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]

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. 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 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. According to myths, Shiva brought down the Ganges River from the Milky Way. Shiva's mighty hotwheels in Hinduism are his Vahana, a spirit creature, and Nandi, a white bull representing his unlimited strength. He wears a necklace of heads and snakes as bracelets.
 Shiva holds the universe inside of him. He is regarded as the destroyer because Hinduism believes the universe goes through a regeneration cycle every 2.16 billion years. At the end of the cycle, Shiva destroys it so it can be remade anew. He performs the cosmic dance while in a circle of fire, representing the endless flow of time. The divine fire that he holds destroys the universe, and the drum makes the first sound of creation.

Shiva's family has a dramatic history. He once accidentally cut off the head of his son, so he replaced it with the head of an elephant. Shiva’s wife was Parvati. He tried to marry her in her past life as Sati, the daughter of the god Daksha. When her father forbade her marriage, she killed herself. Shiva went on aa rampage until the gods appealed to him. Then Sati was reborn as Parvati in her next life and finally married Shiva. [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]

Documentary Reveals Giannis’s Inspiring Rise in The Marvelous Journey

by Owen Ayite-Atayi, age 17

A new documentary tells the little-known story of NBA great Giannis Antetokounmpo’s inspiring journey to the basketball world. “The Marvelous Journey” delves into the decisions the Antetokounmpo family had to make as they left a life of poverty in Nigeria, in search of a better life.

Before he was the Milwaukee Bucks power forward, Giannis grew up in Lagos, Nigeria, where he and his family sold items on the street. It was hard for his parents to meet the needs of Giannis and his four siblings due to the lack of job opportunities in Lagos.

Charles and Veronica Antetokounmpo decided it was best for their family to migrate to Athens, Greece, where Giannis and his brothers played soccer, but his brother Thanasis had set his sights on basketball. Thanasis played in a professional Greek league called the Greek Basket League (GBL). He later introduced Giannis to basketball because he was the only other brother who was interested. At first, Giannis wasn’t the best at basketball and would get made fun of while playing pickup games. Nonetheless, Giannis was so dedicated to getting better at basketball that some nights he slept in the gym where his brother played. [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]

The History and Meaning Behind Tarot Cards

by Marco Gonzales, age 9

Tarot is a special card deck used for fortune-telling, but that wasn’t always true. It originated in Italy during the 1440s, when a fifth suit of 21 cards called "trionfi" (triumphs) and a "fool" card were added to a typical four-suited pack of cards. Originally, tarot was used as a game called "tarocchi," not for divination.

The modern tarot deck is based on the Marseille Tarot, consisting of 78 cards split into two groups: the major and minor arcana. The major arcana has 22 cards known as trumps, while the minor arcana has 56 cards. A special card in the deck is the Fool, also known as "Il Matto" in Italian or "Le Mat" in French.

The major arcana is numbered I to XXI (1 to 21), while the Fool is unnumbered. Some of the illustrations on the major arcana cards include The Magician (sometimes called the Juggler), the High Priestess, the Empress, and more. The minor arcana is divided into four suits with 14 cards in each group: swords (spades), wands (clubs), cups (hearts), and coins (diamonds). Each of these suits has four court cards – King, Queen, Knight, and Page – and ten numbered cards. Unlike a standard deck of cards, the minor arcana includes an additional card for each suit. [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]

The Life, Legacy, and Tragic End of Selena

by Elim Eyobed, age 12

Selena Quintanilla Perez or simply Selena was a bilingual singer and performer in the early 1990s, and was later murdered on March 31, 1995.

Selena was born on April 16, 1971. Selena’s father, Abraham Quintanilla Jr, practiced music, and her mother, Marcella Ofelia Samora, was a stay-at-home mom. Selena grew up in Lake Jackson, Texas, speaking English. Later on, her dad taught her how to perform songs in Spanish so she could start performing. When she was 10, Selena started singing for her family band, Selena Y Los Dinos. The band recorded seven albums all together and 31 singles.

In 1989, Selena decided to go solo. Her most popular songs were “Tu Solo Tu” which was No.1 on the charts for 10 weeks, and “Amor Prohibido” which reached No.1 for nine weeks. [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]

What's the Difference Between Karate and Kung Fu?

by Semaia Zerezghi, age 9

Two of the most well-known martial arts are Karate and Kung Fu. However, few people often know the difference between the two.

The most unique aspects and distinguishing features of Karate and Kung Fu lie in their differences in place of origin and overall fighting style. Additionally, they have different histories and practices.

