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POETRY CORNER

VOLUME 2 ISSUE 7

ESSAY CONTEST

SCHOOL SUCCESS

TRACK SEASON

CCA COMMUNICATOR
Visit our website at www.creativecommunicationsacademy.org

National Poetry Month

In honor of National Poetry Month, eighth grade Creative Communications Academy students from
Journalism entered the 19th Annual National Student Poetry Contest sponsored by the American
Library of Poetry. The poems had to be no more than 20 lines on any subject, in any style except
concrete (shape poems) provided that the content was not vulgar or offensive, did not employ
profanity, and was the original/individual work of the student. Sample topics included: Pride in
America, friendship, feelings, nature, dreams, and aspirations. Since the entry deadline was April
30th, we dont know yet if any of our students will win the $500 Grand Prize, so we decided to share
some of their entries to recognize their effort and creativity.

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Black Life Ma,ers

By Corelle Walton

Shot dead
Nothing was said
Beau<ful black life taken away
Mothers surrounded by grief in every which way
A black life is taken
A deep anger has awakened
Police shoot and kill innocent blacks everyday
Yet, not one of them pay
For their unjust crimes
I put all anger in this rhyme
Police have no right
This is why Ferguson, and now Bal<more put up a
ght
We need to know
The hatred and anger towards us must go
Our life is just as precious as yours
You dont choose when to close our doors
What more do you want
The dead bodies already haunt
Our minds and souls
This is a ma,er that must be told
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Flow Freely
By Tyler Barnes
I like to flow with verses freely
Those verses I choose redirect those who see me

Im sick of being judged by my clothes

I would rather have friends, not foes

Stop the fighting and all of the violence

Speak out against it and stop your silence

We should all have values not barriers

We shouldnt wait for them to be mailed by carriers

I choose the free verse to show true feelings

I say, why do we have to be damaged by drug dealings?

They say, Id rather be anyone but me.

This is said in context of wanting to be free

The verses I choose might leave you in disarray

The verses I choose say, Im here to stay!

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The Truth
By Daysia Williamson
You think its racism and yes that can be true
But what you fail to see is that its not just them, its you too

Your own family will kill you before you get to the top stand
But you dont want to believe it so you blame the white man

He doesnt do anything but play on your ignorance

But I say if you fell for it, then you deserved it

You say youre dierent but you and your friends wear the same clothes
And hes pro<ng o of it right under your nose

But thats on you because youre stuck in the booth

The booth of people who have been told many <mes, but cant realize the TRUTH

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Whats the Dierence Between Tough Love and Hate?

By Kaylen Long
Whats the dierence between tough love and hate?
Coming home every day in feelings and dont know how to translate
We wake up every morning thinking
Whats the point of blinking?
Never asking me how I feel
About the needs she cant fulll
She comes home from work and sleeps
As we cook and clean and sweep
I try to keep him under control
All she has is a black and dark soul
Crying, screaming and a li,le bit of dying
I dont even feel like trying
To give up and fall back
As she punches, whips and smacks
As the feelings go from love to hate
We try and start from a clean slate
If she only knew that talking was the key
If she realizes Id put my soul on absentee
Look it in the eye and keep it straight
Whats the dierence between tough love and hate?

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YOU
By Mariah Pa1on

You are the sun that wakes me in the morning and the moon that greets me at night.
You were my best friend when I needed you.
You are the person I want to be.
You loved me uncondi<onally.
You saw me through the good <mes and bad.
You will be loved on earth or in heaven because you are the person my mother sees in me.
But most of all you are my great-grandmother, (Ganna)
And I love you uncondi<onally!

