TEENS

Profiling Staten Island students and teens

• Gym Class Heroes
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- No, Gym Class Heroes were not created by Fall Out Boy. Their only record is not "As Cruel As Schoolchildren." And no, they are not a typical hip-hop group -- they are a BAND!

• Meg O'Connor, 16, Westerleigh
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Meg O'Connor is managing editor of the school newspaper, and wants to make writing her career. She loves rock music, reading and Disney movies. Her personal motto is: "I'd rather believe the best in everyone and be disappointed sometimes, than believe the worst in them and be right."

• Lights, camera, ACTION!
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A good action film keeps the viewer on the edge of his seat as the thrills come racing from the screen. So, are you in need of some excitement in your life? Check out some of these classic adventure films available on DVD. Each film listed here is part of a series, so if you're really looking for adventure, take the time to watch each series in its entirety!

• Alternative rock with Finger Eleven
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Finger Eleven has been around for more than a decade. This band from Ontario, Canada, has an alternative rock sound, and will occasionally throw in a funky instrument. Some heart them, some don't.

• Is a big party really necessary?
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- I love parties just as much as the next teenager, but there is a time in which a party is just not worth the money. Do you really need an over-extravagant Sweet 16 party to "wow" your guests? Do you really need exotic foods that no one has ever tasted ? Do you really need a dance floor that is the same size as Madison Square Garden?

• What do your dreams mean?
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Dreams can mean a lot of different things.

• Morning madness
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- It's 6 a.m. Your alarm clock starts playing your favorite music station, but, exhausted from the day before, you hit the snooze button. Once, twice, three times ... until finally it's 6:30 -- and you're late for school. You scramble to get ready, and leave the house unorganized and unprepared, already starting the day off on the wrong foot.

• Best Friends Forever
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- All, if not most, Staten Island teenagers have at least one friend they can call their best friend.