Maxx, 1611th grade

Broad Ripple High SchoolIndianapolis, IN

Drawing

WRITER'S BLOCK: THERE IS A CURE.Feature: Uncharted

by Adam Oppenheim

Page 12

by Emily

Page 21 Siblings: Nick Goepper

Page 29

ISSUE March 2014

N S P I R E DExpress Yourself

FOR YOUTH DEVELOPMENT® FOR HEALTHY LIVING FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY

At the Y, we exist to strengthen community. Together with people like you, we nurture the potential of kids, help people understand and improve their health, and provide opportunities to give back and support neighbors. Join the Y. Join our cause. When you do, you create meaningful change not just for you, but

also for your community.

OUR MISSION: To put Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

FISHERS YMCA

9012 E. 126th ST FISHERS IN 46038 317.595.9622 www.OurCauseIsYou.org

JOINING THE YMCA IS GOOD FOR THE HEART

CALL OR VISIT THE FISHERS YMCA TODAY!

Express Yourself 3

departments

Letter, 4Poetry, 5Art, 6Photography, 14

Music, 16

Writing, 21

PUBLISHERMichael Vander Sande

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORDerryl PItts

ART DIRECTORBrian Brosmer

ADVERTISINGFor advertising information contactInspired Magazine at 317-691-4237

EDUCATORSSubmit classroom set requests and address changes to:michael@readinspiredmag.com

STUDENTS4VCNJU�ZPVS�PSJHJOBM�mDUJPO � OPO�mDUJPO �QPFUSZ �BSU �QIPUPHSBQIZ �NVTJD�BOE�mMN�GPS�consideration for publication at www.readinspiredmag.com

Copyright © 2014 The Project House 9149 Lantern Lane Indianapolis, IN 46256

Inspired Magazine, our publisher and our advertisers are not responsible or liable for misinformation, misprints, or typographical errors.

All rights reserved. May be reproduced with proper citation for educational purposes.

Inspired Magazine317.691.4237 michael@readinspiredmag.com

In Partnership With

features

Feature, 12High school senior documents cities homelessness.

:ULWHU·V�%ORFN��21 Ways I found to be useful in beating the block.

Conner, 13Fishers Junior HighCeramics

How I became a Publisher, 22I started my own publishing company and so can you.

&KLOGUHQ·V�0XVHXP�POCA, 24Amber Kriech project to give her passion of books to all.

Follow your Heart, 26Taylor Zimmermann’s cause to end slavery today.

Peers Project, 28

Siblings Series, Growing up with an Olympic Athlete, 29What does the sister of Olympic Medalist, Nick Goepper have to say about their brother?

CONTENT

4 Inspired

Thanks for downloading and reading our second edition of Inspired Magazine! As planned, we are printing Inspired every quarter and updating our Apps monthly.

We are thrilled with the overwhelming positive response to our inaugural edition last month. I want to point your attention to The Peers Project which over its lifetime - 20 years - have reached over 1 Million Indiana Kids. We are deeply exploring ways to partner with The Peers Project so their Kids - teens - can share their experiences of helping and guiding other Kids - teens. You will learn of their impact on page 28.

7KDQN�\RX�DOVR�WR�&RQQHU�3UDLULH�DQG�7KH�&KLOGUHQ·V�0XVHXP�IRU�VKDULQJ�FRQWHQW�IURP�WKH�DPD]LQJ�.LGV�WKH\�DUH�working with and impacting as well as the dozens of other organizations we are communicating with and exploring working partnerships. Thank you also to Nick Goepper, the Bronze Medal Olympic winner from Lawrenceburg, Indiana, and his family for their contributions to Inspired��1LFN·V�VLVWHU��.DVH\��VKDUHV�KRZ�1LFN�KDV�LQÁXHQFHG�DQG�,QVSLUHG�KHU��<RX�ZLOO�ÀQG�KHU�VWRU\�RQ�SDJH�����

2XU�VHFRQG�HGLWLRQ�LV�ÀOOHG�ZLWK�DPD]LQJ�DUW�DQG�ZULWLQJ�DQG�PXVLF�DQG�PRUH�DQG�ZH�HQFRXUDJH�\RX��RU�UHDGHUV��WR�OHW�every Kid you know that they have an opportunity to be published. Tell your friends, coworkers, teachers and schools you know and more about the wonderful, positive opportunity for Kids to share their work.

We are building momentum as we continue to launch and we thank each of you for your support.

Letter from the Publisher

From our February edition we have the following corrections

Mayra, 1611th gradeBroad Ripple High SchoolIndianapolis, INDrawing

Natalie, 137th GradeOrange County School of Arts, Visual Art ConservatorTemecula, CA

Samantha, Fishers High SchoolFishers, IN

LETTER

Express Yourself 5

What is love? /RYH�LV�ZKHQ�\RX�FDQ·W�ZDLW�WR�VHH�\RXU�RWKHU�KDOI�

or even when people consider you a half of the other.

,W·V�WKDW�PRPHQW�\RX�ZDNH�XS�WR�ÀQG�D�QHZ�WH[W�PHVVDJH�

that was sent at 2 A.M. because they genuinely fell asleep, and when you

actually call someone because you would rather hear them speak.

