a couple {{{ }}} blocks down to catch my breath. I can still hear her voice. Cold, sad, and dark. Does she know {{{ something? What is the solution? I shake my head to clear my thoughts. No, she’s just a sick }}} lady. I inhale deeply and begin to walk to what used to be an abandoned house, a couple blocks {{{ down. There are less people out today. I begin to think about Ronnie. I wonder if she’s still }}} {{{ around. My heart drops as I remember our plan. The thought of her disappearing like the others }}} is disturbing and brutal. She’s so beautiful. She brings light to this messed up place. I miss her {{{ and remember she’s supposed to meet me at the house. I begin to jog, eager to see her, that is }}} if I get the chance to see her. I never know when I’ll have my last moments with her. {{{ }}} As I burst through the house doors there she is. Her long black hair drapes down her chest. {{{ }}} She’s wearing what she always wears: brown sweatshirt, brown slacks, and brown boots. {{{ I gaze into her blue eyes for what feels like forever. She finally speaks. }}} {{{ ‘’You always have the same reaction every time you see me, Ethan.” She says with a smile. I }}} ignore her and embrace her tightly into my arms. She gently pushes me back. {{{ }}} continued on next page {{{ }}} 9 {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} ‘’Is everything okay? You seem a little shaken up.” I finally speak. ‘’Yes.’’ I sigh. Judging by her {{{ arched eyebrow I can tell she’s not convinced. I immediately try to distract her. }}}

{{{ ‘’Did you catch anything?” I say, changing the subject. }}} ‘’Yes! I caught a rabbit! First time I’ve seen one in months!” she shrieks. {{{ }}} “Get out! That’s freaking awesome! Let’s heat that sucker up.” I say, reeling into her for a hug. {{{ I can see her glance up at me through her long black eyelashes. Letting go, I grab her hand }}} {{{ and lead her up the stairs to our small cooking area. I start up the fire and she begins the }}} shave the rabbit’s fur off. {{{ }}} We can use its thick fur for more clothing. {{{ As we are prepare for dinner there’s a long silence between us. }}}

{{{ “Okay, what the hell is up?” Ronnie snaps. }}} ‘’Nothing’s wrong, Ron.” I snap. {{{ }}} ‘’I can tell when you’re lying to me, Ethan.” she scowls. {{{ }}} ‘’Nothing that concerns you, eat.” I demand. {{{ She says nothing but refuses to eat. After we have dinner we head downstairs to get ready }}} for bed. As we lie beside each other there’s an awkward silence between us and I begin to feel {{{ }}} bad. As I’m about to speaks she interrupts. “I got you something.” I smirk with delight. She {{{ always has to be in control. She’s so stubborn. }}} ‘’You did, huh?” I answer. {{{ }}} ‘’Here.’’ She hands me a black, rusted silver coin with a hole in the middle. {{{ }}} The moment I grab it, my whole body freezes and my eyes burst open. My mind starts to {{{ rush through a series of pictures. I see something, but it’s kind of a blur. I see trees, a meadow, }}} water, children, and people. There are people everywhere. So many people. There are animals {{{ }}} everywhere. {{{ It’s .. it’s.. what did my mom say? It’s peace. It’s peaceful! My mother would go on and on }}} about peace. I can see it. I can feel it. {{{ }}} ‘’Holy crap!“ {{{ }}} I gasp when I drop the coin. I’m brought back to reality. I can’t feel my legs. I feel as I’ve {{{ been punched in the chest. It burns and sweat radiates all over my body! }}}

{{{ continued on next page }}} 10 {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} ‘’Ethan! Snap out of it!” she screams in panic. Then there’s silence. Her blue eyes are full of {{{ fear. “I- I saw..” I stutter. }}}

{{{ ‘What did you see?” she asks, pulling me to an embrace. As we touch I feel my body relax. }}} My panting slowly starts to stop. “Tell me.” She demands. How can I tell her? She’ll think I’m {{{ crazy. What if I am? }}}

{{{ I can’t tell her. I can’t let her go through this again. I lead her to our bed and slowly pet her }}} hair for what seems like forever. “Tell me.” She mumbles. Instantly she’s asleep. {{{ }}} I have to go back to the old lady. What did she mean? I hope she didn’t disappear. I need to {{{ know. How am I the one? What did I really just see? I need to find her. Maybe it’s not about }}} searching for a reason, maybe it’s about trusting that there is one. {{{ }}}

{{{ Samantha Bahena }}} Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School {{{ }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 11 {{{ }}} “Hope For My Mom” {{{ }}} You’re okay mama. {{{ }}} I know you are. {{{ }}} I have hope for you mama. {{{ }}} Don’t be weak, please. {{{ }}} Put your brave face on for us.

