Virginia and Perry Henderson and Women in Focus Blazed a Trail for Young People in Madison

by Ayelen Flores and Jules DaCosta, Simpson Street Free Press

Women in Focus is a well-known and respected local organization. The annual “I Have a Dream” Ball is a beloved tradition in Madison. The event has funded college scholarships and various other education programs for 40 years. As in past years, Simpson Street students volunteered at this year's "I Have a Dream" Ball. We can report that everyone had a great time supporting the cause of education.

Today, the work of Women in Focus and the “I Have a Dream” Ball are well-known in Madison. But it wasn’t always that way. Through many twists and turns, a small but devoted group of local women turned an idea into a cause. The result was, and still is, tangible financial support for local college-bound students.

Dr. Virginia Henderson was a founding member of Women in Focus. She sometimes chaired and always volunteered for the “I Have a Dream” Ball and was active in the organization’s work. She was president of Women in Focus in 1984-85. Virginia worked for the Madison school district and continued to be active in our schools after she retired. The former Glendale Elementary School on the city’s southeast side is now named for Virginia Henderson. [Read More]

Hephaestus: Ancient Greek God of the Forge

by Eric Santiago, age 10

Hephaestus was the god of fire and a blacksmith. He had a workshop underneath Mount Edna, where the giant, Typhon, was trapped. Unlike other gods, Hephaestus was very ugly and had a lame foot. As a baby, his mother, Hera, threw him off Olympus because she was disgusted by his appearance.

Hephaestus was found and cared for by Thetis after falling from Olympus. Thetis was a sea nymph, a water goddess, and would later give birth to Achilles, one of the greatest fighters ever.

Hephaestus made the Scepter and Aegis of Zeus, the helmet of Hermes, automatons (robots), and even made Talos, an automaton for King Milos. He also helped in the creation of the first mortal woman, Pandora, by shaping her body out of clay. He even trapped his mother, Hera, in invisible chains and only freed her after she agreed to let him marry the goddess Aphrodite. [Read More]

American Players Theater Review: "The Barber and The Unnamed Prince"

by Jules Da Costa, age 17

The world premiere of Gavin Dillon Lawrence’s “The Barber and The Unnamed Prince,” now playing at American Players Theater until September 25th, is more than a tribute to the “Chocolate City.” It’s a reflection of identity, fatherhood, and the erasure of culture in a city changing too fast for its people to hold on.

Originally titled “The Death of Chuck Brown,” the DC music icon and Godfather of Go-Go was a prominent theme in the play. However, the play’s title and content were recently slightly changed after the Brown family expressed their opposition to Chuck Brown’s name and music being used. The main plot of the play remains unaltered.

Entirely set in a barbershop, the play follows Kofi, a middle-aged barber deeply rooted in tradition, and his struggle as a Black man in America as he wrestles with raising his teenage son, Prince. The play opens to a stage filled with smoke and the spirit of the Ancestor, played by La Shawn Banks, moving in a slow, flowy motion. The scene quickly cuts to the barbershop, where Kofi, played by David Alan Anderson, and childhood best friend Sweep, portrayed by Nathan Barlow, are opening up the shop and reflecting on their glory days. The changing atmosphere in and around the barbershop seems to be a prominent symbol of a community at risk of being forgotten. [Read More]

Boudica: Warrior Queen of the Celts

by Leah Santiago, age 12

Boudica, known as the Celtic warrior queen, was the ruler of the Iceni tribe in the area now known as East Anglia. A Roman writer, Cassius Dio, described her as “very tall. Her eyes seemed to stab you. Her voice was harsh and loud. Her thick, reddish-brown hair hung down below her waist. She always wore a golden torc around her neck and a flowing tartan cloak fastened with a brooch.”

One of Boudica’s major battles was the destruction of Colchester. Her forces destroyed the capital of Roman Britain and killed the people who lived there. She also burned down the city of Verulamium. However, she also lost several battles, including the Battle of Watling Street, where her army outnumbered her enemies but her opponents had a better strategy.

Boudica was born around 30 AD; however, this may not be completely accurate. She was born in east England, so she probably spent most of her life there. There are not many details about her childhood, but she likely witnessed the Roman invasion during her teenage years. [Read More]

Dane Dances at Monona Terrace

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

It's summertime in Wisconsin, and there are plenty of things to do. One summer tradition in Madison is the annual Dane Dances series at Monona Terrace. These are family-friendly events that offer food, music, and, of course, lots of dancing.

Dane Dances takes place every Friday in August from 5:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. There are no tickets required, and it is open to all ages. Parking at Monona Terrace is $5 after 5:00 p.m., and access to the rooftop of the Terrace opens at 4:30 p.m. Food and cocktails are available to purchase starting at 5 p.m.

There are five events scheduled from August 1 to August 29. Music styles range from orchestra to R&B, funk, and Latin music. You can see the entire lineup and schedule at danedances.org. [Read More]

Book Review: The Death of Jim Loney by James Welch

by Mariama Bah, age 18

Montana, 1979. The winters are long, the mountains are grand, and there are small towns galore. Within one of these small towns, specifically Harlem, lives Jim Loney, a lonely alcoholic struggling with his Native and White identity. This book is The Death of Jim Loney, written by James Welch.

