Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Aliya Lewis

8/8/2020

Aliya Lewis - Kentucky
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jasmyne Lewis-Comba
Photography by Paula Yates Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Aliya Jade Lewis is a name you should make note of now. She is going to be a superstar in the not so distant future! This young lady is an AP honor student, distinguished scholar, the captain of her high school tennis team, and a percussionist in the marching band. Aliya manages all of this while also working at the local Taco Bell and teaching tennis lessons to kids aged 5-12. Aliya also loves to sing and dreams of being a country music star like her hero, Dolly Parton. Aliya is a dedicated big sister and is always willing to take time out for her little brother. She has never met a stranger and has a beautiful, kind, and caring soul. Aliya is selfless, strong, and courageous, never fearing what the future holds for her.

Photography by Paula Yates Photography

What do you enjoy most about being captain of your high school’s tennis team, and what responsibilities does it come with?
I have been playing tennis since I was four years old. I always looked up to the Captain of the varsity team and always wanted to be in that position myself. Last year, I got my wish. Being Captain is more than just a title. It means that I need to keep team morale high and cheering on my teammates. In tennis, it also means setting up practices and helping the newer players on our team make game progress. It also means setup for JV tennis, devising fun games so players learn fundamental skills through team play. Being Captain also means working out team problems because no team is without them and sometimes that means helping teammates find solutions to problems that are not on the court.

Tell me a little bit about how you are musically involved, including being a percussionist in your school’s marching band while also having a passion for singing.
My family is very musically inclined. As a little girl, I would sing in my living room and pretend to be on stage for my Nonna all the time. As I got older, I started learning guitar, singing for small talent shows, and eventually joined my school band as a percussionist. In the last two years, I have started singing competitively and working to develop my personal style. There are a few famous singing drummers out there. Phil Collins, Ringo Starr, and Don Henley are just a few, so the idea of a singing drummer isn’t quite as crazy as it sounds. This year I am looking forward to our football and basketball seasons. I will either be leading the Raider Band from the percussion line in the National Anthem or belting it out as a vocalist all on my own. Either way, it is going to be a year to remember.

Photography by Paula Yates Photography

hat aspirations do you have for your future, including your dream of becoming a country music star?
I love country music! Right now, I am working with a voice coach, via Zoom because of the CoVid-19 pandemic, to build my range and learn different breathing techniques. My next big goal is to audition for The Voice. Go Team Blake! My ultimate dream, and my mama’s dream for me too, is to be CMA’s Entertainer of the Year someday.

How have you managed being an AP honor student, having a job, while also devoting your time to extracurricular activities such as tennis and the marching band?
It was really difficult at first. Making time to study was the hardest thing. On my breaks at work and on the bus to tennis matches or on the band bus, I would squeeze in a little bit of study time. Everyone else would be eating or sleeping while I am studying for my next big test. Mastering time management is the goal to success and I have definitely learned that skill by juggling school, work, and all of my extracurricular activities.

Can you tell me more about how you help teach lessons to younger kids in tennis and what you love most about it?
I have kept all of my tennis rackets from when I was little. At one point, I noticed they were just collecting dust and taking up space. I decided to put those rackets back to work for other kids in my area. I started by asking for help from my own tennis coaches for advice and then just started building on my own experiences. At first, we just hit the ball. I don’t worry if the ball was in bounds, we just want that kid to make contact with the ball and the ball to make it over the net. That's how I started playing tennis and it seems to be working for this group as well.

Photography by Paula Yates Photography

In what ways has your kind and caring personality impacted the lives of others you meet?
Mom tells me that I have a big heart. I guess that is really true. I want to make a positive impact on every single person that I make contact with in a day. If everyone took an extra 10 seconds to be nice to the stranger or to help out someone in need, our world would be a much kinder place. Plus, I’ve never met a stranger in my life! I think I could talk to absolutely anyone.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I think the hardest thing I have ever accomplished was singing on stage for the first time. I had never on in public before. I had never used a microphone. I put on my sparkly romper, walked onto the stage in front of 500 or so people, and gave it my all. You know what, I did ok. I didn’t win the competition but I conquered my fear. The next time I stood on stage, I was much more prepared and that time, I did win the competition.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Always take time for your passions. School is so important but so many times we forget that other parts of our lives are also important. Take time to sing, play an instrument, run a mile, collect stamps. Whatever your great passion is, take time to do it. Becoming a well rounded individual is just as important as being an honor student.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In five years I plan to be on my way to super stardom with a win from The Voice and a recording contract under my belt. Remember my name. I will be famous someday.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I really love to be outdoors with my family. We frequently visit Carter Caves State Park to camp or for the afternoon just to picnic and explore the caves and creeks. It is a beautiful place and I love spending time there. I have also recently added another sport to my resume. I am learning to golf! So far, it has been really fun!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I do! I am a cosplay Cinderella! My family is full of Disney fanatics, so it was only natural that I would be as well. In my spare time, I dress up as Cinderella, and sometimes other princesses, and go to birthday parties or events for kids. I get to live out my princess fantasy and those little kids get a thrill from meeting a real, live, Disney Princess. It’s awesome!

