Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Presley Connell

3/27/2019

Presley Connell – South Carolina
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Misty Connell
Images by Lindsey Mills of Sullivan Blue & Misty Connell
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Presley is a Freshman at Carolina Forest High School in Myrtle Beach, SC. She has been actively involved in sports since she was 4 years old, starting with cheer, tumbling and softball. Not a day goes by where she’s not participating in a sports function. Presley was the first eighth grader to make her high school Varsity Cheer squad. I would also like to mention that Presley has been a signed model with Sullivan Blue agency with Lindsey Mills and featured in magazines and clothing ads since she was 5 years old. Outside of modeling and sports she’s actively involved in her church youth group every week and is an avid violinist. Presley is a great role model to young girls to strive hard to reach your goals and stay active in your school and community.

When did your career in cheerleading begin? How many hours do you practice? What do you love most about the sport?
My career in cheerleading began when I was 4 years old I love it so much because it’s my passion and made me who I am today and has taught me a lot about hard work and leadership. I practice 4 days a week, sometimes 5. I did all-star cheering for 9 years and now I’m on varsity sideline and competition cheerleading for Carolina Forest High School.

Tell me about your modeling experiences with Sullivan Blue Agency. What do you love most about modeling?
Working with Sullivan Blue has been amazing for me - I love them so much! I love being in front of the camera but I also love being behind the scenes watching how it works and how being a photographer works.

What magazines and ads have you been featured in? Which one are you most proud of and why?
Child model magazine, viv & lou catalogue. I am most proud of being on the cover of child models magazine because it boots my confidence in myself.

How long have you been playing the violin? Who taught you how to play?
I’ve been playing for 4 years and was taught by the orchestra teacher of Black Water Middle and Carolina Forest High School. My favorite song to play on the violin is Best of queen.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
To always stay positive and try your best in everything you do and know there’s a reason for everything.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I would like to go to Clemson University and be a cheerleader for them for 4 years.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
Because I care about other and try to take a stand in what I believe in.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
Never plan things last minute.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love to go running and hiking

Who do you find inspiring? Gisele Bundchen

Cats or Dogs? Dogs

3 Things on your bucket list? Travel to Greece, go on a cruise for a week, model in Paris

Presley will be featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Peyton Fearin

3/20/2019

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Peyton Fearin - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Kingston Photography
Featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Peyton is a beautiful girl but her true beauty shines from within. She is a loved by her peers and is kind to everyone she meets. She is a youth leader at her church and loves helping with the Special Olympics. She is a member of the National Honors Society at Prosper high school. It is a 6A school, so you can see how competitive that is. She has been on the PHS cheer team all four years of high school but has been cheering most of her life. She also coaches youth cheerleading at PYSA. She is involved in several high school clubs and various volunteer activities in and outside of school.

Tell me about your involvement with the Special Olympics and your favorite part about it.
As a Prosper cheerleader, we attend Special Olympics every year to help support all the athletes who compete at the event. I love being able to work with and get to know all the people attending the event. It truly is a heartwarming experience and very eye opening. It has taught me to look at situations with positivity.

How did your career in cheerleading begin?
I started cheering my freshman year of high school after doing competitive cheerleading for one year. After being a gymnast for ten years, I decided I wanted a change, so I chose to cheer. I am extremely happy I decided to try out for cheer because I have made lifelong friends and memories.

How do you keep yourself organized and earn yourself a position in NHS with all your amazing extracurricular activities?
The National Honors Society is an extremely prestigious program with rigorous requirements to be inducted. I really pushed myself to stay on top of my grades, do community service, and make myself a prominent figure at school in order to get into NHS. I’ve had to learn to balance school, cheer, and work in order to achieve being in the program.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I hope to be working in the medical field as a Trauma Nurse! My goal in life has always been to help others and the medical field is the perfect place to do it! I hope I am happy and surrounded by people who love me and support me.

Do you plan on continuing with cheerleading? Why or why not?
Although cheerleading has given me the memories and opportunities, I will not be continuing my career. I have suffered many injuries in which prevent me from doing what I love. Therefore, I chose not to cheer at a collegiate level.

Peyton will be featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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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!

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Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team

3/3/2019

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Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team
Interview with Paige Stater by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Jennifer Stater
Photography by Shelley Doak
Iowa
Issue 15

The Nomination:
The Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team is comprised of some of the best student athletes our school district has to offer. No athletic program trains longer or harder than these young women. Pound for pound, there are no stronger, dedicated, and talented athletes in our schools. These student athletes volunteer their time at many community events acting as ambassadors of the Mt. Pleasant Schools. They also organize and perform at all pep rallies and decorate the high school for homecoming.