{{{ Show us that you are strong. }}}

{{{ Please mama, don’t cry. }}}

{{{ The girls are also crying. }}}

{{{ Mama, it will get better, }}}

{{{ I promise you that. }}} I have hope for you mama. {{{ }}} You will fight this off. {{{ }}} We will prove them wrong. {{{ }}} No disease stops you mama. {{{ }}} I love you mama.

{{{ The girls love you mama. }}}

{{{ I have hope for you mama. }}}

{{{ The girls have hope for you mama. }}}

{{{ God has a plan for you, }}}

{{{ God is giving you hope mama. }}} Please accept our hope. {{{ }}}

{{{ Lisette Hernandez }}} Waukegan High School {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 12 {{{ }}} “Hope For Society” {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} Hope is the belief that something positive can or will happen in the future. Without hope {{{ we are simply creatures with nothing to look forward to. Hope provides us with a sense of }}} buoyancy, or excitement that something good is going to occur in our lives. Many people {{{ rely on hope when situations seem like they aren’t going to or can’t get any better. Hope is }}} {{{ as important to our society as water is important to the human body. It is a necessity and }}} without it, we probably wouldn’t be able to survive. {{{ }}} Throughout my life, I’ve experienced many ups and downs that caused me to have to {{{ believe that something positive would come out of a negative situation. Not many adults }}} instill the thought of hope in their children’s lives today. I see children who have been {{{ placed in horrible situations. When talking to them I noticed that to them it seemed like }}} {{{ there was no way out. I’ve been taught that no matter what the problem is if I have faith, }}} and believe everything will be okay then I’ll be alright. When I look back on my life, I can {{{ honestly say I am proud of how far me and my family have come. We never let anything }}} or anyone stop us. I personally like to think of hope as a mustard seed. Why? Although, a {{{ }}} mustard seed is small it eventually grows into something much larger. If our society was {{{ taught to hold on to hope the size of a mustard seed, we would have less problems in our }}} lives. We would also be able to view the bigger picture or think about the positive outcomes {{{ }}} as our mustard seed of hope grows.

{{{ However, we only seem to think about the negatives in situations. }}} {{{ Hope is Having Obvious Positive Emotions, You may feel that you are going through a }}} bad situation. However, if you keep a positive attitude it could influence others to think {{{ positive. If we keep hope alive, nothing or no one can stop us. We will forever be conquerors }}} {{{ if we just believe. }}}

{{{ Marjanae Maggett }}} {{{ Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 13 {{{ }}} “Hope For Tomorrow” {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} In life you may have great obstacles holding us back from our destination. {{{ }}} But how would you know what strength is without weakness {{{ }}}

{{{ Life may knock you down today, but tomorrow you challenge yourself to stand back up. }}}

{{{ Every day is a second chance, but you must learn to take that opportunity }}} {{{ }}} Hope is believing you can get through the battle of today and have victory tomorrow. {{{ }}} What would happen if you gave up now? {{{ }}}

{{{ You would never know because you never tried. }}}

{{{ Or you can conquer the hardships and be the one to save someone who is hopeless }}} {{{ }}} You can say you had hope and faith {{{ }}} Hold on, pain ends {{{ }}}

{{{ Maybe tomorrow or the tomorrow after that }}}

{{{ }}} But hope conquers the battles of today for a victor tomorrow. {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} Iris Sanchez {{{ Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 14 {{{ }}} “Hope Is…” {{{ }}}

{{{ Hope, Hope is waking up every day }}}

{{{ Knowing that the worst has happened }}} {{{ }}} and the best is on the way. {{{ }}} Hope is getting up when you’ve been {{{ }}}

{{{ knocked down still wanting }}}

{{{ to fight for your goal. }}}

{{{ Hope is knowing you can, even }}} {{{ }}} after everyone says no. {{{ }}} Hope is not having any doubt {{{ }}}

