Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Cheyenne Osborn

4/30/2019

Cheyenne Osborn – Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Main Photography by Memories by Tawnya
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Cheyenne Osborn was an Honor student all four years of high school. She passed the ASVAB testing which is a military test. She submitted art work to scholastic and even had pieces of her art purchased by local businesses. Cheyenne attends Abundant Life church and assisted Sunday School check in for almost 2 years. She played alto saxophone 3 years, placed 2nd place at Issma. She was a tutor for students in math for 2 years. Cheyenne is also Involved with dance and performed in showcases. Cheyenne will be attending Ivy Tech college to become and RN starting this fall.

Image taken by - Memories by Tawnya

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

Image taken by Cheyenne Osborn

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

Image taken by - Cheyenne Osborn

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.

Image taken by - My Dance Teacher ( Picture of my Dance Group )

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

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Ashlynn Prince

4/28/2019

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Ashlynn Prince - Arkansas
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 20 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

Photography by Luna Photography

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.

Art Image by Ashlynn Prince

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.

"Above and below are two murals that my best friend--and fellow artist--collaborated on. Her name is Summer Rose Rohrer! They are one artwork, meant to mirror each other, honoring the Vietnam War Veterans. They are of two soldiers walking through Vietnam, and then of the same soldiers walking along the Vietnam Wall years later. In the first mural of Vietnam scenery, the pictures fading into the mist are those of war and battle, while the other painting with the wall depicts those lost as well as soldiers returning home. This piece took months of hard work but we are very happy with the way it turned out, and it is currently on display at the Stars and Stripes Museum in Bloomfield, Missouri. Each canvas is 7ft x 6ft."

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.

"Taken by my Host Father. This was taken at Nagoya Castle in Nagoya, Japan."

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.

"Picture was taken by my Host Mother. I am wearing a Yukata that is traditional at the Tanabata Festival."

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!

"The fairy/girl/mythical creature picture is a digital artwork that I created early in the school year; it took a lot of time, and I'm somewhat pleased with how it turned out, but I am still practicing digital art!"

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.

"The plainer digital artwork is a sketch of sorts of a blue dragon that I thought of. It is simple but I appreciate it's simplicity; I was just practicing with this piece, as there is not much depth to it."

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!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Metal Wire Sculpture

4/11/2019

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Metal Wire Sculpture made by Shaina Zaccagnino
- Pennsylvania
Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Angela Santalo

3/27/2019

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Angela Santalo - Florida
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Carmen M. Santalo
Photography by Cesar Santalo
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine - Volunteer/Entrepreneur

Angela Santalo is a talented and excellent scholar, but she is especially committed to giving back to her community. In 8th grade, she & her brothers formed an art appreciation club & in 2016 created a non-profit organization, Art for Others. They bring art supplies and conduct workshops for needy children.
www.angelasantalo.wixsite.com/artforothers

Tell me about your non-profit organization y and your brothers created together, Art for Others?
Art for Others has become a mission for us. My family and I had a large fire when I was in second grade. It was a difficult time for all of us. We were out of our home for a year and half. My mom and dad made sure to keep our lives as normal as possible. Ballet classes, and Spanish dance for me and baseball and art for my brothers…. everything continued. My parents reminded us of everything we still had. We didn’t have things, but we had each other. The walls of the rental house were bare because we lost my dad's artwork among many things. My mom made it our mission to fill those walls with all Santalo originals! And that's what my brothers and I did.

My older brother and I realized how important this was for us. We knew we needed to share this with others. We first started an Art Appreciation Club in the summer of my eighth grade. A lot of our friends didn't even know about all the great art venues throughout Miami. We later realized that there would be kids who would not be able to join us and were the ones who needed art the most. We formed Art For Others to bring art and art supplies to needy and sick children from my community. All three of us are passionate and committed to bringing art to others.