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Young, Educated, and Black

By Shawnna Evans
A young, educated black girl is hard to find
Some people look outside when they should be looking at her mind
A young, motivated black girl is hard to find
Most people are trapped by what seems to be locked inside
A young, determined black girl is hard to find
If shes not focused, she tends to be wasting time
A young, strong-willed black girl is hard to find
She has to make sure that everyday shes on her grind
A young, empowered black girl is hard to find
She may not have ever heard words that were kind
A young, successful black girl is hard to find
The number of degrees she has is not always a sign
The way I started is how I choose to end this rhyme
A young, educated black girl is hard to find

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Breaking Barriers
This year, April 15th marked the 68th anniversary of Jackie Robinson breaking the color barrier in
baseball in 1947. Honoring this important event, Scholastic held a Breaking Barriers essay contest
giving diverse students across the country a chance to share their personal stories and how they use
Jackie Robinsons nine values to face their own barriers.

Jackie Robinsons Nine Values include:

1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.

Citizenship making a contribution that improves the lives of others;

Commitment making a promise and following through on it;
Courage doing what you know is the right thing even when it is hard to do;
Determination staying focused on a plan even though the path to its end may be
difficult;
Excellence doing the best that you possibly can;
Integrity sticking to your values, regardless of what others think you should do;
Justice treating all people fairly, no matter who they are;
Persistence working toward a goal and continuing to move forward even though you
face obstacles or barriers;
Teamwork working with other people toward a common goal;

Several eighth graders from the Creative Communications Academy Journalism class entered the
contest. Although none of them won any Scholastic prizes, Mrs. Trice had a team of judges read the
essays and select winners to receive Subway gift cards for their effort. The essays were judged on
how well they expressed their barrier, how well they expressed one or more of the values they used to
face and/or overcome the barrier, how well the essay was organized to express what the writer wanted
to say, how effective the essay was in expressing the writers point of view, how well they
incorporated an example of Jackie Robinson, plus correct grammar and spelling. The three winning
essays were: Denaria Hampton (8C), Values and Barriers; Daniel Hunt (8D), Breaking Barriers;
and Tajah Pittman (8D), Excellence is the Key. An honorable mention goes out to Cornell Motley
(8A) for his essay, Values and Barriers. Congratulations to these students who will receive their gift
cards at the third quarter awards assembly.

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Transi<on Day
By Daniel Hunt

Tuesday April 21, 2015 was sixth grade Transi<on Day. The sixth graders from all the elementary
schools in District 149 came to visit the middle schools. I was the tour guide for the rst oor of
Crea<ve Communica<ons Academy. The rooms and places I showed the sixth graders on the rst
oor were: the studio, the honor roll board, Mrs. Grimes seventh graders taking the Cons<tu<on on
IPads, the classrooms, the future anima<on studio in progress, and one out of two of our computer
labs. Some of the things I men<oned were: we have the biggest school, biggest lockers, a lot of eld
trips, more technology usage, and the only school with a studiosoon to be two studios.

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Future Scholars
By Darell Jones

On April 21, 2015 the middle schools had a transition day for the sixth graders in District 149. On the
first part of our tour, Creative Communications Academy had an interview station where we showed
each of the schools how interviews are conducted. The next part of the tour was in the CCA studio.
We showed them the school newspaper, how to edit, some music options, and our last years Happy
video. We then took them to one of the computer labs so they could see what our students can do
independently.
After they got a look at the first floor, we moved on to the second floor. On the second floor the tour
guides showed them some of the upstairs classes, like Journalism, which is part of creative
communications. There was also a room they went to and heard about the animation/graphics that can
be done at our school. A couple of our music-makers talked about their music and performed a couple
of songs for the sixth graders. After the second floor tour, we gave a brief talk about our honor roll
students who are trustworthy and earn a lot of privileges in our school. We hope to have encouraged
a lot of sixth graders to choose Creative Communications Academy as their junior high school
selection.

