8 ARTS A PUBLICATION OF THE CHUCK STONE PROGRAM FOR DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION AND MEDIA PICKING WHAT'S 2 Students visit the new DTH office Touring UNC’s true colors 3-6 Profiles of student attendees INSIDE 7 American Dance Festival review forgiveness By Erika Cervantes & Beena Raghavendran VOLUME FOUR / JULY 16, 2010 from tragedy Seven fun-sized people were formed and frozen forever in time By Shannon Murray to serve as a representation of Carolina’s student body. Eleven years measured in birthdays, first days The bronze statues were moved of school, Christmas mornings. Eleven years in One man, one legend, many stories from their original home, in front jail for a crime you didn’t commit. Eleven years of Davis Library, an unavoidable is a long time, but is it a long enough time to place on campus, due to an inci- forgive? –PICKING COTTON dent; the statues were splashed Stone urges students to help others If books were judged by their cover, PICKING with mud and red paint. Two of COTTON would earn a D. Not only is the cover them disappeared. By Lucy Qin & Jeff Shim white, not a blind- The basketball player “got “Be the best. Be No. 1. ing stark white, but knocked over and his basketball He has ridden trains with But I don’t want you to a plain off-white. It was stolen.” Did they die and go Mohandas Gandhi, dined with sports thick, black to heaven? Doubt it. Nelson Mandela, and was on a be No. 1 if you don’t Times New Roman- An entire part of the UNC- first-name basis with Martin Luther help somebody.” ish font. The only Chapel Hill campus is monument- King Jr. and Malcolm X. Professor true color is neon ed and inscribed yet unknown to Emeritus Chuck Stone is a legend CHUCK STONE orange highlighting most of the student population, with astounding humility and self- Professor Emeritus the second “I” in according to Adjunct Assistant lessness that younger generations PICKING. Maybe Professor Tim McMillan, associate Photo By Erika Cervantes can appreciate. that’s because the chair of the Department of African Tamika Jones and Jeff Shim stroll through McCorkle Place walking past Silent Sam on their jour- Determination to be the best has The Chuck Stone Program, first authors’ favorite and Afro-American Studies. ney towards Old Chapel Hill Cemetary. driven Stone to succeed as a jour- created in 2007, reflects Stone’s life letter is I. Or maybe “A lot of people don’t know nalist. At any job that he takes on, goals of increasing the voices of it’s because the about the things that happen right McMillan said. Stone strives to be on top and he journalism. Students from various plain white pages, where they are,” McMillan said “There’s a black man with a encourages others to do the same. areas of diversity and walks of life as dull as they may during his Tuesday afternoon basketball, whereas you’ve got this “Be the best, be No. 1,” Stone have entered Carroll Hall since the appear, detail the “Black and Blue” tour. “They may overachieving white woman with said. “But I don’t want you to be No. program’s creation. personal stories of two different “I”s, captivating not be lying, they may not be stu- a lot of books,” said McMillan. 1 if you don’t help somebody.” “It’s important to bring people the reader in an inspiring story of forgiveness, pid – they just don’t know, because “There have been a lot of pro- That is his second mantra to together — it impacts our culture love and ultimately error. they’re not taught. Most of the stu- tests over the years,” McMillan live by: making an impact. Stone and society,” Stone said. PICKING COTTON, by Jennifer Thompson- dents who go to UNC don’t know said. encourages everyone to make posi- This year’s program brought stu- Cannino, Ronald Cotton, and Erin Torneo, is [the history of it].” One of the best protest ideas that tive changes on a small and large dents from as far as Puerto Rico, divided into three different parts. Part 1 is dedi- Silent Sam is the armed McMillan has ever seen has been scale. New York and California. cated to Jennifer’s point of view, Part 2 to greeter of McCorkle Place, dedi- when black students “sat around “Nothing’s higher than helping “It was really fun interact- Ronald’s and Part 3 to the exoneration and the cated to the “321 alumni of the the statues reading Chemistry, somebody,” Stone said. ing with different people,” Alicia afterword of their remarkable story. University who died in the Civil Physics and Philosophy, books so His commitment to service is Ramirez said. “I found people out- As Part 1 begins, Jennifer recounts the graphic War and all students who joined that people would have a visual exemplified by his efforts in World side of my hometown with the same and shocking story of her brutal rape and contin- the Confederate Army,” accord- image of black people interacting War II, civil rights activism, volun- interests and aspirations as me and ues through the process of identifying Ronald, ing to the Virtual Tour section with books in an intellectual fash- teer missions in India and the Gaza we all learned something from each going to trial as an eyewitness, and ultimately of the UNC-CH website. Not far ion way.” Strip. Stone’s altruism makes him a other.” condemning him to a life sentence in prison. from Silent Sam rests the Unsung Many university students and peer among world figures. Since the first year, 56 stu- It is not until Ronald’s account in Part 2 that Founders Memorial, honoring faculty are unaware of the history. As a journalist, Stone built a dents have successfully completed we learn how DNA proves his innocence. As “the men and women of color – Assistant Professor Queenie Byars reputation that led others to confide the one-week intensive program. Ronald recounts Jennifer’s story through his own enslaved and free – who helped said knowing the history helps in him. He has been a respectable Students are exposed to online eyes, the reader is trapped in a true nightmare. build Carolina,” also according students better navigate their expe- member of the community that oth- media, print media, television Mistakenly accused as the rapist, Ronald is to the website. However, contro- riences at UNC-CH. ers can easily approach. broadcasting, theater and art. dragged through various prisons, two different versy exists over this section of “History gives you a better “I had people that believed in They also take the infamous trials, family crises he could not be present for, the quad: Lucy Qin, Chuck Stone appreciation for the place that me,” Stone said. “Seventy-one mur- UNC School of Journalism and and ultimately one of the biggest failures of the Program student, said honoring the you’re studying,” Byars said. “The der suspects turned themselves into Mass Communication spelling and judicial system. Through it all, Ronald learns Confederacy means the University more you know about the history, me because they trusted me. The grammar test. to defend his innocence, how to forgive a life- implies its past support for dis- it helps us probably do our best to important thing is that people trust “I think students from this year’s altering mistake, and keep his faith in God. crimination. avoid some of the atrocities and you.” class are the best we’ve had so far,” COTTON was UNC-Chapel Hill’s first-year “By honoring the Confederacy bad things repeating themselves.” Even though Stone is an Professor Napoleon Byars said. student summer 2010 reading book, it also served [with a Confederate soldier], It’s said that where you sit acclaimed journalist, he remains The program wraps diversity a deeper personal meaning for me. My parents you’re kind of saying [that] slavery is where you stand – your level modest about his accomplishments. and journalism into one. Hence, it were alive in 1984! How could a mistake this is OK,” Qin said: “I think [UNC- of knowledge defines you, and After meeting him at Granville is named after Chuck Stone, who big possibly have been made when my parents CH] is honoring its tradition, but at Chuck Stone Program student Towers in Chapel Hill, N.C., many exemplifies diversity more so than were alive? Did it matter that Ronald Cotton was the same time, [Silent Sam] can be Alexis Simmons agrees. students were moved by his humil- any other teaching journalist. black? seen as disrespectful.” “It’s important to be knowl- ity. “Even though the main purpose PICKING COTTON not only shows the need The sculpture, “The Student edgeable about the location that “He constantly repeated that he is diversity, I think the program felt honored to meet us, when it shows how our similar passion in for DNA testing but demonstrates how far in Body,” also brought controversy you are in and it brings an advan- Photo by Erika Cervantes just a few years, racial progress has come. All to the university; students, espe- tage to you if you are able to spread should have been the other way journalism unites us,” Breeze Riley Chuck Stone students stopped near Hamilton Hall, site hoto by rika ervantes men, no matter white or black, are innocent until cially African Americans, felt like it to people,” Simmons said. “With P E C around,” Tamika Jones said. “He’s said. “We have more similarities of various controversy, to discuss stereotypes in art. proven guilty. the sculpture brought stereotypes, knowledge comes advantage.” Chuck Stone dines on grilled cheese and franks and beans with students in the program named for him. humble about who he is.” than differences.” 2 NEWS ARTS 7 The DTH movin’ on up ADF performance causes confusion By Conway Wilcox and Amber Lee Student newspaper Jaws dropping, faces twisting and whispers of “I leaves campus can’t believe this” could be seen and heard throughout the audience. Such was the reaction to the American Dance Festival held at Reynolds Auditorium on the Duke By Alexis Simmons University campus. “I was very disturbed the entire time,” Beena From Mrs. Hannigan to Daddy Raghavendran said, reflecting on the performance. Warbucks. The ADF is known for its provocative, emotional per- After 40 years in its campus location, formances, like Rosie Herrera’s Pity Party and Various The Daily Tar Heel has a new home. Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret. The DTH’s move from the Frank Porter According to the ADF website, its mission is to encour- Graham Student Union to its off campus age and support the creation of new modern dance work. location on Rosemary street has more than The festival seeks to enhance public understanding of art. doubled the office space. The performance was enjoyable to some and confusing “I resisted the idea of moving at first, to others. but when I came to grips with our needs “I was confused the whole time,” Janie Sircey said. for more space, I warmed to it,” said “There were little things I would pick up on sometimes. Melvin Backman, the assistant editor for They were too far embedded into the performance; the the University Desk, who has yet to see average audience member wouldn’t understand.” the new digs. “I’m hoping it gives us the The Pity Party started with a male cast member singing ERIKA CERVANTES additional space that we couldn’t get in Chapel Hill, NC a Spanish love song. He called out to a man in the audience the Union.” to come and participate on stage. TAMIKA JONES Since late November 2009 DTH Board “It was interesting and surprising because not many Annandale, Va. of Directors had been looking for addi- dance festivals are known to do that,” Jeff Shim said. “I AMBER LEE tional space. The new DTH building is thought that part was good and I expected the next scene to Leesburg, Va. located at 151 E. Rosemary St. across be really good, too. It was a disappointment because it was from the Town of Chapel Hill parking SHANNON MURRAY hard to understand the art.” Ponway, Calif. deck. It stretches its 6,493 square feet Photo by Conway Wilcox The Pity Party included humor and dark, serious ele- between two floors. The back shop room LUCY QIN Chuck Stone participant Breeze Riley reads over the latest edition of the DTH in the conference ments. Dancers reenacted the song “It’s My Party and Stoney Brook, N.Y. has expanded and in addition, a new break I’ll Cry if I Want To” while playing with dolls. They also room allows reporters to keep food away room of the new office building on Rosemary Street. BEENA RAGHAVENDRAN performed the electric slide that transitioned a dancer mer- from the computers. Photo courtesy ADF Mason, Ohio cifully beating a piñata. The audience laughed nervously, “No more crowdedness, people trip- said Kelly McHugh, design editor, reflect- good move for us,” said McHugh. Rosie Herrera’s Pity Party and Various Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret incorporate Spanish style and American movements to pro- ALICIA RAMIREZ unsure if it was humorous or serious. ping over book bags, lack of plugs for ing back on the old location. “It was extra From a 12-inch logo in the bottom of duce a thought-provoking piece. Chuck Stone participants found the piece hard to follow. San