Teens: The Next Generation

Cars are more than transportation; they're passion on wheels
Ninth in in a Journal series
The kid loves his wheels. That is so obvious when Dan Benetti pulls up, parks, gets out, and beholds his car as one might his firstborn child. Dan is 18, and just now, life doesn't get much better than a customized VW Vento GT -- tornado red, no less, with snowflake-style black racing rims and black European bumpers.

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Old memories will soon be replaced by new ones
Eight in in a Journal series
WARWICK -- Coventry High School's graduating seniors left behind the 7:10 a.m. warning bell, that no-nonsense Italian teacher, and that mishap with the fog machine. They left behind nicknames such as Squeak and Smitty, and the snowy day when troublemakers pulled the fire alarm three times.

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This is much more than just break dancing, it's their passion
Seventh in a Journal series
A police officer strolls past the Fleet Skating Center, where two dozen black, Hispanic and Asian teenagers have gathered under an alcove next to the snack bar.

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He'll soon be looking at Block Island in his rearview mirror
Sixth in a Journal series
BLOCK ISLAND -- As the ferry approaches, fog closes over the island like a lens cap, blotting out the views of Old Town and Ballard's Beach.

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Catholic youth proudly raise up their hands and hearts for their faith
Fifth in a Journal series
ATTLEBORO -- Under a white circus-size tent on a sparkling Sunday morning in July, more than 1,000 teenage boys gathered for a talk called "Every Man's Battle."

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Hard work and little sleep are all part of saving money for college
Fourth in a Journal series
CRANSTON -- The pink neon "hot light" at the Krispy Kreme on Pontiac Avenue has gone dark. But at 11 p.m., the drive-through is still open and cars keep pulling up.

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A place to feel the rhythm of summer in the city
Third in a Journal series
PROVIDENCE -- A gray Chevy throbs with salsa music as it cruises past the Dairy King on Cranston Street, where Deanna Moore, a 19-year-old with aspirations, stands at the order window.

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Summer school: A change of plan
Second in a Journal series
WOONSOCKET -- Not far from the high school's welcome sign -- "School resumes Aug. 31" -- Chris Brown's dad drops him off and the 14-year-old descends a deserted schoolyard hill, headed for a side door.

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Appearance can prove to be a weighty issue
First in a Journal series
In Jaime Brown's bedroom, girl and teen collide.

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