​The Nomination: Makayla my beautiful daughter both inside and out inspires me on a daily basis. Her passion for her family, friends and life in general is second to none. Makayla always strives to find the good in everyone and in everything she does. Her smile lights up a room and her personality is infectious and quite amusing. She is true to herself and those she loves. If we all could have a little bit of Makayla in us this world would be a better place. 

​What is the most important thing to you when it comes to the love of your family?
Telling them I love them every day and each and every opportunity I get. 

What are some ways you keep yourself or others feeling confident if they are having a bad day?
I like to think I have a good sense of humor so I always try to add laughter to any situation which helps you forget why you are having a bad day. I also try to remind others and myself about the good in life. I know bad days are just temporary. 

Tell us about your personality. What do you want people to think of when they first meet you?
I love to laugh and have fun. I want people to think of me as a positive, upbeat, fun, and trustworthy person. 

​How did your interest in cheerleading begin? Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to the sport?
I started competitive cheerleading at the age of 6 because I saw the fun my older cousins were having. My biggest inspiration when it comes to the sport is my coach Rakiesha Morrison who I have been with since I started. She has always pushed me to strive for greatness not only just with cheer but in everyday life. She is one of my toughest critics, but I know it’s all out of love. 

What type of impact has cheerleading had on your life? How do you think it has changed you for the better?
When I first started cheerleading, I was very shy and quiet. As the years have progressed, I now have confidence in myself and have become very outgoing. I also have made some of my very best friends through the sport. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Always be yourself and don’t change who you are for someone else.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring? 
I try and get along with everyone around me and I always try and bring the best out in someone. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate? 
I try and stick to daily routines. 

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
Shopping and spending time with my friends and family. 
Who do you find inspiring?
My Mom because she loves me unconditionally. She always finds a positive even in the hardest of times and she always finds a way to make things happen for my brothers and me. 

Pizza or Tacos?  Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Tacos, Water, Dogs 

3 Things on your bucket list
1. To be a World Champion in Cheer
2. To become a model 
3. To marry Lamelo Ball 

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
 It is such an honor to be in the running to be featured on the cover of Inspiring Teen Magazine. Thank you so much for this opportunity. 


Makayla Miller will be featured in issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Ty is a real example of a servant leader. As an elected member of the Amarillo High School Student Executive Council, he has over 1000 volunteer hours. The High Plains Food Bank, Snack Pack for Kids, Amarillo Symphony, and First Baptist Church Missions are some of the organizations for which he has volunteered. Ty has served as an officer in History and Latin Club as well as Jr. Class Secretary and was on the golf team. Ty enjoys US history, Texas Country music and sharing his faith. Ty is always smiling and is currently attaining his private pilot's license.

​Tell us about your interest in planes and wanting to become a pilot. 
"Once you have flown a plane, your eyes will always look to the skies." That's a saying that I live by daily. Ever since I was a little kid, I've always been fascinated with the idea of flight.

What is something you think not a lot of people know about planes?
1. Chemtrails are a lie.
2. Airplanes are the safest means of transportation.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? 
If you work hard, have a good group of friends and set your goals in life high, you will be able to reach your wildest dreams.

What about you inspires others?
I am driven to work hard at everything I do. It doesn't matter what gifts or talents you are given; those who work for it will prosper.

Who do you find inspiring?
I often look at my grandparents for guidance or even advice. I see what all they have overcome through the decades and listen to what they have to say.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn't in your nomination? 
In my spare time, I love to sing. I sing in our high schools' varsity choir. I also love singing with friends and family and write my music when I'm at home.
Who is your favorite artist? 
My favorite artist is Alan Jackson. Not only does he have some down south country, he also has some Texas country. He produces music that everyone can dance along too.

What are some of your favorite country songs?
"Summertime Blues" Alan Jackson, "Write This Down," George Strait and "Galveston" Glen Campbell.

What organizations were your favorite to volunteer at and why?
My favorite organization to serve at was Executive Council. The role of an Exec member is to serve the school's needs. Organizing for prom and food drives for the less fortunate were some of my fondest memories.

What were some of your duties as an officer in the History and Latin Club?
I organized and oversaw many of the club's activities. I often put together meetings and held weekly service opportunities such as packing lunch sacks for the less fortunate to eat on the weekends.
​
How did your career in golf begin? How long have you played the sport? 
Golfing has been a life long past time for my family and me. Growing up with a father and grandfather who played made it easy for me to pick up the sport and try to keep up. I often find myself trying to convince my friends to play.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate? 
I keep a calendar with all the dates and times of events where I need to be.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I used to shoot shotguns competitively for our county's 4-H team.

What are three things on your bucket list?
1. I have always wanted to skydive. 
2. I would love to travel to Sweden. 
3. Fly a vintage f-4 Corsair

Anything else you'd like to tell us?
I'm honored to be nominated for this opportunity, and I'm looking forward to knowing who wins.


Ty will be featured in issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: I am lucky to have Isabella Connery on my senior model team this year. She is currently a Junior at Klein Collins High School, and loves make up! She not only loves to wear it, but she loves to wear it well...playing up to her best features. And, she knows when to go light and pretty, and when to go for the more dramatic look. Isabella has a side job as a makeup artist. She can easily apply what she has learned about make up to other people as well! I'm sure that I can learn some make up tips from Isabella! :)

​Where did your love for makeup come from?
My love for makeup comes from my early days of competitive dancing. I had to learn how to properly apply my makeup, so I was ready to perform on the stage. 

Tell us what your everyday makeup look consists of.
My everyday makeup look consists of light eyebrow filling, a coat of mascara, a moisturizer with SPF, tinted face powder, and Vaseline. 

What are your favorite types of makeup brands to use? If you had to pick one to use for the rest of your life, which one would it be and why?
My favorite types of makeup brands to use are budget friendly and inclusive ones like NYX and Urban Decay. If I had to pick one to use for the rest of my life, it’d have to be Benefit because it’s totally underrated.

​

What has been your favorite job you have had with your makeup artist career? 
I worked with an adult client who was going to celebrate her 25th wedding anniversary. She hired me to apply her makeup, and when I was done, she felt rejuvenated and was ready to celebrate! It was very cool and fulfilling.

What are some tips for someone who is suffering with acne? Do you have any special treatments you could recommend them? 
When it comes to acne, I know the struggle. Especially as a teenager. When I’m breaking out, I find it beneficial to cut down on the amount of product I’m using and apply a salicylic acid spot treatment twice a day. Stick to just a cleanser, moisturizer, and spot treatment for daily use. Be careful not to strip your skin of its natural oils, as it can lead to breakouts. 

​​What about you inspires others? 
Something about me that inspires others is my ability to attain my goals despite my daily obstacles with having Tourette’s Syndrome, a neurological disorder that causes involuntary movements of the body known as “ticks”. Life with Tourette’s includes learning information differently than others and working relentlessly around the clock to be able to comprehend subject matter. Tourette’s can be very distracting and disruptive to even simple daily tasks. Having this condition has taught me self-discipline and other essential lifelong skills for anyone who aspires of being successful. Living with something that has no cure could be looked at as a curse, but I just see it as a part of me that challenges me to do my best. I believe facing your challenges head on is a valuable life skill for anyone to have. ​

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice to anyone who wants to be where I am today is the following; know your worth, market your skills, be persistent, maintain an efficient mindset, and let your actions reflect your goals. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? 
In five years, I see myself as a senior in college getting ready to enter the world with my higher education and making my dreams reality. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I am a firm believer of both mental and physical organization being successful approaches to maintain everything that you seek to accomplish. 

