For many teens, hair is more than just appearance—it’s personal. It’s the silent billboard of identity, culture, and sometimes, insecurity. Whether it’s curls, color, or texture, hair can carry...

Jessie* has never been on a family vacation. In third grade, upset that her family never traveled to places like Disney World, Jessie asked her mom why. “That’s when my mom told me we legally can’t,”...

“Yes” is a word often used to agree, or give consent, to something. But what happens when it’s not freely given? And how do you know the difference? “Sometimes people don't even realize that what...

AP Student While the rest of her family slept, junior Adaobi Ibe sat on her bedroom floor in the center of dimly lit academic chaos. She had a Chromebook in her lap, her iPad and her Advanced Placement...

*indicates unnamed source. A story of unbelonging: “I have never felt like I’ve belonged in all four years I’ve been here,” *Jane Doe said. The thought of ‘fitting in’ and an inclusive community...

As a LGBTQ+ youth, being comfortable with your identity is already difficult enough. When knowing that you may face discrimination for your identity, another unimaginable weight is added. The fear of discrimination,...

“It sometimes feels like you can’t breathe,” junior, unnamed source said. “You can’t think, you can't focus. Your only focus is getting that next fix.” The list of places in which one can...

Every assembly, bellowing to the crowds, Principal Steve McWilliams shouts, “We are Barrington!” We are Barrington, yes, but who are we? Our school is filled with stories of diverse and unique individuals....

Together they cramped in the bathroom. The summer before freshman year. A group of kids, hiding from the birthday party gathering, for just a few minutes. Behind a locked door, the air was hot and sticky. *Alexis,...

Detective Hakeem Jamal Smith’s desktop is open to Pandora’s “Chill Pop” playlist. His office is one of stark contrast — on the walls hang inspirational quotes, and behind his desk sits a riot...

Why students  get involved The morning of November 9, 2016, senior Amanda Dern woke up to what she found to be devastating news. The presidential election of the night before hadn’t gone as planned,...