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Seventh Grade Cons<tu<on

By Oluwanifemi Taiwo

On Tuesday April 21, 2015 the C.C.A. seventh grade students took the U. S. Cons<tu<on test. Many
students thought it was tough, but the teacher s<ll expected them to pass. I think the students were
feeling pressured. Ms.Grimes encouraged them to study and do their best. The added incen<ve was
that she would reward perfect scores with $20 in cash.
We interviewed her about how she feels teaching the Cons<tu<on in both seventh and eighth grade
and if there were any comparisons she could make.
Ms. Grimes said, At rst I was a li,le leery about teaching the Cons<tu<on to both grades, but that
was because there wouldnt be enough <me in the semester to teach other topics.
Our second ques<on was, What were the expecta<ons for seventh grade afer 97% of the eighth
graders passed the exam the rst <me they took it?
Ms. Grimes stated, At this point, the seventh graders dont realize the importance of their
gradua<on requirement. On the other hand, the eighth graders were very concerned about passing
the test and they were very aware that it is a gradua<on requirement.
The third ques<on was, What are some concerns or issues that came up while teaching both grade
levels?
Although I agree with the Cons<tu<on being taught in seventh grade, I feel as though the school
administra<on and I should meet with seventh and eighth grade parents to inform them and express
the importance of this federal exam and gradua<on requirement.
Two days later, the results were in. Eighty-three percent of the seventh graders passed the test and
there were no perfect scores, therefore Ms. Grimes didnt have to come out of her pocket with any
money. A big thank you goes out to Ms. Grimes for keeping the students focused, encouraging them
to do their best and showing the true spirit of a patriot. Your support is greatly appreciated!

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Course Selec<on Day

By Summer Stephens

Eighth grade is a transi<onal year and a lot of work for students. It is our last year before making
that big step into high school. Everything we have done up to now has prepared us for what we will
face in high school. District 205 high school counselors and deans came to tell us about
expecta<ons, rules, ac<vi<es, and how to get ahead freshman year. We also chose elec<ve classes.
The closer we get to gradua<on, the more reality sets in. Weve learned that a lot of things people
get away with here, will have major consequences in high school. There are also opportuni<es
wai<ng for us there and programs they encouraged us to get involved in to keep us focused on
success.

Creative Communications Academy

Super Spring Scholar
Stride Showdown Top Winners
Allen Osburn - 8C

2,636,868

Cameron Starks - 8A

1,378,411

Anila Gibson - 8C

1,031,730

Jasmyn Wilson - 8C

446,690

Aniya Kimmons - 7C

130,321

Kayla Rias - 8B

99,954

Armani Kennedy - 8C

18,689

Denaria Hampton - 8C

7,173

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Congratula9ons 8th Grade Girls Track Team

Coach - Larry Russell

Lunden Alexander - STEM Cheyenne Moses - STEM

Nori Bradley - STEM Jaylene Wade - STEM

Iesha Brown - STEM Kayla Pa,on - STEM

Jaidah Dunlap - STEM Mariah Pa,on - CCA

Ahmia Edwards - CCA Lavonya Pointer - CCA

Shawnna Evans - CCA Kaia Raye - CCA

Jamea Green - SOFA Alisha Rowell - CCA

Zairrea Hudson - STEM JoKeyla Ryce - SOFA

Brianna Ingram - STEM Mia Sco, - CCA

Jelynn Jaggers - CCA Nia Sco, - CCA

Nimota Lawal - STEM Kayla Tolbert - CCA

Reah McDonald - SOFA

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Congratula9ons 8th Grade Boys Track Team

Coach - Kyle Janczewski

Leonard Pollard - SOFA

Raheem Adeyombo - STEM

Nasir Reed - STEM

Ma,hew Black - CCA

Cortez Roger - STEM

Amari Brooks - CCA

Raekwon Rogers - CCA

DeVaughn Clark - CCA

Jason Smith - CCA

Antwain Collins - SOFA

Corey Thomas - CCA

Jevon Davis-Clinton - STEM

Jarod Thorton - SOFA

Davonte Gilliam - STEM

DAnthony Weathersby- STEM

Tre-Vaughn Heard - SOFA

Evan Williams - STEM

Kevin Williams - STEM

Kamrin Williams - CCA

Tyler Hill - STEM

Deashawn McSwain - STEM

Kendrell Hoskins - STEM

Kavon Moses - STEM

DAngelo Hudson - STEM

Allen Osburn - CCA

Adam Johnson - STEM

Leondre Pollard - CCA

Meekyale Johnson - SOFA

Markus Jordan - SOFA

Devonte Kyle - STEM

Kiante McNiel - STEM

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Congratula9ons 7th Grade Track Team