I read this as part of my Ethnic Studies class at Madison College. In this class, we perused and discussed texts from a variety of backgrounds. Aside from Man Made Monsters by Andrea L. Rodgers, I have never read a narrative text about the Native American identity. In school, they always made sure that we understood our country’s troubling relationship with its Native peoples. Even in news articles, everything covered was related to a tragic event taking place. This book was an opportunity to understand Native American people through a different lens.

Every class period brought something new to gush about. The text was dense, having us sift through surreal topics and having us try to connect them. There were dramatic scenes that, as people who loved gossip, needed to be confronted. But beyond that, there were layers of nuance and symbolism that we questioned. While I noticed symbols like birds, death, dreams, and the “point of no return,” the story allowed for multiple interpretations and numerous themes. I especially enjoyed the cryptic dream sequences as a way to communicate Loney’s mental state throughout the book. It was important to read this book with a critical and nuanced point of view. Many problems in Loney’s life, even up to his own mental breakdown, can be traced to systemic issues in our world. [Read More]

Studio Ghibli at 40 Looking Back and Dreaming Forward

by Will DeFour, age 15

With hand-drawn animation, unique characters, and non-traditional villains, Studio Ghibli’s impact on Japanese film is widely considered to be unlike any other. As it celebrates its 40th anniversary in July 2025, the studio has reached a turning point as it contemplates its future.

In the 1960s, Japanese animators Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahana met while working for the studio Tôei Dôga. In 1985, they left the studio to start their own company, the now world-renowned Studio Ghibli. Alongside producer Toshio Suzuki, the three created their first movie, “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind.” Its success led to the formal creation of Studio Ghibli, and the group's next film, “Castle in the Sky” in 1986.

Some of Ghibli's earliest successes were"My Neighbor Totoro" in 1988, “Kiki's Delivery Service” the following year, and “Princess Mononoke" in 1997, which made $170.3 million at the worldwide box office. Its most successful and arguably most famous movie, “Spirited Away”, was the first non-English film to win an Oscar for best animated film, and in 2024, Ghibli earned its second Oscar with “The Boy and the Heron.” [Read More]

APT Theater Review: "A Midsummer Night’s Dream"

by Alarice McPark, age 13

Two mischievous couples, fairies, and a band of disastrous players. The Simpson Street Free Press student writers traveled to Spring Green, Wisconsin, to watch the charming production of “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” put on by the American Players Theater (APT).

The play by William Shakespeare, written around the mid-1500s, is set in Ancient Greece but has a more fable-like quality. There are three main conflicts: the lovers, the fairies, and the players.

Act 1, Scene 1 features the lovers. Egeus (played by David Alan Anderson) is forcing his daughter, Hermia (Samantha Newcomb), to marry Demetrius (Josh Krause). Luckily, Hermia and her lover Lysander (Xavier Edward King) escape to Athens. Meanwhile, Helena (Maggie Cramer), Hermia’s best friend, unrequitedly swoons over Demetrius and eventually follows him as he trails after Hermia and Lysander. [Read More]

Lotería Is More Than a Game, It Is a Mexican Tradition

by Marco Flores, age 11

Lotería is a fast-paced game of chance and also a tradition in Latin American countries.

Lotería is similar to bingo, in which the objective of the game is to fill up your entire card. One person is assigned as “el cantor” and is responsible for calling out the cards. If you have one of the images on your card, you put a bean or a coin on that spot. If you are the first person to fill up your entire card, you shout “¡Lotería!” and win the prize money or candy. The word "lotería" directly translates to lottery.

Lotería originated in Italy in the 15th century as a lottery-style game, then spread to Spain, and later to New Spain, which is now Mexico. Some people connect its popularity in Mexico to the much older Aztec game called Patolli, which also involved beans and chance, but historians note that Lotería itself came later through Spain. [Read More]

Works by Iconic Wisconsin Artist at Smithsonian Museum

by Will DeFour, age 15

A new exhibit at the Smithsonian dedicated to the groundbreaking Ho-Chunk artist Truman Lowe will open to the public this October.

The exhibit, titled “Water’s Edge: The Art of Truman Lowe,” will contain 50 of his creations, such as paintings and sculptures. It will be showcased in the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian on Oct. 24 and will close just over a year later in January 2027.

Lowe graduated from the University of Wisconsin-La-Crosse in 1969 and transferred to UW-Madison, where he earned his master’s in sculpture. He went on to teach as a professor at UW-Madison for 35 years and became chair of the arts department in 1992. [Read More]

New CTM Play Lets Young People Address Climate Change

by Haliah Berkowitz, age 14

The latest production from Children's Theater of Madison’s addresses the implications and potential consequences of what many call one of the most pressing topics of our time: climate change. Directed by Marcella Kearns, “The Trials” runs through May 11 in the Starlight Theater at MYArts.