Juan, Puerto Rico “The performance was very unusual,” Erika Cervantes laptops and cords dispersed in every direc- convenient for me. I could get off work at the union to upscale Carolina bold blue let- BREEZE RILEY said. “For example, the girl was beating the piñata on the “She needed the spotlight to survive,” Sircey presumed. video showed all the dancers drowning and it gave the tion,” said Erica Perel, DTH newspaper five and be at the DTH by 5:02.” ters on the building’s facade, any passerby Union Bridge, Md. ground, instead of beating it up in the air.” “She felt safe, but when the spotlight was going away she audience some sense of hallucination that it was happen- advisor. Parking at the Rosemary location is can’t miss the DTH’s trademark name. The Various Stages of Drowning symbolized psycho- felt like she was dying.” ing.” JEFF SHIM Moving to Rosemary Street, the DTH an advantage for the advisers. It provides The Daily Tar Heel is “the best place Annandale, Va. logical and emotional drowning. This was illustrated with Stages of Drowning had a recurring water theme. “I Overall, the performance was an attempt at art, but it is no longer anchored near the Pit and the close accessible parking and a safer envi- to lead the best of journalism,” Perel said. a solo of a girl in the spotlight. liked the end of the second half,” Breeze Riley said. “The ended up short with many in the audience bewildered. ALEXIS SIMMONS social center of campus. ronment. With its great history and current develop- Ladson, S.C. “I definitely felt like it was the heart of “I think it was natural in the progres- ment the DTH has a promising future for JANIE SIRCEY campus. Everything happens in the Pit,” sion of DTH’s history and I think it was a new journalists and readers. Swannanoa, N.C. Commentary CONWAY WILCOX Asheville, N.C. Diversity drives society Prep school documentary PHAREN BOWMAN BRANDON CARTER Carolina Covenant aids students SIMONE CLAYTON By Alicia Ramirez tural roots, he’s reached out to the larger hits home for minorities Counselors By Breeze Riley In addition to covering tuition, the program also covers addi- Caribbean by working to raise funds for KELLY McHUGH tional student expenses such as room, board and study abroad In such a dynamic economy everyone Haiti relief efforts. He is currently a soph- By Tamika Jones like black people have to. Designer The Carolina Covenant program allows eligible low-income programs. is searching for the ingredient to make omore at Williams College in Amherst. As an African American girl attending JASON ARTHURS students to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill “It’s amazing to get your undergraduate education [without themselves more competitive in the mar- What made all this possible is an open I had the privilege of screening The a prep school, I am a part of the legacy Photographer without student loans. loans]. They literally covered everything for me,” commented ketplace. That mysterious element they’re mind for diversity. Prep School Negro film as part of the of the prep school Negro. Even though It was the first financial aid program at a major public univer- Simone Clayton, a rising junior at UNC-Chapel Hill and current searching for is diversity. Diversity isn’t The growth of ethnic minorities in Chuck Stone’s program held at UNC. I am treated with the equally and respect PROFESSOR sity to meet total demonstrated need. Covenant Scholar. just a superficial thing such as gender, eth- the U.S. is making diversity a necessity. The movie is a flashback to Andre Robert at school by my teachers, I feel I have to NAPOLEON BYARS “The fact that Carolina was a leader in the Covenant pro- The students also benefit from a strong academic support sys- nicity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, According to the U.S. Census, minori- Lee’s adolescent years at Germantown work twice as hard gain the respect and Director gram says a lot about the nation’s first public university,” tem in which they are assigned both a faculty mentor and a peer sexual orientation etc. Diversity is life’s ties currently make up more than half of Friends Prep School. Lee, PSN direc- trust of others from the dominate culture. PROFESSOR says Professor Queenie Byars, who teaches in the School of mentor. In addition to academic advising, scholars participate in ultimate challenge. Why a challenge? the population. The recent 2010 Census tor, revisits his old high school to get dif- PSN will appeal to blacks and other QUEENIE BYARS Journalism and Mass Communication. activities such as etiquette dinners and career networking events. Diversity is the ultimate quest of being counted an approximate 309 million peo- ferent perspectives from students of color minorities attending not only prep Assistant Director “The program really goes a long way in helping make a col- “They do a lot to make you feel connected … it’s not just well rounded. It entails being compassion- ple living within the borders of the United on what it’s like to attend a predominately schools, but in public schools where they The Mix was published from the lege education affordable,” continued Professor Byars. By rede- about money, it’s about enrichment,” said Pharen Bowman, a ate, tolerant, not ethnocentric nor narrow States. Soon we will find out that diversity white school. find themselves as a tiny fraction in a School of Journalism and Mass fining the financial aid program, Covenant Scholars feel a sense 2008 graduate of the inaugural Covenant program. minded. reigns supreme in the population demo- PSN is poignant and moving. In one larger demographic. Andre Lee and exec- Communication at UNC-Chapel Hill. of pride in their status. The upcoming UNC-Chapel Hill class of 2014 includes 519 I have a Turkish friend who exempli- graphics. scene, involving a class discussion among utive producer Barb Lee (unrelated) have

Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in The program pays for expenses using grants, scholarships and Carolina Covenant Scholars, who make up 11 percent of the fies the true meaning of diversity. He Diversity is everywhere and is cer- teens, a black male offers his riveting per- successfully tapped into the conscience Education and Media a mandatory work-study program. Contributions are made by entire class. moved to Puerto Rico at a very young age tainly driving all areas of society. We all spective on what it means to be white in of prep school Negroes with a film that 284 Carroll Hall, CB# 3365 private donors, including famous college basketball coach Roy To learn more about the program, visit http://www.unc.edu/ and successfully embraced his adopted should respect different points of views America. He projects that it’s a privilege captures the essence of its provocative Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599-3365 Williams. carolinacovenant/ culture. In addition to celebrating his cul- on the journey to becoming well rounded. to be white and not have to earn respect title. There is no other film like it! 6 PROFILES PROFILES 3 Assembling the ‘Play’-ing with Calif. stereotype Broadcasting inspiration to town Overcoming By Tamika Jones criticism. “I don’t like to be criticized, and I want every- By Breeze Riley While seemingly reserved, Cervantes is determined volunteer effort thing to be like perfect.” to incorporate her culture into a career that would break- challenges on By Amber Lee Fun spirited, bright smile and fast-talking are all char- Her favorite activities are running and working out. Erika Cervantes, 17, is humble about working the down stereotypes about Latinos. acteristics of this Californian. When Murray is not working on The Iliad, she plays the microphone on an hour-long radio program every Friday “I don’t really see prejudice in the media, but I see it Janie Sircey, 17, handles everything with a smile. From Shannon Murray, 17, is someone who cares about sweeper position on her soccer team. In the spring, she at 5 p.m. However, she plans to use her zeal for broad- often in real life,” she said. “I feel I can use the media to her part-time job to her rigorous academic schedule to the others. She always strives to makes things better with runs track. casting to inspire others. reach out to people with my message.” and off the field many volunteer projects she is in control. her smile. Murray defies the common stereotype of the She is passionate about working with the Spanish- Raised in Guanajuato, Mexico, Cervantes immigrated Of all of the projects and activities Sircey’s passion is her “I always try to make people happy, and knowing California surfer girl. language radio program “Pa’lante”. to the U.S. at the age of 8. However, this change of loca- By Beena Raghavendran volunteer work. that I made them happy “Everyone is unique,” Murray said. While many “We bring in people tion has not prevented Cervantes from being involved “I really like to [volunteer]. It’s not about the have-to, it’s is the best feeling of all,” Californians are stereotyped as surfers, Murray enjoys to interview, so we can with Latino culture. Conway Wilcox is the afternoon. When everyone’s ready about the want-to,” Sircey said. Murray said. snowboarding through the white snow on Big Bear inform the Latino com- “We always get together … and cook and just enjoy to quit after the battles of the morning, she finds the internal She started volunteering in the seventh grade at the Murray is the business Mountain near San Diego. munity,” Cervantes said, being with each other,” Cervantes said about her com- fire – whether in leading a lacrosse team or snowballing her Manna Food Bank near her hometown of Swannanoa, N.C. manager and entertain- Murray was also an assistant director and director a Chapel Hill resident. munity. swim times – to win. Sircey helped stuff backpacks with donated food for elemen- ment editor for the Poway for “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Taming of the “Pa’lante” translates to She is a member of the Latino Student Association in “[When I had to overcome a swimming challenge,] I tary school students in need. High School newspaper, Shrew.” Drama is her favorite class and she enjoys pro- the English phrase “Go addition to serving as a mentor to younger students at her began to realize that not everyone is perfect,” Wilcox said. “There’s a lot you can do to help other people, and it The Iliad. Murray knows ducing plays and entertaining audiences. for it,” and has cre- school. Outside of school, she balances jobs as a cashier An 18-year-old from Asheville, N.C., Wilcox is active doesn’t have to be huge,” Sircey said. “You don’t have to that when students read “I like drama because I’m able to express myself and ated many opportuni- and babysitter. in T.C. Roberson High School’s newspaper and govern- go to a whole other country a newspaper they want there are no boundaries,” Murray said. “ I am able to be ties for the rising senior Cervantes lives by the quote of writer Gigi Tchividigan ment club and is a lifeguard at a country club. But Wilcox to help people. You can do the right information and myself and people can’t judge me because I have my at Chapel Hill High stating, “Make the most of what comes, and the least of wouldn’t be herself without her athletic participation, from it right here.” Volunteering entertainment and she own opinions.” School. what goes.” the pool to the lacrosse field to the tennis court. at the food bank with all of works hard to satisfy her “I like directing because I like to see how everybody Having strong However, Cervantes herself doesn’t plan on going “If I’m stressed out during the day, sports [are] a good her friends made the experi- readers. gets excited about my vision and I think it’s really cool,” role models, such as too far. way for me to focus myself,” Wilcox said. “I feel more inde- ence fun. “If [the readers] are Murray said. Murray recently submitted a play that she “Pa’lante” program She plans to remain near Chapel Hill, so that she can pendent ... and I can build Sircey’s experience at Shannon Murray not satisfied, then I’m not wrote to the California Play Write Association. Erika Cervantes adviser Professor Lucila watch 9-month year old sister Andrea Cervantes grow more leadership.” the food bank inspired her Poway, Calif. satisfied,” the San Diego “ I’m most excited for my friends to read the play Chapel Hill, N.C. Vargas has inspired the up. Wilcox is more than just to do more in the com- native said. English is because it portrays who they really are and I am really “loud” and “determined” “I feel like I’m her second mom and best friend,” she a leader through sports. munity. “That’s what really Murray’s strongest sub- proud that I included them,” Murray said with a smile. Cervantes. “She is defi- said when asked why it would be important for her to During her sophomore year sparked the volunteer in ject, which comes in handy when editing the newspaper. “And I really hope I win!” nitely a role model to me because she’s from Mexico, live close to her sister. at