In this issue News 1–4 Lifestyle 5 Entertainment 7-8 Sport 9 YDC checks out Viewpints 10 My Hero Academia Editorial Cartoons 11 BZ’s Sketchbook page 7 page 15

Volume 25 • Issue 5• June 2016 • Please display through June 15 US Congress says advances when it means repeals Anna Prytkova Rep. Meadows does not agree with Judge Holeman. Ironically, the press Young D.C. release issued by the committee processing Meadows’ legislation headlined Rep. Mark Meadows, (Republican, North Carolina, 11th District) is spon- news of its action, “Committee Advances D.C. Budget Autonomy, Audit the soring HR 5233, a bill to prevent future efforts by the District of Columbia to Fed, and Other Legislation.” Meadows’ bill is designed to take away the lo- control its local budget. Congress created home rule for D.C. in 1973, but it cal control of D.C.’s budget. It specifically says, once a reader gets beyond kept control over appropriations and the process D.C. used to create its annual the headline, Repeals the Local Budget Autonomy Act of 2012 passed by the budget. Decades passed and D.C. raised more dollars on its own and received District of Columbia and amends sections 450 and 603 of the Home Rule Act fewer federal dollars. of 1973. In 2012, the D.C. Council passed the Budget Autonomy Act to amend its Other representatives, including Rep. Gerry Connolly (Democrat, Virgin- Home Rule Act. Beyond council action, D.C. voters cast ballots in a referen- ia, 11th District), say that the proposed bill is too controlling and intrusive. dum to make this budget change. The referendum passed April 23, 2013, with The argument, although focusing on local budgeting and who gets con- 83 percent of voters in favor of it. Next, a court case on the Budget Autonomy trol of this budget, also reflects on the power of a referendum. The argument Act moved all the way to the D.C. Superior Court. Judge Brian Holeman found has been going on for more than two years, Although House Oversight and that the Home Rule Act does allow D.C. to control its locally raised taxes and Government Reform Committee is not advancing D.C. budget autonomy, the fees. He supported the referendum vote of the people, writing in a 29-page committee’s press release headline says the exact opposite. opinion, “This Court is unable to interfere with that lawful delegation of au- thority and exercise of that delegated authority by the Council, the Mayor, and Anna Prytkova, 15, is a freshman at James Madison HS in Vienna, Va. the citizens of the District of Columbia.” Chavez junior projects raise civic consciousness Joshua Bryant path. I want to go to college and get my masters de- Special to Young D.C. gree, bachelors degree, and become a manga artist.” As the school year comes to an end, many Brown even plans to raise his children to do students prepare for end-of-year exams and presen- things the right way. “[I want to] teach them about the tations. On the evening of May 18, Cesar Chavez basics, and that they have to level up,” Brown said. PCHS/Capitol Hill campus juniors presented their “I have to train them on how to talk to people, how to research about different civic leaders and what they speak in public, and how to present yourself.” fought for in front of panels of judges. Juniors such as Brown and Griggs showed Junior thesis was an opportunity to hone re- their passion in their junior thesis projects. Through search and presentation skills in a combined English research, developing PowerPoint presentations, and and history assignment, so they will be more pre- giving oral presentations, juniors mastered topics pared for their senior thesis course next year. Griggs isn’t the only and prepared for senior thesis. Now, they are par- Junior Labryah Griggs did her project on Ruby self-confident junior in ticipating in two-week internship experiences at or- Bridges, an integration pioneer. She said Bridges in- the class. Junior Bran- ganizations throughout the DMV area where they spired her to become a strong young African-Amer- don Brown also shows can explore the development of public policy. These ican woman. passion for pursuing the various professional experiences are helping to pre- “The interesting thing that I learned was the legacy of leaders like pare them for their senior year and in life. amount of things that this six-year-old child had to Martin Luther King Jr. endure,” Griggs said. “Being an African-American and Malcolm X. Brown Joshua Bryant, 16, is a junior at Cesar Chavez or any race, being a six-year-old, and going to an said his passion helps PCHS/Capitol Hill in the District of Columbia. all-white school, that’s a lot to go through and I re- him block out negativity ally admire her bravery.” around him. “I’m surrounded by the ghetto, but I don’t get Photos by Joshua Bryant “Just because you’re young doesn’t mean you Top, Chavez junior Kiara Lemons, left, serves as room can’t make a difference,” Griggs said. “Everyone has involved with that stuff at all,” said Brown. “Because moderator during presentation on the Freedom Riders by it’s not right at all, and I don’t want to follow that Luis Alvarado, right. a voice, and it’s up to you if you decide to use it.” Bottom, Kino Green presents his thesis on Malcolm X. News t Young D.C. t June 2016 Metro Purple Line plans and