This play falls perfectly within CTM’s mission for their current season, “having something to say.” The youth are center stage, with freedom to express their concerns about the future, while embodying and playing characters who live with the consequences of society’s current actions.

“The Trials” was written in 2022 by Dawn King, a British author and playwright. CTM’s performances mark the third time this play has been showcased in the United States. [Read More]

The Mother of the Blues Who Sang Her Truth

by Mahalia Pearson, age 14

Ma Rainey, also known as Gertrude Malissa Nix Pidgett, was an African American songwriter and musician who was born on April 26, 1886, in Columbus, Georgia.

Ma Rainey started singing at a young age and began performing as a teenager. She later made her debut in the band Bunch of Blackberries. She traveled and performed in tent shows, honky-tonks, and carnivals. While Ma performed, she met her husband, Will Rainey, also known as Pa Rainey.

Will Rainey was a comedian, singer, and dancer. He and Ma Rainey married in 1904. They created an act together, leading them to tour with several African American minstrel troupes and vaudeville groups. Ma Rainey later divorced her husband of 12 years. She then began her show, “Madame Gertrude Ma Rainey and Her Georgia Smart Set.” [Read More]

Driftless Historium Unveils New Mural in Mt. Horeb

by Abigail Gezae, age 13

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the Mount Horeb Historical Society is unveiling a mural that reflects Mount Horeb and the surrounding Driftless Area.

The mural was painted in sections inside Sign Art Studios, a company and artist workshop just a few blocks from the museum. The project cost is around $25,000. A team of artists from this company are working on the painting. Shirley Martin, age 95, and her great-grandson Jaxson took part in the process of creating this mural.

The mural was designed by Dave Correll of Brushwork Signs. The Driftless Historium is based on the idea that, even if you’re new to the area or have been there before, you are bound by this land we live on. [Read More]

The Puzzle with 42 Quintillion Possibilities

by Dellany Onyango, age 9

There are 42 quintillion ways to move a Rubik’s Cube to solve it! This colorful, brain-teasing puzzle has challenged and fascinated people worldwide for decades. It was invented by a teacher who used his creativity and love of geometry to design the cube as a teaching tool.

The puzzle was made by Erno Rubik, a Hungarian architect professor and puzzler who created his first puzzle in 1974. The original puzzle was a 3D cube made up of 27 smaller “cubies.” These cubies were made out of wood and were originally part of craft materials used in Rubik's classroom. Rubik experimented with rubber bands and wooden blocks to create a geometric puzzle. In the process, he unknowingly invented what would become an iconic brain teaser, originally called the Magic Cube.

The classic 3x3 Rubik’s Cube is made up of 27 smaller cube pieces, or “cubies,” arranged around a hidden central core. Each of its six sides is a different color. When scrambled, the colors are jumbled and scattered across the cube, making it look mismatched. The goal is to twist and rotate the layers until each side of the cube shows a single, solid color again. [Read More]

Aztecs Believed Our World Is the Fifth in a Series of Suns

by John Agbo, age 14

Like all ancient civilizations, the Aztecs developed a distinct worldview rooted in their cultural beliefs and practices. They created elaborate myths to explain the natural phenomena around them, forming a framework for understanding their environment and existence. One of the most notable myths is the Legend of the Fifth Sun, which narrates the creation of the world and the heavens through a cosmic battle between gods and elemental forces. This struggle ultimately led to the establishment of the current era.

The Aztecs believed in a series of suns, with the Fifth Sun existing from the period of Spanish colonization to the modern era. They held that there were four suns before the current one and that the world had been destroyed several times under the reign of previous deities. Each god ascended to become the Sun by jumping into a sacrificial fire created by the old fire god, Huehuetéotl.

The first sun was ruled by Tezcatlipoca, also known as the Four-Tiger Sun or Black Tezcatlipoca, but his sun was too small, meaning there wasn’t enough light. His dominance lasted for 676 years, corresponding to 13 cycles of 52 years in the Mesoamerican calendar, until his brother, Quetzalcoatl, knocked him out of the sky with a stick. [Read More]

Wisconsin Para Dancers Make History at World Competition

By Camila Cruz, age 17

Four talented dancers from Wisconsin made history in early 2024 by competing at the World Para Dance Sport competition in Detroit, marking the first time the event has been held in the United States.

Para dancing, also referred to as wheelchair dancing, allows athletes with disabilities in their lower limbs to participate in competitive dance. The sport started in Sweden in the 1960s and has since grown into an international sport with competitions normally held in Europe. The 2024 World Para Dance Sport championship was a significant milestone for the sport in North America.