Carolina Day School, she me,” Sircey said. “I always worry about what other people think, not Murray decided to apply to the Chuck Stone program and she came here and was able to become a professor. Also a music fan, she explains, “I listen to my iPod saw the need for a new pro- Her enthusiasm for vol- in terms of looks, but I want people to be proud of my at UNC because she wants to major in public relations. I’m amazed.” and lay down to relax.” She cites rapper Yandel as her gram: lacrosse. unteer work has followed work,” Murray said. “I want my work to reflect good on While both of her parents are alums of Duke University, On the radio program, Cervantes had the opportunity favorite musician. “A lot of kids, I’ve her to Charles D. Owen me.” the journalism program at UNC may cause her to break to interview a professional news reporter. Cervantes plans to continue with broadcasting after noticed, like to play soccer, Janie Sircey High School. She is now Murray is a hard worker who is not accustomed to the tradition. “[The reporter] had interviewed Bill Clinton and she completes her education. An enthusiasm for broad- and a lot of them are on the Swannanoa, N.C. involved in numerous vol- [singer] Julio Iglesias, and I would like to interview casting and music makes a radio host position the perfect bench lines,” Wilcox said. unteer activities including people like that one day,” Cervantes said. fit for Cervantes. “Lacrosse is a good opportu- leading the Key Club, volunteering as a member of a Teen nity for [the kids] to learn a Court and working with the K-Kids. Acting out the play of diversity new sport and actually have K-Kids is an organization sponsored by the Kiwanis Conway Wilcox a chance to become a star on Club whose focus is serving the community. Sircey noticed By Conway Wilcox Raghavendran, the daughter of Indian parents. “Because No sleep for the sake of success the field.” that her community had all of the other branches of the I didn’t believe in Jesus, they said I was going to hell.” Asheville, N.C. But a dream team doesn’t K-family, but nothing for elementary school students. Beena Raghavendran, 17, spends more time on stage Drama helped her realize that she wasn’t actually different By Alexis Simmons in life. come true with merely a During her junior year she co-founded the K-kids at Black than she does at home. from everyone else. “When we act on stage, everyone is dif- Qin lives in a stereotypical upper middle class neigh- vision and a group of willing players. Wilcox worked for Mountain Elementary, her town’s elementary school. “Drama is so important to me because you can be any- ferent. And being different on stage is a good thing!” Tar Heel is to Carolina as ambition is to Lucy Qin. borhood. She said the houses have the same three designs a year to mold lacrosse from an unheard-of sport to club “I’ve done a lot of projects that I’m proud of, but this is one you want to be,” Raghavendran said. “It’s a good stress “Being in drama and newspaper are good ways for me “If I enjoy something I want to dive right into it,” Qin along the street, grass trimmed and homogenous in terms team status. definitely the most rewarding,” Sircey said. relief. It’s like you can to overcome the fact that people view me differently in my said. “I don’t like to sit back and watch things happen. If of diversity. “The school didn’t have enough money to make The K-Kids have their own fundraiser, Car Wash for leave everything behind neighborhood and in school,” said Raghavendran I have an idea I want it to It’s a sure thing that Qin does not reflect the stereo- [lacrosse] an actual school sport, so I had to make it into a Literacy. The “youngsters,” with the help of the high school you, almost like you’re in Raghavendran’s family, including her mother, father, be heard.” types of Stony Brook, N.Y., where she currently resides. club,” Wilcox said. “I had to gather everyone around and volunteers, do a carwash to raise money to buy new books your own bubble, and you and sister are true to their Hindu faith and culture. They are As a rising senior Born in Xi’an China, she moved to the U.S. at the age we had to chip in money; I had to pay money out of my for their school. can do anything you want also proud to be Americans. at Ward Melville High of 5. Growing up in Stony Brook has provided her with own wallet to help out with the team. I had to try to find “It’s really funny when you see a little kid trying to reach to do.” “My family was the first family in my neighborhood to School, Ziyuan “Lucy” opportunities to see different parts of the world. coaches.” the top of the big truck,” Sircey said. Sircey tries to make the When Raghavendran put a flag out during a holiday,” Raghavendran said. Qin, 16, is dedicated to Although initially undecided about her career aspira- After a year of perseverance, Wilcox at last saw her volunteer work as much fun as possible for the elementary was 4, she moved from At an early age, Raghavendran’s ambition was to many activities. She is tions, Qin has narrowed her choices that include traveling vision taking shape on the lacrosse field. Even though she kids. diverse Irvine, Calif., to become an actress. business manager and the world and reporting on her experience to raise aware- switched high schools, Wilcox still plays lacrosse for the “I brought my iPod dock and we listened to Hannah Mason, Ohio, that was pre- “I started acting at 10,” Raghavendran said confidently. associate editor of the ness. In addition, she would like to work in foreign policy. Carolina Day School club team. Montana and the Jonas Brothers while we were washing dominantly white. “Acting is an interesting art because there are many differ- newspaper, section edi- “I want to use the opportunity to do something mean- “My club was the first school club team that was ... suc- cars,” said Sircey. “The kids were like rocking out.” “I was the only colored ent techniques of getting to your character.” tor of yearbook, and ingful instead of focusing on myself and own success,” cessfully produced,” Wilcox said. “We actually got it off the The volunteer spirit in Sircey started long before her days person in my neighborhood This past fall, Raghavendran played the role of Snoopy chairperson of service Qin said. “I’m not passionate about anything, I guess you ground, finally – it took almost a full year, but springtime at the Manna Food Bank. When she was the same age as her and school,” Raghavendran in her school’s play “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” projects in Key Club. In can say I’m passionate about everything. I’m trying to came and we got to play.” K-Kids, she dreamed of doing something big. Sircey want- Beena said. “Today most of the She was nominated for the Best Comic Actress award. In addition to her leadership figure out that one thing but haven’t pin pointed it.” Overcoming challenges is Wilcox’s forte; on her swim ed to start a recycling program in her community because Indian kids in my school addition to high school theater she’s actively involved in positions she is a mem- She is involved with her youth group that combines team, she was in competition with year-round swimmers, the nearest one was a 20-minute drive away. Raghavendran play tennis and are on the children’s theater, in which she played the role of Lumiere Lucy Qin ber of the National and religion and the community. Qin says religion serves as which was initially discouraging. “People wanted to recycle, but there was no way that Mason, Ohio speech and debate teams. in “Beauty and the Beast.” Spanish Honor Societies. a center point, keeps her grounded and gives her motiva- “When I first came on the swim team, I wasn’t the fastest they could,” Sircey said. I’m one out of three minor- Raghavendran plans to stay active in college, on stage Stony Brook, N.Y. Qin devotes 30 hours tion. swimmer,” Wilcox said. “It was a struggle for me at first, She sketched out her plan for her recycling program and ities in my newspaper and drama class.” too. each week to extracur- “Beliefs are what you center your life around,” Qin because I had to face all these other [year-round] swimmers tried to raise money for the program. “I had the classic Participating in her newspaper and drama club at Aside from the theater, Raghavendran enjoys writing. ricular activities while balancing a rigorous course load of said. She applies this to her religion and everyday life who had been swimming since they were really young. lemonade stand at my family yard sale,” Sircey said. “I only William Mason High School allows Raghavendran to set She will be associate editor of her high school newspaper four AP classes. She says the key to keeping her balance because it affects her thinking and plans for the future. [People] try to do the best they can in what they do.” made like $2.75. It was depressing.” aside her everyday life that is filled with uncomfortable class. is “not sleeping” and is willing to make sacrifices to get Qin’s parents serve as her support system. Encouraging Like a true athlete, Wilcox keeps swimming and ends up Eventually the dream project was put on the backburner. situations she faces among her classmates and neighbors. “My career goal is to be a reporter,” Raghavendran said. things done. Being a member of her All Star cheerleading her to choose what she wants to do as long as it brings her a champion. “When one idea fizzles away, a bigger and better one “I’ve had people come up to me and tell me that I wasn’t “My dream job is to be a reporter for 10 years and then go team Qin feels a sense of unity and teamwork. Her fast happiness. They’ve always instilled the value of educa- “[When I’m swimming,] I feel really motivated,” Wilcox always take its place,” said Sircey. American because of the background I came from,” said on to acting.” forward attitude and ambition to excel are her motivations tion within her and she uses self-motivation to succeed. said. “I feel like I’m a winner.” 4 PROFILES PROFILES 5 Keeping the ‘Sport’-ing diversity at school Rocking to her own ‘Breeze’ Navigating the By Shannon Murray who participates in basketball, volleyball and lacrosse. “But no one ever tells you that bringing diversity isn’t easy. Girls By Erika Cervantes Alternative Press magazine, which focuses on information on band reviews, music charts and photos. bumpy road dream alive At 5-foot-7 Tamika Jones stands out in a crowd, but not will talk about something as silly as tanning, and it gets Breeze Riley, 17, is reserved yet loves to attend rock and “I would rather live in Washington than in Ohio, but I By Alicia Ramirez because she wants to. She stands out because she is not awkward because I can’t relate to them. I just stick out.” By Jeff Shim afraid to be diverse. She stands out because she is African She feels that diversity is the greatest lesson of all, punk concerts with her identical twin sister, Tonya. Breeze would move to Cleveland just because of the magazine,” A South Korean warrior full of big dreams hides American at Episcopal which has impacted her not only short term but long term is quick to express how she feels about concerts. Breeze said. Alicia Ramirez, 17, is a conscientious, inquisitive and behind Jeff Shim’s alter ego of a soft–spoken Virginian High School, a predomi- as well. “I just feel at home and I get a natural high,” said Her stoplight doesn’t turn red at music and writing; she ambitious journalist who knows how to navigate the road. who hopes to leave a mark on journalism. It’s been almost nantly white school in “At boarding school there are kids from over 30 states Breeze. Her favorite band also enjoys watching sports. Breeze also wants to do public From the motorized scooter she uses, there is no obstacle a decade since Shim came to the United States from Seoul Annandale, Va. and 20 countries, but it took me being in their shoes to actu- is Jack’s Mannequins. relations for a sports franchise and work for the Washington she cannot overcome. with the support his mother, Mi Seon, and sister, Jennifer. Episcopal was the ally realize what it feels like to be different,” Jones said. “I Once a week Breeze Capitals. “My perseverance has helped me focus in terms of the “My mom and sister are my mentors,” Jeff said. same high school that in watch what I say and who it’s around; I don’t want to be enjoys writing “Synergy,” “I’m a big hockey fan,” she said. “I like the fact that goals I want to achieve,” Ramirez said. Eighteen-year-olds don’t always provide you with the Civil War served as a ignorant now that I know.” the teen section for The you can act crazy over sports, which is something you can’t She hails from Puerto Rico and was born prematurely. enough information for a life tale but Shim has a powerful Union troops hospital and After recent trips to the Dominican Republic and Spain, Carroll County Times, the do everyday.” As a result, she walks a little slower than others. Despite all story that is amazing. did not accept girls until Jones plans to start a nonprofit