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Tuesday, April 05, 2005

Why teens drink coffee (or do they)?

Whether made fashionable by the cast of “Friends" or pushed by the need for an early morning "energy drink," coffee cups are popping up in teenagers' hands across the nation. So, what makes teens reach for a cup of hot (or cold) java? Here's what some Franklin County High students had to say:

"I drink coffee when I want something different from a soda or water," said Adam Peters, 18.

"I drink coffee because it's good! And it really does help get you up," said Jessica Rivera, 17. "The only problem is halfway through the day the coffee wears off."

"Caffeine, purely caffeine," is all 16-year-old Aaron West had to say.

"Everything" that's coffee works for Bryce Wuergler, 16.

"I like cappucinos more, but it's easier to make coffee," said Erin Saleeby, 18.

Most teens did drink their coffee in the mornings, though a few said they preferred theirs at night or late afternoon. Several admitted to having at least one cup a day, every day. To save money, though, most teens drank their coffee at home, even if they made it themselves. While all except one preferred flavored coffee, teens spruced up their homemade coffee with cream, sugar and sometimes flavored cream.

And contrary to "Friends," only one teen interviewed for this story went to coffee shops on a somewhat regular basis. Others prefer getting their coffee in different ways.

"My mom plans our vacations around the location of a Starbucks, but I don't like coffee . . . just coffee-flavored ice cream," said 17-year-old Marcus Hamilton.

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