One notable Wisconsin representative was Martha Siravo, the founder of Madison-based Wheels & Heels, Inc. This organization is dedicated to supporting para dancers in the Badger state. Siravo was introduced to para dancing after being crowned Ms. Wheelchair Wisconsin in 2020. She founded Wheels & Heels, Inc. in 2022 to provide resources and training for para dancers of all ages and abilities. [Read More]

Movie Review: The Six Triple Eight

by Ayelen Flores, age 15

It is not often that a war movie tells the stories of the unsung, behind-the-scenes heroes who make our military function. “The Six Triple Eight” does exactly that. “The Six Triple Eight” is a new movie about hidden struggles during WWII. It premiered on December 20th, 2024. It is based on true events and is available for streaming on Netflix.

Getting mail to soldiers abroad was one of the challenges the U.S. Army faced during WWII. The mail motivated soldiers by giving them a connection to the country they were fighting for. Charity Adams was a U.S. Army officer in Europe who eventually served as the commanding officer of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, “Six Triple Eight.” The battalion was charged with a big load of roughly 17 million pieces of mail coming from soldiers and their families. It had six months to sort, organize, and deliver the mail. Surprisingly, it took only three months to get the mail to its designated place. The movie shows what it was like being a woman, specifically a Black woman, in the military during that time, as well as the struggles of one woman in the battalion whose partner died in the war.

“The Six Triple Eight” is an important historical record recognizing the story of many women from the unit. Director Tyler Perry was initially inspired by his friendship with Lena Derriecott King, who was a former battalion member. Before Lena died at the age of 100 in January 2024, Perry told her he had an idea for a movie telling her story. King told Perry about her life and everything that she remembered from being a member of the battalion. Perry wrote a script inspired by her experiences and showed King an incomplete version of the film. He sat at her bedside and talked her through it. Ebony Obsidian, who played Lena in the movie, was also able to talk to King and learn more about her story. Obsidian was honored to show everyone King’s story, sharing that King taught her "that no matter what you go through, you can still rise.” Unfortunately, King died before seeing the movie, but she had a lot of faith in Perry’s unfinished script. She was grateful to let others know about such a life-changing and personal event. [Read More]

Diwali Shines Bright with Light, Color, and Tradition

by Lily Adhikari age, 13

Diwali, the festival of lights, is one of Hindu’s biggest holidays. It is celebrated in many parts of the world by many different faiths.

Diwali originated from the Sanskrit word Deepavali which means “row of lights.” Deepavali comes from the two words deepa (clay lamps) and avali (row), which can be translated as “row of lights.” The date on which Diwali falls is between late October and early November. The date changes every year, this is because Diwali is based on the Lunar calendar. In the year 2025, it is on October 20th. People usually celebrate the holiday for five days. Diwali symbolizes the victory of light over darkness.

Diwali is celebrated all over the world. This means that there are a lot of different people who celebrate when the holiday comes around. The majority of people who celebrate Diwali are Hindus, but there are other religious groups that do so as well. The holiday is also observed by Sikhs, Jains, and Buddhists. [Read More]

The Driftless Historium: A Journey Through Time in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 16

There is a museum in Mount Horeb, Wisconsin that’s well worth a visit. The Driftless Historium and Mount Horeb Area Historical Society are only a short drive from Madison, but inside the facility are objects and exhibits that teach history and spark the imagination.

It’s been a while since student reporters from Simpson Street have been to this fantastic museum. But we’ve seen the photos of prior visits and read the reviews from former students. So, we were excited to hit the road and visit Mount Horeb and the Driftless Historium. Of course, we also wanted more photos of trolls. But that’s a different part of the story. [Read More]

Please Support the Women In Focus 2025 “I Have a Dream” Ball

by Moore Vang, age 16

Madison’s 39th annual “I Have a Dream” Ball is scheduled for Monona Terrace on Saturday, January 18, 2025. This year’s theme is “Creating Hope for the Future Through Education,” which is exactly what Women In Focus, Inc. has done since its inception in 1983.

Their primary goal with this annual event is to grant scholarships to local students applying to college, trade school programs, or other post-secondary education programs. These scholarships are awarded to students of color and are funded by donations by ball attendees, along with money raised from a virtual silent auction.

As a junior at Memorial High School, attending the ball for the first time is very exciting to say the least. It is inspiring to know that the devoted volunteers of Women In Focus, Inc. use their platform to send a message to the community promoting educational excellence. Every year this local volunteer group reaffirms its commitment to helping younger generations of students attain higher education. [Read More]

Dragon Boat Racing Has Become a Wisconsin Tradition

by Chelsea Zheng, age 12

Dragon Boat festivals are held all over the world. Teams that participate can be medical organizations, pan-Asian groups, or just ordinary people who want to try the sport. These races are held because they bring communities together and keep long-held traditions alive. It’s also fun and accessible for all!

The dragon boat festival honors a respected figure named Qu Yuan. Due to the corrupt government in the kingdom of Chu, Qu Yuan was falsely accused of disloyalty by his political rivals, leading to his exile from the kingdom. As a final act of declaration against the government, he drowned himself in the Mi Lo River. The Chinese people deemed this as an honorary act, prompting fishermen to row swiftly in an attempt to retrieve the body. To ensure that the fish did not consume the body, they beat drums and threw rice dumplings to divert their attention. This practice became a long-standing tradition that persists to this day.