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
My appreciation of Fine Arts. 

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Singing!

Who do you find inspiring?
My dance teacher of 13 years, Kim Kelly at Progressions Performing Arts. 

Pizza or Tacos? Taco pizza (it’s a thing).
Soda or water? Water.

Cats or dogs? Cats

3 things on your bucket list
See my name in lights, cliff jump, and be on the cover of a magazine. 


Isabella will be featured in issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Zaria is an amazing dancer and student leader. She has done a phenomenal job leading her team and participating in solo events (and winning her fair share). She has also volunteered her time to teach dance to younger students at her local church. She is a super awesome young lady and I'm proud to know her. I can't wait until she opens a dance studio after college.

​What inspired you to start dancing? How long have you been dancing?
I honestly don’t know what it was… my mom just asked me one day if I wanted to do ice skating or dance since those were the only options for little girls where we lived in Ohio at the time. I just got a feeling and answered dance; the rest is history. I was around 3 when she asked me so I’ve been dancing for 15 years now. 

What is your is your favorite type of dance genre? Did you learn this style first? If not, what style did you learn when you first started dancing?
I honestly don’t have a favorite dance genre. I enjoy them all and they all have their own advantages. The first style of dance I started to train in were ballet and tap. 

What is one thing about dance that most people don’t know?
For me it’s a lot more than just a passion - it is a way of life. I would even say for most dancers… it’s all they think and do. It’s all some of us can eat, sleep, and dream about. Being a dancer means a lot of times we have to sacrifice a lot. We have to miss out on a lot of events and activities. It’s hard having friends outside of dance because they will never truly understand why it’s so important for us to go to practice/rehearsal. Missing one time can feel as though you have missed over a week. A lot happens in a single dance practice/rehearsal so even though I miss once, it could take me at least 2 practices/rehearsals to catch up. Then you feel bad everyone having to re-explain everything and keep doing it over and over so you can catch up. It also means probably missing out on big opportunities. The teacher/choreographer may have wanted you for a specific part, but since you aren’t there you miss your window of opportunity and they move on. 

If you could add or change something about dance to the dance world, what would it be and why?
I would have to say a wider shade range when it comes to shoes, tights, and “nude” undergarments. Currently in jazz shoes from what I’ve been able to find they only offer tan and black; I have to put foundation on my shoes so that they match me when I am onstage. I see a large issue with that. I think that here should be shades ranging from the lightest of dancers to the darkest. It’s a large industry that I believe is being neglected but has a very large opportunity. I plan on pursuing that venture, so everyone feels comfortable with going onstage and not looking silly because their tights and shoes don’t match them when they are performing. 

When you open a dance studio of your own one day, what are your plans for it?
My dance studio one day in the future… I’m still debating what the name should be. I want it to be something powerful yet professional, short, but not too short. I would want to offer tap, jazz, hip-hop, lyrical, ballet, modern, contemporary, yoga, heels, tumbling/acro, and maybe even silks/aerial silks just because I find it so intriguing. I want the inside of my studio to be very warm and inviting while also staying professional. I want there to be 2 levels. There should be pictures of the students throughout. Ideally there would be about 8 or 9 studios/rooms. There would be a room for kids to do homework, store food, and microwaves. I would have a little area where kids could buy food, snacks, and water in case they forgot to bring their own. There would also be a lounge area for parents of younger kids so they could watch them through the monitors. I would like one of the studios to strictly be for acro/tumbling and aerial silks. Preferably I would like to have an in-house costume designer so I would have a space entirely for him/her. An office and a conference room would also be my choice. I have a lot of ideas for my dance studio, and I hope one day to make them into a reality. The instructors I hope to hire one day have to have compassion, empathy, be very well trained and dedicated to teaching and creating not just amazing dancers, but amazing people. I would want to hire instructors that don’t do favorites, just what’s best for the team. Some, not all, would have to be good at working with small children. People that I could trust and count on. Instructors that do what’s best for the dancer, not just what the parent wants or says they should get. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
There is going to be a very long road ahead of them but never ever give up. It’s going to be hard and there are going to be moments that seem unbearable, but in the end it will all come together. To never lose sight of the big picture. To always remember the reason why they not only started but continued to dance and why they love it. I would advise them to cherish their family and never take them for granted because they are the ones that are always going to be there. Family is the biggest support system. I would advise them to hone in on their studies and never give up. Not to sweat the small stuff, to never give in to the drama and find a good group of people that will support them no matter what. Honest people that will tell them even the things they may not what to hear. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years? I see myself graduating/graduated from college. I would be hopefully working as a dance instructor and starting to obtain a graduate degree. I would love to obtain 2 masters - one in dance and the other in marketing. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
 
It is very difficult, but I have a very supportive mother that keeps me on my toes, and I have an organizer. I also just try to do everything in terms of due dates and importance. 

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom is the most inspiring person I’ve ever met. She’s been through a lot and has had some of the most incredible experiences in her life, yet she always maintains being a mom is her greatest accomplishment. Being a single mother isn’t easy, but she does it with such grace and makes it look easy. She always puts her needs aside to pit mine first. She's made a lot of sacrifices for me but shows and gives me so much unconditional love. She undoubtedly is my best friend, but still is a disciplinarian. We keep that boundary of mother and daughter, but I can always go to her when something is bothering me, or I just need someone to talk to. When I was younger, I had an issue with lying to my mom, so to ensure I wouldn’t do it anymore, my mom made me a promise that as long as I told her the truth… she could not get mad at me. As I got older, she had to alter it to she could be disappointed, but still could not get mad. She has stayed true to this promise and I would have to estimate that it’s been going on for about 12 years now. It shows how dedicated she is to me, knowing that I can always go to my mom is really special because I do have friends that aren’t able to do that with their parents and it makes the bond between my mom and I so much stronger. She inspires me each and every day. 

Pizza or tacos? Soda or water? Cats or dogs?
Pizza, water, and definitely dogs. 


Zaria will be featured in Issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: I am nominating Alaina Nesby because she is an extraordinary, talented, humble and lovely human being who is an inspiration to all who know her! 
Alaina is an incredible singer songwriter and at the time I met her 3 years ago, could play over 25 instruments at the age of 13 (that has probably increased by a couple by now). 
She is currently going to school (sophomore year) at Akins high school and working on recording her own album of original works. She also assists teaching at Franklin Music Academy. 
Her musical skills range from classical to quirky to complex R&B and her voice keeps up with it.
Click here to listen to her do a live set. You won't be sorry! 

​
​How did you first become involved with singing and songwriting?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I began composing at the age of 9 and have been doing so ever since. Songwriting has helped me through a lot. 

How do you get inspiration for the songs you write?
Composing music is kind of like writing in a diary for me. I love poetry, so it’s easy to write about my personal struggles metaphorically in my songs. My goal is for my music to help others as it has helped me.

Out of all the instruments you play, which instrument is your favorite to play and why?
I’d have to say guitar because it’s easiest to perform with. Violin is a close second, but only because I can’t sing and play it at the same time yet.

​
​Tell me a little bit about the opportunities you are involved in toward helping others compose their own music.
Well, at the moment I have a paid internship at the Franklin Music Academy. There, I understudy and even conduct some of my own music lessons for kids who are beginning to learn how to play their instruments. My goal for any student I have is to equip them with the knowledge they need to create whatever they want, rather it be musically or otherwise. 

