Eric joined the Sex, Etc. editorial board in order to enlighten others about sex-related topics. "Although many people think they know a lot about sex," Eric says, "they need extra details, which I can help to provide." In school, Eric is involved with the Model UN club; the junior fraternity and sorority club: Phi Delta Kappa Inc., PI Chapter; and Step Team. He also participates in community-service projects. When he's not in school, Eric enjoys playing and watching basketball, singing, writing poems and stories, and going to the movies. Eric's goals after graduation include going to Hampton University as a business major and later becoming an entrepreneur. After he becomes successful, he wishes to sponsor both Little League and professional sports teams.

Jenna, a high-school junior, joined Sex, Etc. to sharpen her journalism skills and help inform teens about sexual health topics. One of the main issues she would like to cover is "how sex is depicted in the media and how teens are affected by it." Jenna is very active in her high school. In addition to being editor-in-chief of the yearbook, she is cofounder of an art club, Artistic Expressions; involved in set construction for the school musical; and a member of both the junior varsity tennis team and the outdoor program, which participates in rock climbing and kayaking activities. During her free time, Jenna enjoys bird-watching, reading, cooking, and snowboarding. In fact, one of her life goals is to travel the world and see as many bird species as possible. Even though Jenna has a ways to go to complete her goals, she has a good head on her shoulders and enough determination to get what she desires.

Nothing short of fate brought Kameron to Sex, Etc. when a trip to San Diego brought him in contact with a previous editor. While he is the youngest member of the board, Kameron has already obtained an abundance of editorial experience. He serves as editor for his school's newspaper and literary magazine and publishes an independent magazine, Blind, which features unknown poets, artists, and writers. From playing saxophone and French horn in different bands to serving as a peer leader, Kameron's list of extracurricular activities is virtually endless. When he detaches himself from his hectic schedule, Kameron escapes into the world of literature. His passion for reading and writing makes him an invaluable asset to Sex, Etc. This pledge-bound abstainer thrives off of new experiences and feels that "learning about sex education while writing is awesome," and hopes to further develop his journalistic skills.

A rising senior, Élan is not only talented, she is motivated. Her exceptional list of achievements includes being editor of her school newspaper, playing varsity tennis for her school’s tennis team, and doing behind-the-scenes work on school plays. When she is not busy writing, reading, and trying to get into a good college, Élan is either playing an instrument (flute or guitar) or baking. Though she says she is a pessimist, this free-spirited, multitalented teenager is trying to change. She is glad to be a part of a publication that allows teens to express their views on serious issues. Setting aside goofiness and leaving it to her friends, Élan is a serious student who likes to get the job done, but don’t be fooled—even she has an easy-going side. Her favorite food is ice cream, and she loves cows. Although she is not sure what she wants to do in life, she loves to write, and she is good at it. Who knows? She might become a reporter, a sportswriter, a professional tennis player, or a full-time techie. Only time can tell where this talented teen’s life will lead her.

"Live today like it’s your best.” Teens who have fast and chaotic lives tend to miss the meaning of these beautiful words. But Andrea, a 17-year-old senior, is one of the few people her age who comprehends these words of wisdom in her everyday life. A bright and energetic student, Andrea believes in making a difference and putting the 24 hours of each day to good use. With an enchanting smile and a magnetic personality, she not only balances a rigorous academic course-load with a job at a local bookstore, but she is also an active member of the Spanish Honor Society and National Honor Society. Andrea expresses herself creatively in her high-school dance company, experimenting with jazz, modern, hip-hop, and interpretive styles of dance. She has worked for three productive years as a member of the Sex, Etc. editorial board and is sad to leave after this year’s conclusion. But as the sun sets on her high-school career and new doors begin to open before her, Andrea continues to hold her head high, living each day like it’s her best.

At first glance, Anna looks like a normal, ordinary young woman. But she is quite far from that. This junior has accomplished many things that are anything but ordinary. One of her greatest accomplishments is working during the summer as a scientist in a molecular biology lab. Despite her knack for science, however, Anna doesn’t want to pursue a career in that field. She is currently open-minded about her future, particularly in the field of writing. As the Opinions editor for her school newspaper, she has developed the skills needed to work in the field of journalism and earned a monthly column called “Annalysis.” Currently, Anna is pursuing the path of creative writing. She has written poetry and prose, and is working on a play. Anna feels that her father and mother have been major influences in her life, both coming from diverse backgrounds. “They have always been great role models,” she says. At 16, Anna already understands the world around her. She feels that she lives a comfortable life and is grateful for her lifestyle, and the advantages she has as a U.S. citizen. “I value that there is such diversity in America…I’ve learned to appreciate everyone’s situation.”

Chelsea—also known as “Florita,” “C-boog,” “Cheesy,” and “the Chelsinator”—is a high-school senior. She works diligently with several school clubs, including the yearbook and newspaper, Interact, Science, and Asian Awareness clubs, ERASE (End Racism and Sexism Everywhere), Spanish Honor Society, and National Honor Society. She is on the soccer and track teams and loves to play table tennis, squash, softball, and volleyball. When not working to improve the world, Chelsea loves to shop, dance, read, and break out singing her favorite tune. She has been referred to as a “walking ad for Hawaiian Tropics,” because of her love for the beach, the sun, Hawaii, and California. She enjoys speaking Spanish and will often switch into Spanglish without notice. She loves to travel and would like to visit Puerto Rico and Greece before going off to college.