organization in another daily newspaper for Caroll During her down time Breeze watches Doctor Who, a that, she lives a full life and is intent on improving society. Behind an abundant layer of accomplishments grows 1992. country to improve the quality of life there. County, Md. On top of that British science fiction show. It’s about aliens and people “Regardless of my disabilities, I take part in the activi- the roots of Shim’s story. These include: editor of his “It’s like walking on Though Jones may feel different on the sports field, she she writes for her school’s who travel through time. Her all-time favorite quote is ties everyone else around me does, just at a slower pace,” school’s newspaper The A Blast, National Honor Society 1,000 years of history,” participates in after school clubs that help her stay commit- newspaper, The Eagle Eye. from the Doctor Who Show: “‘Cause you don’t own the Ramirez said. member and math tutor. Jones said. “For me, ted to her culture. However, writing is not universe, just see it.” As a rising senior at What motivates this teen from Annandale, Va. to strive it’s one of the best high “I love being a part of the Gems,” Jones said. Delta enough. Breeze is on the Breeze’s family connections are quite interesting. She Commonwealth High for greatness? “My sis- schools in the South and Gems, a club focused on helping African American women Academic Team of Francis and twin Tonya are inseparable. It’s a peanut butter and jelly School, she excels aca- ter and I came together TAMIKA JONES it’s an honor to go there.” prepare for college and future careers. Scott Key High School, type of thing. demically and at almost which competes with other “She’s my best friend and my other half; I would be from South Korea by Annandale, Va. Preparing for her senior “Everyone there [at Gems] cares about me and wants BREEZE RILEY everything she does. ourselves, so I talked to year as one of only 20 me to be as successful and as happy as possible.” schools in Caroll County lonely if I didn’t have her.” Breeze’s favorite animal is a Ramirez recognizes her her about school and the African-American students in a school of 400, Jones So, how does she do it? “My mom inspires me so Union Bridge, Md. in trivia. turtle. physical disability, and struggles I faced,” Shim approaches the task matter-of-factly. much,” Jones said, “I can talk to her about anything and she “It’s really about who “I guess it’s genetic since my dad has a turtle tattoo on relies on her scooter for said. Jones is proud of who she is and the differences her understands exactly what it’s like to be in my shoes. She’s can buzz faster,” Breeze joked. his arm,” Breeze said. long distances. However His eyes suddenly lit background contributes to her school. She admits that confident in who she is.” Breeze’s peers would say that she is shy and intellec- To nourish her conscience, Breeze wants to help oth- far the travel, she con- up as Shim talked about sometimes it’s not easy, especially since she is the only And confidence is the key. When Tamika Jones smiles, tual. Coming from an area of the state where teens drive ers and be useful. When asked how she would like to be tinues to navigate toward his family. “We (mom black girl on three different varsity sports teams. when she laughs, you can tell it is the personality of some- tractors, and emergency blizzards occur often, she plans remembered, Breeze said, “I want to die knowing that I her dream of becoming an and sister) get along real- “I bring diversity to the school, for sure,” said Jones, one who is unafraid of diversity. to attend college next fall and enjoy the city life. She have made a positive impact in the world, whether it’s big informative journalist. ly well because we talk desires to become a professional journalist and work for the or small.” “I’d like to inform peo- about school, friends and ALICIA RAMIREZ ple and I want them to daily life.” San Juan, Puerto Rico come to me because they Shim loves learning Raising her voice to be in charge are interested in my opin- JEFF SHIM about his adopted culture Feeding the roots of optimism ions,” Ramirez said. Annandale, Va. and comparing the immi- By Janie Sircey After this experience, Lee is still finding her way back While her goal is to become a journalist, she also wants gration reason of older to her vocal roots. Her father has been her main inspiration By Lucy Qin the seventh grade she began her first neighborhood project. to assist in times of humanitarian crisis. Ramirez is the nationalized U.S. citizens Hailing from Leesburg, Va., Amber Lee shows her pas- when it comes to singing. “I got a group of children together and made a craft where president of Interact Club, where the members serve to with his own. sion to raise her voice in more ways than one, from singing “My Dad sings too. I hear him sing around the house Go-getter comes to mind when one describes Alexis they fingerprinted T-shirts.” improve the quality of life in the community. “I came to America because of the educational and to “being in charge.” and I would just copy him. He’s actually on my iPod (sing- Simmons, but that is only half the story when it comes to At school Simmons is enthusiastic about reaching out to “The members of Interact Club help kids learn English economic opportunities and to be able to participate in Lee, 17, has been singing since the age of 3 in her church ing),” Lee said. this South Carolinian whose true defining characteristics the student body. After being class president for her sopho- and raise money for Haiti relief,” Ramirez said. programs like the Chuck Stone Program,” Shim said. “I group, Sunbeams. Gracing the stage with solo after solo, Lee’s older brother Brian Means has also played a major are her compassion and optimism. more and junior years, Simmons will be running again this She is also an associate editor of her school yearbook like learning about the different laws and codes that shape Lee found that she was meant to sing. role in her success as a singer. Means sang in church choir “Being well rounded defines me as a person,” Simmons fall. and a member of the National Honor Society. our society; it’s just fun and most interesting.” “When I was little, peo- through high school and also sang at Johnson C. Smith said. “I’m that girl that people say does everything and I like “I like reaching out,” Simmons said. “What I do is “These activities will benefit me in the future,” Ramirez Even though Jeff calls himself a Northern Virginian, ple kept telling me I was University in Charlotte, N.C. throughout his college years. it because I get to meet new faces.” hands-on and I can help the school out by planning food said. “As a journalist, it will give me more exposure to the he remains proud of his ethnic diversity. He attends the best, and I felt like I “When I was little, I always wanted to be like him and Having a rigorous course load is enough of a chal- drives or dances.” world and diversity.” Annandale High School, one of the most diverse schools could sing so good,” Lee be more successful,” Lee said. lenge for most students but Although Simmons already goes above and beyond, she She would like to be in a more diverse place than her in the country. said. Lee is slowly but surely getting back in the spotlight. Simmons, 16, also juggles still hopes to find new opportunities to volunteer. In the current community. Like many teens, Shim loves taking naps during his When she turned She has auditioned and become a part of the Heritage athletics and leadership future this ambitious teen would like to work with children. “The Puerto Rican community is small and the ethnic free time, but occasionally volunteers at the Newseum 13, Lee moved into the Singers, the highest level of choral group at Heritage High. roles in various school “Every time I volunteer, I always learn something new diversity is very low as well,” Ramirez said. in Washington D.C. The experience has allowed Shim Inspirational Praise “I’m not as afraid anymore,” Lee said. clubs. This February her — especially from little kids,” Simmons said. “They say When she competed at the National Spelling Bee in to learn about the U.S.’s rich history and express his Ensemble, which is the Overcoming her stage fright proved challenging for Lee, basketball team reached things that adults normally wouldn’t and they open your Washington, D.C., Ramirez noticed the significance of opinions. upper level choral group at but being in charge comes more naturally. Her leadership the state semifinals and last mind to things.” diversity. “I like all the freedom that we get in the American her church. From there, her abilities come from her mother. summer Simmons became Whether she is taking care of her sister Sydney, 6, or “I represented Puerto Rico at this competition and it society,” Shim said. high school chorus was the “She’s (mother’s) a real planning person. She likes to the national 3-point shoot- attending to a friend, she puts the feelings of others first. was really nice to be around people who were chasing An optimistic Shim said he’s determined to overcome next step. have things her way,” Lee said. ing contest champion. “I care about people’s feelings a lot,” Simmons said. “I the same dream. The only difference was our nationality,” any obstacle. Lee auditioned Lee’s mother is the head of the Deaconesses at her, “I started playing in the also don’t judge people; that’s one of my big things.” Ramirez said. ”There’s always a light somewhere that illuminates the her freshman year for organizing Care Groups and church activities, showing her sixth grade and I enjoy the Simmons has a deep-rooted optimism that she takes Her Spelling Bee experience led Ramirez to apply to possibility of getting out of the miserable hole known as AMBER LEE Women’s Choral, an audi- passion for taking charge. rush that comes with it,” with her into all aspects of life. “I’m always thinking about participate in the Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in your obstacle,” Shim said. “This is why I never give up,” Leesburg, Va. tion based choral group at Responsibility and compassion came as a lesson to Lee Simmons said. the good — I like to be happy,” Simmons said. “I don’t have Education and Media at the University of North Carolina. Shim looks up to his journalism teacher, Alan Heritage High School. She through her brother Nicholas Lee’s autism. In her high school, a reason to be sad and negative. There are people in worse “Here, I get the opportunity to learn more about jour- Weintraut, and wants to follow in his footsteps. shared her excitement and eventual surprise at the choral “He’s helped me grow a lot. I think it helped me to try ALEXIS SIMMONS Pinewood Preparatory, situations.” nalism and improve my writing skills,” Ramirez said. She “It means a lot to me that Mr. Weintrout recently trav- director’s comments. and include everyone. Everyone is important and has some- Ladson, S.C. Simmons immerses her- Simmons’ optimism is also strong when looking towards also enjoys the diverse environment of the program. eled to China to teach students about free speech; it’s a “When I went to the first audition, I thought I was so thing to say,” Lee said. self in various clubs. Even the future. “My parents have always taught me the impor- “Diversity keeps the news interesting, and without it, very significant experience,“ Shim said. “As a teacher I’ll good, and my teacher told me, ‘You need some technical Lee has proven that leadership is a hereditary trait. She though her resume is tance of being my personal best.” we won’t have any controversy in the news,” Ramirez have the opportunity of keeping print, online and broad- work,’ and that really messed me up,” Lee said. is part of the Board of Governors on the Youth Adviser stacked, she cares about everything that she is involved in. After college she aspires to become a broadcaster or said. cast journalism alive.” Shim revealed his career plans: “I After this comment, Lee changed her attitude towards Council, helping to plan events such as Youthfest and Battle “I don’t miss a meeting,” Simmons said. “I’m always news anchor. “I like the fact that being a broadcaster, Ramirez appreciates every moment of her life and don’t want future generations to forget about it.” singing, and soon became afraid of the spotlight. of the Bands. very punctual because if I do something, I’m going to be people count on you to bring them the news,” Simmons moves forward with everyday. Her personal philosophy Before his future students change the world, Shim must “That first experience freaked me out for a while, so I “I just like being in charge. I want to be the best,” Lee dedicated or I won’t take it on.” said. “Whenever I watch the news, I have a lot of respect is: “If you keep yourself focused, you will always attain continue writing his life story that has only just begun. didn’t audition for anything my freshman year,” Lee said. said. “I’ve always aimed high.” Simmons values altruism and serving her community. In for what they do.” your goals, but it takes a lot of effort.” 