Allie Harris

Allie Harris – Tennessee
Nomination by Melody Harris
Photography by Shots by Sonja Sonja Wiseman
Issue 55 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

Nomination: Allie Harris is an incredible role model to her peers. She volunteers her time working as a peer tutor to children with disabilities and serves as an advocate for the Rebel Against Bullying campaign with Rebel Athletics. Both teachers and students alike talk about her kind hearted and inclusive nature. She’s a model, actress and an honors student. She’s captain of her school cheer squad, runs track and competes in All Star cheer. She was nominated by a teacher to attend the Jr National Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC this summer and plans a career in the engineering field.

Photography by Shots by Sonja Sonja Wiseman

What do you love about being a role model and what do you hope to instill among your peers?
I love seeing a change in people because of my influence even if its just a small one. I hope that I can encourage others to treat each other better and to be more inclusive. I hope I can help people see that it's ok to be different and to go against the norm.

Tell us about your time working as a peer tutor to children with disabilities.
How did you get started and what do you do there? I applied to be a peer tutor my 6th grade year. You have to have teacher recommendations and be approved before being selected. I work on anything the kids might need help with from help with from school work to helping with social skills. One main focus is to get the kids out into the school building so they interact with others and are included.

What do you do with them specifically?
 My favorite part is helping these kids run the "Snack Wagon". On the surface, it looks like the kids are just selling snacks to teachers but it is really about so much more. The kids are involved in all parts of this little business from ordering, keeping up with inventory, social interaction, counting back correct change, and helping make deposits. The kids get so excited for this part of the day because they get out of the classroom and see everyone all over the school. I've seen kids go from barely talking to anyone to being so excited to be the first person to ask a teacher if they'd like to buy something and being so proud they know what products they have and how to count back change. I can see them building skills they will take with them long after they leave middle school.

What do you love most about working with them?
I love working to make them feel included. This group is often in their own classroom so I'm happy to have any opportunity to show them they are a very important part of our school. I'm very humbled by what I've learned about each of these kids this year. Honestly, they've taught me as much as I have taught them this year! These kids have no idea how much they've changed my life.

Photography by Shots by Sonja Sonja Wiseman

How did you find Shots by Sonja Wiseman & why did you choose her as your photographer? What did you love most about your photo shoot with her?
I booked my first session with Sonja because several people from my cheer gym recommended her. I started taking camera movement classes and acting classes through her as well. She's always made me feel comfortable and pushed me to do my best. She's one of the most creative photographers I've used, and she puts her heart into every picture she takes. She quickly became a great friend in addition to being a great photographer. I'm only 13 but I've already told her she has to shoot my wedding someday because there is nobody else like her.

What has your modeling experience been like?
I've had the absolute best time posing for the camera. I've had the opportunity to do photo shoots in Dallas, TX, Park City, UT, Sevierville, TN and everywhere in between this year. The memories made are incredible. I’ve seen my face pop up online and in brochures. I have been so blessed to get to work with some of the best photographers around. I'm participating in my first pageant later this year where I'll try and win the title of Miss Cheerleader USA

What has been your favorite photo shoot or modeling experience so far?
My first photo shoot as a Rebel Model was one I'll never forget. I went Dallas to the Rebel Headquarters to shoot new release products. I met some of the best people on this shoot that I'm happy to call friends today. It was so fun seeing everything behind the scenes and also getting a sneak peek at the new product line.

Tell us about your acting life. What type of actress are you and what has been your favorite role?
 My favorite role so far was a waterpark commercial. I spent 2 full days playing at the waterpark with my best friend! My biggest roles so far have been commercials but I've been invited to audition for some great roles in TV shows and movies. Some I had to pass on because of other commitments and others I just didn't get selected. The first rule my agent taught me is that if you're going to be successful then you have to learn to take rejection well. I've come so close on a few parts and was even selected for one to end up having my role removed from the shoot before production. They paid me anyway but I was still heartbroken lol. I'll keep trying and sooner or later I'll get the big part!

Photography by Shots by Sonja Sonja Wiseman

​Tell us about your cheer career.
I started school Rec cheer at 6 years old and moved on to Allstar at age 7. I started on a prep level 1 team with Abilene Cheer Force in Texas and was most recently on a Sr 5 team at another gym. I'm on my 3rd year of middle school cheer presently. I'm also currently taking coed stunting privates with a college cheerleader. I've been fortunate enough to participate in some of the biggest cheer competitions in the nation and even won a few! I'm hoping now that I'm older I'll find my way to a gym where I'll gain the skills to be on a World's Teams someday.

What has been a favorite memory from cheer?
 I've won a lot of metals, jackets and a highly coveted Cheersport Nationals Ring but honestly my favorite memory is from my last competition with Abilene Cheer Force. I was moving out of state so I thought I wouldn't see most of these people again. We didn't win that day but I left there knowing what friendship. teamwork and great coaching was all about. The love I was shown that day is something I'll never forget. Sometimes its about so much more than cheer!

How long have you ran track, what do you run and what has been a favorite accomplishment from track?
I ran track for a couple of year. I was pretty decent at it and was able to land a spot at the Elite Meet. Unfortunately, my cheer gym wouldn't allow me to miss cheer practice to attend. Looking back, I wish I had gone to that meet because it was so important to me. I plan to be on the track team again this year and am excited to have another opportunity to go to the big meet!

How would you describe your leadership style?
I do my best to lead by example. I encourage people to do their best and try to motivate.

What is a Rebel Model?
Rebel is an athletic and cheer clothing brand. I was chosen to be a part of Rebel Talent so I'm invited to do new product release photo shoots and to attend other fun events.

Why is this role important to you? Rebel makes the most beautiful cheer uniforms and practice wear out there. They also founded a movement called Rebel Against Bullying. The brand stands behind anti-bullying and inclusion. I'm proud to be a part of a company with such a powerful message.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I pride myself in the fact that I like to think outside the box. There is a whole world out there to explore and you are capable of accomplishing anything you set your mind to.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I’d like to encourage peers to be the best version of themselves they could be. I’ve seen so many times where everything is a competition and people forget there is room for everyone to shine. Taking something away from someone else doesn’t get you any farther. We should do a better job at encouraging our peers instead of trying to bring them for what they’ve accomplished.

Photography by Shots by Sonja Sonja Wiseman

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Learning how to do my full in tumbling has been a challenge! Every time I almost had it something happened and I regressed! Injuries, the gym being shut down due to Covid, mental blocks and everything else stood in my way but I was determined to learn this skill. I can finally throw my full. It's not pretty and still needs a lot of work but at least I've overcome the mental part! The rest will come with lots of practice.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I'd say you have to give 110% to anything you want to accomplish. Study hard, practice often and never give up! Don't ever wait for something to happen for you...make it happen for yourself!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I'll be graduating high school in 5 years hopefully at the top of my class! I'm still trying to figure out what college is my dream school. I plan to go into the engineering field and possibly continue cheering on into college. Right now finding the best academic fit is the most important part of selecting a college for me.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I absolutely love to travel! My favorite place I've visited so far is Paris. I love the history, the architecture, and the food! I found myself wanting to wander the streets where the locals are instead of staying at all the tourist spots.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Well...I am pretty great with a Hula Hoop!

3 Things on your bucket list
Live in Paris for a year
Visit Greece
Land a movie role

Who do you find inspiring?
My favorite principal, Kayla Montgomery. She makes a difference in kids lives in a very unique way. She's been someone I could talk to this year when I had some especially hard things going on in my life.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think people see me as a determined and hard working person.

Look for Allie in issue 55 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

---

click here for more information on issue 55

click here to nominate an inspiring teen