dollars in place while some Young D.C. is an independent newspaper written by and about metropolitan area teens. Address correspondence to: [email protected] hearts and minds still resist or Grayson Butler and Will Walde The two sides of Montgomery County, plus Young D.C. Young D.C. a section of Prince George’s County may 1904 18th Street, NW Unit B Purple Line proponents say… encounter more economic equality with this Washington, D.C. 20009-1707 The Purple Line will connect New Car- improvement in transportation. – G.B. tel: 202.232.5300 fax: 202.232.5306 rollton in Prince George’s County to Bethes- www.youngdc.org da in Montgomery County. The Purple Purple Line opponents say… Copyright. All rights reserved. Line will offer transfer points to the Green, The Purple line is affecting two main at- Orange, and Red lines. This 16-mile light tractions: The Capital Crescent Trail and Co- Reporters: David Anderson, homeschooled (Md.); Zawadi rail route will make the trip between Silver lumbia Country Club. The Columbia Country Carroll, University of Wisconsin (D.C.); Liam Connolly, Lab Spring and Bethesda much faster than the Club has been established since 1898 and has School of Washington (D.C.); Ayanna Costley, Muhlenberg bus. This would fix problems Metro has had hosted two USGA events the 1921 U.S open College (Pa.); Aaron Diggs, Cesar Chavez PCHS (D.C.); Cierra since the original design of the Red Line. and the 2003 U.S. Junior Amateur, and has Crawford, Cesar Chavez PCHS (D.C.); Che Demczuk, Lab There will be 21 metro stops on the Purple hosted many MSGA (Maryland State Golf School of Washington (D.C.); Pierre Gray, Cesar Chavez PCHS Line, all above ground line. Its stations will Association), and other Metropolitan golf (D.C.), ; Kellyn Henry, University of Virginia (Va.,); Layla take up less space than a regular metro sta- tournaments. The Capital Crescent Trail is an Huff, Walter Johnson HS (Md.); Riley Isakower, Lab School of tion, but its trains will be longer. While it will 11-mile recreation trail for pedestrians, bik- Washington (D.C.); Jack Kaltenheuser, Lab School of Wash- ers and bladders that runs from Georgetown be a light rail metro line like the D.C. street- ington (D.C,); Gigi Levin, Parkmont School (D.C.); Celia Parr, cars, the blog Greater Greater Washington in D.C. to in Silver Spring, Montgomery The Madeira School (Va.,); Anna Prytkova, James Madison reports that the Purple Line will feature the County. The Metro is project about to bring longest transit railcars in the U.S. A light rail the longest light rail trains in the country next HS (Va.); Abby Tanen, Woodrow Wilson SHS (D.C.); Bezawit is better of the environment than a bus in the to the Capital Crescent trail users. It’s also Tefera, Parkmont School (D.C.); William Walde, Lab School of DC area. going to impact land the country club had Washington (D.C.); Biniam Zemedkun, Parkmont School Kelly Anderson, a student at the Sidwell planned for a renovation to make the golf (D.C.) Friends School in Northwest D.C., told YDC course better than usual. Photographer: Grayson Butler, Lab School of Washington that it takes “an hour to get to school from – W.W. (D.C.) Silver Spring.” He also said that it would Board of Directors: George Curry (chairman), Rich Foster, Grayson Butler and Will Walde, both 16, make east and west Montgomery County Mary Hanley, Barbara Hines, Judy Hines, Kathleen Reilly more equal. It will give the two sides a better are juniors at the Lab School of Washing- ton in the District of Columbia. Mannix (ex officio), Flo McAfee, Phillip Reid, Terry Thielen chance to easily mix and give the students Advisory Board (Emeritus Directors): Hector Ericksen-Men- an easier and earlier way to get to school. doza, Sean Jensen, Cynthia Farrell Johnson, Rosamond King, Sarah Menke-Fish, Bob Neuman, David R. Rapp, Samara Sit

Volume 25 of Young D.C. is supported by The Herb Block Foundation, Mike McCurry, sponsors of Cartoons & Cock- tails 2016, an auction of editorial art held Nov. 19, 2016, at the National Press Club, and the YDC alumnae/i who funded the 25=Thrive Project.

Letters to the Editor are welcome and sometimes published, whole or in part. Letters are subject to editing. Readers writing to the editors should include contact information: name, age, telephone number.