4 PROFILES PROFILES 5 Keeping the ‘Sport’-ing diversity at school Rocking to her own ‘Breeze’ Navigating the By Shannon Murray who participates in basketball, volleyball and lacrosse. “But no one ever tells you that bringing diversity isn’t easy. Girls By Erika Cervantes Alternative Press magazine, which focuses on information on band reviews, music charts and photos. bumpy road dream alive At 5-foot-7 Tamika Jones stands out in a crowd, but not will talk about something as silly as tanning, and it gets Breeze Riley, 17, is reserved yet loves to attend rock and “I would rather live in Washington than in Ohio, but I By Alicia Ramirez because she wants to. She stands out because she is not awkward because I can’t relate to them. I just stick out.” By Jeff Shim afraid to be diverse. She stands out because she is African She feels that diversity is the greatest lesson of all, punk concerts with her identical twin sister, Tonya. Breeze would move to Cleveland just because of the magazine,” A South Korean warrior full of big dreams hides American at Episcopal which has impacted her not only short term but long term is quick to express how she feels about concerts. Breeze said. Alicia Ramirez, 17, is a conscientious, inquisitive and behind Jeff Shim’s alter ego of a soft–spoken Virginian High School, a predomi- as well. “I just feel at home and I get a natural high,” said Her stoplight doesn’t turn red at music and writing; she ambitious journalist who knows how to navigate the road. who hopes to leave a mark on journalism. It’s been almost nantly white school in “At boarding school there are kids from over 30 states Breeze. Her favorite band also enjoys watching sports. Breeze also wants to do public From the motorized scooter she uses, there is no obstacle a decade since Shim came to the United States from Seoul Annandale, Va. and 20 countries, but it took me being in their shoes to actu- is Jack’s Mannequins. relations for a sports franchise and work for the Washington she cannot overcome. with the support his mother, Mi Seon, and sister, Jennifer. Episcopal was the ally realize what it feels like to be different,” Jones said. “I Once a week Breeze Capitals. “My perseverance has helped me focus in terms of the “My mom and sister are my mentors,” Jeff said. same high school that in watch what I say and who it’s around; I don’t want to be enjoys writing “Synergy,” “I’m a big hockey fan,” she said. “I like the fact that goals I want to achieve,” Ramirez said. Eighteen-year-olds don’t always provide you with the Civil War served as a ignorant now that I know.” the teen section for The you can act crazy over sports, which is something you can’t She hails from Puerto Rico and was born prematurely. enough information for a life tale but Shim has a powerful Union troops hospital and After recent trips to the Dominican Republic and Spain, Carroll County Times, the do everyday.” As a result, she walks a little slower than others. Despite all story that is amazing. did not accept girls until Jones plans to start a nonprofit organization in another daily newspaper for Caroll During her down time Breeze watches Doctor Who, a that, she lives a full life and is intent on improving society. Behind an abundant layer of accomplishments grows 1992. country to improve the quality of life there. County, Md. On top of that British science fiction show. It’s about aliens and people “Regardless of my disabilities, I take part in the activi- the roots of Shim’s story. These include: editor of his “It’s like walking on Though Jones may feel different on the sports field, she she writes for her school’s who travel through time. Her all-time favorite quote is ties everyone else around me does, just at a slower pace,” school’s newspaper The A Blast, National Honor Society 1,000 years of history,” participates in after school clubs that help her stay commit- newspaper, The Eagle Eye. from the Doctor Who Show: “‘Cause you don’t own the Ramirez said. member and math tutor. Jones said. “For me, ted to her culture. However, writing is not universe, just see it.” As a rising senior at What motivates this teen from Annandale, Va. to strive it’s one of the best high “I love being a part of the Gems,” Jones said. Delta enough. Breeze is on the Breeze’s family connections are quite interesting. She Commonwealth High for greatness? “My sis- schools in the South and Gems, a club focused on helping African American women Academic Team of Francis and twin Tonya are inseparable. It’s a peanut butter and jelly School, she excels aca- ter and I came together TAMIKA JONES it’s an honor to go there.” prepare for college and future careers. Scott Key High School, type of thing. demically and at almost which competes with other “She’s my best friend and my other half; I would be from South Korea by Annandale, Va. Preparing for her senior “Everyone there [at Gems] cares about me and wants BREEZE RILEY everything she does. ourselves, so I talked to year as one of only 20 me to be as successful and as happy as possible.” schools in Caroll County lonely if I didn’t have her.” Breeze’s favorite animal is a Ramirez recognizes her her about school and the African-American students in a school of 400, Jones So, how does she do it? “My mom inspires me so Union Bridge, Md. in trivia. turtle. physical disability, and struggles I faced,” Shim approaches the task matter-of-factly. much,” Jones said, “I can talk to her about anything and she “It’s really about who “I guess it’s genetic since my dad has a turtle tattoo on relies on her scooter for said. Jones is proud of who she is and the differences her understands exactly what it’s like to be in my shoes. She’s can buzz faster,” Breeze joked. his arm,” Breeze said. long distances. However His eyes suddenly lit background contributes to her school. She admits that confident in who she is.” Breeze’s peers would say that she is shy and intellec- To nourish her conscience, Breeze wants to help oth- far the travel, she con- up as Shim talked about sometimes it’s not easy, especially since she is the only And confidence is the key. When Tamika Jones smiles, tual. Coming from an area of the state where teens drive ers and be useful. When asked how she would like to be tinues to navigate toward his family. “We (mom black girl on three different varsity sports teams. when she laughs, you can tell it is the personality of some- tractors, and emergency blizzards occur often, she plans remembered, Breeze said, “I want to die knowing that I her dream of becoming an and sister) get along real- “I bring diversity to the school, for sure,” said Jones, one who is unafraid of diversity. to attend college next fall and enjoy the city life. She have made a positive impact in the world, whether it’s big informative journalist. ly well because we talk desires to become a professional journalist and work for the or small.” “I’d like to inform peo- about school, friends and ALICIA RAMIREZ ple and I want them to daily life.” San Juan, Puerto Rico come to me because they Shim loves learning Raising her voice to be in charge are interested in my opin- JEFF SHIM about his adopted culture Feeding the roots of optimism ions,” Ramirez said. Annandale, Va. and comparing the immi- By Janie Sircey After this experience, Lee is still finding her way back While her goal is to become a journalist, she also wants gration reason of older to her vocal roots. Her father has been her main inspiration By Lucy Qin the seventh grade she began her first neighborhood project. to assist in times of humanitarian crisis. Ramirez is the nationalized U.S. citizens Hailing from Leesburg, Va., Amber Lee shows her pas- when it comes to singing. “I got a group of children together and made a craft where president of Interact Club, where the members serve to with his own. sion to raise her voice in more ways than one, from singing “My Dad sings too. I hear him sing around the house Go-getter comes to mind when one describes Alexis they fingerprinted T-shirts.” improve the quality of life in the community. “I came to America because of the educational and to “being in charge.” and I would just copy him. He’s actually on my iPod (sing- Simmons, but that is only half the story when it comes to At school Simmons is enthusiastic about reaching out to “The members of Interact Club help kids learn English economic opportunities and to be able to participate in Lee, 17, has been singing since the age of 3 in her church ing),” Lee said. this South Carolinian whose true defining characteristics the student body. After being class president for her sopho- and raise money for Haiti relief,” Ramirez said. programs like the Chuck Stone Program,” Shim said. “I group, Sunbeams. Gracing the stage with solo after solo, Lee’s older brother Brian Means has also played a major are her compassion and optimism. more and junior years, Simmons will be running again this She is also an associate editor of her school yearbook like learning about the different laws and codes that shape Lee found that she was meant to sing. role in her success as a singer. Means sang in church choir “Being well rounded defines me as a person,” Simmons fall. and a member of the National Honor Society. our society; it’s just fun and most interesting.” “When I was little, peo- through high school and also sang at Johnson C. Smith said. “I’m that girl that people say does everything and I like “I like reaching out,” Simmons said. “What I do is “These activities will benefit me in the future,” Ramirez Even though Jeff calls himself a Northern Virginian, ple kept telling me I was University in Charlotte, N.C. throughout his college years. it because I get to meet new faces.” hands-on and I can help the school out by planning food said. “As a journalist, it will give me more exposure to the he remains proud of his ethnic diversity. He attends the best, and I felt like I “When I was little, I always wanted to be like him and Having a rigorous course load is enough of a chal- drives or dances.” world and diversity.” Annandale High School, one of the most diverse schools could sing so good,” Lee be more successful,” Lee said. lenge for most students but Although Simmons already goes above and beyond, she She would like to be in a more diverse place than her in the country. said. Lee is slowly but surely getting back in the spotlight. Simmons, 16, also juggles still hopes to find new opportunities to volunteer. In the current community. Like many teens, Shim loves taking naps during his When she turned She has auditioned and become a part of the Heritage athletics and leadership future this ambitious teen would like to work with children. “The Puerto Rican community is small and the ethnic free time, but occasionally volunteers at the Newseum 13, Lee moved into the Singers, the highest level of choral group at Heritage High. roles in various school “Every time I volunteer, I always learn something new diversity is very low as well,” Ramirez said. in Washington D.C. The experience has allowed Shim Inspirational Praise “I’m not as afraid anymore,” Lee said. clubs. This February her — especially from little kids,” Simmons said. “They say When she competed at the National Spelling Bee in to learn about the U.S.’s rich history and express his Ensemble, which is the Overcoming her stage fright proved challenging for Lee, basketball team reached things that adults normally wouldn’t and they open your Washington, D.C., Ramirez noticed the significance of opinions. upper level choral group at but being in charge comes more naturally. Her leadership the state semifinals and last mind to things.” diversity. “I like all the freedom that we get in the American her church. From there, her abilities come from her mother. summer Simmons became Whether she is taking care of her sister Sydney, 6, or “I represented Puerto Rico at this competition and it society,” Shim said. high school chorus was the “She’s (mother’s) a real planning person. She likes to the national 3-point shoot- attending to a friend, she puts the feelings of others first. was really nice to be around people who were chasing An optimistic Shim said he’s determined to overcome next step. have things her way,” Lee said. ing contest champion. “I care about people’s feelings a lot,” Simmons said. “I the same dream. The only difference was our nationality,” any obstacle. Lee auditioned Lee’s mother is the head of the Deaconesses at her, “I started playing in the also don’t judge people; that’s one of my big things.” Ramirez said. ”There’s always a light somewhere that illuminates the her freshman year for organizing Care Groups and church activities, showing her sixth grade and I enjoy the Simmons has a deep-rooted optimism that she takes Her Spelling Bee experience led Ramirez to apply to possibility of getting out of the miserable hole known as AMBER LEE Women’s Choral, an audi- passion for taking charge. rush that comes with it,” with her into all aspects of life. “I’m