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

Senior Eyerusalem Coleman-Kitch is an amazing young woman whose story conveys her strength.

She was born and raised in Ethiopia. Her parents died when she was young. A woman named Zaway raised her until she went to live in an orphanage at the age of eight. She spent two years living in the orphanage until she was adopted and moved to Chicago.

Eyerusalem suffered great losses in the death of her mother and the separation from her caregiver.

After her adoption by Jenny Kitch, a Chicago minister, she did not magically live happily ever after. She had a lot of anger, she said, caused by the lack of connection she had with others.

“The orphanage was not bad, but it lacked the emotional connection people usually have with their parents and later other people,” Eyerusalem said. “Because of my inability to connect with others emotionally, I didn’t care about anything. I didn’t know how to care.”

Eyerusalem said she shut down and felt like an outcast.

“I did not want to get close to people because I feared that they would leave,” she said. “Because I feared connection, I had none and I became unhappy.”

Once in Chicago, Eyerusalem had to learn to speak English and how to fit in – with a new family, a new school and a new country. Out of frustration and fear, she fought many students at her first school, Ray Elementary in Hyde Park.

“Because I feared connection, I had none and I became unhappy,” she said. After joining the basketball team she made friends. She also began trusting a teacher. Her mother and her partner split. Eyerusalem moved to California, expecting to be “happier” with her life. Unfortunately she wasn’t.

“I learned that it didn’t matter where I went because I had to find happiness within myself first and project that to the outside world,” she said.

She found that happiness back in Chicago by learning to trust her adopted family, face her losses and frustrations and work hard.

“Eyerusalem is very diligent,” her friend Emony Tate said. “She has a drive that can lead her to success. She has power and control over her education that can change the world.”

Eyerusalem is taking college courses this year at Wright College, in addition to her many AP courses. After being accepted to the National Honors Society last year, she’s now leading the NHS tutoring at Locke Elementary School, where she faithfully helps the elementary school teachers every morning.

She became interested in student activism this year after campaigning with the Hillary Clinton campaign. Eyerusalem is part of a group of students that obtained a grant to hold an educational summit this spring at Steinmetz.

Although she is a leader and a take-charge person, she has a quiet personality.

“She’s not necessarily timid, she’s reserved. Very mindful,” English teacher Patti Stuber said.

She’s a student who can inspire other students to open up about their lives and try to make a change.

Her teachers and peers highly respect her because she’s an intelligent student. Her life story is unique and explains that no matter what you go through, you can make something of yourself and try to change the world and people around you.

Senior Ambassadors and the counseling department held an anti-bullying campaign in October, national anti-bullying month. They shared information and held a pledge drive in front of the main auditorium on Oct. 14.

Students and teachers could sign a pledge, promising that they will take a stand against bullying, and that they will not bully others, will not leave anyone out and will help others being bullied.

People were also encouraged to write something nice to others on a little pieces of papers and give them to somebody they even might not know on their way to class to make others smile.

Bullying is a real problem

One out of every four students reports being bullied during the school year (National Center for Educational Statistics, 2015).

Bullying is unwanted, aggressive behavior that involves a real or perceived power imbalance. The behavior is repeated, or has the potential to be repeated, over time. Bullying includes actions such as making threats, spreading rumors, attacking someone physically or verbally and excluding someone from a group on purpose. (Stopbullying.gov)

There are four types of bullying.

Physical includes hitting, pushing, spitting, slapping, tripping, and destroying possessions.

Social/Emotional – lying, spreading rumors, mean jokes, negative gesture of facial expressions and encouraging social isolation.

Verbal consists of name-calling, teasing, insults, homophobic or racist remarks.

Cyberbullying is when a child, preteen or teen is tormented, threatened, harassed, humiliated, embarrassed or otherwise targeted by another child, preteen or teen using the Internet, interactive and digital technologies or mobile phones. (Stopcyberbullying.org)

School staff addresses problem

Counselor Kim Diaz said she thinks that bystanders are worse than the bullies.

“You’re giving the bully fire. Being an audience to the bully ignites the fire,” Ms. Diaz said. “Students don’t realize the impact of their words on other students. I want to address the bystanders in a bullying situation.”

Ms. Diaz told the Star that she has encountered bullying problems in her years at Steinmetz.

“We address every problem as serious,” she said. “Silent bullying drives me crazy. I want students to have a mutual understanding of each other.”

Art teacher Roseann Mark uses the anti-bullying campaign in her teaching curriculum. She uses the phrase “Bella Figura,” meaning fine appearance or impression when she makes connections in her classes.

Ms. Mark says, “Never say you can’t, because you can.” Everything she always says in her class connects with the world being filled with negativity and we should always look beyond that negativity for something positive.

Students share stories

The Star interviewed two students who agreed to share their stories.

“I think people who bully others are people with no respect for others,” one student said. “When I was in school, I was constantly bullied by this guy.

“He knew nothing about me or my personal life. But yet, he called me emo and told me to kill myself.

“I tried to be nice to him and even be his friend. I even helped him with his relationship. But he told the girl I liked that I cut myself. Suddenly, people started to see me differently and they kept trying to pick fights with me. People would try to spit on me in the halls.

“I became really depressed and it became harder and harder to want to go to school. I’ve never told anyone this, even the girl that I was with at the time didn’t know. I tried really hard to pretend nothing was happening.

“As to why people bully others, I don’t really know. Maybe it makes them feel better about their own life, that they can make people like me, feel lower than dirt so it makes their lives not seem so bad. I just hope for anyone going through the same thing to stay strong because there is a place for them in this world, too.”

‘Don’t stay silent’

Another student’s story follows. The student advises others who are being bullied to speak up.

“Many people are told that if you mind your own business and don’t get involved, you won’t be bullied,” the student said. “Here’s a reality check. Bullying doesn’t always have a specific target. If you catch a bully’s attention, they will bother you.

“For many years, I was bullied for my appearance. I was ‘reminded’ daily of how ugly I was, how weird I was or how useless I was. Since I wasn’t talkative or involved with a lot of things, I didn’t think I would  stick out or get any sort of attention. But due to my, actually, great behavior in class, I was made the target of a bully who would not leave me alone for the next four years of my life.

“By my sophomore year, I had been physically, emotionally and very much psychologically abused by a person who barely even knew me. Because of this, I fell into a deep depression and struggled with the desperation to be accepted by my peers.

“After several acts of self-harm and attempts of suicide, I found help within a friendship that I had established with a student at my school who struggled with the same things. Everyday we pushed each other to look past the insults and the hurtful things that were said or done to us. After much hardship and much pushing forward, we both learned to speak up.

“This was the best thing that could ever happen. We overcame our silence. This is a very important thing to do. Many people decide to bottle up their feelings and allow the pain to build up. But if you are hurt, speak up.

“If you feel that you are being pushed around or being stepped on by the acts of others around you, say something. No one, no one, deserves to have their life controlled by someone who is irrelevant to their life. If you don’t need them, kick them out of your life. Don’t let someone take control of the life that is rightfully yours.

“And please, if you see someone getting bullied, and if they aren’t speaking up for themselves, help them out and speak out. Don’t stay silent. You can tell a teacher, counselor, advisor, a parent, or even a friend who wouldn’t mind speaking up for you. There is no problem with expressing yourself. You will not be seen as less of a person for speaking up and telling someone.”