With the first volume of Mirrors, we wanted to commemorate the power and energy it takes to make change. More importantly, we wanted to take control of the conversation and let young people embrace their own power. As you read and experience Conway High School students' research, creativity, and passion, think about what it means for all of us to "be the light shining bright." Enjoy!

Special note: this first volume includes many diverse figures and topics; keep a look out for those that include Spanish translations. Ms. Caplan and Ms. Carson worked with their students to cultivate powerful access for all readers of our quarterly!

Dolores Huerta was born in Dawson, New Mexico on April 10th, 1930. She soon moved to California in a town called Stockton. Huerta grew up listening to her father speak of organizing unions in the mining industry and was fascinated. Her mother owned a hotel that would offer housing to the impoverished, which sparked an interest in civil rights. After facing discrimination in her high school, Huerta was determined to change the world and rid it of racial biases.

She co-operated and founded an organization called the Community Service Organization, which sought to provide economic relief for Hispanic farmers. She utilized her knowledge of Spanish and English to get the word out to more activists. Later, she founded the Agriculture’s Workers Association alongside the National Farm Workers Association with Cesar Chaves. Each organization fought for better pay and working conditions for Hispanic-American farmers and workers.

She served in the U.S. Commission on Agricultural Workers, was accepted into the Women’s National Hall of Fame, and won the Presidential Medal of Freedom. Without Dolores Huerta, Hispanic farmers and workers in general would not have as many rights.

Marco Rubio was born on May 28, 1971 in Miami, Florida. His parents had moved to the United States from Cuba to pursue economic and personal betterment and both worked to support their American Dream. Rubio attended school initially on a football scholarship in Missouri, but eventually came home to Florida. He studied political science and earned a degree in law. In the late 1990s, Rubio won a seat in the Florida House of Representatives. He won the Republican primary for that race by less than 100 votes! He served in this position for a long time, eventually making a bid for the United States Senate in 2010, which he won. When he was sworn in, he was one of only two Latino American Senators. Rubio still serves in the Senate as of October 2021.

Fernando Valenzuela Anguamea was born November 1st, 1960 in the city of Etchohuaquila in Navojoa, Mexico. His parent’s names are Hermengilda Anguamea de Valenzuela and Avelino Valenzuela. He is considered hispanic because of his parents and being from Mexico. Fernando began playing major league baseball September 15th, 1980 for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fernando Valenzuela played for six US baseball teams. The most known being with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fernando inspired Latin Americans and gave baseball multiple new generations of Mexican fans. Fernando was awarded the Silver Slugger Award twice, Six-time All-Star, Rookie of the Year, Gold Glove, Cy Young, and World Series Championship once.

Lionel Messi was born on July 24, 1987. He was born in Rosario, Argentina. He made kids want to become hard workers and be very good soccer players. He could do this because he was a hard worker and a very good soccer player. He accomplished a lot. He had the most goals in La Liga, most assists in La Liga, and most trophies won.

At Conway High School, language is a diverse institution. Not every student who goes to school here speaks the same language, and that diversity makes us better since we get to be around all different types of people. The world we live in is unique - so we should see that and embrace it here. Make an effort to get to know fellow human beings and their aspirations.

His name is Mario Fortino Alfonso Moreno Reyes- known by his artistic name, Cantinflas. Cantinflas was born on August 12, 1911, in Santa Maria Redonda, and he died on April 20, 1993, in Mexico City. He is Hispanic because he was born in Mexico and was more famous in Mexico; later, he gained more fame in the United States. He was well known as a Mexican comedian, actor, and film star. Cantinflas never achieved the same success in the United States as in Mexico, but he did earn a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame as well as two Golden Globe nominations. He also won best actor from the Mexican Film Academy.

Tupac Shakur, known as “2pac," was born June 16, 1971 in East Harlem, New York. He died September 13, 1996. He was an American rapper, songwriter, poet, and actor. He is one of the most influential rappers in music history. Tupac was able to inspire people and educate, while becoming an influence to people all over the world regardless of race or gender. Tupac inspires many people to think about how to make a change or a difference in their life.

One important topic related to Tupac is how he died. He was shot multiple times. His death strongly impacted the world. It is important to compare this to the many African Americans who have been shot or killed that will never receive the type of attention as a celebrity because anti-violence isn’t conveyed around the world. Tupac was a legendary figure who allowed music to be his instrument of activism. In most of his songs, Tupac voiced his disapproval of being stereotyped by both police officers and white individuals in America. He despised hate, prejudice, and violence against his own people and was determined to make a change.

By: Tati W.