3 Things on your bucket list
My bucket list is quite long. I think the top three things would be:
to meet Dolly Parton
visit all the Disney Parks
to play the high school state tennis tournament.

Who do you find inspiring?
Dolly Parton is my idol. I would love to meet her someday. I love her music, her style, and her philosophy on life. She gives so much back to the community that made her great through programs like her Imagination Library, community donations and support after the 2016 Smoky Mountain Forest Fires, and so many other causes that she loves. I want to give back to my community in those same ways someday. I also love that she is a superstar despite coming from a very poor family in the Great Smoky Mountains of Eastern Tennessee. That takes serious hard work and dedication to break those generational cycles of poverty. She is truly one amazing woman and I hope that someday I can tell her just how inspirational her story has been to me.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I am not afraid to be me. I am never afraid to put myself out there and show the world what I have to offer. It doesn’t necessarily always work out the way I want, but I will never look back on my life and wonder what might have been.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Thanks for including me in Inspiring Teens! This has been a whole bunch of fun!

Aliya will be featured in issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 36

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Grant Eubanks

3/7/2019

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Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

The Nomination: Grant Eubanks is a senior at George County High School, where he will be graduating with highest honors. Grant is inspirational for his drive and determination, not only in academics but sports. Grant has played tennis for his high school since 7th grade and qualified for state championships two years in a row. He hopes he qualifies this year as well his senior season.

How did you become interested in starting a career in tennis?

My interest in the game of tennis began out of curiosity. I had heard the stories of two of my uncles playing on their high school teams, and I decided that I wanted to try my hand at tennis, so my dad and I found a teaching pro at The Mobile Tennis Center. After every lesson, I began to enjoy the game more and more. My enjoyment quickly turned into a passion for a game that I had just started playing. I had no idea that 8 years later I would be the singles player for my school, two-time qualifier for the state championships, and ranked in the top forty in Mississippi at sixteen.

How does playing tennis help you inspire others?

I think that my involvement in tennis inspires others because tennis is not a sport that gets much attention. I do my best to inspire more people to play and have managed to grow the tennis community in my town considerably. I have helped many people discover the game that I love so dearly.

Tell me about your experiences qualifying for the state championships.

When I was a sophomore, I became one of the few players from my school to qualify for the state championships and the first to qualify in boy’s singles. After qualifying, I was elated, and I celebrated with my teammates. The next year, I qualified playing mixed doubles, but in addition to qualifying, my partner and I won the district mixed doubles championships.

What advice would you give to a young person who wants to be a tennis player?

Since I have the privilege of coaching and advising young players in my community, I would advise younger people that wanted to start playing tennis to go out and find a professional coach: this makes all the difference later in one’s tennis career. When I started going to tennis lessons, my knowledge of the game grew as well as my passion.

Do you plan in continuing to play tennis in the future?

After finishing high school, I will play tennis for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. After playing in junior college, I am going to play in adult leagues and on USTA teams. I am also considering getting my USTA coaching certification. Tennis is the game that anyone can play for their entire life, and I plan on playing as long as I am able.

Grant will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Hannah Herrera

3/7/2019

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Hannah Herrera - 15 - Texas
Interviewed by Larissa Chelius
Nominated by Susan Bowen
Photography by April Mendoza Photography
Issue 18 | Musician

The Nomination: Hannah Herrera is an aspiring musician, and keyboardist. She loves to sing all day, every day. She is in her school choir and will be going to state competition as a soloist, soprano 1 this summer. She also sings in a band that does charity performances raising funds for the cause at the time. She is a songwriter for which she will be recording this summer.

Hannah is a wonderful drawing artist and has won awards for some of her artwork. She is an actress and model. She is an animal lover. She is the person who makes everyone feel welcomed in a crowd. She is loyal to a fault and always has a smile on her face.

How did you become interested in being a musician and how did you get started?

I became interested in becoming a musician just by listening to songs with my family and singing along. Even as a baby I loved music when we were driving in the car. I seriously started out in third grade when I got a lead role for a musical and then pursued my interest. It has been my dream ever since. It is a hard industry to pursue and there will be a lot of tough walls to climb, but I won't give up.

What kind of charity events have you performed at?

I have performed at charity events such as Cerebral Palsy. The Houston Food Bank, and The Santa Fe High School Shooting, which was very close to my heart. Also, I am involved in raising money for kids who can’t afford to go to events that they are interested in. We continue to add events as we grow.