/RYH�LV�ZKHQ�\RX�ZDQW�WR�JLYH�VRPHRQH�HYHU\WKLQJ�\RX�KDYH��,W·V�WKDW�

moment when you hold one another,

DQG�\RX�GRQ·W�NQRZ�WKH�PHDQLQJ�RI�VDG�

/RYH�LV�VRPHWKLQJ�WR�DVSLUH�IRU�\HV��LW·V�D�PL[WXUH�RI�HXSKRULD�DQG�UHVSHFW�

It can be so vast; it can cover earth, or even for something so small like the

period at the end of this verse.

Love is something that we chase in our dreams.

It forces adults to have un-sound minds and make teens act obscene.

%XW�\RXU�JXHVV�LV�DV�JRRG�DV�PLQH��,·P�RQO\�HLJKWHHQ�Edward R., Salida, CO

Artwork:Jake, 8

Grade 2Cumberland Road Elementary School

Fishers, INWatercolor

POETRY

6 Inspired

Maily, 138th Grade

Fishers Junior HighFishers, IN

Mixed Media

ARTNatalie, 137th Grade

Orange County School of Arts, Visual Art Conservator

Temecula, CA

Krysta, 1812th GradeHamilton Southeastern High SchoolFishers, IN

Express Yourself 7

Evie, 5Cumberland Road ElementaryPreschoolFishers, INWatercolors

Taylor, 116th GradeNE Dubois Middle SchoolDubois, INCharcoal Drawing

Conner, 138th Grade

Fishers Junior HighFishers, IN

Ceramic

ART

8 Inspired

Kennedy, 72nd Grade

Fall Creek ElementaryFishers, IN

Acrylic Painting

ART

Krysta, 1812th GradeHamilton Southeastern High SchoolFishers, IN

Express Yourself 9

ART

Conner, 138th Grade

Fishers Junior HighFishers, IN

Mixed Media

Jake, 82nd GradeCumberland Road Elementary SchoolFishers, IN

10 Inspired

(Far left Image) Maxx, 1611th Grade

Broad Ripple High SchoolIndianapolis, IN

Drawing

ART

Naomi, 510th GradeBroad Ripple High SchoolIndianapolis, INDrawing

Paris, 127th Grade

Broad Ripple High SchoolIndianapolis, IN

Painting

Express Yourself 11

ART

Machaila, 149th GradeBroad Ripple High SchoolIndianapolis, INPainting

12 Inspired

Homelessness was never something I concerned myself with too often. Like most people, my perception of homelessness was vague. The cardboard sign, worn out clothes, shaking a cup for change… that was homelessness to me. As I grew older, I would hear things about the homeless community in Indianapolis. I soon realized that it was just that, a community. But still, the media’s portrayal of the homeless remained negative. It was almost as if something was being hidden from the public.In January of 2013, I decided that *�XBOUFE�UP�EP�B�EPDVNFOUBSZ�mMN�regarding homelessness. The idea was to debunk the rumors and break down the negative stereotype the homeless receive, and hopefully shed some light on the actuality of the situation. I contacted a friend, Sam, who had some experience in mMNNBLJOH��0ODF�XF�CPUI�XFSF�PO�the same page, we set out on our journey to uncover the truth behind homelessness.In the beginning, it was tough. We’d go to homeless shelters throughout the city and ask the administrators for interviews, but nobody seemed to want to participate. Soon enough, we found ourselves at a homeless camp downtown on Davidson Street. The camp residents called it “Irish Hills.” Irish Hills was the largest homeless shelter in Indianapolis, housing up to 70 residents at times. Very quickly, we started to make friends with some of the residents of the camp, including a very interesting man named Maurice. He was often referred to as the de facto mayor of Irish Hill, but he’d be quick to refute that, saying that he was only serving his duties as a homeless advocate. Either way, it was an extremely interesting situation. The camp was extremely organized. Hanging from one of the bridge support beams was a dry erase board, which had a list of what church ministries and outreach workers would be coming

on what days. There was a bookshelf, drinking water, a generator; even a television would be brought out each evening. It was a neighborhood, a very unique neighborhood. This neighborhood had its fair share of issues, but what neighborhood doesn’t?When doing a documentary, you never know how your story will end up. We thought we knew what our story would consist of, but that quickly changed.

After becoming acclimated at the camp, XF�TUVNCMFE�VQPO�B�DPOnJDU�CFUXFFO�UIF�Davidson street camp and the city. The city wanted the camp gone, and fast. Our story began to develop into something more than what we anticipated. Rumors of camp closing dates were spreading MJLF�XJMEmSF��*U�CFDBNF�BQQBSFOU�UIJT�TUPSZ�was becoming something greater than we could have ever imagined. Before I could blink an eye, I found myself

High School Senior Finds Uncharted Assignment

FEATURE

Adam Oppenheim

Express Yourself 13

FEATURE

sleeping in a tent in a homeless camp, awaiting eviction day while the rest of my classmates were mOJTIJOH�UIFJS�IPNFXPSL�GPS�UIF�next day of school.5IJT�mMN�JT�UIF�NPTU�JNQPSUBOU�thing I’ve ever done, and I’m proud that I devoted a year of my life to the process. Blood, sweat, and tears went into the making PG�UIJT�mMN �BOE�JU�XBT�BMM�XPSUI�JU��"T�BO�BTQJSJOH�mMNNBLFS �*�couldn’t be happier with what I’ve accomplished at this point in my life, and without the rest of the mMN�DSFX �OPOF�PG�UIJT�XPVME�IBWF�ever happened. I owe it to them and everybody that believed in

us for making it all come together."T�PG�OPX �UIF�mMN�JT�JO�JUT�mOBM�TUBHFT�of completion. Very soon, we will be TDSFFOJOH�UIF�mMN�BOE�TVCNJUUJOH�UP�mMN�GFTUJWBMT�BMM�PWFS�UIF�XPSME �TIBSJOH�what we’ve uncovered and pushing for a solution to this systemic problem.