Karate, which means "empty hands," is a martial art that requires no weapons and was developed in Okinawa, Japan. From its origin in Okinawa, Karate slowly grew and became a popular sport. It even debuted at the Tokyo, Japan, Olympic Games in 2020. Unfortunately, Karate was a sport for the Summer Olympics in Paris, France, 2024. [Read More]

Learn About Kendrick Lamar's Legacy in Rap Culture

by Zayn Khalid, age 14

Kendrick Lamar Duckworth, also known as Kendrick Lamar or K-Dots, has been on top of the hip-hop/rap podium for 14 years. Kendrick is known for his albums like “To Pimp a Butterfly” and “DAMN”, as well as his lyrical attention and creativity. Most of his music is politically charged and speaks about his upbringing involving gang culture.

Kendrick was born on June 17, 1987, in Compton, California. When he was young, he liked writing poems and stories. Kendrick grew up around a lot of gang culture in his hometown, which he openly writes about in his music. Later, at the age of 16, he started his rap career and went by the name of K-Dots. Kendrick then spread his mixtapes around and gained interest from music companies.

Kendrick’s mixtapes got so much attention that he ended up with a deal from Top Dawg Entertainment. He then released two mixtapes and started working with up-and-coming artists like Jay Rock, AB-Soul, and Schoolboy Q. Kendrick let go of his stage name, K-Dots, and began to use his name in 2010. His first album with Top Dawg Entertainment was “Section.80”, which was exclusively released on iTunes, but can now be found everywhere. Rap legend Dr. Dre took Kendrick under his wing and became his mentor in the music industry. Later, Dr. Dre signed Kendrick to his record label, Aftermath Entertainment, part of Universal Music Group. That put him alongside Eminem and 50 Cent and helped Kendrick take his career to the next level. [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]

Learn About the Ruler of the Greek Gods and Lightning

by John Agbo, age 13

Zeus is the king and supreme ruler of the Greek gods and the Olympians. He is also the god of lightning and thunder. Greek mythology is rich and vast, and it would be difficult to tell the whole story of Zeus, so here is a short story of his life.

Zeus’ father was Cronus, and his mother was Rhea, Cronus’ sister. Cronus took control of the heavens with the help of his mother, Gaia. He has a sickle made of adamantine provided by Gaia. When Cronus defeated his father, he feared his children would overthrow him, so he swallowed them: Hestia, Hera, Demeter, Hades, and Poseidon. When Rhea gives life to Zeus, Gaia worries about his safety, so she tells him to hide on the island of Crete. There, Zeus was raised by Nymphs, which are tree spirits.

Upon reaching adulthood, Zeus went to his father and had himself swallowed so he could feed him a mix of wine and mustard. This would then make Cronus cough up his children, who were born immortal, stayed alive, and had grown inside his stomach. After freeing his siblings, Zeus married his sister Hera. [Read More]

Princess Peach Returns in a New Solo Game

by Amare Smith

It’s been nearly two decades since Princess Peach got a new game, and now Nintendo just announced that she would be getting a second game called “Princess Peach Showtime”. This game was released on March 22, 2024.

The game is only playable on the Nintendo Switch, which left fans needing clarification as Nintendo is coming out with a new console. However, fans anticipate that Nintendo will slowly shift from the Nintendo Switch to the newer console in the next few years. Nintendo has yet to release or announce information regarding the new console, but they will officially make their statements later in 2024. While most didn’t expect Peach to have a new game this year, many are excited to play the game and learn more about the new console later this year.

In the upcoming game, Princess Peach has a few character roles to play. During her levels, she has to beat her enemies and tackle various obstacles. “Super Princess Peach” was the first game of her own. Not many fans enjoyed the first game, but good memories were made, and there are high hopes for the new game. [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]

The Mythical Adventures of Dionysos, Greek God of Wine

by John Agbo, age 13

The Greek god Dionysos, was often depicted as a wild party animal, but his tale has humor, drama, and suspense.

Dionysos, the son of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, and Semele a mortal, was born under unusual circumstances. Zeus’ jealous wife Hera tricked Semele into asking Zeus to reveal his true form and she was burned up by the sight of him. In his grief, Zeus rescued the unborn demigod, Dionysos, and put him in his thigh to continue his growth. [Read More]

Memorial High School Builds New Art Wing

by Moore Vang, age 15

For the past year and a half, Vel Phillips Memorial (VPM) High School, along with other high schools in the Madison Metropolitan School District (MMSD), has been in the process of renovation and will be finished by the start of the 2024-2025 school year. These renovations are part of the Madison schools' $317 million 2020 Capital Referendum. So far, Memorial has already finished some parts of construction throughout the building such as the music wing, bigger windows in classrooms, and many other features. As a student at VPM, the most exciting addition to me by far has been the new and improved art wing, and here is why.

