1. Cover story | 18 under 18
Raul España
JUNIOR, LANE TECH
“Working as a journalist has convinced me
that media is a truly important and interest-
ing thing to keep in our lives.”—Raul España
›› Student reporter for The Mash for three
years and counting.
›› Versatile journalist who covers sports,
contributes to a weekly advice column and
reports on hard-hitting news stories.
›› Plays center for his school’s varsity football
team and goalie for their water polo team.
Judge’s feedback: “He seems to have a
real handle on what it means to work in the
media. He has years under his belt and gets
that it is a team effort and collaborations are
needed and necessary to turn out a great
project.”—Val Warner, host of “Windy City
Live”
Rialin José
JUNIOR, LANE TECH
“When I hear the words ‘media’ or ‘YouTube’
I automatically see her face: Rialin José.”
—Tatiana Delgado, DePaul Alliance for Latino
Empowerment
›› Uses video and photography to tell stories
and accompany print journalism pieces for
The Mash.
›› Founder and president of Lane Tech’s film
club.
›› Known for mentoring students who are
interested in media and video editing.
Judge’s feedback: “She is a go-getter and
also someone who gives back by mentoring
incoming freshmen. I have benefited tremen-
dously from someone reaching back for me,
so I truly respect and admire that quality.”
—Val Warner, host of “Windy City Live”
Ben Krebs
FRESHMAN, STEVENSON
“He skated through his eighth grade year at school
while living this nightmare.”—Sue Krebs, Ben’s
mom
›› Developed Prednisone-induced psychosis that
caused audio and visual hallucinations. Upon recovering, he dealt with
depression and anxiety.
›› He’s made strides to meet new people and pick up new hobbies,
including magic.
›› Participated in Stevenson’s 2014 variety show, where he showed off
his magic and comedy skills (bit.ly/BenMagic, second act).
Judge’s feedback: “A struggle like this is a family struggle and they
will obviously inspire other families. I nominate Ben to host the next
Academy Awards!”—Danni Allen, “Biggest Loser” Season 14 winner
Ashley Ontiveros
SENIOR, NORTH-GRAND
“In an age where a lot of teens feel short-changed
when they don’t have the latest iPhone ... she’s
someone who knows what it’s like to struggle for
food and shelter.”—Angela Timmons, Environmental
Design International Inc.
›› Overcame her own family struggles while being shuffled in and out of
foster care for several years.
›› Will graduate with honors and attend the Minneapolis College of Art
and Design this fall.
›› Loves drawing manga and hopes to teach English in Japan one day.
Judge’s feedback: “First, let me just say, ‘WOW!’ Ashley, without a
doubt, stands out to me as someone who plows through adversity.”
—Danni Allen, “Biggest Loser” Season 14 winner
MEDIA These students are mak-
ing their mark on media at a young age
through photojournalism, broadcast,
online reporting and social media.
Lucian Black
JUNIOR, WALTER PAYTON
›› Served as an election judge for the 44th ward.
›› Passionate about informing his peers about American politics through
his writing.
›› Serves as a student representative for Payton’s Local School Council.
Judge’s feedback: “What stands out most about this candidate is his
experience and drive in running for office and serving his student body.”
—Charlene Carruthers, national coordinator for Black Youth Project 100
›› Interned with the Egyptian Consulate
of Chicago, where she participated in daily
discussions about the future of American
Middle Eastern relations.
›› Member of Mikva Challenge, an orga-
nization that caters to Chicago youth who
are interested in politics.
›› Studies Arabic to learn more about
Middle Eastern policy.
Judge’s feedback: “Her forward thinking
is what’s needed in American politics.”
—Charlene Carruthers, national
coordinator for Black Youth Project 100
Devyn Rigsby
JUNIOR, NORTHSIDE
photo courtesy of Devyn rigsby
CIVICS & POLITICS They may be young, but we know that doesn’t hold these teens back from digging into the political world.
COMEBACK STORIES Everyone has a story, but these students have overcome a tough situation and turned themselves around
in a positive way.
Amber Holup
SOPHOMORE, TINLEY PARK
“Amber Holup is an experienced social entrepreneur trapped in a high school
sophomore’s body.”—Rob Steinmetz, The Bridge Teen Center
›› Operates her own lawn-care business while volunteering with nonprofits,
including the Pediatric Oncology Treasure Chest Foundation.