Adam Oppenheim, 1812th Grade

Lawrence Central High School

Lawrence, INDocumentary

Filmmaker

14 Inspired

PHOTO

Kaleb, 1812th Grade

Lawrence Central High SchoolLawrence, IN

Photography

Elijah, 18Tecumseh, MI

Photography

Express Yourself 15

PHOTO

Kaleb, 1812th Grade

Lawrence Central High SchoolLawrence, IN

Photography

Elijah, 18Tecumseh, MI

Photography

16 Inspired

Have you ever thought about being in a band? Meet the guys from Dead Ringers: Ben Thrasher (vocals), Max Holtman (guitar and vocals), Drew Phillips (bass), Ryan Walstrom (drums), and Tim Graupner (keyboard) ��mWF�$BSNFM�)JHI�4DIPPM�students that have been in an alternative rock band for over three years. Here is what some of the members have to say about the time, dedication, and heart they put into being musicians who work together: Ryan Walstrom - DrumsBeing in a band is one of the most exhausting yet rewarding feelings of my life. I can’t say that I’ve enjoyed all of what comes with it, but I’m glad all of it happened.Being a high school band, JU�T�VOEFSTUBOEBCMZ�EJGmDVMU�to be taken seriously. We’re still young now, and when we were even younger, we weren’t near t’s as if that cd ly as good. Finding venues has always been a challenge for us, especially since, being minors, playing in bars has never been an option. However, though it takes a bit of searching, we manage mOE�UP�mOE�TIPXT�XJUI�PUIFS�CBOET�passionate about performing music to make ourselves known, and perform our original songs.Writing original material can be a EJGmDVMU�QSPDFTT�XJUI�mWF�QFPQMF �especially with all of our different preferences in music. Trying to compose an entirely original piece of music together can be tedious and full of arguing (it almost always is), but it’s also the one experience that makes each of us invested in the band. Playing covers is fun, but writing music has rewards of its own. It allows expression from all of us in a whole new form we had never known.Though the feeling of writing our own music is compensation enough for the

time and work, my favorite part of being in a band has been recording what we come up with. It takes all of the hard work we’ve put in over the previous few months and allows us to make it permanent. It’s an area that requires a lot of devotion to the quality of the mOJTIFE�QSPEVDU �CVU�UIFSF�T�OPUIJOH�RVJUF�BT�TBUJTGZJOH�BT�IPMEJOH�UIF�mOBM�result of all your work in your hands. It’s as if that CD is the embodiment of all that you put into the band. In a sense, it’s a piece of you and each band member that you all put together to make something.It’s not always fun, and it certainly isn’t FBTZ��5IFSF�IBWF�CFFO�B�MPU�PG�EJGmDVMU�times being in a band, and there’s without a doubt a lot more to come, but if I could go back, I wouldn’t change a thing.Max Holtman - GuitarI think that we are all looking for TPNFUIJOH�TQFDJmD�XIFO�XF�BSF�working together. What that may be is something different for each of us, and it’s always changing. It could be writing a particular song that is the perfect

blend of inspiration from all of our favorite bands or something that sounds really great live, and the audience enjoys it as much as we do. All I know is that with each song we write, there is always some small section that feels like the height of the song to me. I am always TBUJTmFE�CZ�UIBU��*�LFFQ�writing songs looking for that again and again.Drew Phillips - BassThe exhilaration that DPNFT�GSPN�mOJTIJOH�B�song or performing in front of an audience - or even just getting through three bars of “Do I Wanna Know” with a friend - is something that can be found nowhere else. Its addictive under the right circumstances. And rather than

absorbing and overtaking aspects of my life it becomes an outlet for me to FYQSFTT�XIBUFWFS�JU�JT�UIBU�JT�BGnJDUJOH�me at the moment. My part-time job, school, a radio show, DMVCT �QMBZT �BOE�mMN�QSPKFDUT�BMTP�UBLF�up nearly every hour in my day and what the biggest struggle in the past few years has been the balance of all of these. As much as I’d like to spend every night writing new songs, every now and again you’ve got to write a few papers and crack a few books. Despite it taking up quite a lot of my UJNF�*�BMTP�mOE�NZTFMG�JOTQJSFE�JO�TDIPPM�to write and think about new things to add into different concepts for stories or lyrics or song structures. Books and poems like “The Metamorphosis” and “The Rhime of the Ancient Mariner” have brought me hundreds of great new ways of looking at the world and I’ve even written some of my best lyrics during class. Though taking notes might be a bit more traditional, taking in the information in my own manner helps me retain and know it better for longer

MUSIC Sponsored By:

Express Yourself 17

MUSIC

periods of time rater than just memorizing it and I fully believe this has helped me a lot in school. The two biggest challenges of playing in a band in high TDIPPM�BSF�mOEJOH�TIPXT �especially around central and suburban Indy you have to be prepared to play the Hoosier Dome and Ben & Ari’s and house parties a lot if you want to get some genuine exposure. The other being the looming demise of nearly all bands which stems from the inevitably of college. Being a second semester senior this has never dawned on me more than now. It’s sad but still it’s UFSSJmD�UP�LOPX�UIBU�ZPV�WF�IBE�GPVS�ZFBST�of excitement and creation and fantastic experience with a tight knit group of three to four people that you couldn’t change for the world. I certainly wouldn’t. And things like college open a whole new world a possibility that I have yet to be able to fathom. Its an unforgettable experience with boundless rewards that is second to none that I think every person should attempt at some point in their lives.

