[Editor’s note: This piece was updated on Oct. 3, 2017.]

Senior Daria Velazquez and junior Millie Martinez were the only high schoolers chosen to be finalists in the National Youth Art Movement Against Gun Violence (NYAM) art contest.

The organization helps bring awareness of the affects of gun violence in Chicago through the creation of art by youth, ages 12 – 25.

“Today’s youth are powerful,” NYAM founder Janice Tisha Samuels writes in her piece Youth: The Change-Makers, on the NYAM blog. She said that people of any age are “capable of motivating the masses,” and that change is possible.

In addition to Daria and Millie, the NYAM team included experienced artists in their 20s.

Daria Velazquez (self-portrait) and Millie Martinez (NYAM photo)

Millie and Daria’s pieces are displayed on billboards on the west side and south side of Chicago from Aug. 28 through Oct. 1. The six other pieces by NYAM artists are also displayed. The NYAM website shows the images and provides the locations of all the pieces. 

Daria’s piece is on a billboard at 2854 W. Armitage; Millie’s piece is displayed in two places – at 2327 W. Fullerton and 7555 S. Racine.

Art teacher Rosanna Mark had encouraged the students to apply to NYAM. Once Daria and Millie were accepted, they participated in workshops. They learned techniques used by the older artists and grew as artists.

They also had the chance to “reflect on and unpack the deeply layered ways in which violence, either experienced or perceived through a sense of fear or worry, affects life in Chicago for everyone,” as the NYAM website states was part of the first stage of the project.

“I didn’t know much about gun violence since I live in a safe area,” Millie said. “But I wanted to learn more about it.”

Daria had more experience with gun violence, she said. When she was younger, she lived in Humboldt Park. She moved to Belmont Craigen and recently moved back to Humboldt Park. Her involvement in NYAM showed her how common the violence is in Humboldt Park.

“I started to pay attention to the news more and it made me realize we don’t have strong gun laws,” Daria said. “Innocent people die everyday and politicians should do something about it.”

Through their art, NYAM artists have been able to bring awareness to gun violence and share powerful messages.

‘You or Me (America)’ by Daria Velazquez and ‘Caught in the Noose’ by Millie Martinez

“Anyone could be a victim to gun violence,” Daria said about her piece.

Millie’s message was more about how people don’t really pay close attention to gun violence, but it’s always there.

NYAM is about making people think about gun violence and the issues that arise from it by putting up the artwork in the city.

“The power of visual art and multimedia animation shows how gun violence affects those living in Chicago,” the NYAM website states.

In the NYAM workshops, Millie and Daria’s artwork was analyzed and criticized before going up on billboards. This helped for the best version of all of the art pieces to occur before displayed.

The opportunity helped Millie and Daria grow as artists and allowed them to showcase their art where their pieces are bound to be noticed.

Millie’s piece at 2327 W. Fullerton

Millie said she felt happy and proud seeing her art on the billboard.

NYAM encourages everyone to see the billboards. By using a downloadable app for Augmented Reality and visiting the billboards, viewers can literally see the art come to life.

“Using Augmented Reality technology (think Pokemon Go!), each billboard will also be equipped with informational videos on organizations working to reduce violence in the city and the functionality for viewers to instantly sign-up to volunteer with these organizations,” the NYAM website states.

“Art + Activism + Technology = NYAM.”

The third stage of the NYAM is for the campaign to take the tour to other cities.

“These youth then take what they’ve learned and use it to co-lead an outdoor art tour in another US city besieged by gun violence,” the NYAM website states. “In this way, the project seeks to galvanize a national youth art movement and to provide these youth with educational and career opportunities in the arts and public service.”

As part of this effort, NYAM artists attended the Nobel Peace Prize Forum on September 14-17.

“The forum was the most eye-opening experience I’ve ever had; even making me realize the potential I had all along,” Daria said.

She and Millie were flown to Minneapolis and provided with food and a hotel room.

