By Mitchell Alexander, Drew Luther, Julia Rogan and Jessica Wiegandt

We asked teens around the Roanoke Valley to tell us where they see themselves in 10 years. Here are some of their answers:

“I see myself doing something math related.” — Dean Sayers, junior, Hidden Valley High School

“Hopefully married with two kids and [I will] have opened my own bakery shop making cookies, cakes and especially doughnuts.” — Heather Wiley, sophomore, Lord Botetourt High School

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Marijuana leaf illustration by Alexis Holland, William Byrd High School

By Mitchell Alexander, Northside High School

In November, Colorado and Washington made history when they became the first states in the nation to pass referendums legalizing the recreational use of marijuana.

Since then, Oregon has introduced a similar bill, and a poll released on Feb. 26 shows a majority of Californians would also be in favor of legalizing recreational use of the drug.

Now is the time to consider the future voters. Teens in the greater Roanoke area and nationwide will be casting ballots by the end of the decade.

We wondered: How do these teens feel about marijuana?

Through 100 anonymous surveys distributed evenly to students attending Patrick Henry High School, Hidden Valley High School, Lord Botetourt High School and North Cross School, we collected a pool of data to represent their opinions.

A majority of students said they agree with the referendum. Close to half have tried marijuana at least once, and a majority of those who had not tried it said they would more likely to if the substance was legal.

By Scott Bledsoe, Julia Rogan and Jessica Wiegandt

We asked teens in the valley about their favorite bands.  Here are some of their responses.

Emma Leonard, sophomore, Lord Botetourt High School

What’s your favorite band?

“I’m a big fan of One Direction. On a scale of 1-10, I’m about an eight and a half.”

Why do you like them?

“I really like their music, plus they’re really attractive, so that helps.”

What would you do if you met them?

“If Niall Horan showed up at my front door, I’d probably pass out or start crying. Or I’d shut the door in his face and open it right back up in total shock.”

Luis Vallesteros, senior, Hidden Valley High School

What’s your favorite band?

Alice in Chains

Why do you like them?

“I really enjoy the genre of music that they sing which is grunge. It heavily influences the music I make.”

What would you do if you met them?

“I would go on a ferris wheel with them for hours and chat about how amazing they are.”

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By Mitchell Alexander, Alexis Holland, Lauren Maddox and Alex Moore

We asked teens around the Roanoke Valley to tell us their resolution(s) for 2013. Here are some of their answers:

“My New Year’s resolution is to stay away from social networking websites.” — Allyson Wilcox, junior, William Byrd High School

“I don’t do New Year’s resolutions. I think they’re stupid.” — Tyler Purvis, junior, Northside High School

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By Lauren Maddox and Julia Rogan

We asked teens around the Roanoke Valley to tell us whether they prefer taking the SAT or the ACT. Here are some of their answers:

“ACTs because it’s shorter.” — Harry Preas, juior, Hidden Valley High School

“SATs because I’m use to the format.” — Lauren Puckett, senior, Hidden Valley High School

“ACT” — Amber Beidler, senior, Patrick Henry High School

“ACT” — Nigel Banks, senior, Patrick Henry High School

Here are some more of our responses about what stores teens would like to see in the Roanoke Valley. These responses came from students at Cave Spring and Hidden Valley high schools. Click on the “Read More” link to keep reading.

“I wish we had an Urban Outfitters nearby! Because I’m a hipster.” — Mary Katherine Pennino, freshman, 14, Hidden Valley High School

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We polled 50 teens on what stores they wish would open in the Roanoke Valley.

Forever 21, a fashion chain featuring the latest styles at affordable prices, was a clear favorite with 17 votes. After that came two more clothing stores: J.Crew with 8 votes and Urban Outfitters with 5 votes.

The remaining votes were a mixture of clothing, food, technology, and home furnishing stores. Did your favorite make the list?

Let us know in the comments section, and click on “Read More” to hear from more teens about their choices.

Plus, compare our teen results to the The Roanoke Times’ Best of Holiday Shopping results by clicking here.

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The Edge journalists asked over 30 high school students in Southwest Virginia these questions.

1. Do you bring your lunch to school or buy?

2. How much does lunch at your school cost?

By Lina Habazi, Alex Moore and Julia Rogan

We asked teens around the Roanoke Valley what costume will be the most popular this year. Here are some of their answers:

Vampire — Eleah Ruffin, freshman Cave Spring High School

Vampire — Mathew Neil, senior, Lord Botetourt High School

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We asked teens what their favorite Halloween candy is. Here are some of their responses:

Anna Cooper

“Reese’s. I like the eggs and Christmas trees the best. For some reason, the holiday-shaped ones taste so much better! I love peanut butter and chocolate so they’re the perfect combination! “- Anna Cooper, junior, North Cross School.

Sterling Moskal

“Sour Patch Kids. ‘Cause they’re sour and gummies.” – Sterling Moskal, sophomore, North Cross School.

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