These young women sacrifice so much for this program, a program that oftentimes does not get the respect it deserves. They give their time, energy, and talent. They don't do it for the recognition; they do it because they care about their school. They are the most inspirational student athletes I have ever met.

Teamates:
Cara Canby, Libby Ensminger, Sydney Doak, Sami Jo Crawford, Maddie Van De Berg, Zoe Bentler, Naudia Beachy, Emily Stark, Anna Ostby, Ryann Davidson, and Kaela Welcher are all members of the cheer team. Our coach is Nikole Keaster.

How many hours a week do you and your team train?
In early June, our three-day choreography camp is intense. We practice twelve hours per day. During the regular season, from June until November, we usually practice twice a week for 1-2 hours. As we get closer to our competitions, sometimes we practice every day for 2-3 hours.

What is your favorite thing about being a cheerleader and representing your school?
My favorite thing about being a cheerleader is being together as a team. We are like sisters and each one brings something special to the group. They are the most inspiring young women I have ever met. Cheerleading brings out leadership and confidence in people. Cheerleading has taught me to never give up, even when things get difficult. I also love getting to be a part of every football and basketball game, as well as every assembly our school holds. Our cheer teams show great pride in our school, and we do our best to represent it in the most positive ways. We have also been given the opportunity to participate in a variety of community functions, and we love representing our school.

Tell me about the season so far.
We are so proud of what we have accomplished, but this season has been a little more difficult than most. Throughout summer, a lot of the team was gone, so we couldn’t stunt and work on important techniques. We also had several injuries toward the last month of the season. Almost half of the team had to have back braces, and the rest had either a shoulder, wrist or an ankle taped. Our injuries were somewhat discouraging since we had put so much time, effort, and dedication into the season, however we persevered and received 3rd place in class 3A at the State Cheer Competition.

How did you become interested in cheerleading?
When I was a little girl, I always looked up to the high school cheerleaders; but I became truly interested when I went to state cheer my 8th grade year. I noticed the bond between the girls and all the fun they were having. I knew their relationship was special, and I wanted to be a part of it.

Do you plan on continuing with cheer in the future?
I am thinking about cheering in college. We have had several former members of our cheer team go on to cheer at the collegiate level. Our coach does a fantastic job preparing us for that.

The Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team was featured in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

Click here to buy issue 15

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Raven Tikka

2/27/2019

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Raven Tikka
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Paige Lemieux
Photography by Launa Penza Photography
California
Issue 18 | Sports

Raven Tikka is an inspiration to all that meet her. She is a competitive cheerleader and a World Champion on Californian Allstars Team Reckless. She has demonstrated her love for cheering as she recovers from a major ACL (knee) surgery. Recently she participated as an All-American cheerleader representing the United States in London's New Year Day Parade. She is the Captain of her high school team and a member of three teams covering cheer, stunt and competitive cheer. She also enjoys coaching. Her favorite are special needs cheerleaders, as they have so much love for the sport. When not doing cheer, she enjoys watching the Bachelor, hanging with friends and volunteering.

When did you start cheerleading and why?

I started cheering when I was 11 years old for Westlake Braves Youth Football and Cheer. I loved sideline cheer so much that when the season ended, I started looking for a gym to start tumbling so I could gain new skills, and joined CheerForce. I’ve been cheering ever since. I’m currently a member of California Allstar Team Reckless. It’s a level 6 international team and we are the 2018 World Champions. I still do sideline cheer for Oak Park High School as well as the newly recognized cheer sport called STUNT. I cheer for fun and I cheer competitively, but mostly I cheer because I love the physical and emotional challenges the sport offers.

Tell me about your experience walking in the New Year’s Eve London parade!

Being an All American Cheerleader is such an honor. The experience was amazing meeting cheerleaders from all over the United States, coming together to show our spirit. Walking the parade route was super fun, yet nerve racking at the same time. I loved taking in the sites of London and enjoying the winter weather. The highlight of the trip for me was watching the fireworks over The London Tower Bridge.

Other than coaching special needs kids, what age levels do you like coaching best and why?