Tim Graupner - KeyboardBeing in a band with every member VOEFS����NBLFT�mOEJOH�TIPXT�UP�QMBZ�FYUSFNFMZ�EJGmDVMU��8F�IBWF�UXP�SFMJBCMF�venues to play, both being too far away for any of our friends from school to drive down just to see us play a half-hour show. The band itself also adds to the already busy schedule of a high school student, with a job, homework, sleep, and everything else. There’s a lot of work to do.

It keeps us busy and leaves very little free time, but it’s worth it. I’ve learned a lot about what it’s like to be truly invested in something you enjoy, and it’s been a blast. The feeling of performing onstage in front of any crowd is like nothing else, and hearing a song that we all work together to create is incredible. Our band IBT�CFFO�B�EFmOJOH�GFBUVSF�PG�BMM�NZ�years at high school, and I wouldn’t trade it for anything.The only thing I’m upset about is the fast approaching end, as we all split up to head to different colleges. But even though we’re all going separate ways, I’m still going to have four great friends, who (even though I don’t write or play music with) I can always count on to be down to hang out.Our music including our new single, “Stop the World” (included below)is available at http://deadringersindy.bandcamp.com/

Sponsored By:

Push to Play “Stop the World”

18 Inspired

MUSICInfamous Drew Johnson, 16

10th GradeFishers High School

Fishers, IN

Being a teenager is the best time in a person’s life. Being a teenager in a band gives the teenage years a whole new meaning! Making music in a spare bedroom used to be a hobby and was honestly more of just a thing to do before we ever thought it’d be a serious career like activity for us. We always thought it’d be the coolest job in the world to tour the world. All of us envisioned playing with big musicians and to have thousands of people sing our lyrics with us. Never did we think we’d perform with national bands that have been on Vans Warped Tour. Nor could we have envisioned recording two EPs full of songs we personally wrote. Our band is Infamous and we proudly write these songs to match how we felt at the time. Music isn’t necessarily a work or school relief. It’s more of a way to express what we feel through the best way we know how to. There’s not a single thing in this world that we want more than to be touring the world, getting our name out there, and meeting as many fans as possible. Even though some of the events we perform in now are much larger, we’re still the same band from that spare bedroom writing our music the way we want to! 8F�IPQF�ZPV�XJMM�mOE�VT�PO�UIF�TPDJBM�media pages listed below and are moved by our music as much as we are when a crowd reacts to what we do on stage. www.InfamousTheBand.comwww.facebook.com/InfamousTheBandTwitter & Instagram: @InfamousTheBand

Sponsored By:

3KRWRV�E\�$GDP�2SSHQKHLP

Express Yourself

ways to follow N S P I R E D

Express YourselfAttention Students:

4VCNJU�ZPVS�PSJHJOBM�mDUJPO � OPO�mDUJPO �QPFUSZ �BSU �QIPUPHSBQIZ �NVTJD�BOE�mMN�GPS�DPOTJEFSBUJPO�GPS�

publication by going to

readinspiredmag.org

EDUCATORSSubmit classroom set requests and curriculum, lesson plans or

workshops to:michael@readinspiredmag.com

Our goal, and Mission at Inspired is To Inspire Kids. We believe our magazine

is a great venue and opportunity for Kids to share UIFJS�XPSL��8F�LOPX �mSTU�IBOE �UIF�CFOFmUT�PG�,JET�

being published with positive JNQBDUT�PG�,JET�DPOmEFODF �self esteem, direction and

more.

Follow us on Twitter@inspiredkidmag

Friend us on Facebook and LIKE usInspiredKidsIndy

FOR MAKINGJA BIZTOWN SUMMER CAMP

A POSSIBILITY.

THANK YOU

F : Ɵ : :: : : : Ɵ :: : : : : : : : 317.252.5900 x102 / lacia@jaindy.org www.jaindy.org

T: : :: : : : : :: :: : : : : : : : :: : : : : : : : T: Ō : : : : ::: ::Ɵ:: x :Ɵ : : : :: : Ɵ : : : Ɵ : : J : ::: : B zT : : ( :- : : :):

What will your child learn at camp?

Financial Literacy: : :: :: : : ::: : : : : : Ɵ::: :: :: Ɵ:::

Entrepreneurship:Entrepreneurship: : : : : : : ::: : : : : :: : : :Ɵ : :: : : : : : ::

Work Readiness: : : :: : : : :: : :Ɵ : : :

Philanthropy:Philanthropy: : : : :: : :: : : : : :

J : ::: : : : I:: : : : : : : : Ɵ : : I:: : : : :: : engaging summer camp experience.

Express Yourself 21

WRITER'S BLOCK: THERE IS A CURE.

Writer·s block, I cringe at those words. To me, it·s an illness. It’s worse than the nV, or missing ZPVS�CFTt friend’s CJrthday party, CFDBVTF yoVr mom made yoV�visiU�ZPVr grandma all the way in TiNCVLtV. Why do I feel that way? BeDaVse, writer’s CMPDL is the damming of yoVr�Dreativity. 4VEEFOly, that awesome magJDal stVff that mBLFT yoV write is jVTt TIVU�Pff! YPV no longer have that DlimaDUiD�TDene ZPV were jVTt dreaming aCoVt. Do not fear, there is a way to overDPNe it. AlthPVgh DIPDPlate does help, for me it all DPNes down to media.

