Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Layken Sanders

7/5/2019

Layken Sanders – Tennessee
Interview by Zoe DAngelo
Nomination by Jeni Sanders
Photography by Jeni Sanders & Amber McKellar
Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Layken Sanders is such an inspiring teen, because she has devoted the last 4 years to collecting shoes for Soles4Souls. She has currently collected 42,000 pairs of shoes and is on track to meet her goal of 50,000 pairs by the end of 2019. Layken has been on a mission trip to Haiti to deliver, size, and fit brand-new pairs of shoes on 450 children. She works hard every day for this charity, while keeping straight As in her honors classes, and being on multiple competition cheer teams, in which she has been named most reliable and best stunter, as well as numerous awards at school.

Photography by Jeni Sanders

Tell us about your involvement with Soles4Souls. How did it get started and what is it like?

When I was 10 years old, I decided to stop receiving birthday gifts and in the place of presents I asked for gently used shoes to be donated to Soles4Souls. This nonprofit charity organization based in middle TN seemed like the perfect charity for me to be involved with, because of their outreach to so many children and families all over the world. Once I dropped off the shoes I had collected for my birthday, I was given a tour of the warehouse, and given so much information about how they impact so many lives. At that point, my brother and I set a goal to collect 50,000 pairs of shoes and become Ambassadors for Soles4Souls. We are currently at over 42,000 pairs collected.

Other than shoes, would you be interested in donating different articles of clothing?

Yes, I have been interested in donating other items, as well. I have helped with a local coat drive and was able to collect 161 coats to be donated. That was a great cause that I will continue to support.

Photography by Jeni Sanders

How do you keep yourself organized with helping with Soles4Souls while keeping straight A’s in school?
I keep myself organized with my commitment to Soles4Souls, my straight As in honors classes, and my multiple All Star and School Competitive Cheer Teams by having a goal oriented attitude. I stay focused on my goals, create new ones as I go, and stay positive when times are tough. I always want to strive for the best and I'm not afraid of putting in a lot of hard work and effort to achieve my goals.

Photography by Amber McKellar

Tell us about the trip you are taking to Haiti.

I went on a mission trip to Haiti a year and a half ago. It was life changing! To be a part of an organization who helps improve the quality of life for other living beings is priceless. I got to see firsthand how children couldn't attend school if they didn't have a pair of shoes. That affected me deeply, because I couldn't even imagine not being given the opportunity to get at least a basic education. I learned so much during this experience that I will value for a lifetime. Such as, not taking anything for granted and how to be an advocate for change. I loved getting to go to several orphanages, schools, and villages to deliver 450 pairs of brand-new shoes to excited kids. It was also amazing to visit the Haitian American Caucus to meet two ladies who were apart of the microenterprise program. I can't wait to go back soon!

Layken will be featured in Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

0 Comments

Brianna Guerra

3/31/2019

0 Comments

Brianna Guerra - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography by Vintage Couture Photography
Nomination by Marisa Rosales
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Brianna Guerra is inspiring because she never stops moving. She does great academically and she still has time to be a part of Student Council, National Honor Society, Peer Assistance Leadership, help in the community and be an amazing cheerleader. She is caring and she is always willing to help anyone at any time.

How long have you been a cheerleader? How did your career begin? What is your favorite part about the sport?
I have been a cheerleader for six years now and it all began accidentally. I went to a gym to enroll in gymnastics and throughout that season I would see these beautiful cheerleaders learning impressive things and I wanted to be just like them. The following season I tried out and made a level 3 team! My absolute favorite part about competitive cheerleading is the adrenaline you get when you’re standing in front of a huge crowd about to show them and the judges what you’ve been practicing for countless of hours.

Did your cheerleading team compete at Nationals this year? If so, how did your team do? What was the experience like? Tell me about it!
Yes, my team competed at Nationals in February. Prior to, we had been working extremely hard and spending so many hours in the gym to prepare for this prestigious competition. Teams from all over the country come to Dallas, Texas to compete in this competition and It’s every cheerleader’s dream to win NCA. The nerves were high, and the adrenaline was rushing. Our coaches gave us a chilling speech right before we went on stage and our performance was incredible! We hit a zero-deduction routine both days of the competition and took home the national title!

What is your favorite part about helping your community? When did you start helping?
I started helping in my community ever since I was eight years old. My favorite part about helping in my community is meeting so many different people. People from different countries and cultures. I love the experience I gain from helping others, but nothing beats the feeling of seeing their faces light up with joy when you’re able to help them in some way.