“During this experience, the most memorable thing was being able to meet the U.S. Senator from Arizona, Gabrielle Giffords, who in person is such an inspiring individual,” Daria said. “Her story of surviving an assassination attempt that left her with a severe brain injury echoed through the auditorium and even brought tears to people’s eyes.

“She was full of spirit even after the tragic incident she went through. Giffords took that negativity and turned it into positivity. In her work against gun violence she inspired me to work on myself and to do the same.”

NYAM encourages viewers of the art to not only see the creative work, but to actually take action against gun violence.

Daria’s piece at 2854 W. Armitage.

Artist descriptions from the “Our Team” tab of the NYAM website:

Daria V., NYAM Emerging Artist and Thought Leader

Daria is a self-taught artist living in Chicago who expresses her thoughts, real-life experiences and beliefs through her work. Using art for self-care and self-expression for the last 7 years has inspired her to become an Art Therapist. Daria plans to pursue a Master’s degree in both Psychology and Art after she graduates high school in 2018.

Millie M., NYAM Emerging Artist and Thought Leader

Millie is a rising junior in high school with a 4.9 GPA.  She is a growing artist who started becoming serious about her art practice three years ago. As a teenager working with NYAM, she hopes to spread awareness of gun violence and to positively impact her peers.

The students have been given the opportunity to go to Minneapolis from September 14 – 17 for the Nobel Peace Prize Forum. Their art work has been selected to be put up at the forum event for everyone to see, but we need help.

NYAM is trying to raise $5,000 to cover all of the expenses for the trip.

“It would mean a lot to us if you could donate some money for our trip,” Daria said.

https://fundraising.fracturedatlas.org/national-youth-art-movement-against-gun-violence/campaigns/945

To this day I can no longer look at the beautiful lake that resides next to my home without remembering that day a few years ago.

It all started on a hot summer day on July 15th, 1994, the house smelt of pancakes and syrup once I woke up and I could hear the birds chirping outside of my window. Thoughts of finally tasting my mother’s cooking after a long school week went through my head as I rushed to the kitchen, meeting with both my parents and my younger sister Alice. She had a joyful look on her face as she saw me which I took no mind for since all I wanted to do was fill up my now empty stomach. My mom told me to sit down so she could serve me a plate.

She had her lucky cherry apron on with her hair up in a little bun upon her head and I could see her green eyes filled with love and happiness as she saw her family together at the table.

My dad, on the other hand, was reading a newspaper not minding any of us at all which was a norm. He had a focused look as he stared at the morning paper, but was interrupted as Alice tried getting his attention by pulling the corner, only causing father to give her a small smile and a kiss on the forehead. He always had a soft spot for her, I mean who wouldn’t?

As mom put the food in front of me, Alice came up to me with big eyes and asked, “Can we play at the lake after breakfast Johnathan?” I nodded in response so she would let me be, but then I started thinking about skipping rocks, since usually that is what I love to do.

I ate the food with joy and once done mom and dad told us we could go to the lake but to keep a close eye on Alice so she doesn’t get into any trouble. I grabbed her little hand and we both went out through the front door and towards the lake, I can remember her smile at me as we made our way towards the lake and onto our favorite spot.

This spot was very special to us because this was the spot that our grandfather used to skip rocks at when he lived here with us. Oh, how I miss him very much, but at least I got to learn his favorite game, which Alice loved to watch also behind me.

As I started to reach for some rocks in the sand, Alice sat on a big rock behind me as usual and started to watch as I looked for a good rock to skip, “Jonathan, look there!” I turned my head in the direction she was pointing, it was far east of us where there lied a pile of rocks.

I started to head over there but then remembered what my parents said, “Alice stay right there! I won’t take too long okay?” she nodded at me in response but I really wish I never left her alone.

Here I am now, sitting at the foot of my bed and listening to those same birds chirp, I wish they would go silent for I am dreading for the new day to start.

Heading downstairs and into the kitchen I find my family where they usually are on a Saturday morning, but I can’t help but feel this patch of emptiness in the room which is keeping me from feeling whole.