Read! Reading is one of the Cest things a writer Dan do. It giWFT�ZPV inspiration and ideas. Don’t Dopy the CooL. #Vt, why not taLe the simple tIVOEFSTtorm in one CooL �and maLF iU�B�Cattle Cetween divinities in another? Reading other sVDDessfVM�XriUFST�DBn also giWF�ZPV an idea of what yoVr aVdienDe wants to read; henDe, what yPV DoVld QVt in yoVr story. Anything from CMogs to fan mDUion, role play to Ciographies Dan sparL yoVr imagination.

Then there·s artwork. I love looLJOg at digital art and landsDape photography. It gives me ideas for settings, DharaDters, and TDenes. By lPPLing at the lBOETDBQF�Wiew of a moVntainside, I�DoVMd get the idea for sending my DIarBDUFST�into a snowstorm, or mBZCF�NZ main DharaDUer’s Cest friend loses her father in a TLJJnH�BDDiEFOU��*�TVHHFTt lPPLing on wFCTites liLe Pinterest that sort piDUVres and information Cy UPQJDs and tend tP�CF�NPre appropriate. It’T�RViDLer and more efmDJFOt too.

Then there·s what I like to call, motion picture. Again gVZT, YoVTVCF! If yoV need help adding a dramatJD element to�ZPVr writing, loPL Vp yoVr favorite romanDe movie! There’s everything from Cattle sDFnes (again, Lord of the Rings), to aDtion (JaDLJF�$han), to what aliens are aDUVally�MJLe %PDUor Who). Movies�DBn sometimeT�Ce the most�JOnVential soVrDes. For one, there’s Cody langVBge. DesDriCing someone’s Cody langVBge in writing Dan Ce essential to setting the mood. If yoVr trying to maLF�someone sad, yoV�Bren’t going to have them striding all aroVOd the plaDe with their head held high.

If that doesQ·t cure you, maybe the only thing left is time. I haYHQ·W�Keard of a case where

What about music? I love listening to grPVps liLF�$eMUJD Woman and the TolLien &OTFNCle when I write; it gets me into Dreativity mode. The right sidF�PG�ZPVS�Crain is the Dreative side; yPV�Dan trigger it�Cy listening to wordless mVsiD. YPVTVCF is a great resoVrDF for mnding mVTiD. The Lord of the Rings, and Harry Potter soVOEtrBDLT are great if�ZPV’re writing fantasy. Even if fantasy writing isn’t yPVS thing, it’s still good to listen to. YoV�DoVld get something oVt of it.

By Emily7th Grade 'SBOLMJO�TPXOTIJQ�.JEEMF�4DIPPM�&BTU

WRITING

22 Inspired

WRITING

It all started in Kindergarten… *�IBE�EJGmDVMUJFT�XJUI�NFNPSJ[JOH�words like the and an. Because of this I was held back and I had to spend another year in Kindergarten. Even though I did have to repeat a grade, I didn’t even notice as I was having too much fun there. But for many kids being in school was hard especially to meet new friends. Many kids were lonely and depressed. Since I enjoyed meeting new people, I didn’t have a problem being in school all day long. I started helping out lonely kids who doubted themselves, I showed them that they had talents and that they get to decide on how to feel. I didn’t OPUJDF�BU�mSTU�UIBU�*�XBT�JOTQJSJOH�people to be a better, happier version of them, encouraging my peers and acquaintances to look for their talents, uniqueness and abilities, as well as support each other. By the end of third grade I found a better way to spread my message to many others. That’s XIFO�*�XSPUF�NZ�mSTU�CPPL�DBMMFE�“Sewing a Friendship”. I wrote this book to spread a message that

friendships are created when you have the courage to include others. On the other hand you need to be brave enough to be able to accept that invitation to be a friend. You must let go of your doubts and fears and be willing to be happy for who you are and you should share your talents.� "GUFS�*�XSPUF�NZ�mSTU�CPPL �UIFSF�was a question: how it will be published? Self-published! That was my choice. But I didn’t want to have just a self-publish a book where ZPV�MM�mOE�B�QSJOUFS�BOE�QSJOU�BOE�then try to sell. I wanted to have my own publishing house. We decided to create a publishing company “Tintinatie Publishing House,” the combination of my last name, Tinti, and a nickname of mine, Natie. Here is what you need to do if you want a publishing company of your own:besides writing and illustrating your books, do register your business (and do taxes), make a website, get *4#/ �ZPV�NVTU�mOE�B�EJTUSJCVUJPO �a printer, an editor, reviewers,

design your book cover and pages (also scan and clean images if you have them), do marketing: social networking, articles, press releases, go to meetings and schools trying to schedule interviews, presentations and book signings or….you could just go to Create Space where they print, distribute, and put on Amazon (you just need to market it, let everyone know about your new book). Let me know if you have any questions at my website www.natalietinti.com. This is Natalie Tinti, 13 years old multi-awarded writer and illustrator of Sewing a Friendship. Thank you and Good luck!