Claire has enthusiastically returned to the Sex, Etc. editorial board for her second year. She is a senior who enjoys reading fiction novels and cooking with her grandmother and the Cooking club at school. She is also an athlete—a forward on her school’s soccer team and a short/middle distance runner on the track-and-field team. Claire enjoys spending time with her family and going out with her friends. She contributes to her community by volunteering at her local medical center, working on the Oncology floor. Claire looks forward to attending college next year, hoping to pursue journalism and environmental science. She hopes to travel extensively in her future as well.

At the youthful age of 17, Danny already has words of wisdom about how he plans to live his life. “The stars are close and dear and I have joined the brotherhood of the worlds,” a quote from one of his top-five favorite books, The Grapes of Wrath. Danny enjoys school, where he will be a senior. He often sacrifices a good night’s sleep in order to participate in activities like Spanish Honor Society, school musicals, and the swim team. He is passionate about music and plays clarinet and guitar. He started a film club during his sophomore year. For the past two years, Danny has been president of the Somerset County Chapter of REBEL (Reaching Everyone By Exposing Lies), an anti-tobacco organization. He strongly believes that teens can do so much even with so-called “adult” issues, like smoking and sex. He hopes that through education teens will make the best choices for themselves. When asked what he aspires to be when he leaves high school, he says, “happy.”

Daryl describes himself as "kind-hearted, cunning, and ambitious." This National Honor Society Inductee considers his family the most important thing in his life. "My mom keeps me in line," says Daryl, while his two grandmothers are "the backbone of the family." Daryl's 97-year-old great-grandmother's work ethic is exceptionally inspiring to Daryl. "She takes care of the garden, bakes, and is immensely strong-willed." This work ethic encourages Daryl to "keep going and never give up." Last year, the Syracuse University-bound senior put his fear of heights aside to bungee jump. Daryl says, "I might be afraid to the point where I might be losing it, but will still go through with it." This incredible sense of endurance runs through every aspect of his life. "Life is too short to be worrying about petty things," he says. Daryl admires Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and other civil rights leaders. "They paved the way for me to go to Catholic school and get a good education," he says. A team player, Daryl is the leader of many activities and organizations in his school and community. Ten years from now, Daryl envisions himself as a "journalist working in an urban area, traveling overseas and meeting new people."

Living in a world of greed and self-before-others mentalities, it is good to know that people like Mark still exist. Mark is a high-school senior who has everything in perspective when it comes to education and helping others. Already a volunteer at Liberty Science Center and a peer mentor at a social services agency, Mark's main goal is "to help others help themselves." In the future, he plans to go to an out-of-state school, such as the University of Chicago or Penn State University. He is also part of the National Honor Society. Mark's hobbies include being a self-proclaimed "Indie Kid" without the pretentiousness typical of New York City. He plans to travel to Istanbul, Turkey, to see the Arabic cultural sights and sounds. Some say it is hard to balance education and the responsibility of fulfilling one's dreams, but Mark believes that the power of literature and philosophy, and the help of various people, inspire him to keep pushing.

Marianne has always enjoyed writing. When she was an elementary-school kid, she always kept countless numbers of diaries and journals tucked away in her dresser. Up until 8th grade, she typed up fiction stories on the computer, just for fun. Writing was a creative outlet for her incredibly active imagination. In high school, she discovered a more productive outlet for her creativity and love for writing: journalism. Marianne, a senior, participates in a number of school activities. She is a member of the National Honor Society, ERASE (End Racism And Sexism Everywhere), Literary Society, and Student Council. She's participated in tennis and golf, and the school band. She also volunteers as a tutor for elementary- and middle-school children and as a teacher's aide. She plans to attend Florida International University to study journalism and psychology. She hopes to write for a famous newspaper or magazine one day. And she might even be interestedin broadcast journalism.

Senior, Stephen (“Steve”) has an extreme passion for helping other teens in every aspect of their lives, including sexuality. He will soon travel on a mission to Bolivia with a volunteer medical services organization that provides reconstructive surgery and related health care to impoverished children and young adults in developing countries. In his spare time, Steve enjoys playing the piano and saxophone, writing music, and singing. He has performed in several productions, including Jesus Christ Superstar, West Side Story, and Grease, and will be singing with the New Jersey All-State Choir. In addition to his artistic talents, Steve is also a dynamic athlete. He is a certified scuba diver, has a first degree black belt in karate, and is on the track team. He is also a member of the National Honor Society, Peer Leadership, Teens Against Tobacco Use, and Spanish Club. As for future goals, Steve hopes to attend either Duke University or the University of Miami.

A senior, Tiffany is an avid writer and actor in theatre programs in her school. She has competed in performance competitions ranging from technical theatre and acting to poetry and prose. She has also performed in numerous theatrical productions. With this background, Tiffany hopes to double-major in theatre and writing in college. Tiffany cites two of her English teachers, Mr. Mariani and Ms. Kearney, as great role models, because “they have always helped me to achieve everything I’ve wanted to.” She has also been greatly influenced by her parents, whom she says are always “very open about who I date and who I’m friends with.” This openness to other cultures and beliefs is a large part of Tiffany’s focus on the board. “I’m an activist when it comes to students’ rights,” she says. “While on the board, I want to let students know about problems they might not realize even existed.” These problems include the risks of sexually transmitted infections and unplanned pregnancy, depression, and sexual abuse. GLBTQ rights are also a large focus of her activist campaigns. “Sex, Etc. has been a major accomplishment for me,” she adds, smiling. “I’m glad to be helping teens make the right decisions.”