Tell us about how you got the opportunity to go to the state competition as a soloist.

I will get the opportunity to go to state as a soloist through my school choir. I have to practice my solo piece for many hours, which happens to be in a foreign language. This takes a lot of my time to get the right pitch, correct wording and annunciation. My solo is also sang as a soprano 1. My usual style has been county and rock, so this is a new adventure for me. What helps with the foreign language songs is I had been enrolled in a duel language program at my school for 9 years.

Where do you find your inspiration when you are writing music?

I find my inspiration from my past and present situations, life experiences mostly. I also look at the world around me and ask myself what current events are happening and is it affecting it for the good or bad. I realize everything could potentially be a song for someone. You just need the right words to express how you feel.

With all your musical activities how do you keep up with your drawing, acting, and modeling?

I keep up by practicing. I draw all the time and even doodle on my classwork! I sing every day and if modeling or acting gigs come up, I make time for that too. I have developed multitasking skills and have learned to not put all my eggs in one basket. I weigh each one to see which I should grow and improve on the most, then focus on them each individually. There have been times where I have had three gigs in one day. It's not easy but I love every moment of it.

Hannah will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to purchase Inspiring Teens Magazine

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know!

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Olivia McClure

3/7/2019

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Olivia McClure - 17 - Kentucky
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nominations by Megan Spraggs, Raylee Thomas, & Amy Vaughn
Photography by Bailey & B Photography - Shawna Munger
Issue 19 | Sports

The Nominations:
Olivia McClure is inspiring to me because she never gives up. She didn’t make Cheer team during her 7th grade year, but instead of giving up, she worked harder and tried out again and made it. She tried out for Co-Ed cheer team in high school not having competitive cheer experience, but she worked hard, kept trying, and her coaches liked what they saw. She wanted to stunt. That is not where she was needed. The coaches needed her to base and spot. She did not complain or quit. She became a reliable base/spotter for her cheer team. One teammate told me “I like Olivia as my spotter, she just knows right where to put her hand to stabilize me.” Some things have not always gone her way, but she never gave up. That quality is inspiring to all around her and will take her far in life. ~ Amy Vaughn (Mom)

Olivia McClure has a very inspiring personality. I want to say first that she has cheered for Graves County COED for all four years of high school and has kept her grades up while doing so. She also works three jobs, on top of that. With all these things on her plate, she also attends Saint Jerome Catholic Church and participates in a lot of the youth nights as well. ~ Raylee Thomas (BFF)

Olivia McClure is inspiring because she’s has always kept up her grades while balancing her life outside of school. She has worked 3 jobs while being on the cheer team and volunteering in school clubs. She has also volunteered her time at Camp Connect where she did community work for the elderly. ~ Megan Spraggs (BFF)

Tell me about your experiences with cheerleading.
I took my love of gymnastics and tried out for cheerleading in my 7th grade year. I didn’t make the team that year, but I made the team my 8th grade year. I enjoyed being on the cheer team but was undecided on if I wanted to try out for the high school cheer team. My friend, Kennedy, encouraged me to try out for the Co-Ed Cheer team at the high school, explaining that the Co-Ed Cheer team was a competitive team with tumbling and stunting. Graves County had a reputation of being one of the best Co-Ed teams in the nation - having won several regional, state, and national titles.

I started going to their open gym practices and fell in love. I loved the competitive nature, how close the team members seem to be to one another, and I loved the tumbling. I made the team going into my freshman year at Graves County High. My time in high school revolved around cheer. We practiced 2-3 hours; 3-4 days a week pretty much year around. We participated in numerous competitions and showcases across the state. I am ending my Co-Ed cheer team career with multiple runner up titles; 3 Regional titles, 2 State Titles, and 1 National title. I am also ending my Co-Ed cheer team career with thousands of memories, hundreds of laughs, and a few tears.

Image by UCA

What did you like most about your CoEd team?
We are family. They are my best friends. We encourage each other, help each other when needed, and we celebrate everyone's accomplishments.

How did you keep yourself organized and your grades up while also maintaining 3 jobs?
Notes in my phone and writing everything in my Doug the Pug planner was a huge help. I like being busy and it seem that the busier I was, the better time management I had!

Tell me about your 3 jobs you had.
I worked at my Great Uncle's restaurant as a hostess/waitress one to two days a week. I did give that job up though because my cheer schedule was interfering in the days that I could work. I work seasonally at the formal shop, Chrislyn's. I really like helping girls find the dress of their dreams and have been doing that for 2 years. I recently began working as a staff member for Mega Gym in my hometown. So now instead of 3 jobs, I just have 2.