{{{ in your abilities to achieve. }}}

{{{ Hope is knowing the feeling knowing }}}

{{{ that its monday but friday }}} {{{ }}} is right around the corner. {{{ }}} Hope is the motivation that we run on {{{ }}}

{{{ to achieve our greatest goal }}}

{{{ this is hope. }}}

{{{ }}} Gustavo Baca {{{ Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School }}} {{{ }}} 15 {{{ }}} “Misery Row” {{{ }}}

{{{ “Timmy? Timmy…Timmy, if ya’ do’ get up the boss’ll hav’ ya’ head!” A young boy, }}} around 7 or 8, called to the dirty, ragged child that lay before him on the damp concrete. {{{ “Timmy” had been working a double shift—28 hours straight—at the Factory. The young }}} girl provided for her family in this factory. None of the businessmen knew. Her hair was cut {{{ short and her rags were too loose to be able to identify young “Timmy” as a girl. }}}

{{{ Timmy had no choice but to take this job. Her mother was sick at home with six other }}} little girls. She was too young to work at the women’s factories. Timmy had to hide her gender {{{ from the boss. }}} Timmy earned five cents a day, barely enough to feed the adopted Irish babies living in {{{ their Polish tenement. }}}

{{{ After working the first shift, Timmy was tired and hungry. She regretted giving her }}} piece of bread to the other girls to share. She kept her chin up and her stomach quiet, sucking {{{ on the collar of her shirt. She pretended it was one of the meals her Matka told her about. She }}} could taste the steaming uszka with chunks of cabbage and mushroom and a big pierogi filled {{{ with a potato and garlic mixture. }}} Timmy had gotten so lost in her fantasy, she had begun to gnaw off part of her ragged {{{ shirt. She choked on the piece of cloth that had come off of her shirt and into her mouth }}} when the machine part she was oiling jerked to life, turning beneath her. {{{ }}} The Factory was quite dangerous. Young boys would be fired after accidents. A torn {{{ off arm here, a crushed hand there; the machine parts had to be oiled under any and all }}} circumstances. If they were moving, then your hands had to move faster. If they were stopped, {{{ then you worked even faster to get all the nooks and crannies before they started to turn }}} again. {{{ Many workers complained, but Timmy didn’t have time for complaining. She just }}} wanted more money. If she could just buy another loaf of bread, maybe then her family {{{ }}} wouldn’t starve. Maybe her mother would get better. Maybe she wouldn’t have to work so {{{ hard. }}} Timmy couldn’t complain though. It could be worse. She could live in one of those {{{ orphanage factories where the boss was called Big Daddy and if you slept, you slept on the }}} turning wheels as the machines pumped out the product. {{{ }}} Lost in those thoughts, Timmy neglected to see the dumbbell above her spring into {{{ action. It struck her as she polished the big cogwheel she was greasing. Her black, oiled hands }}} slipped out from under her. Her lack of sleep and the blow to the back of her head caused her {{{ to fall forward onto the damp, hard concrete. }}} It wasn’t until another boy was calling out to her that Timmy slowly sat up. Her vision {{{ }}}

{{{ continued on next page }}} 16 {{{ }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ blurry, her arms shaking, her legs felt weak. She stood up just in time to come face to face with }}} the boss. He fired her on the spot. {{{ After that the worker’s union strike began. }}} The children worked harder to provide for their families. {{{ }}} Factories shut down. {{{ The children dropped like flies in factory accidents. A Man, Samuel Gompers, came to }}} help the children. He told them of privileges and pay that the boss should be giving them. {{{ }}} The children started a strike. {{{ Timmy joined them, determined to be able to buy two loaves of bread with her pay. }}}

{{{ }}} Raimondi Tomeni {{{ }}} Zion-Benton High School {{{ }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 17 {{{ }}} “Once Upon A Time” {{{ }}}

{{{ }}} All the 7 year old girl wants is to be a princess. {{{ She wants to live this fairytale life, in a castle }}} {{{ and wear pretty dresses. }}} She wants to have tea and attend balls. {{{ }}} The princess turns 16. {{{ All the girl hopes for is to be treated like a princess, }}} a princess that wishes to find her prince charming. {{{ }}} When she finds her prince charming, she believes she has gotten her happy ever after. {{{ She’s now 18 with a broken heart. }}}