What is your favorite memory of performing for others in Austin, Texas?
As much as I love performing for large numbers of people, there’s something to be said about performances in intimate settings. No mic, no amps, just me and my guitar. One of my favorite memories isn’t from that long ago. On the lengthy bus ride home from an orchestra and guitar competition in Houston, Tx, I was asked to perform one of my original songs. It caught me off guard, but I was more than happy to. What made this experience so memorable for me was that once I began singing, the entire bus quieted down and actively listened for the entire song. Some even sang along with me. It felt absolutely amazing to be supported by my classmates like that. The rest of the journey was like a mini concert, I played some more of my songs as well as songs that they all knew. Together, we sang like a choir all the way home. 

​How have you been able to continue your involvement with music while also maintaining good grades along with it?
I am very organized, and I expect only the best from myself. I love learning, so most of the time, school is pretty easy, but the college courses I am enrolled in keep me on my toes. I am at the top of both Orchestra and Classical Guitar programs at Akins High school, so I practice a lot as well. Often, I have to lose a lot of sleep to manage it all, but I find it more than worthwhile to be where I am today. 

Who do you find inspiring?
My teachers and coworkers are very inspiring to me. My orchestra director, Thomas Mann, is an incredible musician and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. My music tutor, Scott Blanco is not only my teacher, but one of my best friends. He composes and performs complex yet soulful music in his band, Finite Fidelity. My coworkers, Luis Parra and Jesse Hernandez are amazing performers and teachers. I open for their band, GOOD., often.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I’d like to attend the University of North Texas College of Music.
​

Alaina will be featured in Issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: I am nominating Libby because she has done more for others in her young life than most people do their entire lives. Libby is currently a Senior at Oshkosh North High School. She plays Varsity Tennis, Softball, is a member of National Honor Society and has received a scholarship to play softball at Winona State. She starts each school year with a list of community service projects that she has planned for the year. She organizes, schedules the volunteers and carries out each event. You won't find a nicer young lady than Libby Neveau, anywhere!

What is it like being a part of the National Honor Society? Personally, what is most interesting about it?
National Honors Society was really enjoyable to be a part of. I was the secretary on the exec board which kept very active in my school and community. My favorite part was doing the polar plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics.
​
What kind of community service projects have you been involved in? Which one has been your favorite to be a part of and why?
I have been in many community service projects ranging from helping The Boys and Girls Club, making root beer floats for a retirement home, and organizing events to raise money for The Children’s Tumor Foundation. My favorite has been the efforts of raising money for CTF because my cousin had NF (Neurofibromatosis), so this is near and dear to my heart.

Tell us about your cousin Owen. What kind of fundraising efforts have you done to raise awareness for NF?
Owen is 17 years old and is a high school junior. He is a very involved teenage that is sometimes held back due to seizures and his NF. This year I took on a big role in raising awareness for NF by holding an event at my softball game that raised money for a seizure dog for Owen. This dog will be a great companion for him as he moves in to more independent living a few years down the road.

​When it comes to tennis, what is your favorite thing about the sport? How long have you been playing for?
My favorite thing about playing tennis is being doubles partners with my best friend Sophie! We have made big improvements throughout the past three years and have enjoyed every moment.

​​Tell us about your career with softball. What position do you play? How long have you been playing? 
Softball is a very large portion of my life. I have been playing since I was six and will continue to play in college. I play third base and occasionally shortstop and catcher. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Stay positive and be yourself all while having clear goals and working hard. Never give up.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I hope to be in a Physician’s Assistant program learning the ropes of the medical field.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I have a very detailed calendar with a lot of lists. Another big thing is I never procrastinate, which helps me keep on top of things.

Who do you find inspiring?
My cousin Lauren because she has always been a great role model and fills the room with energy. She is the reason I started playing softball as well as why I am involved in many other activities.

Libby will be featured in Issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: Molly is a wonderful example of an inspiring teen because of how selfless and compassionate she is towards others! Molly and her family are very involved in foster care and have been for a while. Two of Molly's siblings are adopted and through her and her family's entire journey of taking care of younger children in foster care, I have been able to witness the pure joy she expresses through loving and supporting others in need. Her gentle, kind, and loving heart towards others is truly inspiring, and I am blessed to have such an amazing best friend in my life!

​How did you and your family first get involved with foster care?
We started foster care 9 years ago when I was 7 years old. My mom and dad wanted to stand in the gap for children whose parents were trying to get back on their feet. Since then we have fostered 10 kids and adopted two. All of them have been the biggest blessings and taught me so much about love that I didn’t know I had yet to learn. 

Can you elaborate on what your role is toward being a part of a foster family?
I have taken the role of the baby hog in my family, because when you come from a family as big as mine that’s the only way you get to snuggle the babies. I have also had to step up and take responsibility and help around the house for things I wouldn’t have normally done. 

What have you learned from being a part of a family that helps foster babies?
When you are a part of a foster family you learn many hard and many wonderful lessons. The biggest one being that you can never show too much love, because any amount of love shown is so important for caring and raising a baby. I’ve also learned and experienced the hardest thing in my life, which is saying goodbye to them. They are some the biggest heartbreaks I’ve ever had to experience. At the same time, all the babies have taught me to love and to not hold back on showing anyone love, because any little thing can change their whole lives. 
​
Tell me a little bit about what Night to Shine is and how you became involved with it.
I first heard about Night to Shine through my church, and I’ve done it for two years. Seeing everyone there is so much fun and brings me so much joy. I saw no one without a smile on their face and I’ve experienced it with my best friend both years. Being able to see everything and getting to be able to feel the electricity through the whole room is one of the best feelings I’ve felt. 

How has helping others in need impacted your life?
Helping others and getting all the opportunities that I get to help people is so rewarding. I can put smiles on people’s faces and bond with people whom I never would have known without these opportunities. 

Are you involved in any extracurricular activities? If so, which ones?
I play softball for my school, go to youth group, and through youth group I am on a discipleship team. I also am a buddy for special forces, which is an organization also through my church where one other person and I help the students in there whom have special needs. 

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my mom as one of the most inspiring people. She is always there for me to talk to and never judges me. She has been my rock and taught me so much in my life and continues to learn and continues to teach me and my siblings. 

Pizza or Tacos?  Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Definitely pizza. Soda, and I’ll always choose Coke over Pepsi. Always dogs. No doubt about that. 

Molly will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

How did you become interested in women empowerment? Why did you start your Youtube channel around this idea?
I’ve always had many powerful female role models in my life, and I aspire to help those who may not have these leaders in their lives! I’m saying this, Youtube is such a great way to reach out to girls my age and relate and empower them!

What is it like living in Sydney? Have you ever been to America?
I adore living in Sydney! It’s such a multicultural society and I love the vibes! I’ve never been to America, but I would so love to go ASAP! 

Do you have any family traditions that are specific to you and your life in Sydney?
My family are very much Greek and so we eat, speak, and live very ethnically! I love it so much and it is so easy to embrace this when I am constantly surrounded by so many diverse cultures. 
​
Have you ever seen a kangaroo? 
Yep haha! Not as often as you may think though.... probably only about five times in my life! 

​What is one thing you want more people to know about you? Why?
I am not some crazy smart teen prodigy- I am literally just another 15 year old girl! 
I am no better than anyone else and that will always stay the same!!!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Positivity and resilience is so important. Trust your gut and manifest love and happiness- that’s the secret to living your best life! 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years what are your plans for the future?
I would love to make a career out of YouTube, but if that doesn’t work out, I’m looking to possibly do a degree in philosophy or journalism! 

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think people deem me ‘inspiring’ because I am great at communicating all the things that float around my mind at such an early age. It all comes down to paying attention to what’s going around you and communicating that in the most authentic way you can!! 

Pizza or Tacos?  Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Tacos, water, and both!!!!