Our nonprofit has several goals. The first is to let young people know about all the great art that is available in Miami. My father is an artist, so we have been surrounded by art our entire lives. Every month, I plan an outing. I research the events and coordinate the time and place and communicate it to the students. We have kids from all over Miami. We have even included exchanges students from Italy and Spain in many of our functions. We have visited different art venues including Art Basel, Wynwood Walls, Coconut Grove, Coral Gables Theater, the PAMM. We have even done a bike tour around our city to see the Art in Public Places.
The second and most important goal is to bring art to the children who need it the most. We work with many of the sick children at the Ronald McDonald house and their families. We also work with the children at Centro Mater, a low income after school care.
The last goal is to collect art supplies for them so they can continue to create something beautiful even when we are no longer there.

What do you love most about art and why?
I love the arts. It has been a huge part of my growing up. My father is an artist and we have been around exhibitions and museums always. Music, dance, and art were also infused in my grammar school curriculum. I have danced and performed since I was four years old. I enjoy singing and love being on stage. I have discovered a love for musical theater at St. Brendan. I enjoy creating and working with others. I am a very dedicated and committed student, but the arts complete me.
I have always been at the top of my class. I take my studies very seriously and put forth maximum effort. I have always been driven and have a commitment to do things well. I have had great teachers and have done well in my classes, but I have learned a great deal about myself in drama in high school. I gained confidence and many wonderful friends. I have been dancing since I was 4, but in drama I found my voice. I really did not know that I could sing, but more importantly, I learned that my voice was powerful, and my ideas were meant to be shared.

Why do you think you are inspiring?
I am so fortunate that so many people believe in my vision and have supported me. Helping others brings me joy. I think since I am happy, that may be contagious.

What are some of the ways you keep yourself organized?
I have always been very involved in many activities, so from a young age I learned to prioritize.

What are your plans for the future?
My entire life, I thought I was going to study something in medicine. I graduated from high school with 37 college credits. After my first semester, I realized that it was not what I had envisioned. I did well in my classes, but it did not complete me in the way I thought it would. I have switched to Communications Art. It is still a lot of work since I am in the Honors College at Florida International University, but I am enjoying my classes and what I am learning. I hope to be able to help Art for Others continue to grow with all my new skills.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice to any young person is to become involved in anything and everything. These years go by too quickly. I also would tell them not let set backs get you down. I have been dancing my entire life and did not make my high school dance team, but it was because of this set back that I discovered that I can sing, and that I love theater. It is because of this, that I met some amazing people and learned so much about myself. I didn’t even know I could sing! Because of this setback, I was able to form the first high school Dance Honor Society for my Conservatory of the Arts where I have danced since I was four.

Be open to possibilities. Sometimes the plan is even bigger than just us. Take chances, be open, and don't give up.

What is your favorite pastime?
My favorite activity in addition to Art for Others, includes singing with my friends. I also enjoy traveling, and I love going to the theater!

Any hidden talents?
My hidden talent, which is not so hidden any more, is that I can sing. I am also very funny.

Who inspires you?
My mom is inspiring because she always puts the needs of others before herself. My parents both always look at the positive side of everything. They inspire me to be better.

Pizza or tacos? Soda or Water? Dogs or Cats?
Tacos, always tacos! I love soda, but I will drink water. Dogs are great!

Three things on your bucket list?
I would love to travel the world, swim with the pigs in the Exuma, Bahamas, and be on Saturday Night Live!

Anything else you want to add?
I am very grateful and honored to have been selected among so many amazing teens.
Angela will be featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Ally Wickware

2/9/2019

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Interview by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination by Shannon Wickware
Photography by Brooklynn Alexander Photography
Oklahoma

The Nomination: Ally Wickware just released her first original song “Mean to Me” on iTunes, Spotify, etc. She plays piano & ukulele and is learning guitar. She does dance, theatre, art & kickboxing. She was chosen for the High Plains Leadership Team, volunteers in the nursery and works at a boutique where she does styling, modeling & social media.

How did you become interested in being a performer and how did you start?