That’s a tough question. I love kids and all the energy they bring. But I also enjoy the technical skills that come with higher skill levels. I like to work with the younger children sharing the love I have for cheer with them. I want them to have someone to look up to! I like working with the senior level teams helping them improve as they get older and better in the sport of cheer. I think that’s why coaches coach multiple teams, so they get a mix of skills, patience and chaos.

What were some things you did while you were recovering from your ACL injury?

Last year I destroyed my knee and my season with one tumbling pass. It’s taught me that tough times don’t last. Tough people do! I continued to go to practice for my three teams, plus physical therapy. Recovery is a slow heal and I learned how team extends beyond being on the mat.
Do you plan on continuing to cheer in the future?

I can’t imagine my life without cheer. I’m focusing on getting my skills back and looking forward to college tryouts this spring. I would like to cheer as long as my body and life allows me to.

What is your favorite season of the bachelor and why?
I loved Arie’s season. How he got in his head about what he thought would be better at the time (Becca) and forgot to follow his heart. It was so clear Lauren was the one. I’m so happy they got married in January and that Becca found love too.

Raven will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

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Jillian Darrah

2/3/2019

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Interview by Larissa Chelius, Zoe D’Angelo and Delila Matara
Photography by Philadelphia Eagles Photographers
Pennsylvania

What cheer/dance experience did you have before becoming a Philadelphia Eagles Cheerleader, and who was your biggest influencer?
My career as a dancer began when I was 5 years old, at Kelly Richards School of Dance. I was a part of the KRSD competition from 4th grade through my senior year of high school. I also have been a cheerleader since the age of 5, when I started off cheering for the Warrington Warriors. I then went on to cheer competitively for my middle and high school teams. One of my dance teachers, whose name is also Jill, was a former Eagles Cheerleader. At a young age, I admired her accomplishment, it seemed like the ultimate dance goal. You can say that becoming an Eagles cheerleader has been a life-long goal of mine.

What's life like once you make the team?
Eventful and exciting! After the audition season, practices start right away in the summer. We learn a lot of dance technique and combinations. We also have the opportunity to participate in international outreach as a squad. In my years on the team, we have traveled to Mexico and the Dominican Republic, visiting and donating to orphanages in need. We also partnered with ‘Waves for Water’ to provide programs and technology to villages that did not have access to clean drinking water.
In season, we practice twice a week for 3 hours in the evening. Practices consist of learning a variety of choreography that is performed in front of 60,000+ fans at home games. We all put in many hours outside of practice, rehearsing and perfecting routines. At practice, we learn dances at a fast pace and it is necessary to rehearse before returning to practice the following week. I often get together with my teammates at the gym to practice. We also perform at local appearances, where we can spread eagles spirit to fans who may not get to be a part of the game day excitement.
Additionally, we sign up to appear at events around the area. They vary from charitable fundraisers, to local pep rallies, away game watch parties, appearances at schools in the region, or even a visit to Dunkin’ Donuts, one of our sponsors. We also have the opportunity to be role models for younger girls who attend the Junior Cheer Clinics throughout the season. Not only do we teach the girls how to perform like Eagles cheerleaders, but also how to be confident individuals and work as a team.

What's a typical game day like?
We report to the stadium 4 hours before kickoff. We practice on the field before, as well as in a studio that is connected to the Lincoln Finical Field. During games, we are broken up into 4 squads that are placed in each corner of the sidelines. We rotate each quarter, so we get to see all the fans! We perform our pregame show, center stage, before the team is announced and then in the end zones for the first and third breaks.

Do you ever get nervous being in front of all those people?
Yes and no. There's always a feeling of nervous excitement, but I practice so much that I don’t have to think about it, and that is what makes it fun. When I’m out there doing my routines with my cheer family, I can just forget everything else that is happening. Four quarters fly by in no time and you are left feeling great, especially when we win.

What was it like cheering at Super Bowl?
Everything was unforgettable! When we travel, we get so connected with the ladies on our team. We bond so much. I’ll look back and remember who I cheered with because cheering with them is like being with a second family. When we returned to Philadelphia, everything felt different! Everyone was a little more pleasant and happier in Philly. Everyone felt like a winner, like they were part of the championship. We could feel the excitement all throughout the city!

How was the parade?
It was a day that was overwhelming with excitement! The route was full of people who couldn’t control their emotions because they were so happy. I saw numerous fans crying! The crowd was covered in green! I felt so blessed to be a part of it all because there were so many cheerleaders and loyal fans who cheered for the Eagles (52 years before) but only 36 women can say they’re a Super Bowl Champion Eagles Cheerleader.