Things on your bucket list:
0. Travel around Greece by myself after I graduate 
0. Become a UN youth volunteer. 
0. Own my own business/ head my own organization! 

Gigi will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination:  This natural beauty is a ray of sunshine! Anna is outgoing, funny, energetic and loves to meet new people! She has danced all her life. She competed at a dance studio on a team from fourth grade all the way until sophomore year in high school. She then decided to try something new and she joined Poms. To round out her accomplishments, Anna is in the National Honors Society at school and an honor roll student. 
Anna and her family run a non-profit organization/event called Ben's Run in memory of her brother Ben, who passed away from cancer. She helps her family prepare for the annual run each year by promoting it on social media, designing spirit wear, coming up with new ideas to incorporate and so much more. They have held the run for eight years and have raised over $650,000 for research to go towards childhood cancer. To continue her efforts, Anna is an ambassador for Dance Hope Cure, which is a social media campaign that raises awareness for childhood cancer. It allows her to use her love for dance to spread the word about childhood cancer and share her personal story of her brother. 

How did your interest in dance begin? What is your favorite style of dance and why?
When I was three years old my mom put me in ballet class at a small studio and that’s when it all started. I was immediately hooked, and wanted to take other styles too, so I switched to a new studio. My favorite style of dance is probably lyrical or contemporary because I like to challenge myself with creating new lines with my body as well as connecting to the music. 

Tell us about Ben’s Run and how someone could contribute if they are not able to attend the run. 
Ben’s Run is a non-profit organization that my family and I started to raise money towards research for childhood cancer at Children’s Hospital in memory of my brother Ben. It started 9 years ago when we raised $33,000 and now in total, we have raised $730,000. If you cannot attend the actual run, you can always donate online because every penny makes a difference in these kids’ lives. 

What are your duties within Dance Hope Cure? How could someone join?
My duties with Dance Hope Cure is to take pictures and post them on social media to spread awareness about childhood cancer. The more people that know about it, the more people that can help. It is the perfect way to combine my love for dance and passion for awareness of childhood cancer. Last year a group of my friends and I had a photoshoot specially for pictures of us dancing to promote Ben’s Run (which is seen in the photo) and it was so powerful. 

Tell us more about your experiences with the Poms team. How long were you on the team for? 
I joined the Poms team at my high school junior year and was captain for my senior year. 

How was Poms different from the dance you used to do? How was it similar? Explain! 
It is different than dancing at a studio because our routines are super high intensity and require lots of stamina. Therefore, we run and workout every day in order to be in shape for our routines. It’s super fun because we get to perform at our football and basketball games. We also compete at 3 Invitationals and a County competition against all the other D1 poms teams in Montgomery County.

Anna will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

 The Nomination: Shawntoni is an amazing and gifted young student. She is an amazing song writer, singer and producer. She is a self-taught musician, playing the acoustic guitar and bass. She has even produced her own music out on SoundCloud several YouTube videos that inspire so many amazing young people around her. She also gives back to the community and willingly shares her gift with others. She is a star! ​

​How did your interest in music begin? Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to music and why? 

Ever since a child, I was surrounded by music. Literally, my whole family does something that involves music. It wasn't until I saw my brother producing and making beats that I really got interested in it. From there, I wanted to learn all the instruments I could. I never wanted to sing until I had gotten older. My brother is my biggest inspiration when it comes to music. I learned everything about producing through him. I’d sit and watch him play the piano and when he’d leave, I’d go and try to play exactly what he played. He is the real reason why I started to take music seriously. I saw how much joy he got out of making music and I wanted to feel that same joy. 

What was it about the acoustic guitar and bass that made you want to play it? How long have you been playing these instruments?

I wanted to play piano first. I learned a little but it got difficult for me, so I wanted to try something else. I used to watch a lot of Tori Kelly videos on Youtube and I loved the way she played so I wanted a guitar. Once I got my guitar, I instantly fell in love. It was much easier for me to play chords than piano. I’ve been playing for about 7 or 8 years now. With the bass, I’ve been playing for about 4 or 5 years and I’m still not as good as I could be. I really wanted to learn because around that time, I discovered an artist by the name of Thundercat. His bass playing is out of this world and I don’t think I could ever achieve his level of playing. He inspired me to learn bass.

​
Do you think being a self - taught musician was difficult? Explain! 

I don’t think being self-taught for me was hard. I think if I would’ve been taught by someone, I’d still be an amateur. It was easy for me because I was determined to learn. I looked up chord charts, listened to different artists that play guitar, and learned my scales. I never watched Youtube videos because it didn’t really help me. I just kept practicing every day and continue to.

What is your favorite type of genre of music? Do you like playing the same genre? Do you like listening to the same type? Why or why not? 

My favorite type of music would probably have to be R&B. I play a lot of R&B but I add a lot of other genres also. I don’t always like listening to the same type of music because it gets boring. I listen to all types of music because I never know what can influence my own music. 

Can you attach the link to your SoundCloud account and Youtube so we can listen to your music! Thank you:). 

https://soundcloud.com/shawntoni-nichols

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwNCm9zIlW5UQQ4cML7E-A?view_as=subscriber


Shawntoni will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! 

​The Nomination: Leila Patel isn't just an incredible basketball player, she is an incredible person. She made Varsity last year as a Freshman, won the Newcomer of the Year award in our district, and this year she leads the team in scoring and definitely our MVP. She made the girls Under Armor team and is an amazing person with a huge heart. She cares about everyone around her and will help anyone in need. She inspires everyone around her to not only try harder in practice but to be a better person. I couldn't have made it the last two years without her and I have a feeling a lot of people in her life think that same way!

Explain the role basketball plays in your life and what it means to you. 
Basketball has been in my life for a long time because of my little brother. I watched him play countless games and then decided to give it a try myself. It is a pretty recent passion of mine as I started my first skills class when I was in 6th grade - I was more of a competitive swimmer and dancer when I was younger. 

Basketball has allowed me to meet and work with new people and people who are different from me. It plays a huge role in my life as I work most everything in my life around basketball. Basketball has allowed me to make new friends, be a part of a team and has pushed me out of my shell as I have always tended to be a shy person. I have gained confidence on and off the court. I love the feeling of being on the court with the basketball in my hands!

How did it feel to receive varsity status as a freshman? Were there any moments in the process where you thought it wouldn't have been possible?
It was awesome! It had been a goal for me to play varsity basketball in high school. I put the work in and made varsity, though, I didn’t know how much playing time I would receive. I made up my mind to arrive early each day before practice to get my shots up and do the work. I’m happy to say that I started every game of my freshman year and became the leading scorer for our team.

​Tell us a little bit about the Girls Under Armour team and early college recruitment. (That's so exciting!!) 
This year Under Armour launched its national girls’ basketball circuit to showcase young athletes across the country. It’s really exciting to be part of it. There are three showcases this season where I will play with my team in front of college coaches from all over the country who are looking to recruit for their teams. It’s cool to see what my future may hold as I pursue my passion.

Tell me a time when you were expected/asked to become a leader on your team (during a practice, game, etc.)
I arrived to each practice early for my high school team, normally being the first on the court in the morning. Because of this, my coach gave me the opportunity to lead and encourage my teammates to arrive early to practice. I was also expected to be a leader on both sides of the court by talking on defense and scoring on offense. 

​Who are some interesting figures you look up to?
One of my role models is Ana Llanusa from Oklahoma Women's Basketball. She is a shooting guard just like me. She can shoot the ball well and is an all-around great player. She has overcome adversity with her injuries but continues to keep working hard. She embodies the qualities I strive to possess. 


