meet our first official cohort

summer 2021

Ari (pronounced like “fairy”) is a senior at Kenwood Academy who joined critical youth media to expand her artistic horizons.

A life-long writer, she was encouraged to apply by her Creative Writing teacher, and she is committed to contributing a fresh eye and new ideas. She shows promise in visual composition, never hesitating to do what she must to get that perfect shot.

Vea is a senior at De La Salle who joined critical youth media to get back in the habit of creating for fun. A skilled painter and artist, already she is transferring her visual expertise to photography and directing. She is excited to create her own narrative to share with and inspire others:

“I want to be able to mold my own story and help others figure out how to tell theirs.”