{{{ The princess no longer wants to be a princess }}} if she can’t find a happy ever after, then what’s the point of this fairy tale? {{{ The princess has hope. }}} {{{ She has hope that a prince charming will fix her broken heart. }}} She’s drunk on the idea of love, hoping that it could heal her brokenness. {{{ }}} The princess is now 25. {{{ She realized she doesn’t need a prince charming to get her happy ever after. }}} Her hapy ever after was finding love within herself. {{{ }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ Rosario Ocampo }}} Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep {{{ }}}

{{{ }}}

{{{ }}} 18 {{{ }}} “Pepe’s Story” {{{ }}}

{{{ There was once a man named Pepe. He lived in Guadalajara, Mexico. He lived with his }}} mother and grandmother. His father died when he was 10 years old. When he was a kid his {{{ father told him to always have hope in your dreams. When his father died it was real hard to }}} believe in hope. He felt that when his father died he had to take care of his family. He did the {{{ best he could do to protect his family. When Pepe turned 18 he told his family that he would }}} be going to America. His mother told him not to go but he went anyways. {{{ He went with a friend. They took a bus to the border. They walked around the fence of the }}} border and found a little opening through the fence. They made it to EI Paso, Texas. His friend {{{ knew someone that could find them a job in Houston. They went to his friends and they told }}} them that they would have to take another bus to Houston. When they were getting on the {{{ }}} bus they heard gun shots. There were gangsters fighting off some police. Pepe and his friend {{{ got on the bus and the bus left to Houston. }}} Once they got to Houston they saw huge skyscrapers. They were both amazed. When they {{{ got to the job they started working right away. They worked there for about 2 months. }}} One day some robbers tried to rob the place and they shot Pepe’s friend. He died in the {{{ }}} hospital. Pepe started to get depressed, but then remembered what his father told him about {{{ hope when he was a kid. When Pepe left the hospital he went to his bed in the streets. He slept }}} and the next day he left to Chicago with all the money he had left. {{{ When he got to Chicago he found a job from a guy on the street. He went to the job and he }}} worked there for a week. He purchased a car and he used it to drive to work. He got arrested {{{ for driving too fast and got his car impounded. He went to jail for about 2 months for driving }}} without a license. When he went into his cell the walls were dripping of tar. It smelled like {{{ rotten fish. He felt like his life was over, but then he remembered what his father told him }}} about hope. When he got out he started walking around the city and he saw one of his aunts {{{ }}} from Mexico. She said that her son came to live in Chicago. She said that he could stay with {{{ them. When they got to her house Pepe asked if he can call his mother. }}} When his mother picked up she was ecstatic. She said that she thought that Pepe died {{{ and she was relieved that she found out he’s fine. When Pepe and his mother were talking he }}} finally knew what his father was talking about when he was a kid. {{{ }}} After Pepe settled in he started to become successful. He found a job not that far from {{{ the house so he walked to it. Once he earned enough money he got his citizenship and he }}} bought a nice house in the same neighborhood his aunt lived in. He brought his mother and {{{ grandmother to live with him in Chicago. He found a wife and had 2 kids. He tells his two kids }}} to always have hope in your dreams and whenever something bad happens always have hope. {{{ }}}

