Work by High School Campers

Risky Behavior: Too Many Teens Text And Drive

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In Connecticut, 50.9 percent of teens interviewed admitted to texting and/or emailing while driving, according to the 2011 school health survey. And about 53 percent of teen drivers admitted to talking on their cell phones while driving, the survey conducted by the state Department of Public Health showed. Connecticut’s numbers are above the national average, according to data compiled by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.   The CDC reported that just under 45 percent of teens nationally admitted to texting while driving and 46 percent said that they talked on their cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. Connecticut law prohibits drivers from talking or texting on handheld cell phones while operating a motor vehicle. A University of Connecticut student, who identified himself as Chris, admitted to talking on his cellphone while driving, but never texting.  But, Chris said that he has seen lots of teenagers texting while driving.  “It’s a little too much,’’ he added.

Work by High School Campers

Profile: Volleyball Has Changed Keylee’s Life

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Fifteen-year-old Keylee Scott’s fervor for volleyball has flourished since she was introduced to the sport in her freshman year in high school. Keylee wants to pursue volleyball and has already begun attending camps and training to become a better athlete. She understands that sports in college is a lot different than sports in high school and that it requires a lot more dedication, but she’s determined to demonstrate that she can pursue an “impractical” career. Despite her lack of experience, Keylee believes that she has the passion to go far and wants to pursue a career as a professional athlete. She attends the Hartford Journalism and Media Academy and has two siblings: Lynvanl Scott, 22, who attends Southern Connecticut State University in New Haven, and Teneka Heron, 24, who attends the University of Virginia.

Work by High School Campers

Profile: Juan Likes Helping Others

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At Amistad High School in New Haven, most students know that if they have a problem, they can turn to Juan Torres. That’s because Torres, 16, considers himself the “school’s resident psychologist.”

“I love to help people with their situations until they are satisfied,’’ Torres said. “I just enjoy helping people.”

Torres hopes to pursue a career in the field of mental health. He is an accomplished musician who plays the violin, piano, viola and bass. He performs at weddings and has earned some money doing it.