Leila will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

It took me a few weeks to prepare for the ASVAB. I took this test as a pathway to graduate. ​

​I would play the flute. I find the flute beautiful and delicate and it sounds lovely 

​The style of dance I like is both jazz and hip hop. I don’t have an inspiration when it comes to dance. 

It began when I was in middle school, my art teacher was impressed with mine and other students work, she had submitted it to scholastic and my first piece was purchased and went into a dentist office. From then on, I continued making pieces and I featured them on Facebook and people began to purchase. It made me feel good, and confident in myself that I can be an artist. 
​

​The Nomination: Tristen Morris is inspiring because on top of waking up stunning each day, she also competes on a club soccer team. She has officially signed to play at Angelo State next year and is looking forward to continuing her education and taking on new challenges. When she isn't playing soccer, she enjoys wake-boarding at the lake and racing her dirt bike. She has a heart for animals and is often seen with a dog in her arms. It is inspiring to see a young lady who is active and can hang with the boys, but who also cleans up like a super model. Truly the best of both worlds!

When did your career in soccer begin? What position do you play? What is your favorite part about playing for a club team?

My soccer career began when I was three years old. My mom played soccer her whole life so she signed me up. At my first soccer game I dribbled the ball down the field at kickoff and scored right away, this is when my parents knew that this would become my passion. Today, I play for Dallas Sting, the same club my mom played for, and I play attacking mid. My favorite part about soccer is all the skills it teaches you. Not just physically, but mentally, soccer has taught me respect, perseverance, and integrity. 
​
Tell us about your experiences playing soccer against Sweden and South African teams.

Playing soccer against Sweden and South Africa was an amazing experience. I played against them in Dallas International Cup. The coolest part about it was hearing them speak in a different language and not knowing what they are saying. It was also cool to interact with them after the game and see how happy they were to be playing in the United States.

​
​When did you learn about wake-boarding? How often do you wake-board?

I have gone to Caddo Lake in East Texas since I was a baby. I even call it my second home. It is known for being the only natural lake in Texas and it is absolutely beautiful. At the age of six, my dad taught me how to wakeboard. The first try I got up on my board, and ever since I have fallen in love with it. I wakeboard almost every time I go to the lake.​

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?

Some advice that I would give is to always be confident within yourself. I believe confidence is the key to success. When you are confident with yourself or in what you are doing, you can achieve your goals that you are trying to reach. This past year I was diagnosed with anxiety that made me severely sick. During this time, I struggled to find strength I needed to overcome this. I was constantly doubting myself on my looks, personality, and what others thought of me. But I realized that if I had the confidence on knowing who I am and that it doesn’t matter what others think, that I could get through it. I just needed to find myself and gain the mental ability to persevere through this hard time. Teenagers around the world struggle with anxiety or believe that they are not enough or not wanted by others. With my story and past experiences, I hope to inspire others by helping them realize their self-worth, and how truly great life is when you know your worth. 

What type of dog is your favorite? Why? What is your second favorite animal?

My favorite type of dog is a Shorkie. It is a mix between a Yorkie and a Shih-tzu, my dog Mookie, is this breed. Mookie has become my best friend and even when I’m in a bad mood he puts a smile on my face. He is the perfect size and beyond adorable. My second favorite animal is a cat. I have a cat named Speedy who follows me around the house and even comes to a whistle.

Tristen will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Joe Gutowski played football since the age of 7. He was never gifted with great athletic ability or skill but persevered through those obstacles and continued through even though he was told by his peers that he would never be good enough. He was never on the best team, always on the “B” team. One day during leadership his coach told them about a bible verse 1 Peter 5:6 : “humble yourselves therefor under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” This verse completely inspired him to keep going in his lowest time. And his senior year he finally got his spot on varsity!

​How did you become interested in football? Who inspired you the most to start playing?
 I don’t think anyone in particular inspired me to play football. It was always just something I loved to do. 

Tell us about the Bible verse your coach once told you. Tell us what it means and what it means to you, personally. 
The verse itself says “humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time.” To me, I applied this to my situation with football. I was struggling to maintain a good self-esteem because it felt like no matter what I did, nothing was good enough. This verse taught me to keep working, persevere, and in due time, God will lift me up. 

What were some ways you persevered through your tough times? How did you not let what other people said about you, affect you?
I just kept my head down and tried to outwork everyone around me, I knew that without working hard I would always be average so I just kept working hard. I tried to turn those negative words into motivation to work even harder. 

How did you feel when you made the varsity team your senior year? How did you celebrate?
It was definitely a relief. It was something I had waited for, for so long. I can’t remember if I celebrated any, but I just kept on my path. 

​Tell us more about your different experiences you have had throughout high school. What was one high and one low you remember?
Definitely a high in my high school career was beating our arch rivals, Colleyville Heritage, senior year. The pure joy around everyone on our team was unbelievable. That’s something I’ll never forget. On the other hand, my all-time low was finding out I made JV my junior year. I was right on the border of making varsity and to look at the roster and not seeing my name was devastating. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
 DO NOT QUIT!!! It may be hard but it’s 100% worth it in the end. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I’m going to ASU for sports journalism, so I see myself covering the Cardinals or Diamondbacks. My goal is to eventually be on ESPN. 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
That no matter how many people told me I was trash, instead of giving up, I worked harder. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I just try and manage my free time as best I can. Keeping reminders in my phone have helped me a lot (especially with remembering homework) 

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I’m definitely a lake guy, so anything at the lake. Wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, etc. I also back myself as the best FIFA player I know, so I guess Xbox. 

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I’m a pretty good FIFA player. But it’s not really hidden because all my friends hear plenty of trash talk. 

Who do you find inspiring?
For me, I relate to Isiah Thomas a lot. Thomas was picked by the Kings with the last pick in the NBA draft. No one thought he’d be anything special. An undersized, underweight guard could never succeed like he has. But he has proven every doubter wrong overtime by putting in the work and staying the course. 

Pizza or Tacos?  Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Tacos, Dr. Pepper is the best, 100% a dog person 

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Skydiving 2. Shark Cage diving 3. Go to a Super Bowl 

Anything else you’d like to tell us? 
Thank y’all for this opportunity!!! 


Joe will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Ashlynn Prince; She has a taste for the world as shown when she studied abroad in Japan for six weeks the summer of her sophomore year. She is extremely artistic and wants to inspire others the way the world has inspired her over the years. Art Club

​
​How did your art career begin? When did you start getting interested in art? 
​
My mom is the elementary art teacher at my school—naturally, I as I grew up, I wanted to do art, too, and she always supported me in my growing passion. In about seventh grade, I started to get serious about the arts—music, traditional art, digital art, writing, all of it. My high school art teacher, Lisa French, is my amazing mentor and good friend, and she has helped me so much throughout my high school career.

​Where does most of your art inspiration come from? What is your one favorite piece you have created? Why? 
​
Most of my inspiration comes from the world around me; other art pieces online or near me. Other times is it solely on my emotions and experiences. I am still learning and growing in the art world, so it’s very impossible to pick a favorite art piece of mine, but I am very proud of my murals honoring Vietnam War Veterans, which I painted with my best friend, Summer Rose Rohrer.

Tell us about your trip to Japan. 
​
My trip to Japan included my first plane ride—or, should I say my first seven plane rides? Through Youth for Understanding (YFU), I was granted a scholarship and the unbelievable opportunity to stay with a host family for six weeks as well as attend high school in Ichinomiya, Aichi during the summer of my sophomore year.
​

​
What were some interesting places you saw? 
​
I saw the Japanese Sky Tree, went to Shirakawa-go, Tanabata (The Star Festival) in Ichinomiya, and Nagoya Castle, and experienced so much of their culture. My host family consisted of nine people other than me: 5 boys, 4 girls—and their cat. They were so welcoming, and they made my trip unforgettable. 