Illustration courtesy BeyondDC.com, Dan Malouff, a professional transportation planner for Arlington County, Va. Top, proposed Purple Line car, middle, Metrorail car, bottom, D.C. streetcar unit. What’s your topic for YDC to tackle in Viewpoints? The editors would love to hear about things that inform, concern, inspire, disappoint or drive you crazy. Email your Viewpoints idea to [email protected]

About www.youngdc.org Corrections Staffers update the YDC site weekly. Please ensure that it is not blocked at your Young D.C. publishes corrections of matters of substance. school or library. Since there is no place for a reader to enter information, there is Thank you for bringing them to the attention of the editors by telephone no need to block. (202.232.5300), e-mail ([email protected]) or snail mail to the address at the top of this column. June 2016 t Young D.C. t News D.C., Maryland and Virginia seniors among winners of National Merit Scholarships from universities Pierre Gray Kenneth M. Xuan Suyon S. Kim Young D.C Atholton HS, Columbia Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- June 1, 2016, the National Merit Scholarship Corporation announced approxi- Northwestern University nology, Alexandria mately 3,000 winners of National Merit Scholarships. High school seniors in the Tomohiro Yamaguchi University of Southern California DMV awarded scholarships through NMSC are as follows: Centennial HS, Ellicott City Nikki Kothari University of Maryland Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- Roger T. Mao District of Columbia: Jennifer Yoshikawa nology, Alexandria River Hill HS, Clarksville Nicholas Stauffer-Mason Archbishop Spalding HS, Severn University of Chicago School Without Walls University Of Maryland University of Maryland Ava C. Lakmazaheri University Of Chicago Scholarship Colin H. Murphy Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- Centennial HS, Ellicott City Christopher Yue Maryland Clarksburg HS, Clarksburg nology, Alexandria University Of Rochester Madeline A. Beaudry University Of Maryland Franklin W. Olin College of Engineering Max E. Niebylski Arundel HS, Gambrills Timothy T. Zhou Jiazhen Liu Bethesda Chevy Chase HS, Bethesda University of Maryland, College Park Montgomery Blair HS, Silver Spring Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- University of Maryland Kevin Chen University of Maryland nology, Alexandria Grant W. Severson Urbana HS, Ijamsville Tianhong Zong University of Chicago Wilde Lake HS, Columbia University of Maryland Centennial HS, Ellicott City Gareth W. Markel Arizona State University Grace T. Cillo University of Maryland T. C. Williams HS, Alexandria Saadiq K. Shaik Urbana HS, Ijamsville Virginia: University of Alabama University of Southern California Parkville HS Center for Mathematics, Sci- Gordon A. Armstrong Jack A. Muriano Catherine M. Della Santina ence and Computer Science, Parkville Frank W. Cox HS, Virginia Beach W. T. Woodson HS, Fairfax Towson HS, Towson University of Maryland, College Park University of Alabama Scholarship Boston University Eric E. Shao University of Alabama John H. Balch Jessica Faith Nielsen Jessica L. Ervin River Hill HS, Clarksville Herndon HS, Herndon George C. Marshall HS, Falls Church River Hill HS, Clarksville University of Maryland Brigham Young University University Of Rochester Elana R. Shaw University of Chicago Benjamin Wheeler Baker James N. Pan Zachary J. Ferraro Walt Whitman HS, Bethesda Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- Covenant School, Charlottesville Urbana HS, Ijamsville Emory University nology, Alexandria Vanderbilt University Scholarship University of Maryland Jiayang Shi University of Chicago Rachel S. Fidel Dulaney HS, Timonium Jackson R. Brunner Nikhil Prasad Mills E. Godwin HS, Richmond Centennial HS, Ellicott City University of Maryland Oakton HS, Vienna University of Alabama, Birmingham University Of Central Florida Caitlyn A. Singam Indiana University Bloomington Jane JaeEun Choi Thomas J. Gillespie Montgomery Blair HS, Silver Spring Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- Charles J. Ruiter St. John’s College HS, Washington, D.C. University of Maryland Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- nology, Alexandria Tufts University Daniel B. Smolyak nology, Alexandria Northwestern University Yaelle B. Goldschlag Atholton HS, Columbia University Of Oklahoma Montgomery Blair HS, Silver Spring University Of Maryland Lillian Marie Clark Grassfield HS, Chesapeake Colleen A. Seidel University of Maryland, College Park Seema E. Snitkovsky Riverbend HS, Fredericksburg University of Kentucky Jacob A. Ingalls Richard Montgomery HS, Rockville Vanderbilt University Perry Hall HS, Baltimore University of Southern California Miles A. Clikeman Veritas School, Richmond Nathaniel Smith St. Olaf