Issue date: May 2, 1999

Teens & their treasures
Special Report: Teens & Money

o illustrate exactly what today's teenagers do with their billions of dollars, USA WEEKEND magazine commissioned Peter Menzel to photograph two of the teens who took our annual Teen Survey.

Menzel has become world-famous on a simple premise: From huts in sub-Saharan Africa to tract homes in suburban America, he persuades people to drag all their prized possessions out of their house and display them on the front lawn. Then he photographs the results.

Shannon Runyon, 17, of Des Moines, says the experience was educational. "I didn't think I had a lot of stuff," says Shannon. "But when I spread it all out on the lawn, I realized I do."

Shannon confesses, "I'm a collector." Among her things: her '91 Sunbird, bought with $7,000 in insurance money after a wreck; her cell phone, a gift from her stepdad (she pays half the $40 monthly fee); 49 wall plates from her grandmother; her Barbie collection; nine photo albums; four lunch boxes; and her favorite, 84 of her 105 Pez dispensers.

Jose Casias, 16, of Santa Fe, with dog Reina and his other prized possessions: a PlayStation, a Christmas gift from his parents; a $100 TV; the family computer; his $15 Super Soaker; a $6,000 '94 Dodge Spirit, bought with earnings from a construction job; a $40 L.A. Lakers jersey; and a weight bench, a gift from his grandparents.