{{{ Luis Pacheco }}} Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School {{{ }}} 19 {{{ }}} “Talents” {{{ }}} The talents we learn when we are young stay with us until we are very old, but it seems {{{ }}} that our talents have been forgotten. I realized something about 2 years ago that changed {{{ my perspective on my life entirely and I was shocked when I actually found this out. I was in }}} my room practicing my saxophone learning how to play “Thrift shop” by Macklemore. (A very {{{ popular song at the time.) And my mom walked into my room and said, “What’s the point of }}} learning how to play the song if no one else will hear it outside of our house?” I responded {{{ with, “I just really like how the saxophone sounds in this song (a very smooth sounding }}} saxophone part if I might add) and I could record it and put it on Youtube and become {{{ famous.” And for a while I actually thought about what my mom had told me. So I kept }}} thinking about her words, “What’s the point of learning it if no one else can hear it?” I thought {{{ to myself, “Then what was the point of learning to play the saxophone?” But then I thought, }}} “It doesn’t matter if anyone else hears it or not just as long as I keep practicing.” After it just {{{ bugged me that only I could enjoy my smooth jazz playing. So one day at church I walked up }}} to a guitarist named Gerson and he was the head coordinator of the music department at the {{{ time. I asked him, “Next week is it okay if I bring my saxophone to church?” He said yes. It just }}} bugged me that I couldn’t share my talents with anyone else so I decided to share them with {{{ }}} my church members. {{{ To my surprise, after I played a song that I really liked all of the younger kids went up to me }}} and asked where I got my saxophone. I told them at A-Major (a music store in Waukegan) but {{{ what I didn’t realize was that I started a quartet of saxophone playing kids at church. The next }}} week I was surprised that they had gone to rent a saxophone and I had just inspired kids to {{{ learn to play an instrument. And I was taught a very valuable lesson that day, I learned that if }}} you can change the mind of one person and inspire them to do something with their life like {{{ learning a new skill you can change that person’s life forever. }}} {{{ I then proceeded to learn how to play guitar and I can happily say that it doesn’t matter if }}} just one person hears you. If you’ve changed one mind then you’ve succeeded. Just like if you {{{ are a flower waiting to blossom make it happen. }}} So whoever tells you your talents are worthless, it’s not true. You are the most talented, {{{ most interesting, and most extraordinary person in the universe. And you are capable of }}} amazing things. Because you are special. And so am I. And so is everyone. Don’t let anyone tell {{{ }}} you different because in a couple of years, who knows, you could be the next Kenny G. {{{ }}} Oswaldo Bahena {{{ Cristo Rey Saint Martin High School }}} {{{ }}}

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{{{ }}} 20 {{{ 2015 }}} {{{Poetry + Prose }}} {{{Competition }}} {{{ }}}

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{{{ }}} 21 {{{ }}} Our Judges {{{ }}} Jacqueline Nicole Harris is a writer, performance poet, and Shimer College graduate from {{{North Chicago, Illinois. She is also a member of the Deerfield Library Poetry Group in Deerfield, }}} Illinois. Jacqueline is the author of three chapbooks, Random Acts of Verse, My Revolution, and A Brown {{{ }}} Girl’s Story. She lives and works from home while trying to get out and give back to her community {{{whenever possible. You can find her books on Amazon and www.createspace.com. A Brown Girl’s }}} Story is now available for purchase on Amazon Kindle. Right now, she is working on her first novel {{{and a short story collection. }}}

{{{Lois Barr is a professor of Spanish at Lake Forest College. Her book of poems Biopoesis won }}} Poetica Publishing’s 2013 chapbook contest. She has been nominated for the Pushcart Prize for {{{ }}} poetry and fiction. She is a literacy tutor at the Waukegan Public Library. {{{ }}} Nina Geater is a resident of Waukegan and lives in the historic Karcher building. She has been {{{writing and performing poetry since middle school. She has performed in many areas of the Midwest, }}} including Tennessee, and Florida. She volunteers with the Waukegan Park District teaching a poetry {{{class for youth. }}}

{{{Heather Juanita Crain is a writer, performance poet, visual artist, and a member of the Karcher }}} {{{Artspace community in Waukegan, Illinois. Heather has a M.A. in English from the University of }}} Arkansas-Fayetteville, and she competed nationally in speech, forensics, and slam poetry. She has {{{mentored poets and hosted poetry open mics in Lake County for over four years. Currently, }}} Heather is working on her first book of poems and essays for publication. {{{ }}} Chicago native Elizabeth Bloom Albert started writing for fun and profit about fifteen years ago. {{{ }}} Her prize-winning short prose has appeared in a number of literary magazines, including: Narrative {{{Magazine , Another Chicago Magazine, The Baltimore Review, Permafrost, Southern Women’s Review, and }}} Quarter After Eight. But she counts as one of her greatest achievements the founding of this writing {{{contest, for which she served as Chair for 2011 and 2012. }}}