I’ve been singing for longer than I even remember. We have home movies of me as a toddler singing country songs into a toy microphone at the top of my lungs. I then got into dance and discovered my love for being on stage! I’ve done everything from dance competitions & vocal performances to talent shows, pageants & a Broadway Revue.

How were you able to write and record your first original song, Mean to Me?

I co-wrote the song “Mean to Me” with my vocal coach, Bobbi Holliday. She helped me put my feelings into words and form it into a song that I am so very proud of. I wanted it to have a retro-pop, 80’s vibe and I love how dreamy it turned out. I recorded it with her husband, Nathan, who is a producer. I also got to shoot a music video for it that will be coming out soon!

Click here to listen to "Mean to Me"

Who has been your biggest influence in the music industry and why?

I’m so thankful for the opportunities I’ve had working with Bobbi over the years. I love her! She is definitely my biggest influence and mentor. I’ve also loved getting to know & sing with Jilian Linklater from Nashville. She is the sweetest person and a soulful singer/songwriter. I’ve been a huge Taylor Swift fan from the beginning. Her music really inspires me. I also love Halsey & Ariana Grande. They are so talented.

Tell me a little bit about the Student Leadership Team you were chosen for.

Besides homeschooling, I’m a student in the Multimedia Production Program at High Plains Technology Center. As a member of their Superintendent’s Leadership Class I’ve gotten to take field trips and hear from professionals in many different careers. These experiences cover things like leadership skills, goal-setting, business & professional etiquette and entrepreneurship. I’ve learned so much and had fun too. I’m excited for our visit to the Oklahoma Capital this month.

What do you like most about the nursery you volunteer at?

I volunteer in the nursery at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. I love getting to be around all of those babies! I’ve always enjoyed taking care of little ones. It’s so much fun to play with them and a great way to help out at my church. I also love my youth group and singing with the Worship Team.

Tell me a little about your job.

I work for a boutique The Hotpink Daisy and I absolutely love it! I get to style outfits, learn marketing and model things for social media. It is so much fun! I’ve always been interested in the fashion industry and I get to work with the coolest people. It is a dream job for me.

Anything else we should know about you?

I’m passionate about expressing myself and telling a story. I love all things art, travel and adventure. I’ve always been a dreamer and a creator. I have so much I want to share with the world and am just excited to see what God has planned for me.

Ally will be featured in Issue 17, coming out soon!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Diella Valla: Teen Fashion Illustrator

9/7/2018

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Interview by Emma Dickinson
Images and article submitted by Diella Valla

Please tell us about your background.

My name is Diella Valla and I live in Republic of Kosova, city of Prishtina.
I live in a family where we are six familiars (both of my grandparents, my mother, father, brother and me.) I am 15 years old and in the first grade of high school. I am really interested in fashion, painting, and designing.

What or who was your inspiration to become a fashion artist? How old were you when you started?

y inspiration of being a fashion artist is the place where I live: seasons, fashion trends, and style. New and different styles from a place to another, exhibitions, fabrics of clothes, fashion industries. I’m a very curious person and always like to find a new inspiration so my fashion sketches would be supported and liked by other people. I started painting when I was 5 years old and fashion illustrator when I was just 10 years old.

Do you take any art classes? If not, how did you learn?

I don't take Art classes in school. I have learned to paint from my grandfather who is a famous painter in Kosova, my father who is also a painter, and from my mother who is also a graphic designer.

Would you like to turn this into a career? If yes, what would you like to do?

Yes, I would like to turn this work into my career. I would like to be a fashion designer as well (including the fashion designer of clothes).

Have you turned any of your illustrations into clothing?

I have not turned any of my illustrations into designs but there's more to come. In the future I plan on doing this. Even though I have not started yet, I am the winner of 6 competitions. I also have a little work experience working with Samira Ebrahimi.

Have any clothing designers inspired your designs?