Mom was hovering over the sink once again cleaning every single detail she can find from the sink, I guess this was the only way for her to calm herself since all she does is clean now when she’s upset. I noticed her hair that was once in a neat and tidy bun was now a nest which brought out her tired eyes, I wish she didn’t have to look so hollow, but who could blame her? Even her cherry apron that she wore everyday was now hung up in the pantry, being left in the dark until somehow light could be seen again.

Dad was reading the morning paper and still gave me no look whatsoever, I was nonexistent. I feel as if he thinks that if he ignores me enough, that I will just disappear. I understood where he was coming from though, I wish I was non existent too.

I felt as if the room was closing in on me so I quietly left the kitchen knowing no one would notice and left out the front door. I remember. I run towards the lake and onto our special spot where a huge rock resides next to the sand and I sit there looking at the gray reflection in the water.

The thoughts of their smile came into mind as I picked up a rock and squeezed it gently, “Can we play at the lake after breakfast, Johnathan?” those words wouldn’t leave my head and tears started to take over. I really didn’t mean to leave her alone.

With sudden anger building up I threw the rock as hard as I can. I can no longer see them at the breakfast table, see them smile at me ever again. I will never hear their laugh or their cheesy voice whenever they would come ask me for something, I wish I never ignored them whenever they would try and get my attention for any little thing. “But that’s okay, I still love you Jonathan.”

If only I was a better brother, but it doesn’t matter now because all I have now is a game. A game I can’t enjoy with you anymore and it’s all my fault.

“I’m still playing with you, you aren’t alone..”

If only I took you with me to the pile of rocks which layfar east where you pointed, then you wouldn’t have been distracted. If only that purple butterfly never passed by you as you sat there patiently waiting for me, but who can blame you? You loved those colorful insects with a passion, but who knew that butterfly was going to cause you to drop your favorite doll in the water. You could’ve just left it there but no, she was very precious to you and I said I was going to be back so you thought you had enough time. I bet you did.

“I didn’t know any better. It isn’t your fault.”

Throwing the second rock full of anger I thought of how scared you must’ve been, I knew you couldn’t swim yet, we all knew. You thought I would hear you but the arms of waves pulled you in, I wish you could’ve just let the doll go. I wish I could let you go, Alice.

He threw with all his might, but the third stone came skipping back.

I froze as the third rock did three hops back with the words I thought I would never hear again, and suddenly everything began to and suddenly everything began to become clear.  

“We can play again someday, big brother!”

The presentation of the 2016 media awards, open to all public and private schools in Chicago, was held on March 10.

Steinmetz Star reporters pose with individual and overall media awards at Millennium Park after the media awards were presented at the Chicago Cultural Society. (Top row): Alejandro Hernandez, Ashley Komperda, Ronald Evans, Zaneta Marcink, Steven Nunez, (Bottom row): Jamara McGarry, Daria Velazquez, Brian Geans, McKenzie Lacefield and Rikeya Hargrove.

“So much of the credit goes to Hugh Hefner, whose financial support, encouragement and example has enabled our students to excel,” Star adviser Sharon Schmidt said.

For the past five years, and in a pledge for five more, Mr. Hefner, the editor of Playboy and a 1944 graduate of Steinmetz, has financed the printing of the Steinmetz Star. In addition, he provided computers, software, a scanner and copy machine, cameras and other equipment for journalists in his initial gift in 2011.

Mr. Hefner’s help boosted the Star from a small newsletter to a full-size, full-color newspaper.

Although the Star has been in print ever since the Steinmetz opened in the 1930s and sometimes published in a print shops, for more than a decade before Mr. Hefner’s donation the Star was printed as a newsletter on a Riso machine in the school. The journalism teacher and students were responsible for finding ink and paper, working with printing glitches, making copies, collating and folding the pages.

Editor-in-chief Alejandro Hernandez won “Superior” review and “Excellent” sports story. Alejandro  won “Superior” review in 2015, too. His excellent sports and entertainment stories have been published in the Star since he was a freshmen. The awards acknowledge that Alejandro is one of the best high school writers in Chicago.