›› Student spokesperson for The Bridge Teen Center, a nonprofit that provides
free after-school programs for Chicago teens and families.
›› Writes grant applications for her own service projects, including one that
offered care packages to military families.
Judge’s feedback: “She seems like a real hustler, has a lawn-care business
already, has scrapped together grants for Global Youth Service Day—she has
hustle!”—Troy Henikoff, Techstars Chicago managing director
Dana Torres
SENIOR, LANE TECH
“By continuously improving his innovation, he can optimize the amount of food
grown in a new way.”—Cristen Lain, Lane Tech Academic Center director
›› Accepted to Lane Tech’s first aquaponics independent study class, where
students grow fish and vegetables in a sustainable system.
›› Helps maintain a laboratory while working on his own passion, urban farming.
›› Created a unique hybrid system that grows even more plants using a floating
raft system, according to Lain.
Judge’s feedback: “He sounds like a hacker, and I LOVE hackers.”
—Troy Henikoff, Techstars Chicago managing director
ENTREPRENEURS These students will probably run corporate America one day. They’re natural leaders
who have fresh new ideas.
ACTIVISTS These students refuse to sit around when
they see something unfair happening, whether they’re fighting for
the environment, animals, social equality or educational funding.
Bradley
Wilinski
7TH GRADE,
WOODLAND
MIDDLE SCHOOL
“At age 7, Bradley’s
body started mak-
ing sounds and
movements he
couldn’t control.
He was soon diag-
nosed with Tourette
syndrome.”
—Jan Wilinski,
Bradley’s mom
›› 2013 Youth Ambassador of Illinois for the Tourette
Syndrome Association.
›› Spoke to congressmen and the Centers for Disease Control
and Prevention about the need for funding, research and edu-
cation on Tourette syndrome.
›› Manages his symptoms by doing yoga, spending time with
his golden retriever and playing football.
Judge’s feedback: “Showing is always more powerful than
talking about it. This may be challenging, but Mr. Bradley sees
the problem as a solution.”—Andrew Holmes, Chicago activist
“I think it’s important to consider not only our own interests,
but also the dreams of others.”—Neftaly Lara
›› Established Let’s Spread Smiles, her own personal mission to
raise awareness and promote education at bottle schools (schools
built from recycled bottles) in Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic.
›› Raised over $1,500 for the education of children in the
Dominican Republic.
›› Works closely with the Art Institute of Chicago’s Teen Lab.
Judge’s feedback: “One of our biggest values is friendship.
Neftaly has shown that by reaching out to help people. … I am
very pleased with the amount of talent, professionalism and
tenacity that Neftaly has.”—Andrew Holmes, Chicago activist
Neftaly Lara
JUNIOR, WHITNEY YOUNG
TRENDSETTERS These students set
the trends at their schools and in their neighborhoods.
They’re not afraid to do something different or stand out
from the crowd.
Lauren
Crowe
JUNIOR,
GLENBARD WEST
“I hope that my bald
head might allow a
young girl with cancer to
see her own true beauty
because I’ve never felt
more beautiful.”
—Lauren Crowe
›› Goes by her
nickname, “Lo.”
›› Shaved her head
for St. Baldrick’s and
pledged to raise $2,000
for the organization—she’s collected over $1,200 so far.
›› Participates in cross country and track, holds the title of
student council president and works as the features editor
for her school’s newspaper.
Judge’s feedback: “She is not afraid to make a statement,
regardless of whether it is the popular thing to do.”
—Nikia Jefferson, ChiTown Fashionista
Romanus
Hutchins
SENIOR,
PERSPECTIVES-JOSLIN
“Romanus does every-
thing for me. He helps
me get through the day,
he helps me bring up
my grades, he always
brings me up when I am
down.”—Jatavia Powell, Perspectives-Joslin junior
›› Varsity football player and musician.
›› Leads by example through his involvement in
Perspectives Charter Schools scholars program, where he
serves as a mentor.
Judge’s feedback: “As an athlete, musician and scholar,
Romanus appears to be very well-rounded.”
—Nikia Jefferson, ChiTown Fashionista
“I am a young woman
ready to break into the
ranks of the oldest old
boys’ club of all: politics.”
—Devyn Rigsby
“I want to remind
the people of the
power they hold.”
—Lucian Black
photo
courtesy of
neftaly lara