Introducing the new column writers for the Student Paper at Stockman Academy: The Stockman Herald
Row 1: Norman Melville, age 17; loves conspiracies, especially regarding mutants, after an encounter he had when he was a child. Loves video games and science. Not a big fan of English, but loves writing for the Herald because he gets to gush about his special interests.
Row 2: [REDACTED] Rodriguez, age 17; loves photography and journalism. Feels a lot of pressure since her mom has more or less checked out, leaving her to step up and take care of her younger brothers (both 5). Resents her father for abandoning the family. Prefers to mind her business and avoid fights, but might be braver than she thinks. Loves a good mystery.
Row 3: Sakina Mansour, age 17; also loves conspiracies, but focuses more on aliens...more for fun than anything else; has a strong sense of justice, especially regarding what is happening in Palestine (where her family emigrated from, years ago). Is slowly discovering new things about herself, every day.
These kids are dedicated to the many teens I've encountered in the NYC public school system during my time in education. They are also dedicated to the stories I used to read, featuring teen mystery solvers who end up tangled in situations much bigger than themselves.
What can be bigger than teen mutant crime fighters hiding in the shadows while battling the leader of NYC's most violent gangs? And all that implies.
[all dividers are made by @saradika-graphics]