always thinking about participate in the Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in your obstacle,” Shim said. “This is why I never give up,” Leesburg, Va. tion based choral group at Responsibility and compassion came as a lesson to Lee Simmons said. the good — I like to be happy,” Simmons said. “I don’t have Education and Media at the University of North Carolina. Shim looks up to his journalism teacher, Alan Heritage High School. She through her brother Nicholas Lee’s autism. In her high school, a reason to be sad and negative. There are people in worse “Here, I get the opportunity to learn more about jour- Weintraut, and wants to follow in his footsteps. shared her excitement and eventual surprise at the choral “He’s helped me grow a lot. I think it helped me to try ALEXIS SIMMONS Pinewood Preparatory, situations.” nalism and improve my writing skills,” Ramirez said. She “It means a lot to me that Mr. Weintrout recently trav- director’s comments. and include everyone. Everyone is important and has some- Ladson, S.C. Simmons immerses her- Simmons’ optimism is also strong when looking towards also enjoys the diverse environment of the program. eled to China to teach students about free speech; it’s a “When I went to the first audition, I thought I was so thing to say,” Lee said. self in various clubs. Even the future. “My parents have always taught me the impor- “Diversity keeps the news interesting, and without it, very significant experience,“ Shim said. “As a teacher I’ll good, and my teacher told me, ‘You need some technical Lee has proven that leadership is a hereditary trait. She though her resume is tance of being my personal best.” we won’t have any controversy in the news,” Ramirez have the opportunity of keeping print, online and broad- work,’ and that really messed me up,” Lee said. is part of the Board of Governors on the Youth Adviser stacked, she cares about everything that she is involved in. After college she aspires to become a broadcaster or said. cast journalism alive.” Shim revealed his career plans: “I After this comment, Lee changed her attitude towards Council, helping to plan events such as Youthfest and Battle “I don’t miss a meeting,” Simmons said. “I’m always news anchor. “I like the fact that being a broadcaster, Ramirez appreciates every moment of her life and don’t want future generations to forget about it.” singing, and soon became afraid of the spotlight. of the Bands. very punctual because if I do something, I’m going to be people count on you to bring them the news,” Simmons moves forward with everyday. Her personal philosophy Before his future students change the world, Shim must “That first experience freaked me out for a while, so I “I just like being in charge. I want to be the best,” Lee dedicated or I won’t take it on.” said. “Whenever I watch the news, I have a lot of respect is: “If you keep yourself focused, you will always attain continue writing his life story that has only just begun. didn’t audition for anything my freshman year,” Lee said. said. “I’ve always aimed high.” Simmons values altruism and serving her community. In for what they do.” your goals, but it takes a lot of effort.” 6 PROFILES PROFILES 3 Assembling the ‘Play’-ing with Calif. stereotype Broadcasting inspiration to town Overcoming By Tamika Jones criticism. “I don’t like to be criticized, and I want every- By Breeze Riley While seemingly reserved, Cervantes is determined volunteer effort thing to be like perfect.” to incorporate her culture into a career that would break- challenges on By Amber Lee Fun spirited, bright smile and fast-talking are all char- Her favorite activities are running and working out. Erika Cervantes, 17, is humble about working the down stereotypes about Latinos. acteristics of this Californian. When Murray is not working on The Iliad, she plays the microphone on an hour-long radio program every Friday “I don’t really see prejudice in the media, but I see it Janie Sircey, 17, handles everything with a smile. From Shannon Murray, 17, is someone who cares about sweeper position on her soccer team. In the spring, she at 5 p.m. However, she plans to use her zeal for broad- often in real life,” she said. “I feel I can use the media to her part-time job to her rigorous academic schedule to the others. She always strives to makes things better with runs track. casting to inspire others. reach out to people with my message.” and off the field many volunteer projects she is in control. her smile. Murray defies the common stereotype of the She is passionate about working with the Spanish- Raised in Guanajuato, Mexico, Cervantes immigrated Of all of the projects and activities Sircey’s passion is her “I always try to make people happy, and knowing California surfer girl. language radio program “Pa’lante”. to the U.S. at the age of 8. However, this change of loca- By Beena Raghavendran volunteer work. that I made them happy “Everyone is unique,” Murray said. While many “We bring in people tion has not prevented Cervantes from being involved “I really like to [volunteer]. It’s not about the have-to, it’s is the best feeling of all,” Californians are stereotyped as surfers, Murray enjoys to interview, so we can with Latino culture. Conway Wilcox is the afternoon. When everyone’s ready about the want-to,” Sircey said. Murray said. snowboarding through the white snow on Big Bear inform the Latino com- “We always get together … and cook and just enjoy to quit after the battles of the morning, she finds the internal She started volunteering in the seventh grade at the Murray is the business Mountain near San Diego. munity,” Cervantes said, being with each other,” Cervantes said about her com- fire – whether in leading a lacrosse team or snowballing her Manna Food Bank near her hometown of Swannanoa, N.C. manager and entertain- Murray was also an assistant director and director a Chapel Hill resident. munity. swim times – to win. Sircey helped stuff backpacks with donated food for elemen- ment editor for the Poway for “Midsummer Night’s Dream” and “Taming of the “Pa’lante” translates to She is a member of the Latino Student Association in “[When I had to overcome a swimming challenge,] I tary school students in need. High School newspaper, Shrew.” Drama is her favorite class and she enjoys pro- the English phrase “Go addition to serving as a mentor to younger students at her began to realize that not everyone is perfect,” Wilcox said. “There’s a lot you can do to help other people, and it The Iliad. Murray knows ducing plays and entertaining audiences. for it,” and has cre- school. Outside of school, she balances jobs as a cashier An 18-year-old from Asheville, N.C., Wilcox is active doesn’t have to be huge,” Sircey said. “You don’t have to that when students read “I like drama because I’m able to express myself and ated many opportuni- and babysitter. in T.C. Roberson High School’s newspaper and govern- go to a whole other country a newspaper they want there are no boundaries,” Murray said. “ I am able to be ties for the rising senior Cervantes lives by the quote of writer Gigi Tchividigan ment club and is a lifeguard at a country club. But Wilcox to help people. You can do the right information and myself and people can’t judge me because I have my at Chapel Hill High stating, “Make the most of what comes, and the least of wouldn’t be herself without her athletic participation, from it right here.” Volunteering entertainment and she own opinions.” School. what goes.” the pool to the lacrosse field to the tennis court. at the food bank with all of works hard to satisfy her “I like directing because I like to see how everybody Having strong However, Cervantes herself doesn’t plan on going “If I’m stressed out during the day, sports [are] a good her friends made the experi- readers. gets excited about my vision and I think it’s really cool,” role models, such as too far. way for me to focus myself,” Wilcox said. “I feel more inde- ence fun. “If [the readers] are Murray said. Murray recently submitted a play that she “Pa’lante” program She plans to remain near Chapel Hill, so that she can pendent ... and I can build Sircey’s experience at Shannon Murray not satisfied, then I’m not wrote to the California Play Write Association. Erika Cervantes adviser Professor Lucila watch 9-month year old sister Andrea Cervantes grow more leadership.” the food bank inspired her Poway, Calif. satisfied,” the San Diego “ I’m most excited for my friends to read the play Chapel Hill, N.C. Vargas has inspired the up. Wilcox is more than just to do more in the com- native said. English is because it portrays who they really are and I am really “loud” and “determined” “I feel like I’m her second mom and best friend,” she a leader through sports. munity. “That’s what really Murray’s strongest sub- proud that I included them,” Murray said with a smile. Cervantes. “She is defi- said when asked why it would be important for her to During her sophomore year sparked the volunteer in ject, which comes in handy when editing the newspaper. “And I really hope I win!” nitely a role model to me because she’s from Mexico, live close to her sister. at Carolina Day School, she me,” Sircey said. “I always worry about what other people think, not Murray decided to apply to the Chuck Stone program and she came here and was able to become a professor. Also a music fan, she explains, “I listen to my iPod saw the need for a new pro- Her enthusiasm for vol- in terms of looks, but I want people to be proud of my at UNC because she wants to major in public relations. I’m amazed.” and lay down to relax.” She cites rapper Yandel as her gram: lacrosse. unteer work has followed work,” Murray said. “I want my work to reflect good on While both of her parents are alums of Duke University, On the radio program, Cervantes had the opportunity favorite musician. “A lot of kids, I’ve her to Charles D. Owen me.” the journalism program at UNC may cause her to break to interview a professional news reporter. Cervantes plans to continue with broadcasting after noticed, like to play soccer, Janie Sircey High School. She is now Murray is a hard worker who is not accustomed to the tradition. “[The reporter] had interviewed Bill Clinton and she completes her education. An enthusiasm for broad- and a lot of them are on the Swannanoa, N.C. involved in numerous vol- [singer] Julio Iglesias, and I would like to interview casting and music makes a radio host position the perfect bench lines,” Wilcox said. unteer activities including people like that one day,” Cervantes said. fit for Cervantes. “Lacrosse is a good opportu- leading the Key Club, volunteering as a member of a Teen nity for [the kids] to learn a Court and working with the K-Kids. Acting out the play of diversity new sport and actually have K-Kids is an organization sponsored by the Kiwanis Conway Wilcox a chance to become a star on Club whose focus is serving the community. Sircey noticed By Conway Wilcox Raghavendran, the daughter of Indian parents. “Because No sleep for the sake of success the field.” that her community had all of the other branches of the I didn’t believe in Jesus, they said I was going to hell.” Asheville, N.C. But a dream team doesn’t K-family, but nothing for elementary school students. Beena Raghavendran, 17, spends more time on stage Drama helped her realize that she wasn’t actually different By Alexis Simmons in life. come true with merely a During her junior year she co-founded the K-kids at Black than she does at home. from everyone else. “When we act on stage, everyone is dif- Qin lives in a stereotypical upper middle class neigh- vision and a group of willing players. Wilcox worked for Mountain Elementary, her town’s elementary school. “Drama is so important to me because you can be any- ferent. And being different on stage is a good thing!” Tar Heel is to Carolina as ambition is to Lucy Qin. borhood. She said the houses have the same three designs a year to mold lacrosse from an unheard-of sport to club “I’ve done a lot of projects that I’m proud of, but this is one you want to be,” Raghavendran said. “It’s a good stress “Being in drama and newspaper are good ways for me “If I enjoy something I want to dive right into it,” Qin along the street, grass trimmed and homogenous in terms team status. definitely the most rewarding,” Sircey said. relief. It’s like you can to overcome the fact that people view me differently in my said. “I don’t like to sit back and watch things happen. If of diversity. “The school didn’t have enough money to make The K-Kids have their own fundraiser, Car Wash for leave everything behind neighborhood and in school,” said Raghavendran I have an idea I want it to It’s a sure thing that Qin does not reflect the stereo- [lacrosse] an actual school sport, so I had to make it into a Literacy. The “youngsters,” with the help of the high school you, almost like you’re in Raghavendran’s family, including her mother, father, be heard.” types of Stony Brook, N.Y., where she currently