What was your favorite part about the whole trip? 

There’s just no way that I can pick a favorite part of the trip; it was all so sensational. I will never forget the people that supported me and the experiences I had in Japan. It was life-changing and gave me a thirst to explore the world around me.
​
I would love to go back to Japan to visit my host family and explore some more! 

​
​Where is another location you would want to visit? Why would you want to go here? What would you do when you arrived to your dream location? 

I plan to study abroad in college; I would love to go Italy, France, Britain, or Japan again. In the far future, I want to live in one of the aforementioned countries and pursue my career in animation.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
​
Don’t wait around for someone to chase your dreams for you. You have to work, and branch out, and let those around you support you when you step out of your comfort zone. And never, ever, stop dreaming.

​Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I am going to attend Webster University for animation, and I want to travel the world, inspiring everyone I can the same way my family and the world has inspired me.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I try to look on the positive, and I dream all the time. I work to pursue my dreams, even though I am a small-town girl who just wants to explore the world around me.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
Well, that one’s tricky; I just go with the flow. I keep my dates straight by writing them down in a planner, and the rest of the time I have to spare is pretty much just balancing my life as I go.

​What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love watching anime and sniffing out animators online.

Who do you find inspiring?
My parents have inspired me my whole life. I want to work like they have to provide for me and my siblings, and I want to do it while doing what I love. I want to make them proud.

Pizza or Tacos? Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Pizza. Water. Dogs. Period.

3 Things on your bucket list
Eating pasta in Italy, making enough money to buy my parents a great house in a great place, and hosting at least one foreign exchange student.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I couldn’t be where I am today without the support of my friends and family. I will always hold them dear and I will make them proud. I am ready to move on from home, but I will never forget the arms the held me up throughout my life. I thank them and love them all. I would also like to again thank Inspiring Teens Magazine and Esther Luna for this amazing opportunity to share my story!


Ashlynn Prince will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Ethan Brown has won the 1st team GMC conference award for offensive tackle in football. Ethan also wrestles and was the team captain and he won an award for having the most pins on the team. He was fall homecoming king at his school. His senior year GPA is a 3.850 but his cumulative GPA is 3.450.
He is going to Purdue Fort Wayne and majoring in mechanical engineering. He plans on joining ROTC while he is in college. After college he wants to seek employment at a wind farm or hydroelectric power plant.
Some of his accomplishment include building a dam in the creek behind his house to build up the water level and eventually harvest the water’s potential energy. He used study hall in school to go to his science teacher’s room and build water pumps and repairing heaters. Ethan had built a water filter with nothing but scraps that he found around his classroom. Ethan wishes to see 50% of the world’s energy produced by renewable energy sources in my lifetime and would like to be a big part of this goal. 

Tell us what it’s like being in the mechanical engineering field.

The mechanical engineering field is, and always will be a competitive field of study. Mechanical engineers are responsible for designing machines. Some machines need power to run, and some machines make power. I am more interested in making the power.
​
What is the ROTC you are interested in? 
ROTC stands for Reserve Officer Training Corps and it is a military program that some colleges offer. It basically pays for all or most of my college tuition in exchange for military service. I am interested and in joining the U.S. Army reserve and Corps of Engineers.

How did you build water filters from nothing but scraps? What was the most difficult part? 

Building a water filter is actually pretty easy. All I needed was a long tube, an air pump, and some charcoal. I started by attaching a small box with a grate in it onto the tube, that way water could pass through it, but the charcoal would stay in place. I then put the small air tube down the middle of the larger tube and submerged the whole thing into a fish tank. Once the air pump was turned on, it produced air bubbles at the bottom of the tank which helped carry water up the tube where it could be filtered through the charcoal and dispensed back into the tank.

​How are you planning on making our environment 50% from renewable resources?

It is highly unlikely that the world will ever be able to run on 100% renewable energy, but it can definitely get close. My plan to get the world to 50% renewable energy usage would require a very large campaign wherein I would need to sell people on the benefits of renewable energy.
 
What is something people can do to help? 
Things like solar panels and wind turbines are an investment. They cost a lot of money up front, but after several years, they pay themselves off and then keep producing electricity. If everybody invested in solar roof panels for their homes, that would make a huge impact and they would also save money in the long run.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?

Be nice to everybody you meet and just go with the flow.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?

I see myself getting married and starting a family. Hopefully I am working at a wind farm.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?

I am well known at my school because I do the video announcements in the mornings. In my special segments I try to do funny things that will bring joy to the students when they watch it. My goal is to prepare them for the day with a laugh, and I think a lot of my classmates look up to me for that. I also just try to be nice to everyone and live by the golden rule.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?

I live a pretty routine life between school, sports and work, so organization is not a tremendous burden for me.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?

When I’m not in school, the gym, or working at the grocery store, you can usually find me hanging out with my girlfriend. She is just absolutely amazing and between you and me, she’s way out of my league.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?

Yes, I have mad yo-yo skills.

Who do you find inspiring?

Brian Shaw, 4x world’s strongest man.

Pizza or Tacos?  Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?

Pizza, water, dogs.

3 Things on your bucket list

Travel to New Zealand, get a pilot’s license, belly flop into a black hole.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?

The dam I built in my creek had risen the water level by about 2 feet. Unfortunately, the Ohio rains raised it a bit too high and the water started pouring over the dam and it collapsed yesterday (4/22/19). But don’t worry, I’ll rebuild it.



Ethan will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

How did you become interested in acting? When did you start?
On a whim freshman year of high school, I auditioned for the school play ‘The Miracle Worker”, got cast, and fell in love. It was game over from then on. 

What has been your favorite production you have been a part of? Why was this your favorite? What was your role? 
They are all my favorite! Each character I am lucky enough to play are different and interesting in their own way. I currently play a character on Days of Our Lives, Nurse Shelley, who is super fun to embody, despite the fact she isn’t always the nicest.

What are some ways you prepare for filming? 
Specificity is always the goal. I work both solo and with my scene partner(s) and director to get super clear on my character’s wants, needs and actions. Then on set I try to breathe, focus and really listen to what my partner is saying. 

​What is one thing most people do not know about acting? 
I think a lot of people think acting is just memorizing lines. Memorizing the lines is the easy part, it’s all the other stuff that is hard. Emotionally connecting with a character means really knowing yourself and being honest and vulnerable. That is scary, and exciting, and very challenging. 

Do you remember any lines you were given that have been your favorite to say? If so, why? 
The first line I ever said on stage was “They said you’re going where the sun is fierce” and that one still holds a special place. 

Have you always lived in LA or did you move there to pursue your acting career? 
I moved to LA 6 years ago when I started getting into more film and TV. Before that I lived in NYC. I went to Tisch at NYU and stayed after I graduated for many years doing theatre. Theatre is amazing training and I believe anyone who wants to be an actor should do theatre for at least a little while. 

What was the hardest part about adapting to the lifestyle of LA? How did you get through it?
Being away from family and friends. I still miss them all the time, but I’m lucky to have an awesome husband and group of friends in LA that keep me grounded, and I try to fly back east at least once a year to visit. 

​Walk me through a typical day, from when you first wake up, to when you fall asleep.
Each day is pretty different when you are an actor because you could be on a show, auditioning, rehearsing, or just hustling to try to get an audition. No matter what, I get up and one of the first things I do is exercise. It keeps me sane.