“Now that our students publish a professionally printed, full-size paper, people can see that they’re among the best scholastic journalists in Chicago,” Ms. Schmidt said. “Their excellent reporting, writing, photography and art comes through in every issue.”

2016 SPAC, McCormick Foundation Media Awards

In addition to Steinmetz, three other schools received “Superior” overall newspaper – Lane, Jones and Morgan Park.

In the awards book, Steinmetz was listed first for “Superior Overall Newspaper,” with a review by media awards judges who critiqued the Star’s Jan.-Feb. 2016 issue:

Nearly 50 students contributed to the content and design of that Jan.-Feb. 2016 “Superior” issue, including editors Alejandro Hernandez and Zaneta Marcinik.

Sophomores Monica Laddaran, Allyza Inson and Lesli Avila wait for the McCormick Foundation luncheon to begin. Winners of the media awards were called up to the podium, in front of 350 people, to receive their certificates. Photo by Brian Geans.

Star editors and reporters also received impressive, individual awards for their work in other issues of the Star.

Senior Zaneta Marcinik: Superior News Story
“CPS slashes school budgets,” Sept.-Oct. 2015

Senior Alejandro Hernandez: Superior Review
“Pro-feminist, non-stop action Fury Road is a must see movie,” May-June 2015

Alejandro Hernandez Excellent Sports News Story
“Streaks still strong, even with loss of key players,” Sept.-Oct. 2015

Senior McKenzie Lacefield: Excellent Column/Editorial
“Mission: Happiness,” Sept.-Oct. 2015

Junior Anthony Morgan-Kitch: Excellent Drawing
Anti-Valentine’s Day cupid, Jan.-Feb. 2016

Sophomore Daria Velazquez: Excellent News Feature
“Animal companions offer many benefits, especially to those anxious or depressed,” Nov.-Dec. 2015

Sophomore Steven Nunez: Excellent Photo
Black Live Matter and Fight for $15 march, Nov.-Dec. 2015

Junior Ronald Evans received the McCormick Foundation Fellowship
The letter of congratulations from the SPAC director Linda Jones states: “The foundation will provide you, as the recipient, with up to $1,000 toward your attendance at the summer journalism workshop of your choice.”

Star reporters and editors pose for pictures in Millennium Park following the awards presentation. Select photo for clear view of students who attended the SPAC workshop and McCormick Media Awards luncheon.

“Superior” overall newspaper & “Superior” overall layout
January – February 2016 Steinmetz Star

Nearly 50 Steinmetz Star staff members contributed to the paper that SPAC judges found to be the best high school newspaper in Chicago.

All of the following students contributed by reporting, interviewing, researching, writing stories, taking photos, making art, creating page layouts, editing articles and/or proof reading:

Co-editors-in-chief: Alejandro Hernandez and Zaneta Marcinik

Section editors and copy editors: Agape Alfaro, Lesli Avila, Ashley Komperda, McKenzie Lacefield, Jailene Torres, Daria Velazquez

 Journalism class reporters: Jacara Adams, Juan Ceballos, Valery Champion, David Ciechanowski, Yesenia Deluna, Kara Dziadosz, Ronald Evans, Brian Geans, Paris Glispie, Luis Gomez, Venice Gonzalez, Rikeya Hargrove, Gerardo Jerez, Angelo Jones, Daniel Lozeau, Rosemary Mcgurn, Wiljalisha Mollfulleda, Anthony Morgan-Kitch, Gissel Mendoza, Olivia Nunez, Elizabeth Patino, Camila Pina, Lisette Pravinchandra, Flor Renteria, Maya Robinson, Eduardo Vazquez, Imari Walker

Newspaper Club reporters: Karen Bahena, Daniella Blas, Eyerusalem Coleman-Kitch, Frederick Crittendon, Elise Guillen, Luz Herrera, Lagunas, Gerardo Martinez, Monica Marroquin, Jamara McGarry, Tyffani Quintero, Jacquelyn Rodriguez, Emony Tate

See photo captions to see what specific contributions of individual students.

