About the Authors
About the Authors
Introducing our amazing authors who spent a year working on this book!
Kristina Berdan
TITLE: Dreamer
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Becoming a teacher,
earning my National Board Certification, founding the Youth Dreamers.
HOW I BECAME A YD: I fell for those crazy nine students and their
ambitious dream in 2001.
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: Presenting at the Board of Municipal and
Zoning Appeals…and countless others!
Danielle Chi
TITLE: Community Artist
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Raising and training my
horse Jake as a child, getting my MFA in Community Arts at MICA, loving my
family.
HOW I BECAME A YD: I was lucky enough to become the YD community
artist-in-residence through my graduate program.
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: Role playing while we were preparing for our
Artscape workshop in the summer of 2012. I haven’t laughed that hard since!
Iman Cuffie
TITLE: Western High School senior, MICA Intern, Youth Dreamer, Pretty
Awesome
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Getting into my first choice
high school, getting my first job, becoming a Youth Dreamer!!!
HOW I BECAME A YD: I participated in the Summer Arts Program before
my 7th grade year. I was so inspired by everything going on, so my eighth
grade year I joined the Youth Dreamers Project Class.
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: The sleepover/karaoke party the day before
Artscape.
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Carry On Items
Dominique Davis
TITLE: Future Nurse/Veterinarian
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Being a Youth Dreamer,
going to college (Frostburg!), finding my voice.
HOW I BECAME A YD: Once upon a time I was a mute...then I
participated in the YD Summer Community Art Program with MICA and I
found a reason to talk. It’s a wonder what life can do for you when you
can hear your voice echo.
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: Chasing down the ice cream truck in the
middle of summer in 100 degree weather so that everyone could have ice
cream for $1.50!
Deja Joseph
TITLE: Super Youth Dreamer/High School Student
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Being a Youth
Dreamer, graduating from middle school, getting into my dream
high school.
HOW I BECAME A YD: In fifth grade, I snuck out of my
Project Class and stood in Ms. K’s door like a sad puppy. I
asked her if I could come in…and I have been here ever since.
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: Our first family dinner.
Keyani Kenny
TITLE: College Sophomore
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: I won an Entrepreneurship
contest (second place), became a Youth Dreamer, and am working towards
my dream career.
HOW I BECAME A YD: In sixth grade, I heard about the great YD
parties. When I joined, I learned what they were really all about and fell in
love with them.
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: All of the laughs and good friends.
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About the Authors
Stephen Scott
TITLE: Youth Dreamer/Board Member
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Getting my high
school diploma, opening the Dream House, getting into five out of
the six colleges I applied to.
HOW I BECAME A YD: All of my friends told me about this really
silly teacher who gave out snacks and candy. After I switched to the
Project Class, I knew I was home.
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: I met my best friend and my favorite
teacher. YDs made me who I am today.
Waverly Shivers
TITLE: Author/Future Architect
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: In my first year of
college studying for a Bachelors degree in Industrial Design, graduated
from Baltimore School for the Arts with a $2050 scholarship, and built
a great relationship with Ms. K and the rest of the YDs, thus learning a
lot about our community and how to better it through art!
HOW I BECAME A YD: The moment I decided to work with them
beyond the summer arts program and would help them in any way
possible!
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: Mini cupcakes for my 18th birthday—the
YD Crew got together and showed the birthday boy some love…the
best working environment ever!
Jessica White
TITLE: Board Member/Youth Secretary
THREE MAJOR LIFE ACCOMPLISHMENTS: Writing and directing a
play for my drama class junior year, publishing a book, getting into Bowie
State.
HOW I BECAME A YD: I became an “official” YD after working hard in
Project Class and Homework Club.
FAVORITE YD MOMENT: The ribbon cutting ceremony at the Grand
Opening!
THANKS TO contributing authors and
amazing animators Andrew Tanner and
Jonathon “Frank” Franklin (not animated).
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