What is one thing you found most surprising on set?
The mayhem. Honestly, it’s a miracle anything gets finished. The people who work behind the camera are so amazing and so hard working and brilliant, from the Producers to the PAs. It really does take a village and I am in awe of it always. It’s magic. 

What would be your advice to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Don't wait for permission to pursue what you want. If you want to act, act. Even if it means getting friends together and reading a play out loud in your living room or shooting something on your iPhone. It still counts, and it's the only way to move forward in this insane career. Also, surround yourself with hardworking, positive people. They will lift you up when it gets hard and you can do the same for them. And BE GRATEFUL. If you are lucky enough to be doing what you love on any level, you have won at the game of life. 

Alyssa will be featured in issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​
How long have you been in business and how did you get started?
I’ve had my business since 2014, but really started to take it seriously in 2017, I’ve always loved taking pictures of everything, but I think the time I got my first DSLR camera was the thing that launched it.

​How did you recruit your models for your model team and how long have you had your model program? What's your favorite part about it and how many models do you have? 
My models apply and then I choose them based on what schools they go to, their interests and their age, I’ve had an official model team for two years now! My favorite part about having a model team is getting to know the girls and having fun while we shoot! Right now, I have 9 on my team!

Where have you received your education from so far?
I’m completely self-taught, but my mom gave me a few basic tips that I still use. It really is experimental and it’s really rewarding when it works out and you get the picture you want. Luckily, I have a model team who let me try new things!

Mallory is featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! 

​The Nomination: Maya Sheklow is accomplished and grounded, and beautiful with a heart of gold. She is finishing her gold award having been a girl scout for 12 years and is a volunteer at Club 21 which is an organization that helps kids with Down Syndrome and their families. She is a second-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, plays lacrosse and volleyball, and was selected to be school ambassador by the principal of Crescenta Valley High School where she has been a scholar athlete all three years.

​How did you become interested in being a Girl Scout? What is your favorite thing about it? 
I started Girl Scouts in Kindergarten when I was five years old. At that time, I thought it would be a fun experience with my friends. However, as I continued Girl Scouts, I realized it was more than a playdate; it was about a commitment to my community and becoming a strong young lady who could learn to become a leader. Over the years, Girl Scouts has brought much joy into my life, including lifelong friendships, and learning the importance of giving back to others.

Tell us about your volunteering opportunities with Club 21 and what you have accomplished.
At Club 21, which is an organization that provides support for children with Down Syndrome and their families, I spend my time supervising and assisting the children with activities. I also take pictures to update their website and create a costume box that helps the children with expressing themselves. 

When did your careers begin with Lacrosse and Volleyball? If you had to pick one, which would you choose and why?
I started playing lacrosse six years ago in 6th grade, and actually did not start playing volleyball until my freshman year of high school. Even though I greatly enjoy playing both, I would pick lacrosse over volleyball because I find the competitiveness and physicality of it challenges and pushes me. I also have developed a great comradery with my teammates, and I hope to continue my career of playing lacrosse in college. 

​When did your career in Taekwondo start? What made you want to start?
I started Taekwondo when I was in 3rd grade to build confidence and strength. I continued to benefit from the classes by gaining flexibility and did achieve more strength and confidence. Therefore, I decided to continue for the next five years, at which point I received my second-degree black belt. Even though I am no longer taking classes, I continue benefiting in the present from the skills I learned in the past.

Are you liking high school? What are your likes and dislikes? 
Like most teenagers, high school for me has had its ups and downs. For the most part, it has been a great experience- from meeting new friends to having a few inspirational teachers. There are definitely times where I can feel overwhelmed due to the amount of homework assigned. Also, there are classes that I don't necessarily enjoy, but it is all part of what will make me a strong and successful adult. 

What is something you want your class remembering about you after graduation?
I hope that when I leave Crescenta Valley High School I will be remembered as someone who is kind, and a person who became friends with people regardless of their social status or what their disabilities were. I hope I was able to make people smile and laugh.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? 
The advice I would give would be to stay true to who you are; to do things you enjoy (not just because others are doing it), and to always smile. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?

In five years I see myself finishing my MBA and art degree. After I graduate my hope is to start taking over my family’s business, Drawn to Art, which teaches fine art, drawing and painting classes to students, ages 4 to adult. 

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring? 
I think that everyone is inspiring in their own way. I hope that when someone is reading my article, they see I can enjoy being a teenager, but also give back to my community, be there for my friends, and still be a scholar athlete. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything on your plate?
I keep myself organized by keeping lists and a regular schedule each week. It also helps for me to focus on things that I enjoy doing and that I am passionate about. 

What is your favorite activity to pass time that wasn’t in your nomination?
To pass time, I enjoy drawing and singing even though I cannot seem to hold a tune. 

Who is inspiring? 
I find my great-grandmother inspiring for many reasons. My great-grandmother is someone who from day one I looked up to. She is probably the strongest woman I know, and never gives up without a fight. Although she is 95 years old, she still has the motivation and determination to keep moving forward. Through hard times she pushed through to give her children, grandchildren and even great grandchildren an amazing life - a life she thought they deserved. Without this woman in my life I can honestly say I wouldn’t be the strong, independent, and caring young lady I am today. I am so lucky to have her in my life as she continues to inspire me every day. 

Pizza or Tacos? Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs? 
I would have to choose tacos, water and dogs. 

3 things on your bucket list? 
Travel the world, take over the family business, and have a family. 

Maya will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Bri is one of the most independent and driven young ladies that I've had the pleasure of meeting. She is poised, athletic, and obviously gorgeous! She has committed to the University of Texas at Arlington for this coming fall! I'm lucky to have her on my model team this year and wish her all the best in the future!

Tell me about the Angie Read Photography organization.
I am a part of Angie Read Photography’s Power Team. The Power Team is included with other junior and senior girls, like me, from all different schools and areas. The team has been brought together by Ms. Angie herself and the motive of the group is to improve self-confidence, women empowerment, and leadership. With that being said, we do various things to achieve these goals such as group and individual photoshoots, hair and makeup lessons by cosmetologists, entrepreneurship speaker/presentations, community service, and college preparedness info sessions. Being a part of her team has been such an amazing experience and has truly boosted my confidence in so many areas rather than merely physical beauty. 

What do you think people will remember most about you when you graduate high school?
Throughout my high school career I’ve always been known to be open minded and kind to every person I met. I’m a go with the flow kind of girl and I’m a strong believer in the typical cliché “everything happens for a reason”. I believe people would remember me as a down to earth girl who never lost track of her goals, because even though I’m more of a free spirit, I’m extremely determined and invested in my future and never failed to work hard in my studies. 

Tell us what your biggest accomplishments have been.
My biggest accomplishment by far is being able to officially say that I will be the first in my entire family to pursue a higher education and go to college. I’ve been waiting for the college letter of acceptance for as long as I can remember and being the first of my family to achieve this goal is a huge deal for not only myself but my entire family. I hope that in doing so, I set an example for all my younger siblings, cousins, nieces, and nephews to continue their educational careers after high school. 

Another significant accomplishment in my life was a couple years ago during my sophomore and junior year of high school when I started a nonprofit profit organization. This nonprofit organization was designed to encourage underprivileged children from low income families in the Houston area to want to learn and exercise. I gathered a few girls to join my team and a couple days every week after school we would go up to this school and start an after-school academic and athletic enrichment program. We’d come with lesson plan activities, English lessons, technology introduction, and created a soccer team with the kids to promote healthy exercise and teamwork. Towards the end, my team and I were able to raise over one thousand dollars to donate to the school to go towards school supplies for the kids and sports equipment. 