The dragon boat is a very technical design, specifically built to continue the tradition while maintaining speed during a race. This tradition was founded in Southern China. A dragon boat is typically eight to 18 meters long and can hold between ten to 20 people. It is made of teak wood and is embellished with painted dragon scales and a gong in the middle of the boat. Besides the rowers, there is also a steersperson and drummer. The steersperson uses the long steering oar to guide the boat while the drummer hits the drum to keep everyone in rhythm. [Read More]

Learn About Shiva and His Place in Hindu Culture

by John Agbo age 13

In Hindu mythology, Shiva is known as the cosmic dancer, untouchable, Lord of Cattle, merciless slaughterer, master of fertility, great god, and many more. He is one of the three main deities and is worshiped by the Shivites.

Shiva is sculpted and painted as white from the ashes of his fallen foes. His throat is blue because during the Great Churning, the creation of the universe in Hinduism, a poison appeared and was a threat to the universe. Shiva, to protect the universe, held the poison in his throat, burning it blue. According to myths, Shiva brought down the Ganges River from the Milky Way.

Shiva’s hair is an arranged coil of glorious, matted locks or a topknot adorned by the Ganges, a skull, and a crescent moon. He has three eyes, and when he opens his vertical third eye, he has visions and causes mass destruction. He wears a necklace of heads and snakes as bracelets.
 He has four hands and carries a deerskin, a small hand drum, a trident, or a staff with a skull on top. The skull tells of the one time he cut off the fifth head of Brahma – the creator and one of the three main gods in Hinduism – for wanting his daughter. [Read More]

Why Loki is the Trickiest God in Norse Mythology

by John Agbo, age 13

In Norse mythology, the god Loki is perceived as a trickster. Loki went by the name “Father-of-lies.” His name can be traced back to the Germanic root Luk, meaning loops and knots.

The giant Farbauti is Loki's father, and Laufey, whose origin is unknown, is Loki’s mother. Loki is the brother of Byleistr, and Helblindi, and is a sworn brother of Odin. Loki was the husband of Sigyn with whom he fathered two children, Narfi and Vali. Wanting more children, he had an affair with the giantess Angrbodha and fathered three more children. The first child was Fenrir, the wolf, and the most notorious child of Loki. Fenrir is said to have killed Odin at Ragnarok. The second child was Hel, goddess of death, and ruler of Helheim the capital of death. The last child was Jormungandr, the world serpent, who resides under the sea biting his tail, and is fated to kill Thor at Ragnarok (the ‘final destiny of the gods’ or the end of the world).

Loki was also credited with killing the beloved god Baldr out of hatred for his popularity. The death of Baldr was a catalyst for the events that would lead to Ragnarok. After Baldr's death, the gods punished Loki in the most painful way possible: they turned his son, Vali, into a wolf and watched him kill his brother Narfi. The gods proceeded to kill the wolf and used both of their organs as chains to bind Loki. They also put an acid-dripping snake above his head. [Read More]

Understanding Human Sacrifices in Ancient Aztec Culture

by Marco Flores, age 10

In ancient Aztec and Chancay times, human sacrifice was a significant religious ritual consisting of various steps. These ceremonies were conducted as offerings to the gods, ensuring good harvests, victory in battle, and cosmic balance.

Aztec sacrifices were performed by priests at temples such as the Templo Mayor in Tenochtitlán. A common method of sacrifice involved laying the individual on a sacrificial stone while four assistants held down their arms and legs. The high priest would then use an obsidian or flint knife to cut open the victim’s chest and remove the still-beating heart. The heart would be placed in a sacred vessel, while the body was sometimes rolled down the temple steps as an offering to the gods. In some instances, the limbs of the sacrificed individual were distributed among warriors or nobles for ritualistic cannibalism, a practice believed to honor the gods.

Another common method of Aztec sacrifice was performed using a Tecpatl, a ceremonial knife. Some records suggest that certain prisoners of war or criminals were stabbed with the knife before having their hearts removed. However, contrary to popular belief, the Aztecs did not typically sacrifice people for committing crimes. Most sacrificial victims were captured warriors from enemy civilizations or willing participants chosen for their honor in religious ceremonies. [Read More]

Polka Dancing Holds a Special Place in Wisconsin’s Dance History

by Ayelen Flores, age 14

An exciting dance called polka was named the Wisconsin State Dance 30 years ago. This genre originated in Europe nearly 90 years ago and still has significance today.

The dance originated in European countries as a variation of the waltz. Polka involved more physical contact between partners and couples whirling in each other's arms. Polka has a rapid tempo with a lot of footwork and hopping. Young middle-class people were mostly the ones who danced the polka. During the 1840s, when Europe entered its revolutionary period, Polka was used as an act of rebellion against the aristocracy – a small privileged class of people who held power. Polka soon spread across Europe and the Atlantic.