There are many famous fashion designers who have been such a big inspiration to me. I am personally so happy and proud that in all over the world there are many designers including fashion industries like: Chanel, Prada, Gucci, Versace, Fendi, Dior, Zuhair Murad, Elie Saab, etc. who have interesting jobs. I’m always excited waiting for new collections, I can be inspired to sketch some more.

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Council Rock Freshman Photo Shoot: Sierra Zaccagnino

1/14/2018

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Welcome to the Team, Sierra!

Hi everyone!

I'd like to introduce you to Sierra Zaccagnino. She's a freshman in Council Rock School District and one of the newest members on our Leadership Team. Sierra jumped right in to be a Co-Chair of the Party Planning Committee to help plan our next big event!

Some of Sierra's hobbies include different forms of art - such as drawing, painting, interior design, and fashion. She also enjoys playing/composing music on the piano and acoustic guitar. In her free time, sometimes she does creative writing and poetry. Sierra also loves playing volleyball both in school, and travel with Princeton Volleyball Club. In her school she is actively involved in FBLA club (Future Business Leaders of America).

I loved photographing Sierra and getting to know her better because she brought amazing props that helped to tell the story of her, including her guitar:

...and her camera.
I LOVE girls who love to take pictures!

We also did some pictures without props of course...

At the end of the shoot we headed outside into the beautiful (although freezing)
aftermath of a recent snowstorm. The results were stunning!

After spending all this time with Sierra in both the Tuesday night Leadership Academy and during her photo shoot, I would describe her as creative, fun, and a natural leader. I am so excited to get to know her better and am so happy to have her on our team!

Click here to schedule your own photo shoot and/or join our team!

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Art/Music

12/15/2017

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Art and Music submission by Amanda Wisner

Inspiring Teens Member Amanda Wisner loves Imagine Dragons and her flute. Music flows through her so beautifully!

Click here for more information on our photo shoots

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Cheyenne Osborn

Cheyenne Osborn – Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Main Photography by Memories by Tawnya
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ashlynn Prince

Ashlynn Prince - Arkansas
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine

Metal Wire Sculpture

Metal Wire Sculpture made by Shaina Zaccagnino
- Pennsylvania
Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Angela Santalo

Angela Santalo - Florida
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Carmen M. Santalo
Photography by Cesar Santalo
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine - Volunteer/Entrepreneur

Ally Wickware

Interview by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination by Shannon Wickware
Photography by Brooklynn Alexander Photography
Oklahoma

Diella Valla: Teen Fashion Illustrator

Interview by Emma Dickinson
Images and article submitted by Diella Valla

Council Rock Freshman Photo Shoot: Sierra Zaccagnino

Welcome to the Team, Sierra!

Art/Music

Art and Music submission by Amanda Wisner

Featured

Archives

Categories

Cheyenne Osborn – IndianaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination and Main Photography by Memories by TawnyaIssue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

​Ashlynn Prince - ArkansasInterviewed by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by Luna Photography​Issue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Metal Wire Sculpture made by Shaina Zaccagnino​- Pennsylvania​Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​Angela Santalo - FloridaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination by Carmen M. SantaloPhotography by Cesar SantaloIssue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine - Volunteer/Entrepreneur​

Interview by Shaina ZaccagninoNomination by Shannon WickwarePhotography by Brooklynn Alexander Photography​Oklahoma

​Interview by Emma DickinsonImages and article submitted by Diella Valla

Welcome to the Team, Sierra!

Art and Music submission by Amanda Wisner

Featured

Archives

Categories

Cheyenne Osborn – Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Main Photography by Memories by Tawnya
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ashlynn Prince - Arkansas
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine

Metal Wire Sculpture made by Shaina Zaccagnino
- Pennsylvania
Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Angela Santalo - Florida
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Carmen M. Santalo
Photography by Cesar Santalo
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine - Volunteer/Entrepreneur

Interview by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination by Shannon Wickware
Photography by Brooklynn Alexander Photography
Oklahoma

Interview by Emma Dickinson
Images and article submitted by Diella Valla