South side: Syracuse, NY | 2010

Officer’s challenge: Keep kids on “the straight and narrow”

Officer’s challenge: Keep kids on “the straight and narrow”

By: Christine Mehta

“If I can help at least one kid in this school be successful,” says Officer Leon Saddler, “I’m happy.” Saddler is the school resource officer at Danforth Middle School. Continue reading

Homeless, but rooted in his writing

Homeless, but rooted in his writing

By: Nate Hopper

Mervyn Patrick is homeless, but not ungrounded. He finds solace in his writing. Indeed, you can find him online, on Amazon. Continue reading

Fowler student engineers his future

Fowler student engineers his future

By: Jenny Cheng

Unlike many of his peers, Justin Williams will be graduating from Fowler High School and going to college. The soft-spoken, sturdy 17-year-old hopes to become an environmental engineer, and he has set himself apart from peers to be where he is today. Continue reading

Safe streets: She makes sure of it

Safe streets: She makes sure of it

By: Fernando Alfonso

Debbie Anderson’s half-dozen children are grown and gone. But as a street crossing guard, she is still “mother” to many. Continue reading

Mondo’s serves up friendship first

Mondo’s serves up friendship first

By: Sierra Jiminez

Every morning customers sit at the small fold-out table and chairs at the entrance of Mondo’s Self-Service gas station. Owner Mark Mondo considers it his home — and theirs. Continue reading

Nephew’s struggle is her inspiration

Nephew’s struggle is her inspiration

By: Shayna Meliker

God doesn’t make mistakes, says Mary Nelson. He doesn’t. The proof, she says, is in the inspiration a sad story has been for her. It’s provided so much for others. Continue reading

Loyalty burns strong for firefighters

Loyalty burns strong for firefighters

By: Brandi Kellam

It’s a fact of life for a fireman: You never know how busy or how quiet a night will be. But one thing is constant and certain: the camaraderie. Continue reading

Woman helps define Syracuse R&B

Woman helps define Syracuse R&B

By: Kelly Outram

Singer Erika Lovette works with SKY PAD studios on a second album. The area studio makes it easier for local artists working on a modest budget. Continue reading

Media Unit helps youth tell important, relevant stories

Media Unit helps youth tell important, relevant stories

By: Danielle Waugh

Walt Shepperd’s Media Unit has been a creative outlet for South Side youth for decades. Continue reading

About The Stand: Founder explains local project, and South Africa trip

About The Stand: Founder explains local project, and South Africa trip

By: Danielle Waugh

Behind the print and Web pages of The Stand are student reporters, photographers and designers from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University, plus several community correspondents and a part-time project director. They are all dedicated to

Continue reading…

About the South Side: Spirit prevails

About the South Side: Spirit prevails

By: Sierra Jiminez

The South Side of Syracuse is a community of some 20,000 people looking for a fresh start. It is high on spirit — but a little low on resources. If you are not familiar with the South Side, you can

Continue reading…