resides. club,” Wilcox said. “I had to gather everyone around and volunteers, do a carwash to raise money to buy new books your own bubble, and you and sister are true to their Hindu faith and culture. They are As a rising senior Born in Xi’an China, she moved to the U.S. at the age we had to chip in money; I had to pay money out of my for their school. can do anything you want also proud to be Americans. at Ward Melville High of 5. Growing up in Stony Brook has provided her with own wallet to help out with the team. I had to try to find “It’s really funny when you see a little kid trying to reach to do.” “My family was the first family in my neighborhood to School, Ziyuan “Lucy” opportunities to see different parts of the world. coaches.” the top of the big truck,” Sircey said. Sircey tries to make the When Raghavendran put a flag out during a holiday,” Raghavendran said. Qin, 16, is dedicated to Although initially undecided about her career aspira- After a year of perseverance, Wilcox at last saw her volunteer work as much fun as possible for the elementary was 4, she moved from At an early age, Raghavendran’s ambition was to many activities. She is tions, Qin has narrowed her choices that include traveling vision taking shape on the lacrosse field. Even though she kids. diverse Irvine, Calif., to become an actress. business manager and the world and reporting on her experience to raise aware- switched high schools, Wilcox still plays lacrosse for the “I brought my iPod dock and we listened to Hannah Mason, Ohio, that was pre- “I started acting at 10,” Raghavendran said confidently. associate editor of the ness. In addition, she would like to work in foreign policy. Carolina Day School club team. Montana and the Jonas Brothers while we were washing dominantly white. “Acting is an interesting art because there are many differ- newspaper, section edi- “I want to use the opportunity to do something mean- “My club was the first school club team that was ... suc- cars,” said Sircey. “The kids were like rocking out.” “I was the only colored ent techniques of getting to your character.” tor of yearbook, and ingful instead of focusing on myself and own success,” cessfully produced,” Wilcox said. “We actually got it off the The volunteer spirit in Sircey started long before her days person in my neighborhood This past fall, Raghavendran played the role of Snoopy chairperson of service Qin said. “I’m not passionate about anything, I guess you ground, finally – it took almost a full year, but springtime at the Manna Food Bank. When she was the same age as her and school,” Raghavendran in her school’s play “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown.” projects in Key Club. In can say I’m passionate about everything. I’m trying to came and we got to play.” K-Kids, she dreamed of doing something big. Sircey want- Beena said. “Today most of the She was nominated for the Best Comic Actress award. In addition to her leadership figure out that one thing but haven’t pin pointed it.” Overcoming challenges is Wilcox’s forte; on her swim ed to start a recycling program in her community because Indian kids in my school addition to high school theater she’s actively involved in positions she is a mem- She is involved with her youth group that combines team, she was in competition with year-round swimmers, the nearest one was a 20-minute drive away. Raghavendran play tennis and are on the children’s theater, in which she played the role of Lumiere Lucy Qin ber of the National and religion and the community. Qin says religion serves as which was initially discouraging. “People wanted to recycle, but there was no way that Mason, Ohio speech and debate teams. in “Beauty and the Beast.” Spanish Honor Societies. a center point, keeps her grounded and gives her motiva- “When I first came on the swim team, I wasn’t the fastest they could,” Sircey said. I’m one out of three minor- Raghavendran plans to stay active in college, on stage Stony Brook, N.Y. Qin devotes 30 hours tion. swimmer,” Wilcox said. “It was a struggle for me at first, She sketched out her plan for her recycling program and ities in my newspaper and drama class.” too. each week to extracur- “Beliefs are what you center your life around,” Qin because I had to face all these other [year-round] swimmers tried to raise money for the program. “I had the classic Participating in her newspaper and drama club at Aside from the theater, Raghavendran enjoys writing. ricular activities while balancing a rigorous course load of said. She applies this to her religion and everyday life who had been swimming since they were really young. lemonade stand at my family yard sale,” Sircey said. “I only William Mason High School allows Raghavendran to set She will be associate editor of her high school newspaper four AP classes. She says the key to keeping her balance because it affects her thinking and plans for the future. [People] try to do the best they can in what they do.” made like $2.75. It was depressing.” aside her everyday life that is filled with uncomfortable class. is “not sleeping” and is willing to make sacrifices to get Qin’s parents serve as her support system. Encouraging Like a true athlete, Wilcox keeps swimming and ends up Eventually the dream project was put on the backburner. situations she faces among her classmates and neighbors. “My career goal is to be a reporter,” Raghavendran said. things done. Being a member of her All Star cheerleading her to choose what she wants to do as long as it brings her a champion. “When one idea fizzles away, a bigger and better one “I’ve had people come up to me and tell me that I wasn’t “My dream job is to be a reporter for 10 years and then go team Qin feels a sense of unity and teamwork. Her fast happiness. They’ve always instilled the value of educa- “[When I’m swimming,] I feel really motivated,” Wilcox always take its place,” said Sircey. American because of the background I came from,” said on to acting.” forward attitude and ambition to excel are her motivations tion within her and she uses self-motivation to succeed. said. “I feel like I’m a winner.” 2 NEWS ARTS 7 The DTH movin’ on up ADF performance causes confusion By Conway Wilcox and Amber Lee Student newspaper Jaws dropping, faces twisting and whispers of “I leaves campus can’t believe this” could be seen and heard throughout the audience. Such was the reaction to the American Dance Festival held at Reynolds Auditorium on the Duke By Alexis Simmons University campus. “I was very disturbed the entire time,” Beena From Mrs. Hannigan to Daddy Raghavendran said, reflecting on the performance. Warbucks. The ADF is known for its provocative, emotional per- After 40 years in its campus location, formances, like Rosie Herrera’s Pity Party and Various The Daily Tar Heel has a new home. Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret. The DTH’s move from the Frank Porter According to the ADF website, its mission is to encour- Graham Student Union to its off campus age and support the creation of new modern dance work. location on Rosemary street has more than The festival seeks to enhance public understanding of art. doubled the office space. The performance was enjoyable to some and confusing “I resisted the idea of moving at first, to others. but when I came to grips with our needs “I was confused the whole time,” Janie Sircey said. for more space, I warmed to it,” said “There were little things I would pick up on sometimes. Melvin Backman, the assistant editor for They were too far embedded into the performance; the the University Desk, who has yet to see average audience member wouldn’t understand.” the new digs. “I’m hoping it gives us the The Pity Party started with a male cast member singing ERIKA CERVANTES additional space that we couldn’t get in Chapel Hill, NC a Spanish love song. He called out to a man in the audience the Union.” to come and participate on stage. TAMIKA JONES Since late November 2009 DTH Board “It was interesting and surprising because not many Annandale, Va. of Directors had been looking for addi- dance festivals are known to do that,” Jeff Shim said. “I AMBER LEE tional space. The new DTH building is thought that part was good and I expected the next scene to Leesburg, Va. located at 151 E. Rosemary St. across be really good, too. It was a disappointment because it was from the Town of Chapel Hill parking SHANNON MURRAY hard to understand the art.” Ponway, Calif. deck. It stretches its 6,493 square feet Photo by Conway Wilcox The Pity Party included humor and dark, serious ele- between two floors. The back shop room LUCY QIN Chuck Stone participant Breeze Riley reads over the latest edition of the DTH in the conference ments. Dancers reenacted the song “It’s My Party and Stoney Brook, N.Y. has expanded and in addition, a new break I’ll Cry if I Want To” while playing with dolls. They also room allows reporters to keep food away room of the new office building on Rosemary Street. BEENA RAGHAVENDRAN performed the electric slide that transitioned a dancer mer- from the computers. Photo courtesy ADF Mason, Ohio cifully beating a piñata. The audience laughed nervously, “No more crowdedness, people trip- said Kelly McHugh, design editor, reflect- good move for us,” said McHugh. Rosie Herrera’s Pity Party and Various Stages of Drowning: A Cabaret incorporate Spanish style and American movements to pro- ALICIA RAMIREZ unsure if it was humorous or serious. ping over book bags, lack of plugs for ing back on the old location. “It was extra From a 12-inch logo in the bottom of duce a thought-provoking piece. Chuck Stone participants found the piece hard to follow. San Juan, Puerto Rico “The performance was very unusual,” Erika Cervantes laptops and cords dispersed in every direc- convenient for me. I could get off work at the union to upscale Carolina bold blue let- BREEZE RILEY said. “For example, the girl was beating the piñata on the “She needed the spotlight to survive,” Sircey presumed. video showed all the dancers drowning and it gave the tion,” said Erica Perel, DTH newspaper five and be at the DTH by 5:02.” ters on the building’s facade, any passerby Union Bridge, Md. ground, instead of beating it up in the air.” “She felt safe, but when the spotlight was going away she audience some sense of hallucination that it was happen- advisor. Parking at the Rosemary location is can’t miss the DTH’s trademark name. The Various Stages of Drowning symbolized psycho- felt like she was dying.” ing.” JEFF SHIM Moving to Rosemary Street, the DTH an advantage for the advisers. It provides The Daily Tar Heel is “the best place Annandale, Va. logical and emotional drowning. This was illustrated with Stages of Drowning had a recurring water theme. “I Overall, the performance was an attempt at art, but it is no longer anchored near the Pit and the close accessible parking and a safer envi- to lead the best of journalism,” Perel said. a solo of a girl in the spotlight. liked the end of the second half,” Breeze Riley said. “The ended up short with many in the audience bewildered. ALEXIS SIMMONS social center of campus. ronment. With its great history and current develop- Ladson, S.C. “I definitely felt like it was the heart of “I think it was natural in the progres- ment the DTH has a promising future for JANIE SIRCEY campus. Everything happens in the Pit,” sion of DTH’s history and I think it was a new journalists and readers. Swannanoa, N.C. Commentary CONWAY WILCOX Asheville, N.C. Diversity drives society Prep school documentary PHAREN BOWMAN BRANDON CARTER Carolina Covenant aids students SIMONE CLAYTON By Alicia Ramirez tural roots, he’s reached out to the larger hits home for minorities Counselors By Breeze Riley In addition to covering tuition, the program also covers addi- Caribbean by working to raise funds for KELLY McHUGH tional student expenses such as room, board and study abroad In such a dynamic economy everyone Haiti relief efforts. He is currently a soph- By Tamika Jones like black people have to. Designer The Carolina Covenant program allows eligible low-income programs. is searching for the ingredient to make omore at Williams College in Amherst. As an African American girl attending JASON ARTHURS students to attend the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill “It’s amazing to get your undergraduate education [without themselves more competitive in the mar- What made all this possible is an open I had the privilege of screening The a prep school, I am a part of the legacy Photographer without student loans. loans]. They literally covered everything for me,” commented ketplace. That mysterious element they’re mind for diversity. Prep School Negro film as part of the of the prep school Negro. Even though It was the first financial aid program at a major public univer- Simone Clayton, a rising junior at UNC-Chapel Hill and current searching for is diversity. Diversity isn’t The growth of ethnic minorities in Chuck Stone’s program held at UNC. I am treated with the equally and respect