College Benjamin B. Stringer St. Christopher’s School, Richmond University of Richmond Mariam B. Jiffar Westminster HS, Westminster Northwest University Montgomery Blair HS, Silver Spring University of Kentucky Alex M. Donley Homeschooled Sara E. Warrington University of Chicago Eileen C. Stauffer Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- Liberty University Aditya V. Kaliappan Thomas Sprigg Wootton HS, Rockville nology, Alexandria Clarksburg HS, Clarksburg University of Maryland Caroline R. Fernandez University of Chicago University of Maryland Jacob N. Tasto Monticello HS, Charlottesville University of Richmond Phoebe G. Whitmore Camille D. Kirsch Our Lady Of Good Counsel HS, Olney Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- Montgomery Blair HS, Silver Spring University of Maryland Elizabeth C. Hayes nology, Alexandria Maggie L. Walker Governor’s School, University of Chicago Molly E. Tunis Purdue University Richmond Jacob F. Klosowski Bryn Mawr School for Girls, Baltimore Camille M. Xue Tufts University Richard Montgomery HS, Rockville Tufts University Scholarship Yorktown HS, Arlington University of Maryland, College Park Sumin Woo Gabriela R. Huckabee Franklin W. Olin College of Engeneering Jillian Kunze Dulaney HS, Timonium Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- Gov. Thomas Johnson HS, Frederick Northwestern University nology, Alexandria Pierre Gray, 18, is a junior at Cesar Arizona State University University of Maryland George Wu Chavez PCHS in the District of Co- Chantal Iosso Eric K. Li Thomas Sprigg Wootton HS, Rockville lumbia. Aaron Diggs, 16, also a ju- Thomas Jefferson HS for Science and Tech- Richard Montgomery HS, Rockville University of Maryland, Colege Park nior at Cesar Chavez PCHS in the nology, Alexandria Northwestern University Cindy Y. Xie District of Columbia contributed. Carver Center for Arts and Technology, Washington And Lee University Paula B. Manis Caleb Montgomery Jones Thomas Sprigg Wootton HS, Rockville Baltimore Loudoun County HS, Leesburg University of Maryland, College Park University of Maryland University of Central Florida June 2016 t Young D.C. t News Organizaton offers two projects to help young journos Pierre Gray and Cierra Crawford percent of female stu- Young D.C. dents are stopped from New Voices discussing a topic or an The Student Press Law Center is an advocate for issue because of nega- student First Amendment rights, for freedom of on- tive reactions from the line speech, and for open government on campus. principal, school com- Since United States Supreme Court handed munity, or teachers. down its decision in the Hazelwood School District v. Bokowski and Kuhlmeier case in 1988, which said public high school Belmas surveyed 461 administrators at Hazelwood East High School in sub- high school students urban St. Louis, Missouri, could censor stories in the about the gender bias school-sponsored student newspaper, SPLC has been in schools. “ Unfor- helping students with cases of censorship. It also is tunately, our study working to change laws state by state to reduce cen- shows that girls are at sorship for student journalists. This is SPLC’s New a disadvantage when Voices campaign. Maryland passed a law stating that it comes to benefit- high school and college journalists have the ability to ing from journalism.” exercise freedom of speech and of the press in schools Bobkowski said. Fe- in April. This month, the Illinois state legislature also males were told not to stipends and modest expense accounts. The dead- passed a New Voices law. Only 19 states are left with- discuss a topic or issue in the student media other than line to apply for one of these fellowships is June 20. out New Voices laws at this writing. the males. Check out http://theactivevoice.org/?p=289 to learn SPLC provides information, training and legal SPLC created Active Voice, a program to em- more and to download the application. assistance at no charge to student journalists and the power young women journalists. It will feature sum- educators who work with them. mit meetings so young journalists can learn skills to Pierre Gray, 18, is a junior at Cesar Chavez Active Voice resist intimidation. There will also be teams of men- PCHS in the District of Columbia. Two researchers at the University of Kansas, tors who will develop free speech service projects to Cierra Crawford, 16, is a junior at Cesar Chavez Peter Bokowski and Genelle Belmas, found that 53 support and inspire young women to speak up on sub- Public Charter School for Public Policy, Park- stantive issue. These mentors qualify for fellowship side Campus. Biniam Zemedkun, 16, is a junior at the Parkmont School in District of Columbia June 2016 t Young D.C. t Lifestyle Li f e St y l e YDC checks out cheese steak offerings in area

