Mary Patt is a mother of three teenagers, ages 13, 16 and 18. She is also the managing editor of the new magazine Next Level 4 Teens News.
"There is a little bit of everything in this magazine," Patt said. "Teens can get information on music, video games and what to eat."
Next Level 4 Teens is a nonprofit, after-school program for teens and families. The organization provides a number of resources for teens, including one-on-one tutoring, homework clubs, SAT preparation, mentoring and educational workshops such as teen and family nutrition workshops.
Next Level 4 Teens founder and executive director Fred Mitchell said the group’s magazine, Next Level 4 Teens News is unlike any other magazine in Loudoun County.
"Our magazine is going to be educational," Mitchell said. "It is going to be real stories from real people in Loudoun County."
Nutritionists and psychologists, as well as Loudoun County teenagers, will contribute to the magazine. A student from Heritage High School, Belmont High School, Broad Run High School, Dominion High School, Stone Bridge High School and Farmwell Station Middle School will collaborate on the magazine’s teen section each month.
"There is so much freedom out there, so many more dangers out there," Patt said. "Everywhere they go, there is potential for danger. It only takes one friend to turn a child around, for the good or bad. We hope to give them information to fight the temptations out there."
A complimentary issue will be delivered to 5,000 Ashburn homes in December. Proceeds from the magazine go toward a Next Level 4 Teens fund to help families in need in the area.
"This is one way families in the area can help us as a nonprofit.