Tintinatie Publishing

Natalie, 13Grade 7

Orange County School of Arts, Visual Art Conservator

Temecula, CA

Express Yourself 23

WRITING

It was mid day, and the sun was radiating its face on the blood stained meadow of fallen soldiers. One had just left the CBUUMFmFME �BOE�IF�DPMMBQTFE�JO�MJRVJE�NVE �IJT�SFE�CMPPE�EZFJOH�it a vibrant orange. It seemed as if just yesterday that the grassy plain was in a time of peace.About 20 miles north, in one of the Union’s newly found towns, a new soldier came. This young man was about 21 years of age, quite short, and he was sound. He was joining the leagues of IPQFGVM�NFO �XIP�mHIU�GPS�UIFJS�UPSO�DPVOUSZ��5IJT�NBO�TFFNFE�to be excited to join the others, but after a few lethargic days of boredom, he would be yet another unhinged being.i*O�UIF�CBUUMF�mFME �ZB�OFWFS�LOPX�XIBU�DPVME�IBQQFO�UP�ZB w�the burly corporal began, “ya maight see death behint’ ya, or hopeful passion shinin’ towards ya. Walkin’ off into the light, or shooting down one on the other side may also happen to ya. This ain’t just a war boy, its a war between our fellow man. It may hurt me or ya, but mostly it hurts our country,” or, that is what I thought he articulated. I really do goddamn hope that my time will be soon. Up until this point, I have CFFO�B�CJSE�SFBEZ�UP�nZ �but I have been stuck in the golden cage of my ma. I am ready to mHIU�BHBJOTU�NFO�XIP�have enough stupidity to challenge us.It all seemed to go by so rapidly. The massive corporal just told me to move it on, out of bed, and get marching. After an exhausting 20 mile NBSDI�TPVUI �XF�mOBMMZ�got to the place where I would become who I have always wanted to be. When we reached the enclosure, it all began to happen. Any pain, or passion that I had, had before this point in my life XBT�OPX�nPBUJOH�PVU�PG�NZ�TNBMM�CSBJO��"MM�*�DPVME�IBWF�FWFSZ�ESFBNFE �XBT�UIJT��8F�HPU�JOUP�B�MJOF �QSFQBSFE�PVS�SJnFT �BOE�the battle that my whole life has led up to was about to begin.0VS�SJnFT�CBSSBHFE�UIF�FOFNJFT�MJLF�nBNFT�GSPN�IFMM �CVU�UIFJS�shots whistled right straight passed our craniums, sounding like a screaming banshee. But then, it was as if the battle was put to halt, as if we had to thing I could comprehend to do was desert. I turned around, seeing a sea of bodies, and I ran out of the clearing, without touching the ground. I then dashed into the woods, but I turned around to see that the once helpful corporal, would soon be a newly found pain.

The corporal soon caught up to me, myself thinking that he would brutally kill me, but in contrary, he simply shook my hand, for he had deserted to. We then continued to travel deeper and deeper into the woods, soon it would be night, and a pack of hungry soldiers would come searching for the two of us.We made conversation, but the husky corporal just nodded his head to my idiotic comments. He would sometimes bring up TMJHIUMZ�JOUFSFTUJOH�OFXT �CVU�NPTUMZ�XF�KVTU�IBE�UP�mHVSF�PVU�how we were going to make it out of here alive. Although he had a passionate hopeful glimmer in his eye, I knew that something was terribly wrong. When ever a puff of wind blew by us, it felt like death’s breathe was encircling us. The ground that we walked upon felt like a fresh wound, and the rain did not kiss my cheeks as it fell from the omnipresent sky. Even the tasteful moon’s very own faint light, was absent from the sky. Everything though, still seemed quite true and tangible. As we were walking through the woods, I spotted our ruined camp, and shoulder by shoulder, we crept towards the pale light source.

As we continued walking we began to hear a murmur by a person, but as we got closer it became a roar. “Good evenin’ fella men...today, on all of days, we got some very depressin’ news for ya,” someone pronounced. I walked closer out of curiosity so I could hear the rest of this young man’s speech. “As ya all should know now, Jeremiah Major, and

Ferdanin Grande, have both recently passed away on the battle mFME�wI turned to Ferdanin, but he vanished, just as if he had been a ghost. I knew what had to happen, so that the world would not be upset. As I left the woods, everything became the way it was before I challenged death. The ground became a soft pillow that propelled me upward, and the rain war.

By: Luther DeMyer

“This ain’t just a war boy, its a war between our fellow man. It may hurt me or ya, but mostly it hurts our

country,”

24 Inspired

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for PUIFST �w��'PS�UIF�QBTU�mGUFFO�ZFBST �*�have been answering this question by working to improve the quality of life and education of disadvantaged youth.In 2008, I combated youth illiteracy by creating a 2,000 book library for an inner-city youth center serving 100 children. For this project, I received The Children’s Museum of Indianapolis’ Power of Children Award (POCA) in 2009. When I mSTU�TBX�UIF�WJEFP�BCPVU�NZ�MJCSBSZ�JO�UIF�Power of Children Gallery, I realized that as of that moment, my story was amongst those of three kids who forever changed the world- Anne Frank, Ruby Bridges, and Ryan White. Their example inspired me to use the power of words, action, and voice in my own life, to continue making a difference.