Polka arrived in Wisconsin in the 1840s, before it became a state. Central European immigrants brought the dance to Wisconsin and kept it alive. The squeezebox and the button accordion were handmade instruments many immigrants carried with them to create the rhythm. [Read More]

The Life and Career of Harry Whitehorse

by Kaleab Afeworki, age 12

Harry Whitehorse was a famous artist born in Black River Falls, Wisconsin in 1927. He was born in a wigwam which is the Ho-Chunk’s traditional housing.

When Harry was young, he was a student at Tomah Indian Boarding School where teachers discovered his talent in oil painting and drawing. His skills and appreciation for art blossomed as he progressed in life.

When he served in the military for WWII, his love for art grew especially after visiting the great museums of the Orient and Europe. Artwork in these locations inspired Whitehorse to pursue a career as an artist. After the war, Whitehorse graduated from the Arthur Colt School of Fine Arts at UW-Madison where he studied oil painting. He also studied welding and metal fabrication from a local technical college. [Read More]

Vinnie Ream Hoxie: The Woman Who Sculpted Lincoln

by Allison Torres, age 15

The famous statue of Abraham Lincoln in Washington D.C. created by Vinnie Ream proved to society that women could create valuable art.

Ream was born in 1847 in Madison, Wisconsin, where she lived for ten years. Her family moved to Missouri, but later relocated to Washington D.C. during the Civil War. In 1863, Ream had a chance to visit Clark Mills’s studios and see multiple sculptures. Inspired by what she saw, she began sculpting. Ream recalled, “I felt at once that I, too, could model and, taking the clay, in a few hours I produced a medallion of an Indian chief’s head.”

She began sculpting busts of prominent men, including General George Armstrong Custer, Congressman Thaddeus Stevens, and New York editor Horace Greeley. Eventually, her friends helped arrange for her to sculpt a bust of President Lincoln. [Read More]

The Greek Demigod who Became the God of Medicine

by John Agbo, age 13

In Greek mythology, the most powerful gods, known as the 12 Olympians, could not bring back the dead. Only Asclepius, the god of medicine, could. However, Asclepius wasn't always a god; he was born a demigod.

Asclepius was the son of Apollo and Koronis, the god of the sun and a mortal, respectively. In some myths, his mother abandoned him as a child and left him to be raised by a dog and a goat. His father, Apollo, raised him and taught the young demigod the secrets of medicine. Asclepius was tutored by Cheiron, a wise centaur and the teacher of many legendary heroes who lived on Mt. Pelion.

In some myths, Asclepius married Hygeia, another god of health, but in others, she was his daughter, and he married Epione instead. Asclepius had two sons and four daughters. His descendants, known as the Asclepiads, also carried on his legacy of medicine. [Read More]

How Coco Chanel Transformed Women’s Style Forever

by Sedona Afeworki, age 16

Gabrielle Bonheur Chanel, famously known as “Coco Chanel,” was an international businesswoman and founder of the iconic Chanel brand, known for revolutionizing women’s fashion with a variety of products including clothing and perfume.

Chanel was born in 1883 in Saumur, France, though she sometimes told people she was born in 1893 in Auvergne. After her mother passed away, her father abandoned her and her siblings, leading Chanel to spend much of her youth in a convent orphanage. Originally, she didn’t plan on working in fashion; at age 17, she became a cabaret singer, performing at places like La Rotonde. She soon became involved with wealthy men, including Étienne Balsan and Arthur “Boy” Capel, who supported her interest in fashion.

In 1910, Chanel opened her first hat shop, Chanel Modes, in Paris, using Balsan’s financial support. Her innovative designs and strong business skills soon made her brand a sensation. In 1926, she introduced her famous “little black dress,” making elegant fashion accessible to women. In 1921, she launched “Chanel No. 5,” the first designer fragrance, which became a worldwide success. [Read More]

Madonna: An American Icon Who Changed Music and Fashion

by Allison Torres, age 15

Madonna is an American cultural icon whose music has made her one of the industry's most famous artists alive. Her full name is Madonna Louise Veronica Ciccone. She was born in Detroit, Michigan, in 1958. She is a singer, actress, author, and pop and fashion icon. According to the Guinness Book of World Records, “Madonna is the most successful female recording artist of all time, having sold over 250 million records, 75 million singles, and 175 million albums.” She is one of the richest female artists in the world with approximately $448 million.

Madonna’s mother was also in love with music and dancing. She died of breast cancer when Madonna was five years old. Madonna’s dad remarried, but she did not like her stepmother. When she was a teenager, she caused a lot of trouble and was seen as rebellious despite her father’s strict rules and discipline. Nonetheless, Madonna was a talented student and achiever. In school, she showed talent in drama and ballet.

Her early skills in entertainment soon transferred over to her college years where she went to the University of Michigan and earned a degree in dance. She later moved to New York to become a dancer. [Read More]

From Toys for the Rich, to Tools of Conservation, Zoos Have a Long and Storied History

by Nae McNeail, age 13

People have kept animals in zoos for more than a thousand years. Wealthy people created the first zoos, called menageries, which were private collections to display power. Zoos later became a place for the public to learn about animals, and today serve many purposes, including preserving and studying endangered species.