What are some ways you build up your self-confidence and esteem? 
I used to struggle a lot with confidence and had so many self-esteem issues to where I depended heavily on makeup every day to make me feel better about myself. To gain self-confidence I changed some habits of mine and began a new routine. I slowly started to wear less and less makeup and got more use to my own skin. Now I rarely wear more than mascara and I try to focus on natural beauty and how God created me and learn that makeup wasn’t created to cover up but to enhance the beauty that’s already there. To be more self-confident you must let go, don’t be afraid to be you whatever that may be. I built up my confidence mainly through the change of how I used makeup, and how I used my voice. By this, I mean that a lot of my confidence came from how I presented myself and before I used to never speak out as much or say my mind like I do now. So I decided to change how I used my voice and spoke my mind, stood up for myself if necessary, etc., and it truly changed my whole mentality and made me realize I do have a voice and it does mean something. 

When did you know you wanted to pursue a career in photography? What sparked your interest?
I’ve always been interested in photography since I was little. I used to get cameras for Christmas and various holidays, and I would capture every image in sight. As I grew up, I joined a photography club in school and then finally bought my own first professional camera. From then on, I obsessed how with one click and just the right angle and lighting, you could capture someone or something’s most beautiful and still standing moment. After joining Ms. Angie’s Power Team, it truly has rejuvenated this passion for photography not only behind the camera but in front of it as well. 

Brianna will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

This year me and my family wanted to do a kind thing and be in the holiday spirit and we raised money organization called PAWS! Let me tell you a little bit about PAWS. PAWS is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization dedicated to saving Philadelphia’s homeless and at-risk animals. PAWS is the city’s largest rescue partner and provider of low-cost, basic veterinary care for pet owners and rescue organizations that cannot otherwise access or afford it. Through its three no-kill shelters, foster care network, and special events, PAWS find loving homes for thousands of animals each year. PAWS is working to make Philadelphia a no-kill city where every healthy and treatable pet is guaranteed a home. We started last spring and was thinking about doing it around December and Christmas time. At that point we were collecting these glass yogurt jars that we were going to use for our candles that we were going to sell. Fast forward a few months and now we had around 50 jars! At that point we stared to make the candles, and my mom was crocheting these hand warmers that we were also going to sell as well with the candles. Once we got everything done we were deciding were we should set up, finally we decided to set up at a store in Doylestown. The day of was great! So many people were so generous, some people bought a candle and or a wrist warmer, and some people just gave us a donation! In total we raised $350 for PAWS! And all of the money we raised went to PAWS. 

It’s that time of year when all we think about is snow days, but what should we do on snow days? Here’s a list of 10 things to do on your snow days!
​
1. Sleep In
2. Catch up on your shows
3. Play in the snow
4. Make hot chocolate
5. Watch a movie
6. Bake Cookies
7. Play a board game
8. Take artsy snow pictures
9. Go online shopping
10.Hang out with friends

​
The chime of a clock
Causes cheers to erupt
And a new year is upon us
Like the chills of winter.
The beginning of anything can be
Intense and uncharted,
But even in the coldest of times
The people we love will keep us warm.

​The History of Stockholm, Sweden - Written by Amanda Wisner
Stockholms historia, Sverige - Skriven av Amanda Wisner

Upon coming across this article, you may have thought: “Isn’t this an article in an earlier issue?” And, yes, it is practically the ‘sister article’ to The History of Gothenburg, Sweden, which I wrote about a year ago, but I chose to venture into a different city. This city is the capital and most populated city in Sweden. This particular city is Stockholm, Sweden, and the city that will be featured in this article. 
Stockholm dates all the way back to the thirteenth century, as time was nearing to the end of the Middle Ages, which had taken place from 1201 to 1300. At the time, trade and commerce were popular all across Europe, and many new towns were founded throughout these years. In the year 1252, Birger Jarl, (the regent of Sweden at the time) had founded the Stockholm.

Fast forward to 1289, Stockholm had been described as the largest place in Sweden, despite it seeming small to people today. 211 years later, Stockholm was a small city with a population of approximately 6,000 people. 

However, not all good things last forever, right? In this case, that’s correct. In 1519, the King of Denmark had invaded Sweden, and a year later he had seized Stockholm and had over eighty Swedish nobles executed for not sharing the same beliefs as he wanted the city to have, which is known as heresy. This series of events had been known as the “Stockholm Bloodbath”. Contrary to the terrible turn of events, in 1523, the Swede Gustav Vasa had recaptured the city. 
Moving forward to the seventeenth century, Sweden was a great power to Europe. Stockholm had begun to flourish. By the end of the seventeenth century, the population was approximately 50,000 people. Between 1641 and 1674, Riddarhuset, The House of Nobility was being built. But as quickly as everything had begun to thrive, through 1710-1711, plague had torn through the city, and an abounding amount of people had died. Not lowering its reputation as a city, Stockholm had recovered and flourished once again in the eighteenth century.

Following the plague, Tullgarn Palace was built in 1720, the Royal Palace was opened in 1754, the Obelisk was created in 1799, and the statue of King Gustav III was also sculpted in 1799. 
Throughout the mid-nineteenth century, Stockholm had been an extremely unhealthy city. With a lack of sewers and no piped water supply, there were most likely smaller illnesses and all types of ‘colds’ that, without a doubt, would have spread like wildfire. However, in the late nineteenth century, Sweden had transformed from an agricultural society to an industrial society. (In 1850, Stockholm held a population of 93,000, and by the twentieth century, it had grown to approximately 300,000). 

As Sweden had begun to flourish as an industrial country as a whole, many inventions had cancelled out the poor plumbing systems and other issues that were apparent (especially in Stockholm). For example, Stockholm had gained gas light in 1853, then a piped water supply was introduced in the 1860's. Following this, the National Museum was created and built in 1866, Stockholm Central Railway Station was constructed in 1871, horse drawn trams began running in Stockholm in 1877, followed by the first electric trams, which were introduced in 1901. While transportation and business were growing rapidly, the educational and historic parts of Stockholm were also brought into the light. Stockholm University was founded in 1877, the Swedish Army Museum was opened in 1879, Skansen Open Air Museum was introduced in 1891, the Biological Museum was introduced to the public in 1893, and Stockholm Music Museum had been founded in 1899. 
As a reader, you may be thinking “Wow, Stockholm flourished faster than anything!” And really, it had. As it continued to grow, the extremely successful city hadn’t brought disappointment, and continued to thrive throughout the twentieth century.

​Here’s a list / timeline of many more successes (with a minor downfall or two) that took place in Stockholm:
1628 - The Vasa (a Swedish ship) sinks
1905 - The Parliament House is constructed
1906 - The Postal Museum is introduced to the public
1907 - The Nordic Museum is built
1923 - City Hall is constructed
1943 - The Museum of National Antiques opens
Approximately Mid-Twentieth Century - Stockholm escapes damage by bombing in World War II; a program is created to modernize the city (This program included many old homes being demolished and replaced)
1953 - The Museum of Dance opens 
1961 - The Vasa is recovered and put on display in a museum
1986 - The Medieval Museum is introduced to the public

Throughout the years of its existence, Stockholm has overcome several obstacles on the way to becoming a wonderful, successful city. Nonetheless, from new inventions being put into use for the sake of the citizens’ health and safety to many museums celebrating the history of Stockholm, the city is now an unbelievably stunning and impressive city. The capital of Sweden is a popular tourist attraction, in which the industry shares its part in the city. From starting at a population of approximately 6,000 people in 1300, Stockholm is now the most populated city in the Scandinavian region, holding a population of about 960,031 people as of 2017.