Youth–Authored “Whose Magazine?” Celebrates 10th Issue
Robin RothmanFiction, Photography, Celebrity Interviews, Film and Restaurant Reviews Highlight Commemorative Edition
DENVER, COLO. (January 21, 2006) — A caffeine junkie falls through a puddle, shrinks to Lilliputian size, and lands inside Starbucks. A chocolate birthday cake contains an alien life force that playfully teases party guests. And a gorgeous trail ride in Texas leads to injury.
Fictional stories represent one of many features contained in "Whose Magazine?" a youth–created publication that celebrates its tenth issue this month. The magazine is one product of The Entertainment Project, Inc., a Denver–based non–profit organization that promotes children's literacy through arts and cultural experiences.
The magazine's unusual title stems from its constantly rotating group of writers, editors, reviewers, poets, photographers, and artists. More than 200 students (Denver and El Paso, K — 12) from 50+ schools contributed to the 200–page, tenth edition which spans the publication's eight–year history. The super–sized commemorative tabloid is on sale at area schools, supermarkets, and retailers.
“Whose Magazine celebrates the power and creativity of children,” said Madera Rogers, Founder of The Entertainment Project. “Culture and arts, especially popular culture like film, sports, dining, music, and fashion get the kids' attention. But then we focus on careers in those areas and move into bigger themes. We are facilitating a love of writing outside the classroom while bringing a cultural exchange to children who might not have any other avenue.”
Beyond the arts, serious news and contemporary social issues also populate the magazine, including essays about homelessness, racism, Hurricane Katrina, and 9/11 terrorism. One essay written for a themed contest “Taking a Stand as Americans” encompasses a wholly patriotic tone. But Karlise J. Lewis, a student at George Washington High School, relates a more different view in her poem, “Proud to be an American”:
“America, home of the 30–day happiness guarantee!../Where cultural diversity is prevalent, but we stand in a line staring at the other side,/toiling/wanting, wondering why we can't cross./. Are you still proud to be an American?/I am. I can make a difference.”
Corporate financial support and donated services for Whose Magazine? come from TIAA–CREF, Premier Printer, Colorline Printing, The Letterhead, T and R Graphics, Radio Disney, KTVD-TV (UPN20), Denver Film Society, Wild Oats Market, and the downtown YMCA, among other sponsors.
About The Entertainment Project, Inc.
Founded in 1998, The Entertainment Project is a Denver–based non–profit organization that promotes literacy through real–world projects and assignments in arts and entertainment. The non–profit reaches children through public schools in Denver and El Paso, Texas, Girl Scouts (Mile High Chapter), and as the founder of the Denver Film Society's Junior Film Critics program, among other efforts. Beyond the production of Whose Magazine, The Entertainment Project's regular programs include Whose Jr. Film Critics Club, Whose Cooking With A Chef, Whose Young Photographer, Whose News On Radio Disney and others.