This art wing is located at the far right of the school and is made up of one bright white hallway, tall ceilings, and massive windows that are over six feet tall and seven feet wide. Highlighting this section of the school are posters, drawings, paintings, along with other pieces of art. Individual classrooms that are devoted to this section are drawing, painting, pottery, video, and many others. In all these classes, there is a dimming light feature which provides better lighting and makes the room livelier along with having more space for supplies, shelves, and other things needed for certain classes. All of these new features benefit both students and teachers in a major way.

Although the art wing at Memorial was not treated well in the past, it now provides many great benefits for both teachers and students. A major improvement is the amount of space in classrooms, providing more room for shelving, supplies, and space for students to collaborate together. Students enjoy having more opportunities to do new things in a creative environment. [Read More]

Ray Charles: A Soulful Genius and Pioneer of Musical Innovation

by Atisse Robbins, age 12

Ray Charles was born September 23, 1930, in Albany, Georgia. Ray was a highly influential American musician who left an amazing mark on the music industry.

He was known as “The Genius.” Charles revolutionized popular music by seamlessly blending various genres such as rhythm, blues, gospel, jazz, and country. His extraordinary talent as a singer, songwriter, and pianist, combined with his innovative approach to music, earned him a lasting legacy as one of the most celebrated and respected musicians of the 20th century.

Ray Charles was born into a modest family and began losing his sight due to glaucoma at a young age. Despite this challenge, he displayed an early affinity for music by teaching himself how to play the piano by ear. The sounds of jazz, blues, and gospel-influenced Ray. Charles honed his musical style which would later spread worldwide. In the 1940s, Charles embarked on his musical journey performing in the vibrant Florida music scene. Inspired by jazz pianists like Art Tatum and Nat King Cole, he soon ventured into rhythm and blues, infusing it with gospel to create a soulful and expressive sound. [Read More]

Exploring the Family Life of the Aztecs

by Marco Gonzalez, age 9

In Mesoamerica, Aztec culture had many interesting practices and beliefs. Their family life was especially important, even though some of its characteristics might seem strange today.

The Mesoamerican culture considered it important for married couples to have kids. Aztec parents would have big celebrations that would last over a day when their baby was born. They would also wait to name their newborns until the celebration. During labor, women were helped by neighbors and other local women since they had no midwives. After giving birth, the mother would wash herself and her newborn in the river or the closet body of water, and the umbilical cord was kept in the house.

The Mesoamerican male's responsibilities included supporting his family and his government through his hard work and paying taxes. Young women were taught to do chores such as weaving and cooking while young men often followed their fathers while they worked. One of the main roles of an Aztec female was to raise children until they were ready to leave the home and marry. [Read More]

Apollo, The Greek God of Light, Healing, and Dance

by John Agbo, age 13

In Greek myths, Apollo often appears with nicknames like" The Rouser of Armie" and" Far-Shooter" due to his popularity in the Greek world. Apollo is associated with light and healing. He has a twin sister who rules the moon, and he rules the sun.

Apollo was born of Zeus, the king of the Greek gods, and Leto, the Titaness of modesty, childbirth, and motherhood. In some stories, Apollo was born with a golden sword. He is mainly sculpted naked as a beardless youth, and his personality is described as bright, joyful, and powerful as the sun. Apollo fathered many children, most famously Orpheus, who almost returned from the underworld with his father's gift of music, and Asclepius, who inherited his father's gift of healing and medicine.

Apollo'ss domain in archery led him to be involved in the Trojan War. In the war, he helped many Trojan heroes, including Hector, Aeneas, and Glaukos, with his divine intervention. He led the Trojan army with Zeus'’ shield, which radiated fear, and brought a plague to the Achaeans with his arrows. The attack Apollo led with the Trojans demolished the forts of the Greeks. He also made Paris'’ arrow fly to Achilles'’ heel, killing the near-invincible hero. [Read More]

The Profound Effects of Music on the Human Brain and Emotions

by Aissata Bah, age 13

Music serves as a form of art and tradition, expressing a wide spectrum of emotions, including anger, amusement, and sadness. It wields a remarkable emotional power that can transform one's mood, evoke physical sensations, and trigger the retrieval of long-lost memories.

