I’m in high school but already have big career plans. Here’s how I discovered a path that inspires me.

By Jeremiah Griffith for Chalkbeat Chicago

“Writing makes me happy. And with practice, I’ve gotten better at doing it. Last summer, I took part in various high school journalism programs (at Temple University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, and Missouri University). But it wasn’t till I moved back to Chicago last summer, that I was exposed to a multitude of journalism opportunities. In just my first week of school at Perspectives at Joslin, which I attended before transferring to Noble Academy, my then college counselor, Ms. Johnson, connected me with TrueStar magazine, a Black youth-led publication in Chicago. Soon I was writing for TrueStar regularly about sports, tech, world news, and more. My first published article there was about the New England Patriots releasing Cam Newton, and I’ll never forget how accomplished I felt when it came out. I remember posting my article everywhere on social media and seeking out feedback on it. Nowadays, I’m used to seeing my byline. But when it was still novel, I was sure to send my dad and aunt every article I wrote.”

 

Chicago Public Schools Free Summer Meal Program Begins Monday

By NBC

“Dozens of Chicago Public Schools sites will start distributing free meals to families and children Monday to assist those struggling with keeping food on the table during the summer months. Meals will be provided at no cost to students enrolled in CPS summer school programs through the Summer Food Service Program, which is administered by the Illinois State Board of Education and funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, according to the district. However, families will still be able to receive assistance even if their children don’t attend CPS schools. The district’s LunchStop program, which provides no-cost healthy meals at more than 70 locations citywide, is open to children one to 18 years old.”

 

More than 2,000 Chicago children under 5 got first dose of COVID vaccine in first week

By  Mauricio Pena  for Chalkbeat

“More than 2,000 Chicago children under 5 have received their first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine, marking another turning point in the pandemic as preschoolers and infants are now eligible to be inoculated.  Dr. Allison Arwady, the city’s health commissioner, shared figures on Tuesday for children under 5 who received their first dose after the vaccine was rolled out last week. Before Arwady got to the numbers, she shared a photo of her youngest nephew getting his first shot.  “He was the most interested in which type of Band-Aid he would be getting and, you know, said that as soon as he had the Band-Aid, it didn’t hurt anymore,” Arwady said.  Chicago’s Department of Public Health also announced a plan Tuesday to begin reopening  vaccination clinics at Chicago City Colleges through September to offer shots to people of all ages during the next few months. The city is partnering with Blue Cross Blue Shield for additional family vaccination clinics in Morgan Park, South Lawndale, and Pullman.”

 

Chicago voters cast ballots with the help of local students

By  Eileen Pomeroy  for Chalkbeat

“Here’s a summer job high schoolers don’t typically have on their resume: election judge.  For Aidan Keefe, 17, it’s the best kind of gig. Not only does it pay well – $230 for the day – but he’s excited about it. “I’m passionate about it and I think when someone brings passion into something, you know, it’s contagious,” Keefe said, adding that he thought his passion would make voters more excited about exercising their civic duty. Keefe is one of 551 high school election judges assigned to work some of the 1,094 polls in and around Chicago during today’s primary election, according to Max Bever, director of public information at the Chicago Board of Elections.”