Cierra Crawford Gourmet Young D.C. YDC visited Taylor Gourmet YDC visited sandwich shops to explore cheese on 14th Street NW to try out its clas- steaks, and judge taste and a cost. sic cheese steak. The cost of the sub Philadelphia wants to take credit for the cheese was nearly $13.00 including tax. The steak. It is the attraction at Geno’s, Carmen’s Favorite bread was crispy enough so the sauces Italian Hoagie and Sonny’s Famous Steaks and many on the sub wouldn’t make the bread other spots in Philadelphia. flabby. The sub sandwich was com- New York Sub pact. The ingredients were American YDC traveled to Clinton, Md., to taste New York cheese, cheery pepper mayonnaise, Sub’s cheese steak. The price was $6.50 for a whole smokey bacon, lettuce, roma tomato, sub, it was affordable. The cheese steak wasn’t all that and red onion. There are 11 Taylor presentable, and the bread was flabby. Everything was Gourmet shops located in the DMV. falling out of the sub. Overall, the meat was grilled right the cheese was melted right and the onions gave Cierra Crawford, 16, is a junior it that flavor that the sub needed. at Cesar Chavez Public Charter Tay- School for Public Policy, Parkside Campus. Subway lor YDC visited Subway on 17th Street NW to try out the steak and cheese sub. For a whole sub the price was $5.75, it was very affordable. At subway you’re able to include many ingredients of your choice. There are dif- ferent types of bread you can choose from. When the photo courtesy of Taylor Gourmet sub is freshly cooked the bread was toasted just right Top, Taylor Gourmet cheese steaks feature slices of it wasn’t too flabby. The steak was nice and tender the white American cheese. photo by JohnnyCalifornia/Creative Commons license cheese was melted right and the pickles and banana Bottom, the classic Geno’s cheese steak of Philadelphia peppers gave it that hint of flavor and to add on with a is known as “Whiz Wit” which means it features Cheese Whiz and cooked onions. little of salt and pepper. Time to relax, read some books, try to win some prizes DCPL out the 2015 winners here: http://dcli- Visit this site through The District of Columbia 2016 brary.org/2015TeenBookReviewConte this URL: http://wikis.ala.org/ Teen Book Review contest is open to stWinningEntries yalsa/index.php/STEM_Re- library patrons, ages 13-19. The con- FCPL sources test runs from June 1 to Aug. 10. Fairfax County Public Library is Got your summer read- Teens should submit brief re- offering a summer reading challenge, ing list? views of books they’ve read with a June 23 to Sept. 3. To be eligible for a Since summer is no time maximum of 1800 characters and three coupon book full of free prizes and dis- to pick a fight with principals. paragraphs. There is a limit of one en- counted items, teens must signup online teachers, or the PTA, YDC try per participant. Perhaps the prizes, and read a minimum of six books. http:// used Google to see what’s including iPad minis for the top four www.fairfaxcounty.gov/library/srp/ available. It was easy to find reviewers have something to do with Online guidance lists from The Field School, that limit. Earn 2016 Teen Summer The Young Adult Library Service Maret, Sidwell Friends and Reading activities just by participat- Association publishes an extensive Woodrow Wilson. ing! Library staff are available at all page on the American Library Associa- photo courtesy of Priscilla Ward locations to give tips on reviewers’ tion’s website that offers information Biniam Zemedkun, YDC alumna Priscilla Ward “Wow, major throwback! submissions.. on STEM resources. Its book lists link 16, a junior at the is a digital media producer Well I do remember reading today. In June 2009, she was Breakthrough by Gwen Winning reviews will be pub- to science, technology, engineering and Parkmont School in a homeschooled high school Ifill andThe Green Collar lished on the DC Public Library web- math, sometimes in very creative ways. the District of Co- grad getting ready for her Economy by Van Jones, freshman year at Temple which left a huge impression site. That’s why you will findKiss My Math: lumbia contributed University. Her summer on me. These are great, but I DCPL suggests that each review- Showing Pre-Algebra Who’s Boss by to this article. reading list, published in would recommend, Buck by er pick a book that that prompts strong YDC, included Breakthrough MK Asante, Widow Basquiat Danica McKellar and The Carbon Di- by Gwen Ifill,The Green by Jennifer Clement, Black feelings, summarize the book in one to aries 2015 by Saci Lloyd. This page Collar Economy by Van Cool by Rebecca Walker, three sentences, include a reason that Jones and Do Hard Things The Psychopath Test by also includes video and other media by Alex and Brett Harris. Jon Ronson – don’t you other teens should read the book. resources, programming resources and YDC reached out to see if dare leave the crib without Looking for inspiration? Check she did read those books reading Between the World web resources headlined as “cool.” in 2009. Here is her reply, and Me by Ta-Nehisi Coats.”

