from the publisher
contributors
“Oh
publisher Pam Mashburn
the Places you’ll go,”
wrote Dr. Seuss—How
true! This is a photo of my graduation from
Georgia Tech with my mom and grandmother Bunny (and a reflection of my dad
recording the day). I remember all the great
plans I had and all the “potential” that
my family provided me through school,
extracurriculars and, of course, as my great
cheering section!
I look at all the cool places I’ve gone and
realize that my kids will be embarking on journeys to their “places” soon enough.
High school graduation is the launch point for that journey, and as parents, I think we
all worry about giving them the skills and values they need to choose the right paths.
The Potential staff is working hard to find the information you need to create conversations with your young teens about the things that will impact the places they will
go. We are jazzed about all the cool things that kids are doing and all the opportunities
for our teens. I learn something new every day from college administrators, guidance
counselors and especially other parents. I hope you will share your tips and advice
with us and join our Parent Council, all via email. We’ll get your feedback and experience on issues facing teens and their parents and share your tips with our readers. I
hope you enjoy this issue!
Yo u’r e ne ve r too old
to lov e Dr . Se us s
p.s.
pam mashburn
[email protected]
334.201.8787
28 TEEN
graphic design Heather Cooper
writers Alex Boyd, Polly Dunn
Caitlin Howell, Crystal Strickland
research and copy Carole Sides
sales Beth Bridges
photography
Nicole Flaherty/ Nikki P. Photography
Brian Hall/Brian Hall Photography
distribution LeAnne Thomas
potential is published by exploreMedia.
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Reproduction in whole or part without permission is
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questions & comments
to [email protected]
in each issue:
6
W ISE WORDS
END OF YEAR TESTING
10
FEATURES
12
14
18
SPOTLIGHTS
art director Erika Tracy
forms & guidelines
- “Oh, the Places you’ll go”
contents
copy editor Jennifer Kornegay
Nominations for Teen Spotlight
available at www.potentialmagazine.com
as you already
You’ll get mixed up, of course,
mixed up; with many strange
know, you’ll get
n you step.
birds as you go. So be sure whe
And remember
Step with care and great tact.
Act.
that Life’s A Great Balancing
editor Abby Basinger
CELEBRATING
GRADUATION
16
WHAT I KNOW NOW
NATHAN SPICER
LIFE SKILLS: DEBIT OR CREDIT?
LIFE SKILLS: Social media 101
H
APPY + HEALTHY
PERMANENT INK
30
34
24
GEAR UP: TEACHER GIFTS
on the
cover
SUMMER
JOBS
20
PARENTS’ GUIDE
TO PROM
4
COLLEGE 101
THE FIVE-YEAR PLAN
www.potentialmagazine.com
The Ritter family
celebrates with their son,
Chase, on the steps of Saint
James School. Photography
by Nikki P. Photography.