The word ‘zoo’ comes from ‘zoological park,’ and the first modern zoo was built in 1793 in Paris, France. Earlier zoos resembled museums with live animals in their natural habitat. In the 18th century, during the Age of Enlightenment, public zoos grew in popularity. This was a time in European history when scientific knowledge was emphasized by many leaders. This also applied to zoology, the study of animal behavior. Zookeepers had to care for animals in order for scientists to conduct research on their behavior and anatomy. Zoos serve as educational resources that help humans see how animals live.

Not all zoos are the same. For example, Urban zoos are commonly found in larger cities. There is little room for these zoos to expand since they are in the middle of cities. The tight space means that often, animals are kept in small enclosures. Some argue that keeping animals in urban zoos is cruel due to the habitat conditions, noise, and pollution. [Read More]

Memes are Changing How the World Communicates

by Aarosh Subedi, age 11

You may think you are sending a joke when you share a meme with a friend. Although below the surface, memes are rapidly changing how the world communicates.

Some linguists argue that memes have been used for centuries. By their definitions, memes are just cultural ideas. For example, RickRolling was a trend where individuals sent anonymous links to one another, which, upon clicking, led users to the music video of the hit song “Never Gonna Give You Up” by Rick Astley. While this meme required more work, a meme could also be as simple as jokes that spread by conversation.

The word meme has been used sixty times in the New York Times crossword. [Read More]

Itsukushima's "Floating" Shrine and Its Forbidden Practices

by Marco Flores, age 9

The island of Miyajima is a holy site in Japan so no one can be born here or die.

The island has a Itsukushima shrine, which was built in 1875. The Itsukushima shrine is 53 feet tall and is composed of red and black wood. It sits on a small bay on the island of Miyajima. The Itsukushima shrine is settled high above the water, making it appear as if it were floating.

The shrine honors three Shinto goddesses who were daughters of the storm god Susano. They were all part of the Japanese religion. These gods and goddesses were honored in the shrine and its temple. In the temple, there were halls where people could worship. [Read More]

Marilyn Monroe's Life of Fame Had a Tragic Behind-the-Scenes

by Siwoo Park, age 12

Marilyn Monroe was one of the most iconic film stars of the 1950s, and to this day, she remains a timeless image of beauty and style. Her rise to Hollywood fame was a “rags-to-riches” story, but was her reality all fame and glory?

Norma Jean Baker, later known as Marilyn Monroe, was born on June 1st, 1926. She was the daughter of Gladys Baker, who was a film editor for RKO Pictures. Unfortunately, Gladys’ mental state worsened after Norma’s birth, and she was transferred to a mental institution. During her childhood, Norma was put in orphanages and foster homes.

In 1941, Grace McKee Goddard, a friend of Gladys Baker, took Norma in as she could no longer afford to help her. Norma’s best alternative was to get married at the age of 16 to her 21-year-old neighbor. She married James Dougherty in 1942, but he joined the Merchant Marines and was sent to the South Pacific. [Read More]

The Story of Priscilla Presley

by Cataleya Garcia-Fox, age 11

Priscilla Presley was born on May 24, 1945, in Brooklyn, New York. She is well known as the wife of Elvis Presley, the famous Rock ‘n’ Roll star, but she was also a successful actor and businesswoman.

Priscilla was 14 years old when she met Elvis at a party that she was invited to by a soldier and his wife. Priscilla grabbed Elvis' attention, and soon she began to be invited to more of Elvis’ events. The next time they met, Elvis urged Priscilla to start a relationship with him. At that point, Elvis was 24 and Priscilla was only 14, which raised complications.

Priscilla and Elvis didn’t get married until she was 21 years old. Priscilla’s father was a strict man, particularly when Elvis tried to talk about his relationship with Priscilla. He emphasized to Elvis the boundaries he had for Priscilla until she was a full-grown woman with responsibilities. Until then, Elvis was not allowed to touch Priscilla. At the age of 22, just a year after they got married, Priscilla had her first child with Elvis, a beautiful baby girl. They decided to name her Lisa. [Read More]

Hades: Feared Ruler of the Underworld

by John Agbo, age 13

Among the pantheon of Greek gods and goddesses, one figure stands out for his immense power and influence: the Lord of the Underworld. His dominion over the afterlife and his pivotal role in the creation of the seasons, through the abduction of his wife, Persephone, make for a fascinating narrative.

Hades' father was Cronus, the titan lord, and his mother was Rhea. Cronus overthrew his father and, in fear that his children would do the same, decided to swallow them—Hestia, Hades, Poseidon, Demeter, and Hera. One of Cronus’ children, Zeus, was hidden away, but years later, he returned to free his siblings. Cronus coughed up each child. Hades landed in a crater, symbolizing that he would rule the Underworld. [Read More]

How Monona’s Historic Lakefront
Became San Damiano Park

By Sedona Afeworki, age 15

San Damiano is a lakefront park and historical site in Monona. A non-profit called The Friends of San Damiano, created in July of 2020, is working with the City of Monona to make the property a “one-of-a-kind Lake Monona destination.”