June 2016 t Young D.C. t Entertainment Entertainment My Hero Academia is Spring’s #1 Anime Liam Connolly Young D.C. Most teenagers struggle with common problems like grades, acne, and fit- ting in. But the students of U.A. Academy struggle with bigger problems like what their superhero name should be or who has the coolest costume. My Hero Academia is a manga turned anime that has quickly become the spring anime season’s smash hit. Created, written and illustrated by Kohei Horikoshi, My Hero Academia can be defined as superheroes meets school life. The series tells the story of a world where 80 percent of the population has at least some form of superpower. These powers are so common that they are known as Quirks. In this world, superheroes and villains are a common occur- rence. They have even become an everyday government profession as heroes are taught and trained in specialized schools, the Hero Academies. The series centers around a young man named Izuku Midoriya who dreams of being a superhero. Izuku was born without a Quirk but has never let that stop him from achieving his dream of being a hero. His dream soon becomes a real- ity after a fateful encounter from All Might, the world’s greatest superhero. All Might inspires him to apply to U.A. Academy and become a real hero after wit- nessing Izuku’s bravery. After a lengthy training regimen with the help of All Might, Izuku is accepted into U.A., moving one step closer to achieving his dream. But Izuku soon learns that just because he is in a superhero school does not mean he is a hero yet. Izuku must survive three years of hero themed exams, dangerous field trips, and super powered sports festivals before he is ready to truly be a superhero. Luckily Izuku is not alone in his quest to survive hero high as he quickly befriends a gravity changing girl named Ochako Uraraka and an engine powered speedster named Tenya Iida. Not everyone at U.A. is as friendly as Izuku and his newfound superfriends. Fellow students include Izuku’s childhood bully Katsuki Bakugou and rising star Shouto Todoroki who would like nothing more than to see Izuku fail. Internal conflict is not the only challenge our young heroes face. These teen titans must also deal with a handful of rising supervillains who want nothing more than to see the next generation of heroes fall before they can even begin. The series pokes fun at common superhero tropes, throughout its story. Some instances include comparing battle training to a “western comics plot” and throwing in indirect cameos by other superheroes like Spider-Man. These refer- ences are a visual feast for hardcore comic book and superhero fans. Even All Might is a parody of American Superheroes because of how he is drawn. While everyone else is drawn in a standard manga style, All Might’s style more closely resembles that of a stereotypical comic book character. This fact is even joked My Hero Academia’s promotional poster, photo courtesy of Funiamation about early in the series. YDC knew about this series a few months before its anime was announced and knew from the start that it would be a hit. The series has action, drama, and tons of comedy. It came as no surprise to us when Anime News Network an- nounced an anime series shortly after we read the first book. The series is accessible through websites like Hulu and Funimation by paid subscription. Hulu offers the show in Japanese with English subtitles on the same day of its overseas release. Funimation also offers this, but also offers each episode in English a few weeks later through the site’s Broadcast Dub section. English dubbing is usually done with a carefully selected cast of voice actors who are well known for their work in anime. Because of the premise, My Hero Academia may be compared to a series like X-Men, but it manages to stay unique through its idea. The society Horiko- shi created celebrates and accepts superpowers instead of hating and fearing those endowed with them. So whether it’s for superhero and anime fans or just someone looking for an amazing new series, My Hero Academia is definitely worth a look.

