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If you're in high school or college and have something to say, this page is for YOUR stories, commentary, toons, art and pix.
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School Bucks

        Washington – The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force began accepting applications in January for its Messenger-Anderson Journalism Internship/Scholarship Program for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students. Self-identified LGBT undergraduate college students who plan to pursue a degree in journalism, communications or a related field at an accredited 4-year college or university are encouraged to apply.
        The Messenger-Anderson Scholarship Award is $5,000 for the first year, followed by $2,500 each year for the next two years, bringing the award total to $10,000. Applicants must re-apply each year. Winners are required to participate in an 8-week Messenger-Anderson Scholarship Intern Program at the Task Force's New York City office during the summer. The postmark deadline for applications is Feb. 24, 2006.
        The Messenger-Anderson Scholarships allow students to hone their skills in several areas of communications practice. Responsibilities include writing and editing press releases, updating Website materials, tracking and archiving news coverage of the Task Force, researching media opportunities and assisting with rapid response to breaking stories.
       Applications for 2006 can be downloaded at: www.thetaskforce.org/aboutus/messenger.cfm
         Women and people of color are encouraged to apply. The Messenger-Anderson Scholarship was donated by Larry Messenger and Jim Anderson in memory of Lawrence and Selina Messenger. The Messengers believed that there was a pressing need to encourage LGBT people to become more involved in shaping media coverage. Fair coverage of LGBT issues insists upon the basic premise that we are all created equal; however, media coverage today often begins with the discriminatory notion that equality for LGBT people is somehow a matter for debate. By encouraging LGBT students to pursue journalism and by assisting them with their studies, the Task Force hopes to improve the way the LGBT community and movement are covered.

Get the Point with mtvU

        Chicago, IL – The Point Foundation, the first and largest national foundation to support academic achievement in higher education among lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) students, has opened its 2006 application season by announcing more than a dozen named scholarships, including a new partnership with the Matthew Shepard Foundation.
       The Point Foundation will also continue its partnership with mtvU, MTV’s 24-hour college network. The Foundation anticipates 5,000 applicants this year. In 2005, one out of 100 applicants was awarded a Point Scholarship.
        A Point Scholarship is comprehensive, in most cases covering the cost of tuition, books, supplies, room and board, transportation and living expenses. In addition, Point Scholars are matched with mentors from the professional world who serve as positive role models and provide personal support.
      The Point Foundation, in partnership with the Matthew Shepard Foundation, is offering scholarships of $10,000 to three Matthew Shepard-Point Foundation Scholars. The Matthew Shepard Foundation was founded by Dennis and Judy Shepard in memory of their 21-year old son, Matthew, who was murdered in an anti-gay hate crime in Wyoming in October 1998.
      A named scholarship in the amount of $10,000 is being supported by mtvU. The mtvU-Point Scholarship is available to students attending any of mtvU’s more than 730 affiliate schools; the application and additional information can be found at mtvU.com.
"mtvU and the Point Foundation understand that paying for college isn't easy, and that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender students face unique challenges that can make covering this financial burden even more difficult," said Stephen Friedman, General Manager of mtvU.
       Annually, the Point Foundation selects a range of students who are racially, ethnically, geographically and academically diverse.
The application deadline for this year's scholarships is May 1, 2006. The application process is open to all LGBT students and student allies nationwide regardless of level of education. For information on how to apply, please visit: www.thepointfoundation.org/apply.html

Darkened Room
by Will Holden

Sitting in the darkened room, crying, scratching to get out.
There were no lights or sound in this room, and the air was old and stale now.

If only I could get out of here, or at least know someone could come in too.
I don't want to be alone anymore.
Things to think of while the walls began to close in.
What kind of room was this? Why was it here? Why am I here?
None of these questions answerable, but all needed to be asked.
A little place made just for YOU, and YOU alone.

Not true! Not true! Sing the word not true!
It is not so, it mustn't be! Sing the word Not true!

Then why do I remain alone, and stay by myself?
Why can I not stand or speak, or find the door to leave
If I am not a bad person, deserving this torment, then why am I here?

None of this true! You are not alone my friend, for we all see you there.
And though you’re in this room alone, there are others everywhere!
We have seen that cold little room, and have found the door too!
But all I can do is hint you out, and the rest is up to you.
Stand my friend, stand up straight, and rightfully you do.
Once you learn this is not your fate, you can leave too!

In the room, light now grows, and it seems to ease the sobs.
The walls return to normal, and feeling shows a door knob.
It's easy now, to leave that is, but what of outside?

Maybe there are monsters there, and I will have to hide!
Who are you out there? Please tell me voice in air!

I am beyond this door, and I'm waiting with your friends.
Once you open your door, a new journey begins.
Please do not fear what you cannot see.
Come out just a little, and you can talk to me!

The door swung open, and what a lovely surprise.
People smiling on their friend, who now needs no disguise.

Will Holden is a junior at Fairhaven Union High School.