Coach - Aaron Stevens

7th Grade Boys

Coach - Cherita Smith

7th Grade Girls

Jaylen Browder (STEM)

Diamond Baker (CCA)

Steven Christmas (STEM)

Raya Brady (CCA)

Kyrell Dowdy Riley (STEM)

Ireyon Conner (CCA)

Gabriel Dudley (STEM)

Ayanna Grin (CCA)

Francois Edwards (CCA)

Zharia Hardin (STEM)

Michael Eldridge (CCA)

Denae Harris (CCA)

Darrion Goodman (SOFA)

Eshantae Hunt (STEM)

Taj Gilliam (STEM)

Cherma Jeantry (STEM)

Dante Miller (STEM)

Shamari Long (STEM)

Xaiver Neal (STEM)

Bria Mar<n (CCA)

Raheem Parham (STEM)

Latrice Miller (CCA)

Luvelle Pointer (STEM)

Konyinsola Ojova (CCA)

Marquis Ru (STEM)

Karlo,a Prince (STEM)

Miles Sco, (CCA)

Jasmine Rayford (CCA)

Qian Simpson (CCA)

Danielle Roby (STEM)

Javon Taylor (STEM)

Ziaria Sajna (STEM)

Jus<n Threa, (CCA)

Oumou Samoke (STEM)

Cordell Toney (STEM)

Tayla Sanders (STEM)

Kaleb Washington (STEM)

Bryanna Sco, (STEM)

Jacob Washington (STEM)

Jorinee Tuck (STEM)

Asa Williams (STEM)

Mya Wa,s (STEM)

Aikee Wimberly (CCA) Shamiyah Webb (CCA)

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Blue Heat Up and Running

By: Erica Ross, Jamela Williams, and Ruby Jacinto
The middle school track season began early February 2015. The girls tryout was on February 18th &
20th on Tuesday and Thursday. The boys tryout was on the 20th and 23rd of February on Friday and
Monday. Only the best and hard working made the team. Track prac<ce is held everyday, but every
now and then they get a break. Their rst home track meet took place on Thursday, April 16th . The
gym is usually full of track students training. When it is warm they can prac<ce outside. They can do
many exercises just to be ready. Also the track team some<mes goes to Thornridge High School to
prac<ce outdoors on a simulated track. All track team members are doing their best to stay focused
by keeping up their grades. Stay tuned for more details on how the track season unfolds in May.

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CCA Communicator Mission Statement

The CCA Communicator believes that public enlightenment and educa<on

aligned with Common Core goals are the founda<on of our democracy. Our
duty as journalists is to further those ends by seeking truth and providing a fair and
comprehensive account of issues and events.

Masthead
Editor: Kenya Trice
Associate Editor: Tyler Barnes
Assistant Editor: Jasmyn Wilson
Copy Editor: Stan West
News Editor: Oluwanifemi Taiwo

Sports Editor: Myah James

Layout Editor: Imani Mack
Reporter: Vontrice Catchings
Multimedia: Nautica Williams
Feature Editor: Franshawn Floyd

Faculty Advisors: Tiffany Blackman, Angela Blair, Angela Grimes, Cherita

Smith, Saundra Smith, Secrett Stone, Kenya Trice, Lajoya
Washington, Rodeana Williams
Contributing Advisors: Jeff Spitz, Stan West, Matt Riewer, Aaron Stevens

Principal Gerald Scott

Creative Communications Academy (CCA)
1650 Pulaski Road
Calumet City, Illinois 60409
Office: (708) 868-7585
Fax: (708) 868-1247
www.creativecommunicationsacademy.org
We BelieveExcellence, Humanization, & Pride
Special thanks for your CCA Vision:
School Board President, Darlene Gray Everett
District 149 School Board Members
Superintendent, Dr. Shelly Davis-Jones
District 149 Administrators
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