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on attending Murray State University in the fall with a major in Biology/Pre-Physical Therapy. After I graduate from Murray State, I hope to be chosen for the University of Kentucky Physical Therapy program and become a Certified Physical Therapist. My goal is to open my own clinic one day helping people recover from sports related injuries. I also plan to stay active by trying out for the Murray State University Cheer team.

Olivia will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Interview with Abby Roby

9/24/2018

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By Grace Mahony

The Nomination: - "I’d like to officially nominate Abigail Roby for the IT Girl of the day at Inspiring Teens Magazine. Abby is a pillar of my senior rep program and is always the first to volunteer for any event we have whether it’s from being in shoots, helping with the shoots, or helping with community activity. Abby was named Cadet Commander in her JROTC program and holds multiple records for PT training. She’s attended leadership events and puts her all into her program. She’s been recognized for her outstanding community service which is something that she is the proudest of. Abby has faced adversity in a male dominated program. She has been bullied and teased yet she has remained steady in her beliefs and has been an exemplary example of what a young leader should be. I fully believe that Abby has a very promising future ahead of her and I am so proud of everything she’s accomplished." Nominated by Samantha Tooley

Settled on the famous Ohio River, in a shallow curve on the edge of Kentucky, is Daviess County. A relatively quiet county that houses a powerful young lady; Abby Roby. She is an inspiration to many for her perseverance, strength and stunning accomplishments.

Five years ago, chance changed her life. In eighth grade, she walked out of the first day of volleyball tryouts only to be approached by Commander White, the senior navalist instructor of the ROTC program who had known her older brother. ROTC focuses on instilling the value of citizenship, service to one's country and personal responsibility in students. Abby was eager to join the coming fall and, though she didn’t know it at the time, begin the journey of finding herself.

It wasn’t long before Abby found herself learning lessons that she'd keep with her for years to come. After earning awards at both the local and national levels, she attended National Junior ROTC leadership training. It was here that her senior chief would tell her to "worry about the thing you can control and if you can't control them then don't worry about them". It was a statement that would help her through the hardest years that were still to come.

As a sophomore, she was bullied by many people, including her brother. The hard times took a toll and her grades dropped, she quit volleyball and began to lose herself in the work she did as the JROTC community service officer working in the community beyond her high school. The joy on people faces when she brought in 10,000 donations to local shelters kept her busy and gave her experiences that would earn her an award.

She relied on her own strength and the support of her senior chief and friend, Michael Gatrost, to bounce back. She was able to work hard and rise above her competition to become her county's first female cadet commander, an honor she values as her greatest accomplishment. She's learned how to take charge and communicate properly with other. As a recent high school graduate, she plans to enlist in the Navy this August and continue to serve her country. And for all of us, she can remain a figure of great inspiration and strength.

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Aliya Lewis

Aliya Lewis - Kentucky
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jasmyne Lewis-Comba
Photography by Paula Yates Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Grant Eubanks

Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

Hannah Herrera

Hannah Herrera - 15 - Texas
Interviewed by Larissa Chelius
Nominated by Susan Bowen
Photography by April Mendoza Photography
Issue 18 | Musician

Olivia McClure

Olivia McClure - 17 - Kentucky
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nominations by Megan Spraggs, Raylee Thomas, & Amy Vaughn
Photography by Bailey & B Photography - Shawna Munger
Issue 19 | Sports

Interview with Abby Roby

By Grace Mahony

Featured

Archives

Categories

Aliya Lewis

Aliya Lewis - KentuckyInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Jasmyne Lewis-CombaPhotography by Paula Yates PhotographyIssue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Grant Eubanks

​Grant Eubanks - 18 - MississippiInterviewed by Zoe D'AngeloNomination & Photography by​Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake PhotographyIssue 18 | Sports

Hannah Herrera

Hannah Herrera - 15 - TexasInterviewed by Larissa CheliusNominated by Susan BowenPhotography by April Mendoza PhotographyIssue 18 | Musician

Olivia McClure

Olivia McClure - 17 - KentuckyInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNominations by Megan Spraggs, Raylee Thomas, & Amy VaughnPhotography by Bailey & B Photography - Shawna MungerIssue 19 | Sports

Interview with Abby Roby

By Grace Mahony

Featured

Archives

Categories

Aliya Lewis - Kentucky
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jasmyne Lewis-Comba
Photography by Paula Yates Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

Hannah Herrera - 15 - Texas
Interviewed by Larissa Chelius
Nominated by Susan Bowen
Photography by April Mendoza Photography
Issue 18 | Musician

Olivia McClure - 17 - Kentucky
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nominations by Megan Spraggs, Raylee Thomas, & Amy Vaughn
Photography by Bailey & B Photography - Shawna Munger
Issue 19 | Sports