PROFESSOR sity to meet total demonstrated need. Covenant Scholar. just a superficial thing such as gender, eth- the U.S. is making diversity a necessity. The movie is a flashback to Andre Robert at school by my teachers, I feel I have to NAPOLEON BYARS “The fact that Carolina was a leader in the Covenant pro- The students also benefit from a strong academic support sys- nicity, socioeconomic status, religion, age, According to the U.S. Census, minori- Lee’s adolescent years at Germantown work twice as hard gain the respect and Director gram says a lot about the nation’s first public university,” tem in which they are assigned both a faculty mentor and a peer sexual orientation etc. Diversity is life’s ties currently make up more than half of Friends Prep School. Lee, PSN direc- trust of others from the dominate culture. PROFESSOR says Professor Queenie Byars, who teaches in the School of mentor. In addition to academic advising, scholars participate in ultimate challenge. Why a challenge? the population. The recent 2010 Census tor, revisits his old high school to get dif- PSN will appeal to blacks and other QUEENIE BYARS Journalism and Mass Communication. activities such as etiquette dinners and career networking events. Diversity is the ultimate quest of being counted an approximate 309 million peo- ferent perspectives from students of color minorities attending not only prep Assistant Director “The program really goes a long way in helping make a col- “They do a lot to make you feel connected … it’s not just well rounded. It entails being compassion- ple living within the borders of the United on what it’s like to attend a predominately schools, but in public schools where they The Mix was published from the lege education affordable,” continued Professor Byars. By rede- about money, it’s about enrichment,” said Pharen Bowman, a ate, tolerant, not ethnocentric nor narrow States. Soon we will find out that diversity white school. find themselves as a tiny fraction in a School of Journalism and Mass fining the financial aid program, Covenant Scholars feel a sense 2008 graduate of the inaugural Covenant program. minded. reigns supreme in the population demo- PSN is poignant and moving. In one larger demographic. Andre Lee and exec- Communication at UNC-Chapel Hill. of pride in their status. The upcoming UNC-Chapel Hill class of 2014 includes 519 I have a Turkish friend who exempli- graphics. scene, involving a class discussion among utive producer Barb Lee (unrelated) have

Chuck Stone Program for Diversity in The program pays for expenses using grants, scholarships and Carolina Covenant Scholars, who make up 11 percent of the fies the true meaning of diversity. He Diversity is everywhere and is cer- teens, a black male offers his riveting per- successfully tapped into the conscience Education and Media a mandatory work-study program. Contributions are made by entire class. moved to Puerto Rico at a very young age tainly driving all areas of society. We all spective on what it means to be white in of prep school Negroes with a film that 284 Carroll Hall, CB# 3365 private donors, including famous college basketball coach Roy To learn more about the program, visit http://www.unc.edu/ and successfully embraced his adopted should respect different points of views America. He projects that it’s a privilege captures the essence of its provocative Chapel Hill, N.C. 27599-3365 Williams. carolinacovenant/ culture. In addition to celebrating his cul- on the journey to becoming well rounded. to be white and not have to earn respect title. There is no other film like it! 8 ARTS A PUBLICATION OF THE CHUCK STONE PROGRAM FOR DIVERSITY IN EDUCATION AND MEDIA PICKING WHAT'S 2 Students visit the new DTH office Touring UNC’s true colors 3-6 Profiles of student attendees INSIDE 7 American Dance Festival review forgiveness By Erika Cervantes & Beena Raghavendran VOLUME FOUR / JULY 16, 2010 from tragedy Seven fun-sized people were formed and frozen forever in time By Shannon Murray to serve as a representation of Carolina’s student body. Eleven years measured in birthdays, first days The bronze statues were moved of school, Christmas mornings. Eleven years in One man, one legend, many stories from their original home, in front jail for a crime you didn’t commit. Eleven years of Davis Library, an unavoidable is a long time, but is it a long enough time to place on campus, due to an inci- forgive? –PICKING COTTON dent; the statues were splashed Stone urges students to help others If books were judged by their cover, PICKING with mud and red paint. Two of COTTON would earn a D. Not only is the cover them disappeared. By Lucy Qin & Jeff Shim white, not a blind- The basketball player “got “Be the best. Be No. 1. ing stark white, but knocked over and his basketball He has ridden trains with But I don’t want you to a plain off-white. It was stolen.” Did they die and go Mohandas Gandhi, dined with sports thick, black to heaven? Doubt it. Nelson Mandela, and was on a be No. 1 if you don’t Times New Roman- An entire part of the UNC- first-name basis with Martin Luther help somebody.” ish font. The only Chapel Hill campus is monument- King Jr. and Malcolm X. Professor true color is neon ed and inscribed yet unknown to Emeritus Chuck Stone is a legend CHUCK STONE orange highlighting most of the student population, with astounding humility and self- Professor Emeritus the second “I” in according to Adjunct Assistant lessness that younger generations PICKING. Maybe Professor Tim McMillan, associate Photo By Erika Cervantes can appreciate. that’s because the chair of the Department of African Tamika Jones and Jeff Shim stroll through McCorkle Place walking past Silent Sam on their jour- Determination to be the best has The Chuck Stone Program, first authors’ favorite and Afro-American Studies. ney towards Old Chapel Hill Cemetary. driven Stone to succeed as a jour- created in 2007, reflects Stone’s life letter is I. Or maybe “A lot of people don’t know nalist. At any job that he takes on, goals of increasing the voices of it’s because the about the things that happen right McMillan said. Stone strives to be on top and he journalism. Students from various plain white pages, where they are,” McMillan said “There’s a black man with a encourages others to do the same. areas of diversity and walks of life as dull as they may during his Tuesday afternoon basketball, whereas you’ve got this “Be the best, be No. 1,” Stone have entered Carroll Hall since the appear, detail the “Black and Blue” tour. “They may overachieving white woman with said. “But I don’t want you to be No. program’s creation. personal stories of two different “I”s, captivating not be lying, they may not be stu- a lot of books,” said McMillan. 1 if you don’t help somebody.” “It’s important to bring people the reader in an inspiring story of forgiveness, pid – they just don’t know, because “There have been a lot of pro- That is his second mantra to together — it impacts our culture love and ultimately error. they’re not taught. Most of the stu- tests over the years,” McMillan live by: making an impact. Stone and society,” Stone said. PICKING COTTON, by Jennifer Thompson- dents who go to UNC don’t know said. encourages everyone to make posi- This year’s program brought stu- Cannino, Ronald Cotton, and Erin Torneo, is [the history of it].” One of the best protest ideas that tive changes on a small and large dents from as far as Puerto Rico, divided into three different parts. Part 1 is dedi- Silent Sam is the armed McMillan has ever seen has been scale. New York and California. cated to Jennifer’s point of view, Part 2 to greeter of McCorkle Place, dedi- when black students “sat around “Nothing’s higher than helping “It was really fun interact- Ronald’s and Part 3 to the exoneration and the cated to the “321 alumni of the the statues reading Chemistry, somebody,” Stone said. ing with different people,” Alicia afterword of their remarkable story. University who died in the Civil Physics and Philosophy, books so His commitment to service is Ramirez said. “I found people out- As Part 1 begins, Jennifer recounts the graphic War and all students who joined that people would have a visual exemplified by his efforts in World side of my hometown with the same and shocking story of her brutal rape and contin- the Confederate Army,” accord- image of black people interacting War II, civil rights activism, volun- interests and aspirations as me and ues through the process of identifying Ronald, ing to the Virtual Tour section with books in an intellectual fash- teer missions in India and the Gaza we all learned something from each going to trial as an eyewitness, and ultimately of the UNC-CH website. Not far ion way.” Strip. Stone’s altruism makes him a other.” condemning him to a life sentence in prison. from Silent Sam rests the Unsung Many university students and peer among world figures. Since the first year, 56 stu- It is not until Ronald’s account in Part 2 that Founders Memorial, honoring faculty are unaware of the history. As a journalist, Stone built a dents have successfully completed we learn how DNA proves his innocence. As “the men and women of color – Assistant Professor Queenie Byars reputation that led others to confide the one-week intensive program. Ronald recounts Jennifer’s story through his own enslaved and free – who helped said knowing the history helps in him. He has been a respectable Students are exposed to online eyes, the reader is trapped in a true nightmare. build Carolina,” also according students better navigate their expe- member of the community that oth- media, print media, television Mistakenly accused as the rapist, Ronald is to the website. However, contro- riences at UNC-CH. ers can easily approach. broadcasting, theater and art. dragged through various prisons, two different versy exists over this section of “History gives you a better “I had people that believed in They also take the infamous trials, family crises he could not be present for, the quad: Lucy Qin, Chuck Stone appreciation for the place that me,” Stone said. “Seventy-one mur- UNC School of Journalism and and ultimately one of the biggest failures of the Program student, said honoring the you’re studying,” Byars said. “The der suspects turned themselves into Mass Communication spelling and judicial system. Through it all, Ronald learns Confederacy means the University more you know about the history, me because they trusted me. The grammar test. to defend his innocence, how to forgive a life- implies its past support for dis- it helps us probably do our best to important thing is that people trust “I think students from this year’s altering mistake, and keep his faith in God. crimination. avoid some of the atrocities and you.” class are the best we’ve had so far,” COTTON was UNC-Chapel Hill’s first-year “By honoring the Confederacy bad things repeating themselves.” Even though Stone is an Professor Napoleon Byars said. student summer 2010 reading book, it also served [with a Confederate soldier], It’s said that where you sit acclaimed journalist, he remains The program wraps diversity a deeper personal meaning for me. My parents you’re kind of saying [that] slavery is where you stand – your level modest about his accomplishments. and journalism into one. Hence, it were alive in 1984! How could a mistake this is OK,” Qin said: “I think [UNC- of knowledge defines you, and After meeting him at Granville is named after Chuck Stone, who big possibly have been made when my parents CH] is honoring its tradition, but at Chuck Stone Program student Towers in Chapel Hill, N.C., many exemplifies diversity more so than were alive? Did it matter that Ronald Cotton was the same time, [Silent Sam] can be Alexis Simmons agrees. students were moved by his humil- any other teaching journalist. black? seen as disrespectful.” “It’s important to be knowl- ity. “Even though the main purpose PICKING COTTON not only shows the need The sculpture, “The Student edgeable about the location that “He constantly repeated that he is diversity, I think the program felt honored to meet us, when it shows how our similar passion in for DNA testing but demonstrates how far in Body,” also brought controversy you are in and it brings an advan- Photo by Erika Cervantes just a few years, racial progress has come. All to the university; students, espe- tage to you if you are able to spread should have been the other way journalism unites us,” Breeze Riley Chuck Stone students stopped near Hamilton Hall, site hoto by rika ervantes men, no matter white or black, are innocent until cially African Americans, felt like it to people,” Simmons said. “With P E C around,” Tamika Jones said. “He’s said. “We have more similarities of various controversy, to discuss stereotypes in art. proven guilty. the sculpture brought stereotypes, knowledge comes advantage.” Chuck Stone dines on grilled cheese and franks and beans with students in the program named for him. humble about who he is.” than differences.”