Liam Connolly, 17, is a junior at the Lab School of District Columbia Entertainment t Young D.C. t June 2016 Star Wars TV shows explore the missing years

photo courtesy of Disney XC Star Wars Rebels hit the small screen

Liam Connolly able; the new ones gain instant fan-favorite status. The Jedi apprentice named Kanan, an artistic explosives Young D.C. amount of politics is greatly reduced. The Clone Wars expert named Sabine, an Astromech unit named Chop- When people think of Star Wars, the seven theat- truly earns its status as “prequels done right” used by per, a Lasat named Zeb, and a pilot named Hera. To- rically-released movies pop into their heads. However, some fans. It is no wonder that Disney decided to gether these Rebels travel the galaxy fighting the em- there are many more Star Wars stories told through profit off its success when they purchased Lucasfilm. pire and gathering allies, including Captain Rex and different media. One of these is the animated TV se- After George Lucas sold Star Wars and all of Lu- Asohka. ries, titled Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The Clone casfilm to Disney, The Clone Wars had just ended pro- The shows have been instant hits with fans, both Wars is a PG-13 type of TV show, keeping the same duction with its sixth season. However fans still want- receiving a 7.9/10 from IMDb and eventually show- tone as the films. It ran for a total of six seasons on ed more. They wanted to see more of the original ing up in other forms like Lego sets, video games, and Cartoon Network, detailing the adventures of Anakin characters like Asohka and everyone’s favorite Clone, comic books. YDC personally viewed every episode Skywalker and Obi-Wan Kenobi during the three-year Captain Rex. So Disney decided to create a new TV of both series and highly recommends them both for gap between Episode II(Attack of the Clones) and series titled Star Wars Re-bels, taking place fourteen die hard and casual Star Wars fans. The Force is strong Episode III(Revenge of the Sith) of the movies. The years after Episode III and five years before Episode in these shows. main focus on the famous Clone Wars, taking place IV(A New Hope). It provides the story of how the during the days before the Empire ruled the galaxy Rebel Alliance is first formed and stars an all new Liam Connolly, 17, is a junior at the Lab School and before there was a Luke Skywalker. The show is group of characters. The main character of this series of District Columbia beloved by both hardcore and casual fans for its origi- is a teenager named Ezra, who discovers he can use nal ideas, characters and plots within the Star Wars the force after running into a group of outlaws. These Universe. Anakin Skywalker accepts an apprentice outlaws later turn out be the galaxy’s first real resis- named Asohka Tano. Each Clone Trooper of the Re- tance. They recruit Ezra to help build their forces and public is truly unique. Old characters seem more lik- defeat the Empire. The characters include a former t Sp o r t s June 2016 Young D.C. Off-season conditioning for track and field athletes Aaron Diggs USA-JA will be hosting summer programs for teens who want to stay in Young D.C. shape for the next season three evenings a week. Located at Paint Branch HS YDC explored summer activities for teen athletes, especially those who par- on Old Columbia Pike in Burtonsville, Md. USA-JA offers programs designed ticipate in track and field during the school year. to develop speed, stamina, power, and technique. The fee for the summer track Anyone exercising in hotter weather should stay hydrated. The Centers for season, three evenings each week, May 30 to Aug. 1, with USA-JA is $200. Disease Control and Prevention reminds readers not to wait until they feel thirsty Even those who are not candidates for school teams should check out the when exercising in hot weather. Other guidelines are here: http://www.cdc.gov/ recommendations of first lady Michelle Obama’s Let’s Move program. It says features/extremeheat/ youth under 18 should be active 60 minutes a day, at least five days a week. Teen athletes can stay in shape for the upcoming season by combining Girls who have pedometers should set a goal of 11,000 steos a day; boys should workouts that include front squats, mountain climbers, power skips, butt kicks, log 13,000. Over 18? Let’s Move cuts the active minutes per day down to 30. walking lunges, jogging (length varies from sprinters to cross country runners). Check out http://www.letsmove.gov/get-active for both activity and healthy eat- YDC found summer track and field activities for teens in Montgomery ing goals. County and Prince George’s County, but emails to the D.C. Parks and Recreation Department on the topic were not answered. Aaron Diggs, 16, is a junior at Cesar Chavez PCHS in the District of Prince George’s Sports & Learning Complex is holding a free daily summer Columbia camp for teens who want to stay on track for track and field at 8001 Sheriff Rd, Hyattsvile, Md... 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

archery•badminton•baseball After working •basketball• out, cool down bobsledding•bowling•boxing • canoeing• and read Today the world record for running one mile is 3:43.13, but in the early 1950s experts cross country•cycling•fencing• didn’t believe humans could run that fast. Bascomb delvers the competition among Roger Bannister, Wes Santee and John Landy to break football•golf•hockey the four-minute mile at a pace for all readers. •judo•lacrosse•rowing •skating•skiing•swimming•tennis

•track and field•volleyball Historian Benson Bobrick offers great details about the Olympics in A Passion for •water polo• Victory. Here are just a few gems: The all-male contestants competed in the nude, married weightlifting•wrestling women were not allowed to watch the games and false starts were punished with an official’s whip. Has an amateur athlete in your sport been profiled in YDC lately? YDC is recruiting sports reporters and looking for profile prospects.