{{{ Our Emcee }}} {{{ }}} Commissioner Angelo Kyle is the Past President of the National Association of Counties. Also, he {{{has served as the first African American Vice-President of the Lake County Forest Preserve. He is a }}} 22 year veteran and senior member of the Lake County Board of Commissioners and Lake County {{{Forest Preserve Board of Commissioners. He was a keynote speaker at the Democratic National }}} Convention in 2004 in Boston Massachusetts. He has also appeared on CNN, C-Span, ABC, NBC, {{{ }}} CBS, PBS, and the National Press Club. {{{ }}} 22 {{{ }}} Hope Inspires High School Authors continued from page 4 {{{ }}} Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic student and Tenth Dems intern, described her {{{ Development. Among his many accomplishments, internship experience and told the Awards Night }}} Rev. Kyle was the first African American Vice- participants how they could apply for an internship {{{ President of the Lake County Forest Preserve. with Tenth Dems. }}} Rev. Kyle began by explaining how Tenth Dems Among the students who participated in the open {{{ }}} Community Connection was founded to bring mic were Kala Juett, Tamara Sanchez, Sarahy Solano, {{{ people together and connect them to the La’Kendra Mayfield, who won first prize for poetry, }}} resources they need and to demonstrate that, Raimondi Tomeni, who won second prize for {{{ for Democrats, politics is about more than just prose, Rosario Ocampo, who won second prize }}} elections. Exemplifying this conviction, the annual for poetry, Samantha Bahena, who won first prize {{{ poetry and prose competition offers young people for prose, and Jennifer Aguilera, Oswaldo Bahena, }}} opportunities to show their talents and express and Marjanae Maggett, all of whose prose garnered {{{ themselves. These youngsters are indeed our honorable mention. }}} “hope” for the future. The culmination of the evening was the awards {{{ }}} The evening’s program continued with readings ceremony. In addition to those who read their {{{ of original works of prose and poetry by both prize-winning works, Daniel Gomez received third }}} the adult judges and some of the high school prize for poetry; Luis Pacheco earned third prize {{{ students who participated in the competition. In for prose; and Gustavo Baca, Lisette Hernandez, }}} addition, Jacqueline Herrera Giron, who recently and Iris Sanchez received honorable mention {{{ ran for 9th Ward Alderman in Waukegan, spoke for their poems. All of the awardees’ works are }}} in both Spanish and English about the privileges published in this Special Literary Edition of the {{{ of participating in our democracy and the Tenth News. }}} preciousness of the right to vote. Toward the {{{ end of the evening, Amanda Loutris, a high school }}}

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{{{ }}} 26 {{{ About Tenth Dems }}}

{{{ The Tenth Congressional District Democrats is a volunteer group that has formed to help elect }}} Democrats at all levels of government within Illinois’ 10th Congressional District. {{{ }}} We seek to accomplish the following: {{{ • Assist and support efforts to elect Democratic candidates at the local, state, and national levels }}} • Coordinate campaign and other election efforts with other Democratic organizations {{{ }}} • Recruit and train new precinct committeemen/women {{{ • Facilitate communication about events and news to the public and internally between campaigns, }}} volunteers, precinct committeemen/women, and Democratic organizations {{{ }}} • Inform citizens about the important issues facing district residents and all Americans {{{ • Build an effective and responsive organization to facilitate these primary goals and objectives }}} • Bring people together to make our community a better place to live {{{ }}}

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{{{ }}} {{{ About the Community Connection }}}

{{{ Members of the Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats are hard at work in the community to }}} show 10th District residents that Democrats believe politics should be about more than just elections. {{{ In 2010, we launched the Community Connection office in Waukegan to serve the daily needs of }}} district residents. {{{ From holding classes on job interviewing to providing a connection to relevant services in a time of }}} need, the Community Connection is a place for people to go when they have a problem or need advice. {{{ It’s a place to gather, work on solving problems, and build stronger communities. }}} The Community Connection works with other local organizations to sponsor programs and provide {{{ education, access to services, and general support to the District. }}} We are a volunteer organization and welcome your talents and desire to give back and help others. Join {{{ us to work with people who share your dreams and who want to build better lives for themselves and }}} their families. {{{ If you liked what you read in this Literary Edition and are interested in volunteering to help organize }}} the 2015 Poetry/Prose Competition and Awards Ceremony (or to help out at the ceremony), please {{{ email [email protected] or call 847-266-VOTE (8683). }}}

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{{{ }}} Paid for by the Illinois Tenth Congressional District Democrats (www.tenthdems.org) and not authorized by any candidate or candidate’s committee. Contributions are not tax deductible. Federal law requires us to use our best efforts to {{{ collect and report the name, address, occupation and name of employer of individuals whose contributions exceed $200 }}} in a calendar year. Corporate contributions are not allowed. 27