In 2010, I was shocked to learn that there are 29,000 homeless youth in Indiana and decided to help Outreach Inc., which serves over 600 of these youth annually. After learning that a lack of space to provide adequate services to homeless youth was one of their most pressing issues, I chose to utilize my $2,000 POCA grant to transform their 450 square-foot VOmOJTIFE�BUUJD�JOUP�B�4QJSJUVBM�-JGF�BOE�Educational Center.I spent 500 hours managing a twelve-month construction project, soliciting donations from 42 donors, and recruiting 45 volunteers, who worked over 2,000 hours. Thanks to my POCA grant and my volunteers and donors, I was able to provide Outreach, Inc. with a training/conference area, private meeting room, chapel, and library valued at $35,000.Since completing the center, I have continued to promote youth literacy

by distributing over 10,000 books to afterschool programs through my Rolling Libraries 4 Kids. I have created awareness about issues facing disadvantaged youth through media and EPDVNFOUBSZ�mMN�JOUFSWJFXT �NBHB[JOF�and newspaper articles, internet postings, presentations to community groups, and my website, www.goodheartgoodworks.org. Additionally, I have served on the United Way Youth as Resources Board and Carmel Mayor’s Youth Council, and I am currently a member of the State Farm Youth Advisory Board.Jonas Salk once said that, “The reward for work well done is the opportunity to EP�NPSF�w��)JT�XPSET�SFnFDU�NZ�KPVSOFZ�since receiving the Power of Children Award and I hope that my story will inspire you to use the power within yourself to make a difference.

LIBRARY FOR ALL

Amber Kriech Indianapolis, IN

Making a Difference

Anniversary

WRITING

photos of Amber Kriech

Express Yourself 25

To learn more aboutTT YPII and become involved with youth philanthropy in Indiana contact:

Jill Gordon,YPII Program Director(317) 630-5200 extee . 116. jgorgg don@indianagrantmakers.org

www.ypin.org

Look for us on ff Facebook– FF“Youth Philanthropy InitiatiYY ve of Indiana”

FollFF ow us on Twitter @TT YouthPhilINYY

The Youth Philanthropy

Initiative of Indiana (YPII), is a

signature program of the Indiana

Grantmakers Alliance.

YPII provides technical

assistance, educational resources,

trainings, and best practices to

advance youth philanthropy in the

state of Indiana.

26 Inspired

CAUSES

When Abraham Lincoln signed the Emancipation Proclamation in 1863, most people believed that this would bring an end to slavery. Today, over 150 years later, slavery not only exists, but is a thriving industry. There are more than 27 million people FOTMBWFE�BSPVOE�UIFøXPSME�today – which is more than any other time in history. *O�GBDU �IVNBO�USBGmDLJOH �which is simply modern-day slavery, is a $32 billion per year industry – more than Apple or Starbucks. The NBKPSJUZ�PG�USBGmDLJOH�WJDUJNT�are young girls between the ages of 12 and 14. This global epidemic is not just happening in third-world countries. It is happening right here in the United 4UBUFT�ø8IFO�*�mSTU�EJTDPWFSFE�that slavery still existed, I was shocked. *�CFHBO�UP�SFBE�FWFSZUIJOH�*�DPVME�mOE�SFHBSEJOH�IVNBO�USBGmDLJOH��"T�IPSSJmD�as the statistics were, they were just numbers to me. This all changed after I volunteered at Conner Prairie’s “Follow the North Star” (FNS) program. FNS is an interactive simulation, held every April and November, of what the life of a fugitive on the Underground Railroad would have been like in 1836. It was at this point that the statistics became more than just numbers; they became 27 million human beings. This program made me think about how I would have responded if I had been alive in the 1830s. Would I have been willing to risk my own safety to help others? I then realized that I was asking the wrong question. I should be asking, “What am I willing to do today to bring an end to the HMPCBM�FQJEFNJD�PG�IVNBO�USBGmDLJOH w�That was the beginning of wr4Freedom.The goal of wr4Freedom is to bring awareness and to raise money to help organizations involved in combating IVNBO�USBGmDLJOH��8F�IFME�PVS�JOBVHVSBM�event in September 2013, which was

B���NJMF�XBML�SVO�CFOFmUJOH�3BQIB�House, an organization that works with girls that have been rescued from IVNBO�USBGmDLJOH��5IFJS�HPBM�JT�UP�IFMQ�UIF�WJDUJNT�PG�IVNBO�USBGmDLJOH�BDIJFWF�lasting freedom from a desperate future

by providing education, vocational training, care and counseling. Their slogan is: Love. Rescue. Heal. This event raised more than $11,000, had 264 participants and was 100% funded by 15 local businesses and community leaders. I am overwhelmed by the support of our local community. I stand amazed at how God was able to use ordinary teens to do extraordinary things. Without Conner Prairie and the “Follow the North Star” program, the seed for wr4FREEDOM would not have been planted. During the last year, I have been blessed with the opportunity to share my vision for bringing an end to modern-day slavery with a number of local groups ranging from youth groups to Rotary Clubs to other community groups. As a result of my volunteer work at Conner Prairie and my work with wr4Freedom, I was honored to receive the 2013 Governor’s Service Award in the youth category. This award has provided additional opportunities for me to raise awareness about the human-USBGmDLJOH�FQJEFNJD��5P�HBJO�B�CFUUFS�understanding of the impact Rapha House is having in Southeast Asia, I am

traveling with a team of nine this summer to visit one of their safe houses. I am excited to see how this experience will challenge me to be even more diligent BOE�QBTTJPOBUF�BCPVU�mHIUJOH�UIF�HMPCBM�FQJEFNJD�PG�IVNBO�USBGmDLJOH�%VF�UP�UIF�JOnVFODF�$POOFS�1SBJSJF�has had in shaping my passion, I was honored to speak at their annual meeting and be able to personally thank Ms. Sarah Morin, youth experience manager, as well as the entire staff, board and donors for their work and dedication to programs such as “Follow the North Star” and the Youth Volunteer Program. These types of programs not only teach teens about the past but also inspire them to take that knowledge and make a difference in the world today. I will always be grateful to Conner Prairie for instilling in me the importance of serving my community and inspiring me to be a voice for the voiceless. About Taylor ZimmermanTaylor Zimmerman is 16 and a resident PG�(SFFOmFME �Ind. She has volunteered more than 2,100 hours to Conner Prairie Interactive History Park as a youth volunteer, working in costume and the Animal Encounters Barn. To learn more about Zimmerman’s run-walk, visit www.walkrun4freedom.weebly.com. You can learn more about Conner Prairie Interactive History Park at www.connerprairie.org.