Send us an e-mail: From a childhood among sharecroppers to four trips to the winner’s stand in the 1936 Olympics, [email protected] the tale of Jesse Owens is compelling. Emmy award winning sportswriter Jeremy Shaap offers a real page-turner in Triumph: Jesse Owens & Hitler’s Olympics. t t Vi e w p o i n t s Young D.C. June 2016 As focus turns to 2016 election, YDC reflects on the impact of Michelle Obama as FLOTUS Zawadi Carroll as such. She has done such a justice to the Ameri- Young D.C. can people as first lady and as a public servant in her She came. She saw. She conquered. own right. She has tackled controversial issues such In just a few short months Michelle Obama will as childhood obesity, girls education, and stabiliz- no longer be our first lady. My first lady. The first ing families of veterans. She reached down to the African-American first lady in the United States will youth and by doing so took a risk by changing the gracefully bow out of office. Black women went from way first ladies, and other women in politics, interact getting the right to vote in America in 1920 or 1964 with the public. depending on state residency to becoming the first As Michelle Obama begins her transition out of lady in January 2009. the White House and title of FLOTUS, the picture of Michelle Obama was undoubtedly a catalyst her up on my wall in my room with her quote will for a revolution of sorts among black women in forever remain: There are still many causes worth sac- Official White House photo by Amanda Lucidon the last decade. In so many ways she embodies the The First Lady delivers remarks regarding the “Let Girls rificing for, so much history yet to be made. I thank powerful black woman, active in white society, that Learn” initiative to Peace Corps volunteers at the Sofitel FLOTUS Michelle Obama for paving the way for me very many black women strive to be. Simultaneously Angkor Phokeethra, Cambodia. to be a part of this change. her title represents the high honor all black women have little faith in politics, Michelle Obama reflect- Zawadi Carroll, 18, is a 2015 graduate of should hold for all of their work on creating and sus- ed the frustrations, exhaustion, and sacrifices black taining America as we know it today. Many of us still the School Without Walls in the District of Co- woman must make and experience in society. lumbia and just completed her freshman year at dream of the day that a black woman is the president Michelle Obama was not a silent, stagnant first the University of Wisconsin-Madison. of the United States. Even for us black people who lady. I shun those that want to write her into history

Death of gorilla enrages public What’s your topic for YDC to tackle? theory. Due to this act, they saved a little boy’s Biniam Zemedkun The editors would love to hear about things that inform, Young D.C. life and he gets to live another day. In return for concern, inspire, disappoint or drive you crazy. Saturday May 28, the nation lost a cer- his life, one of nature’s rare and beautiful crea- Send your Viewpoints idea to tain someone and that someone was Harambe. tures was lost. So, it’s a double-edged sword. [email protected] Harambe was a 17-year-old gorilla that was shot What I believe is that the zoo is not at fault, but in the Cincinnati zoo for dragging a 4-year-old the family is. The parent’s recklessness has cost or mail to the managing editors (see below). boy that fell into the exhibit and due to this one animal lovers Harambe’s precious life. About Viewpoints action; there has been an outrage of disagree- The Zoo itself stated that they couldn’t tran- Unsigned Viewpoints articles, or editorials, convey the ments all over the news. Harambe was a western quilize Harambe because the drug would take 10 opinions of the Young D.C. editorial board. Any View- lowland silverback gorilla born in a zoo in Texas. minutes to kick in. By then, Harambe might have point or column that has a byline or is signed by the In the wild, the species is endangered, because freaked out from the sudden pain and lashed out author reflects the opinion of the individual author. It is the population is declining thanks to poaching for at or possibly killed the boy. not necessarily the opinion of Young D.C., its editorial food, “medicinal” beliefs and trophies, as well as An average gorilla has the strength to take board or staff. disease. Over the last 25 years, the International and crush a coconut with one hand. Imagine that Young D.C. welcomes letters to the editor, comments Union of Conservation of Nature reports that the grip on a tiny human’s limb. Zoo officials also and submissions from teens (in school or not) for all sec- western lowland gorilla population has shrunk by said that Harambe was acting disoriented. When tions of the newspaper. Please enclose name, address and more than 60 percent which is quite a lot. the boy fell, the keepers tried calling the goril- telephone number on all correspondence. Over the past weeks, there have been dis- las. The two females cleared away, but Harambe, Address correspondence to putes and arguments on the whether the zoo the dominant male of the troop, didn’t reply. Just Young D.C. Managing Editors made the right call killing Harambe. Some ask like a gorilla in the wild, I suspect that Harambe 1904 18th Street, NW if keepers were wrong. Everyone has an opin- was not going to hurt the kid but we are so much Washington, DC 20009 ion and many people assign blame, accusing the weaker than gorillas, There’s a thin line between Young D.C., Inc., a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit organization, mother or asking why she wasn’t watching her safety and being hurt by them. exists to create opportunities for young people from diverse child close enough. racial, ethnic, geographic and economic backgrounds to This incident can’t be viewed as just anoth- Biniam Zemedkun, 16, is a junior at the Park- work together to develop a responsible, independent me- er animal attack. Some people are doing that out mont School in the District of Columbia dia voice. Its program encourages teens to examine new of fear of the 400-pound animal. In my opinion I territory in the region’s fragmented society to produce this believe that killing the animal was wrong. Could newspaper. In the process, its editors, reporters, photogra- keeper have gone about this in another way? I phers, cartoonists, illustrators and interns develop skills for know that what they did was right in zoo-keeping college and career. June 2016 t Young D.C. B. Z.’s Sk e t c h b o o k

Biniam Zemedkun, 16, is a junior at the Parkmont School in the District of Columbia