Cash maggie teen

YOUR S.T.U.F.F.; Reporting for duty; Teen gets hands-on journalism

How did I spend my summer? Chasing down accomplices, victims and perps, and visiting the State House, courthouse, the Democratic National Convention and a newsroom.

I learned journalism firsthand under the supervision of Boston Herald investigative reporter Maggie Mulvihill, thanks to the Caroline Knapp Summer Internship Program.

Knapp was a Boston Phoenix reporter who passed away from cancer. Her family funds the internship program in her memory.

I was required to write a 500-700 word essay about how journalism changed my life, and was one of four chosen for the internship.

When I was placed at the Herald I was excited because not only was it convenient (I'm from South Boston), but it also was the paper that I read.

I was excited my first day, but scared at the same time. I couldn't wait to see what my assignment was, but I didn't want to mess up.

I helped Mulvihill and her co-worker Tom Mashberg investigate elder abuse, which was a front-page story.

I also helped with the wrongfully convicted felons story, doing research and reading letters from people who were believed to be wrongfully convicted.

I also had a chance to spend a day at the McCormick Court House with Herald reporter Dave Weber. We sat in on an interesting case in which a defendant was accusing the police of illegally searching their house without a warrant.

Lastly I was given the opportuninty to tour the State House. I saw where the senators and politicians sit when they want to pass a bill.

I met Tom Finneran, the speaker of the House. He is a really great guy. I also met some of the Herald reporters who work there.

One thing I learned: Reporters deal with a lot of stress. Sometimes they have to ask a lot of personal questions that they feel embarrassed to ask.

For instance, I attended a funeral for a young Asian boy who was murdered in South Boston.

It was kind of an uncomfortable situation because people who knew the boy didn't want reporters there.

I think it would have been disrespectful if it wasn't covered.

A lot of people misunderstand the media. All they hear is the bad things about reporters, but if you really think about it - who are called if someone wants to make something a public issue?

From the time that I've worked here, we've gotten phone calls from people who wanted our help before they even went to the police.

I'm glad I had this opportunity because it gave me a whole different perspective on reporters and the media. I now realize that they don't have the easiest job in the world.

Deanna Henson, 17, is a senior at South Boston High School - Odyssey.

WHO KNEW?

CALLING ALL ARTISTS

The "Blue Man Group" at the Charles Playhouse wants teens to show their creative side.

Massachusetts youth, ages 12-17, can win up to $500 tuition reimbursement for art classes of his or her choice, as well as up to $1,000 in art supplies for their school in "Second Annual Vortex: A Juried Art Exhibition," hosted by Blue Man Group. The winners' artwork also will be displayed at the Boston Children's Museum for a year.

In the 18-plus catagory, four artists will have their work on exhibit at the Charles Playhouse for a year and will receive cash prizes up to $2,500.

Entry deadline is Oct. 15 and winners will be named in November.

There is no entry fee. Go to www.blueman.com/contest for applications and information.

AUDITIONS

Ballet dancers ages 6-18 can audition for Jose Mateo's Ballet Theatre's production of "The Nutcracker," Sept. 18.

The Cambridge-based company has slated the production for Nov. 26- Dec. 26 at the Sanctuary Theatre in Harvard Square.

A $15 audition fee is required. Auditions will be held in the Old Cambridge Baptist Chruch, 400 Harvard St., Cambridge, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Call 617-354-7467 for more information.

Compiled by Tenley Woodman and the Young People's Press, a North American youth news service.

Quote of the week

"I always thought I was a doormat - I let people walk on me. Now I'm a piece of cement. It's harder, but it's got a star on it." - Penny Marshall, on her star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.