‘Later bell schedule’ by McKenzie Lacefield, all 1st period journalism students, Jacara Adams, Juan Ceballos, and Alejandro Hernandez; ‘Regional science fair winners advance’ photo by Steven Nunoz; ‘Principal Ngo responds to Star ‘censorship accusations” submitted by Principal Steven Ngo, photo by Rikeya Hargrove

‘Staff and students mourn’ by Diana Lagunas; ‘College Cafe available for underclassmen’ by Monica Marroquin, photos by Tony Morgan-Kitch; ‘Senior Seminar assists in application process’ by Brian Geans, photo by Brian Geans; ‘Senior Seminar is a great class that helps for college’ by Maya Robinson; ‘Senior Seminar is a waste of time for some students’ by McKenzie Lacefield

‘Black History Month hero interviews’ by Lisette Pravinchandra and Eduardo Vazquez; ‘Letters from our Readers:’ School uniforms are unnecessary’ by Felipe Orozco, senior (obtained by Gerardo Jerez); ‘Star investigation uncovers unconvincing arguments for sagging pants’ by Jamara McGarry, photos by Jamara McGarry

‘Campaigning for presidential candidates inspires young voters’ by Eyerusalem Coleman-Kitch and Emony Tate, photos by Eyerusalem Coleman-Kitch; ‘Star editor opinion: Bernie is the best’ by Alejandro Hernandez

‘Academic decathlon team advances to city championships’ by Zaneta Marcinik, photos by Daniela Blas; ‘Urban Alliance provides paid downtown job internships’ by Olivia Nunez, photo by Jamara McGarry; ‘Making the adjustment to a new school and a new climate’ by Agape Alfaro, photo by Jamara McGarry; ‘New teacher makes big impact’ by Jacara Adams

‘Journalism professionals inspire student reporters’ photos by Brian Geans, Rosemary McGurn, Brian Geans; ‘Why I like journalism’ by Ronald Evans; ‘Accurate information should be shared, not delayed’ by McKenzie Lacefield

‘When you wake up, ‘put two feet on the ground for truth’ by Elise Guillen; ‘Scholastic Journalism Week showcases importance of newspapers and yearbooks’ photos by Monica Marroquin and Karen Bahena

Anti-Valentine’s Day Cupid drawing by Anthony Morgan-Kitch; Valentine’s Day shout outs by Ashley Komperda, Daria Velazquez, Yesenia Deluna and Star readers

Valentine’s Day Shout Outs by Venice Gonzalez, McKenzie Lacefield, Zaneta Marcinik, Jailene Torres andStar readers

Story continued from Page One; Photo by Rikeya Hargrove

CPS school comparison research by 1st period journalism students

‘Working seniors may be eligible to leave school early,’ photo by McKenzie Lacefield

Survey tabulation and comment transcription by 1st period journalism students

About Face Theater ‘Interaction’ performs and teaches workshop’ by Daria Velazquez; ‘Museums are free on Feb. 15’ by Lesli Avila, photos by Lesli Avila; ‘What do you like about Valentine’s Day?’ Interviews by Jailene Torres; ‘Improve the local music scene’ by Valery Champion; ‘Pride and fun in ‘RuPaul’s Drag Race’’ by Brian Geans; ‘Priceless’ (comic) by Melanie Rolon

‘Streaks cheerleaders reach new heights in competition’ by Ashley Komperda, photos by Steven Nunez; ‘Bowlers roll to 3rd place’ by Camila Pina; ‘Tough season for boys basketball’ by Kara Dziadosz, photo by Steven Nunez; ‘Lessons learned from football coach, Sgt. Garry Frank’ by Frederick Crittendon

‘Streaks win close game on senior night’ by Paris Glispie, Luis Gomez, Jacquelyn Rodriguez, photos by Steven Nunez; ‘Footbell ends with winning record and college bound players’ by Alejandro Hernandez, photo by Tyfanni Quintero; ‘Swimmers take 3rd in conference’ by David Ciechandowski and Maya Robinson, photo by Brian Geans