What was it like getting to go to London?
London was ‘brilliant!’ 8 of us were selected, by seniority, to represent the squad in London. (It's my 3rd year on the team). We got to travel to the UK early and explore some historic and beautiful landmarks, like tour the Kensington Palace and the London Eye. At the Buckingham Palace, we got to watch the Changing of the Guards. We had the Eagles Photographer with us for part of the time, so we got some great pictures too! I love to scrapbook and I am excited to add these memories to the book.

Do you have a job other than being an Eagles Cheerleader?
Yes! I am an English teacher for 7th and 8th grade students in Philadelphia. I always knew I wanted to teach Middle School. This is the time that students really find themselves and need a strong mentor to look up to. I think that who you become in middle school determines how you are in high school. The interactions and learning experiences that happen in three years of middle school shape a student’s outlook on education.

Is it hard to balance being an Eagles cheerleader and your role as a Middle School Teacher?
It can be difficult because outside of school hours, I also plan lessons and grade assignments. Being an English teacher, I grade a lot of written papers, which I love, but is time consuming. I am still learning how to best manage my time, this is something that started in my childhood because of dance, cheer, and everything else I was involved in. I feel that I am already well trained on managing my time wisely. I also coach my school's cheer team, so I really do put a lot of ‘cheer’ on my plate. Every woman on the team has a demanding career, so everyone is on the same boat and we can all relate to each other.

What advice do you have for teens who are thinking about trying out to be an NFL cheerleader?
Go for it! You do not have anything to lose. If you can, find a friend who is also interested and go through the process together. This way, you can practice together and cheer each other on. The open call audition is a unique experience and will teach you how to perform under pressure and step outside of your comfort zone. You never know, you might just make it all the way to finals like I did.

What's your favorite quote?
“Don’t wait for the storm to pass, learn to dance in the rain.”
I feel like there is never going be a perfect day, especially as a teacher, there’s always something that is going to cause stress or anxiety. Once I get to the dance studio and start the warm-up, all of that fades away. Once I’m in that space, in that moment, I can just dance and feel rejuvenated.

Jillian was published in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

A behind the scenes look at the interview with Jillian at the Philadelphia art museum in between games. From left to right: Zoe D'Angelo, Delila Matara, Larissa Chelius, and Jillian Darrah

click here to buy issue 15

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Presley Connell

Presley Connell – South Carolina
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Misty Connell
Images by Lindsey Mills of Sullivan Blue & Misty Connell
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Peyton Fearin

Peyton Fearin - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Kingston Photography
Featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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

Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team

Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team
Interview with Paige Stater by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Jennifer Stater
Photography by Shelley Doak
Iowa
Issue 15

Raven Tikka

Raven Tikka
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Paige Lemieux
Photography by Launa Penza Photography
California
Issue 18 | Sports

Jillian Darrah

Interview by Larissa Chelius, Zoe D’Angelo and Delila Matara
Photography by Philadelphia Eagles Photographers
Pennsylvania

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Presley Connell

Presley Connell – South CarolinaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Misty ConnellImages by Lindsey Mills of Sullivan Blue & Misty ConnellIssue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Peyton Fearin

Peyton Fearin - TexasInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination and Photography by Kingston PhotographyFeatured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

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

Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team

Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team Interview with Paige Stater by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Jennifer Stater Photography by Shelley DoakIowaIssue 15

Raven Tikka

Raven TikkaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination by Paige LemieuxPhotography by Launa Penza PhotographyCaliforniaIssue 18 | Sports

Jillian Darrah

​Interview by Larissa Chelius, Zoe D’Angelo and Delila MataraPhotography by Philadelphia Eagles PhotographersPennsylvania

Featured

Archives

Categories

Presley Connell – South Carolina
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Misty Connell
Images by Lindsey Mills of Sullivan Blue & Misty Connell
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Peyton Fearin - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Kingston Photography
Featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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

Mt. Pleasant Panther Competition Cheer Team
Interview with Paige Stater by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Jennifer Stater
Photography by Shelley Doak
Iowa
Issue 15

Raven Tikka
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Paige Lemieux
Photography by Launa Penza Photography
California
Issue 18 | Sports

Interview by Larissa Chelius, Zoe D’Angelo and Delila Matara
Photography by Philadelphia Eagles Photographers
Pennsylvania