The human brain responds to music in profound ways. When we listen to music, various parts of the brain come into play, including the temporal lobe, amygdala, frontal lobe, cerebellum, and hippocampus. These brain regions are involved in processes related to memory, emotions, communication, and muscle control. They help individuals analyze the components of music, such as instruments, lyrics, and musical chords. Moreover, the brain can recognize harmonies and notes, grasp lyrics, and synchronize with the rhythm, giving rise to new emotional experiences.

Music holds a special place in the hearts of many people, offering both enjoyment and therapeutic benefits. According to the Berklee Music and Health Institute, music can open pathways to healing. It has been used as a therapeutic tool for various conditions, ranging from alleviating subjective distress in chronic pain syndromes to influencing the reward circuitry in addiction disorders, the psychomotor pathways in Parkinson's disease, and even the functional connectivity changes in autism spectrum disorders. In simpler terms, music can serve as a form of medicine for trauma, chronic pain, addiction, and conditions that involve a disconnection between the brain and the body. Remarkably, music therapy can provide strength to patients undergoing surgeries, chemotherapy, and other medical treatments due to its emotional effects. [Read More]

J. Cole: From Trailer Parks to Platinum Records - A Rap Legend's Journey

by Zayn Khalid, age 13

Jermaine Lamarr Cole, also known as J. Cole, is considered by many to be one of the best rappers of all time. Cole uses rap and his platform to preach about racism, poverty, single-parent households, political corruption, and drug abuse.

Cole was born in Frankfurt, Germany, on Jan. 28, 1985, on a U.S. Army base. His father was an African-American soldier stationed there at the time. Cole's mother was a white postal worker. His dad left when Cole was a baby. Cole’s mother moved Cole and his brother, Zach, to Fayetteville, North Carolina, where they grew up often living in trailer parks. It was during this time that Cole fell in love with rap.

Cole began playing the violin in an orchestra and taught himself how to rap and produce music. Cole held part-time jobs while still working on his artistic craft. Cole attended St. John's University in New York and graduated Magna Cum Laude in 2002 with a communications degree. [Read More]

Unraveling the Mythological Legacy of Poseidon

by Dani Garduno, age 12

Many know Poseidon as ruler of the oceans, however, there is a lot more to his legacy. Greek mythology is based on Greek gods and goddesses, which include Hera, Hades, Athena, Zeus, Hermes, Persephone, and many more.

Poseidon is the god of the seas and floods, as well as the god of storms. Some might even call him the bringer of earthquakes and destruction. He is a key figure in the battle over Olympus and for total control over the universe against the Titans.

Greek mythology illustrates Poseidon as a mature and bearded man holding a trident. He is frequently sculpted riding his golden chariot and being pulled by some hippocamps (half-horse, half-serpent sea creatures), dolphins, seahorses, fish, and other marine animals. Perhaps the most celebrated representation of Poseidon is his bronze statue measuring two meters in height (6.5 feet). This was located in a shipwreck off the coast of Cape Artemisium in Greece. [Read More]

Why do Horses Appear in so Many Myths?

by Ian Kosharek, age 11

Horses are not only interesting creatures, but they have also been featured throughout history in various stories across many countries.

For example, Greece has the famous Trojan horse, a story about a giant wooden horse that was rolled into the city of Tory. The Trojans thought it was a surrendering gift but they were wrong. The Greeks rolled the horse into the castle. After which soldiers broke out of the horse and won the war. However, Greece is not the only place with horse stories; other places like the Middle East, India, China, Britain, the Roman Empire, and Norse land also have stories.

Along with stories, there are also myths about horses. One myth is that horses are color blind. In reality, they mostly see blue and green but find red and yellow hard to recognize. In contrast, their night vision is amazing. People also say that horses sleep standing up but they actually sleep lying down and like to rest standing up. [Read More]

Plants: Poultice or Poison?

by Juan Esteban Palma, age 10

It is important for humans to understand that some plants have medicinal properties and have been utilized for centuries to heal wounds or maintain well-being. In ancient times, healing plants were grown in special gardens and used to heal injuries. Today, there are still many plants used for medicine or other needs.

The cosmetic industry is one place we see the use of plants. Specifically, many plants have pleasing smells and soothing oils that can help with skin problems. Two plants that are commonly used in today’s cosmetics are jojoba and aloe vera. They are usually found in dry places and are known to moisturize and soften skin. [Read More]