Laurie Hernandez is an Olympic gymnast. She was born on June 9,2000, in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Her parents were from Puerto Rico. She started Gymnastics when she was six years old because she wanted to know what it felt like to fly. She attend the Rio 2016 Olympics. She was the youngest member on the team. She is a inspiration to many kids.

Diversity is not always something we can see - sometimes, we have to have conversations about who we are, what we've been through, and how we feel to know what diversity really is.

One of our talented contributors, Kali C., completed a collection of powerful poetry discussing mental health issues. To be the light shining bright means we embrace others and try to understand their human perspective. What can you do in your daily life to make this a reality?

In this powerful piece, CHS senior Amethyst R. discusses the historical understandings of life, death, and the feelings we encounter in between. The piece is a powerfully researched and thoughtfully reflective reminder that mental health is important. The way we view the world around us is fundamental.

As you read, think through what the historical information means in relation to how we perceive mental health today. Ask yourself: how can we become more transparent and reflective with our actions? How can we become more supportive to others in need?

All people face some type of discrimination or inequality but I believe it is more common with African Americans due to our past history which can take a huge toll on mental health. Being treated or perceived as “less than” because of the color of your skin can be stressful and even traumatizing. Even Black celebrities such as Jennifer Lewis, Jada Pinkett Smith, Kendrick Sampson, and Michelle Obama have been outspoken in efforts to normalize the conversation by expressing their own struggles with mental health in general, especially during this time of social unrest. Black people are beginning to confront emotions, traumatic experiences, and daily struggles that they may have otherwise pushed aside. And seeking mental health care has become increasingly accepted.

COVID-19 sheds light on the many Black people who have been struggling in silence for years. Black people have experienced or witnessed racist insults, micro aggressions, hate crimes, even physical violence. Due to discrimination, many marginalized groups face higher levels of stress. Racism is a known cause of increased levels of depression and anxiety. These experiences often lead to PTSD and generally increased levels of emotional distress. Racism can also lead to internalized racism and self-hate, causing individuals to subconsciously or consciously have negative beliefs about their blackness and their worth.

By: Hermony M.

Jhene Aiko Efuru Chilombo makes sure she leaves her calm, soothing, and impactful mark in all her songs. Her recurring theme is how important it is to put your mental health first. Even when things get hard, “you gotta keep going” Jhene says in her one of her songs.

She is always kind wherever she goes and always keeps it real in interviews. Being such big artists and influencers, drama is bound to find its way in. But Jhene makes sure she stays away from it, refusing to fight fire with fire. Now being 33 years old with a child, she definitely shows that it's alright to not always be in the the spotlight. But it's always right to do the healthy thing. She shows that it is still ok to be kind to others and forgive especially considering how society is now.

Jhene also puts in her songs that her brother died not to long ago. I truly believe she makes her music to have and create a safe space for listeners to go through to let them know they are not alone through their hardships. That music can be a platform to spread awareness of mental health and encouragement.

By: Desire N.

Born October 19th, 1894, John Brother Cade was a promising young man. As John grew up he juggled school with working in the fields with his father. After he graduated from high school, that changed. In college, John was one of the first to sign up for participation in WWI, and soon enough he was drafted, quickly rising the ranks. John returned home in 1917 with a Purple Heart and began work on his education, gaining a bachelor's degree in 1921 and a master's degree in 1928.

Professor Cade’s main interest was archiving history, which he did for the remainder of his life. He also wrote diaries about his experiences in WWI. Arguably John B. Cade’s best task in life was his effort to archive the stories of nearly 500 freed slaves. These interviews were split into two sets and lasted from 1929 - 1938. Although at the time it might have been instinct, this action helps us understand so much further the pain that slavery had on those it impacted directly. John B. Cade is remembered by his grandchildren, and his name is appointed to a library on the Southern University campus.

By: Trey A.

Dr. Domingo Santo Liotta is a famous doctor. He was born November 29, 1924 in Diamante, Entre Rios, Argentina. His parents were Italian, but he was born in Argentina. Therefore, he is Hispanic. He wrote the book The Amazing Adventures of a Heart Surgeon. As a boy, Dr. Liotta’s school was named “Independencia School”. Then, he went to Justo Jose de Urquiza School in Concepcion del Uruguay, Entre Rios. Dr. Liotta went to the National University of Córdoba. In 1970, he earned the Grand Cross of the Civil Order of Alfonso X the Wise. Dr. Domingo Liotta created the first total artificial heart. It was called the Liotta-Cooley heart because the doctor that implanted the heart was named Dr. Denton A. Cooley. The surgery occurred April 4, 1969. Dr. Liotta saved the lives of people because he invented the total artificial heart. The heart was used until a real heart was found. Also, he created a technique for early diagnosis tumors in the pancreas. Dr. Liotta is still living today.