Teen of the Week:Teen puts her faith in power of art to good use

"Nice hair!" a boy called out admiringly as he passed "Emden," better known as Emily Dennis, in the hallway of Southern High School.

"I colored my hair last night," the Churchton teenager said casually, running fingers through her scarlet Louise Brooks bob. "Sometimes it's other shades of red, or brown. I've dyed it blue and I've been a blonde, too."

Touching the twin strands of fabric encircling her neck, she pointed out that the "necklaces" were made of strips of torn bandannas.

"I like to make my own jewelry," Emily said with a hint of pride. "I like beading and hemping, braiding straw."

Her personal...