Follow your Heart: Taylor Zimmerman’s cause

Express Yourself 27

28 Inspired

LEADERS

Being a leader and a committed student has always been important to me. The more involved I became with PEERS, the more I realized I had a purpose to help others. The PEERS Project not only provided me an ideal forum to serve as a leader, it gave me an opportunity to openly share my beliefs. I am proud to help students understand the dangers of sexual activity, the signs of unhealthy relationships and how to avoid them, ways to say no to drugs & alcohol, and how to stand up to bullies.

Serving as a Peer Leader has really helped my self-esteem and made me a better person. Our society tries to place barriers through statistics, but I SFGVTFE�UP�MFU�UIBU�iGBMTF�EBUBw�EFmOF�my generation. I so desperately wanted to prove that a great number of teens were not who society made us out to be, and it is through the PEERS Project that I was able to voice those beliefs. By being a positive role model for my peers, and avoiding risky behavior, I make a difference with my generation. One of the core values of PEERS is learning to lead. Naturally, I was capable, but I was never given the tools I needed to enhance this skill. One of the tools granted to me by The PEERS Project was understanding my leadership style, NFBOJOH �*�NVTU�mSTU�LOPX�XIP�*�BN�BT�a leader in order to be effective in any of my pursuits. I am beyond thankful that through my growth as a leader, I have been able to improve and hone in on this skill. Along with noticing a tremendous amount of growth in my leadership, PEERS taught me the importance of communicating effectively with others,

and appreciating the relationships built through that dialogue. I have the ability to hold conversations with those who are superiors, as well as those who are in equal positions as me. In relation to the skills I have acquired, balance is one of the most important. Interning for the PEERS Project, along with school, requires responsibility and time management, learning to carry out every task I am given promptly and FGmDJFOUMZ��In preparation for a post-secondary education, I understand that balance is a skill I need and if it were not for PEERS, I would not be able to productively handle numerous tasks. I value commitment, which often means TUBOEJOH�mSN�JO�XIBU�*�CFMJFWF�BOE�FODPVSBHJOH�PUIFST�UP�TUBOE�mSN�JO�UIFJS�beliefs. My purpose is not only having a healthy lifestyle for myself, but sharing this choice with my peers. It is through the PEERS Project that my leadership and purpose are carried out; choices are no longer feckless but empowering.

Click Play to watch a

small video on Peers Project

NICHOLESenior

Herron High School

Peers Project

Express Yourself 29

SIBLINGSGrowing up with an Olympic Athlete, Nick Goepper

Bradee,15, Jason, 12, Nick, 19, Kasey, 17

Something that I have learned from watching my brother through this journey is to never let anyone tell you, you can’t do something.

1. WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED FROM WATCHING YOUR BROTHER NICK’S JOURNEY?

Going into all of this I wanted to be a physical therapist and now that I have been hanging around all the news crews and marketing people, I have decided to change and hopefully go into marketing for P&G!

2. HAS NICK INSPIRED YOU TO DO SOMETHING?

Some advice that I would give to others, is that if you have B�ESFBN �TFU�HPBMT�mSTU�BOE�UIFO�EP�FWFSZUIJOH�ZPV�DBO�UP�achieve those goals. If you try your hardest and are really determined, your dream will become reality.

3. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE OTHERS ABOUT ACHIEVING YOUR DREAMS?

My favorite trait about Nick is that he is always moving around. Nick can never sit still and I love that about him. My little sister and little brother are more laid back, but not Nick, which is nice because he keeps me on my feet and I can count on him to hang with me if I ever need a friend. We love to hike, ride longboards, swim, and on occasion shop together.

4. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE TRAIT ABOUT YOUR BROTHER?

To never give up. Plain and simple.

5. SINCE YOU ALL HAVE THE SAME PARENTS, WHAT IS THE BEST ADVICE THEY HAVE GIVEN YOU?

More video from Nick’s Family

Questions answered by Kasey Goepper, age 17.

The Children’s Mus eum of Indianapolis

Making a Difference

2014Call for EntriesAre you, or is someone you know in Grades 6–11, making an extraordinary difference in your community?

Winners receive:Q $2,000 GrantQ���Four-year Post-secondary

Educational ScholarshipQ���Recognition in The Power of Children:

Take Action areaOnline applications only at childrensmuseum.org/poca

Application deadline: Midnight, March 23, 2014

The Power of Children Awards established by

Deborah Joy Simon Charitable Trust

Deborah Joy Simon Charitable Trust

With additional support from

Grades 6–11

The Power of Children Awards is celebrating its 10th anniversary. To date, 44 winners from 31 cities have raised millions of dollars and impacted thousands of lives around the world. Will you be the next to be recognized? Apply today!

Anniversary