Urbana Youth Center to open for first time Thursday afternoon
By Brenda Burns - Managing Editor
Previously a book storage area of the old library building, new paint. decor and an abundance of electrical outlets have combined to make the room into a study and homework assistance space. The room will be overseen by an adult who can help youths find resources for enhancing their studies.
Andrew Grimm | Andrew Grimm Photography
Justin T. Weller, executive director and lead project manager of the Urbana Youth Center, explains the various resources of the center while standing in the “Hangout” area.
Staff photo
Mental health through art
By Andrew Grimm - Contributing writer
The main hallway at Urbana Junior High School is lined with individual images of students expressing why they matter to someone.
Andrew Grimm | Andrew Grimm Photographyy
Staff at Urbana Junior High School recently asked students “why you matter?”
Each student wrote their response on a white board and was then photographed individually holding their sign stating why they feel they matter.
“We saw an article that London Middle School had participated in the #Whyyoumatter campaign and wanted to incorporate that idea into our larger project,” said McKenzie Lamb, a counselor at Urbana Junior High School. “Some of the messages are heartfelt, some are funny, but all are touching in their unique way and we hope that seeing the pictures displayed in our building serves as a reminder to our students that they are worthy. Their stories matter. They matter.”