As a way of helping to bring forth a home-grown crew of new writers, SHOWOFF launched a magazine with teens in mind.

The new SHOWOFF Teen magazine was delivered to both public and private schools on Monday.

SHOWOFF Teen Magazine Patrika Dill, editorial manager, Sheena Bassett, general manager and sales and account manager and Patrice Morgan, founder and publisher, came into The Royal Gazette to discuss the aims of the new magazine.

The youth writing team was made up of Tiffany Trott, Raisa Simons-Smith, Jo-rena Davis, Megan Berry, Denniesha Hayward, Krystal Smith, Scott Kennedy, Shanteerah Stovell, Debbie Collins, Shayla Woods and Janaesha West.

Part of Ms Dill’s job on the new magazine was to send out invitation letters to schools, requesting writers.

“They got back to me with the student’s names and we got back to them with the articles that we wanted,” she said.

“They had about six weeks to write their articles.”

She added that the topics ranged from sports to entertainers.

“Someone did an article on singers Bermy and Ms T,” said Ms Dill, who also teaches at CedarBridge Academy.

“We also have Leron Minors who is a saxophone player with Bermuda National Youth Jazz Ensemble.

“Rebecca Sharpe, Alexis Bean, Zalika Bean, who is a dance teacher and Gavin Smith from Chewstick. They all gave information on which universities they went to and their experiences.”

Also as a way for helping to bridge the gap between high school and the working world, Ms Dill said: “We also have a CV (curriculum vitae) page with advice on how to fill out an application form and how best to prepare your résumé. For this we got help from Laurie Shiell at City Group.”

There is also tips on making the most of your money where beauty products are concerned.

“We have a beauty section with things to do under $30,” she added.

And the magazine would not be complete without an article on one of the banes of Bermuda society.

“We have a social article about drugs, which highlights the life and times of a recovering drug addict,” said Miss Bassett.

“The story deals with her when she first began taking drugs to when she was controlled by her addiction. She said that it wasn’t her and who she really is, is only now beginning to emerge.

“She had her first child at 16, second at 18, and at 21 was selling drugs, and some of the ages have been changed so that she isn’t identified.”

Miss Bassett added the new magazine’s formula was very similar to that of SHOWOFF, but has teens in mind.

“We have fashion attitudes, sports, a full fashion spread, a Q&A, where teens will submit the questions and we will answer them,” explained Miss Bassett.

“There is also a health topic where we talk about weight and correct food choices. It is for teens, but it is following the regular format.

“They are speaking in a language that their peers will understand.”

The magazine will be printed, like its sister magazine, in full colour. It will also be free of charge and will be distributed through all middle and high schools.

“It will cater to that 13 to 19 demographic,” said Miss Morgan.

“We’re just hoping the magazine will highlight the achievements of all young people in Bermuda and gives them an opportunity to show off.

“It is so that they can feel proud of themselves and their peers, which will give them goals and higher heights for them to aspire to.”

Also for those interested in writing, now there is another outlet.

“Now there is finally a full-colour teen magazine where they can contribute and get hands on experience,” said Miss Morgan.

“Up until recently we didn’t have anything like that — it would be good for them to have other opportunities.”

Miss Bassett added that if teens want to pitch story ideas, take photos and be involved in production they are welcome.

The idea came up for the new magazine came up about a year ago, but in the last six months they decided to make the idea into a reality.

“There was nothing really stopping us from doing it,” said Miss Bassett.

“But it was identifying the group we were dealing with and finding an editorial manager to deal with it. From there we found Patrika and we started mapping it out.”

Miss Morgan says she is looking for the student’s response.

“I want to hear what they want to hear more or less of and then from there we will decide on how many issues we’ll produce,” said Miss Morgan.

“Also for sponsors, we want to see if it is something that they want to continue to support and give back to the community.”

The Saturday evening/night launch party essentially brought the magazine to life.

“It had Ms T, Bermy, Tiny T, and a group of dancers from both United Dance Productions and CedarBridge Academy,” Miss Bassett said.

“Nicole Barnett who is a singer, Jordan Star, and on top of that there was also a fashion show. It was high energy and Vybez Alliance were playing the music.”

Before the actual event there was a VIP lounge and the writers were available, there were give-aways, non-alcoholic drink samples from Barritts. BTC filmed the event and can be seen on www.showoffmagazine.net.

“It was a big social and positive evening.”

Magazine for the teens...by the teens