The San Damiano property has been passed down and exchanged several times since it was originally inhabited by indigenous communities. The Ho-Chunk Nation had been on the property since the ice ages, and in 1850, a Native American burial mound site was discovered near the San Damiano property.

Its next known occupant was Frank Allis, heir to the Allis-Chalmers farm machinery company. In 1893, Allis built a Dutch Colonial Revival house on the estate, which was 600 acres of farmland along Lake Monona. The still-standing 130-year-old house, which included a ballroom and seven fireplaces, was one of the first permanent residences along the lake outside of Madison. [Read More]

Helena Rubinstein Built a Multimillion-Dollar Beauty Empire

by Ermiyas Abiy, age 8

Have you ever wondered how the makeup and cosmetic industry started? Are you curious to know who built a multimillion-dollar beauty industry? Helena Rubinstein was one of the first women to achieve this feat.

Helena Rubinstein was born on Christmas Day, December 25, 1870. She founded a global cosmetics empire, which began her journey of becoming one of the wealthiest women in the world. She used her wealth to create a product that would become one of the most successful on the planet. The foundation, a face cream, helped women's health. The brand was named after her and still exists to this day.

Helena always found business opportunities, especially when she visited some relatives in Australia. She discovered that women's skin was damaged and drier in hot weather. She combined her cream with a family formula that improved women's skin, leading her to be even more successful. [Read More]

Ares: The Fierce Greek God of War

by John Agbo, age 13

Ares is known far and wide in Greek mythology as the god of war. He is also one of the 12 Olympians and the most unpopular of them all because of his quick temper and aggression.

Ares’ parents are Zeus and Hera, the king and queen of the Greek gods. Ares was the father of the Amazons and their queen Hippolyta. He had many other children, including Phobos, the god of fear, and his twin brother, Deimos, the god of terror, along with their sister, Eris, the goddess of strife and discord. They all accompanied Ares into war. Due to his unlikeable nature, he earned himself some names like “hateful Ares," "the man-killer," "curse of men'' and many more.

Ares lost almost as many battles as he won. Ares' son Kyknos pillaged his way to the Oracle of Delphi, which Apollo did not like, so he sent Hercules to kill him. Ares fought Hercules, but the hero could not be harmed because he was protected by Athena. Hercules managed to wound Ares by the end of the fight. Ares also lost against his rival Athena, who beat him by throwing a boulder at his head and knocking him out. She helped the hero, Diomedes, wound Ares with his spear. Ares fled to his father, Zeus, on Olympus, but his complaints were ignored. [Read More]

Exploring the Architectural Wonder of Istanbul's Blue Mosque

by Mahalia Pearson, age 13

The Blue Mosque is located in Istanbul, Turkey. It is an architectural masterpiece constructed and preserved since the Ottoman Empire. Its unique design, both structurally and within its interior, makes it an attraction for people worldwide.

The mosque was built as a statement piece for the Ottoman Empire's achievements and greatness. During the building process, Ahmed I declared that if anyone did not win a war, they would not partake in the building process. Due to this statement, there were many wars. Later, when the Ottoman-Safavid war occurred, the Ottomans had to give back many territories to the Persians. When they gave back these territories to the Persians, there was a debate about building the mosque because people thought it was inappropriate or violated the Divine Laws as the treasury financed the mosque instead of the war riches.

Nonetheless, in 1609, the mosque's construction began, which occurred during a time with several complications, such as drought, famine, and the absence of military victories. As these problems occurred, Ahmed, I wanted to leave a positive legacy, so he was uninterested in other duties and activities happening in the kingdom. Instead, he wanted to ensure the mosque was more significant than the Hagia Sophia and Suleymaniye. [Read More]

How Local People Maintain the Great Mosque of Djenne in West Africa

by Dayanara Flores Gonzalez, age 16

Djenne is one of the oldest towns in sub-Saharan Africa. Dating back to 250 BC, it grew as an essential connection in the trans-Saharan gold trade and is described as the "Twin City" of ancient Timbuktu. Djenne's rich past is an integral part of Islamic history. It was a center for the spread of Islam in Africa in the 15th and 16th centuries. Djenne continues to be a representative of Islamic architecture in sub-Saharan Africa.

Ancient architecture in West Africa uses Earth elaborately. It is home to an abundance of clay houses that blend into its natural surroundings and is the largest earthen mud structure in the world. Every spring, there is a festival that brings the entire town population together to celebrate faith and heritage. This festival is called the Crepissage or the "plastering."

The residents of Djenne work together every year to replaster the Great Mosque. Like the town's traditional clay homes, the mosque contains earthen mud walls coated with adobe plaster. The Sudano-Sahelian architecture, the original structure of the mosque, is believed to have been built around the 13th century. The mosque has been reconstructed at least twice. [Read More]