Tell us about the Peer Assistance and Leadership organization you’re a part of. How long have you been involved? What are your duties within it?
The Peer Assistance and Leadership Program focuses on enabling young people to use their potential to make a difference in their lives, school and communities. This is my first year in PALs because only seniors can be in the program at my school. Our duties as PALs include visiting different elementary schools in our district and mentoring our palees. Throughout the school year, we discuss a variety of key youth issues with our palees such as bullying, teamwork, responsibility and behavior problems. Our overall job as a PAL is to be a positive influence on the youth.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I don’t see myself as inspiring, but people always seem to take my advice or want to do what I do. I don’t think I’m doing anything special, but I only stand up for what I think is right.

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

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

0 Comments

Abigail Doran

3/25/2019

0 Comments

Image by Lisa Weaver

Abigail Doran - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Tyna Norman
Photography by Lisa Weaver & David Beckham Photography

The Nomination: Abigail Doran is a fantastic leader, cheerleader and Instagram influencer her ig handle is amod78. She has been cheering since kindergarten and is involved in competitive cheerleading for her high school. She has overcome a lot to be involved in the sport. She has scoliosis and is still a flyer for the team. In middle school she was bullied a lot by members of the cheer team, but she did not quit the team because she loved the sport. She has recently changed schools from a very small school to a very large school and will be trying out for their cheer team where the competition is much harder. This will help her learn new skills, make new friends, and learn a new program.
Due to her scoliosis Abigail had to give up her love for competitive gymnastics where she won numerous all-around titles and was the USAG state beam champion but she’s now a gymnastics coach and she is able to teach young girls the sport she loved!
She’s also focused on her academics and has a 3.5 overall GPA and she’s almost done with her sophomore year.
She just happens to be a signed model with the top modeling agency in Ohio - Heyman and has done ads for Huffy and recently did an ad for the new makeup line for Tarte cosmetics called Sugar Crush carried at Ulta Beauty.

Image by Lisa Weaver

When did your career in cheerleading begin? What is your favorite part about the sport?
I began cheering when I was in kindergarten and tried out for the school team in 7th grade. My favorite part is being able to cheer on the football and basketball teams. I love both sports, but my favorite is basketball and to be able to stand on the court and cheer on a close game is super fun!

What are some ways you stay positive through the cheer season as you have scoliosis? What were some thoughts you had when you found out you had it?
I have to go to the chiropractor a lot which helps, but I focus on what I can do rather than what I can’t. There’s a lot of people who are a lot worse than I am so I’m extremely fortunate! When I first found out I had it, I had never heard of it. Our school nurse was the first to find it and then I had to go through a bunch of follow up testing. I was sad when I had to give up tumbling however, I can still cheer!

Image by Lisa Weaver

How did you deal with bullies on your team? How did you keep your confidence up during that time?
The bullying was by far the worst. School bullying is a very bad situation to be in. It started out slow and then got bigger. It lasted for about 2 years. At first, I ignored it thinking it would go away but it didn’t. Then the 2nd year was the worst and it turned to social media bullying, so my mom had to get the school involved. My school did not handle the situation well and some of the parents were not nice about it.
I stayed positive by focusing on what I liked to do and being around friends that were supportive and by telling my mom what was going on.

What is your favorite part about being a gymnastics coach? How many hours a week do you coach?
Since I couldn’t tumble anymore, what’s the next best thing than to coach!? I love to teach, and this is how I can still be involved in the sport I love and share my expertise with others. I coach up to 20 hours a week and coach mainly gymnastics, but they have me teach a couple cheer classes also. It’s the best of both worlds!

Tell us about your modeling agency. When did you start modeling? What is your favorite part about it? What job are you most proud of?
I started out doing pageants but then grew out of them and wanted to go into something else. So, I sat down for a photoshoot and submitted a picture to our state agency and was signed in 2018!
My favorite part is being able to put on makeup and cool clothes, and I love posing for the camera. I’m most proud of my Huffy job that’s on Amazon and my Tarte Cosmetics for Ulta Beauty.

Image by David Beckham Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice is be yourself - not someone else
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
My goals are to continue my modeling career and attend college and go into the medical field.
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I inspire others because I have encountered a lot of obstacles along my journey, but I don’t let the roadblocks stop me. Life isn’t easy and the road along the way is hard work. If you have a goal expect there to be problems achieving it, but don’t let it stop you - keep going!
How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
My mom is definitely my organizer. She helps in this area! We all need a partner because we can’t do it all ourselves.
What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I have several; I love rap music, hanging out with my friends, making funny videos, love to travel, I love roller coasters, and working out.
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My hidden talent is I’m a really good rapper
Who do you find inspiring?
I find inspiring stories about people inspiring but Selma Gomez is inspiring
Pizza or Tacos? Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
That’s hard because I love both pizza and tacos, soda, and cats
3 Things on your bucket list
Sky diving, the biggest roller coaster I can find, and travel Europe

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

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

0 Comments

Ellie Stump

3/19/2019

0 Comments

Ellie Stump - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Tricia Stump
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The nomination: Ellie stump never gave up. She had become very ill and was hospitalized and had to learn how to walk and talk again. She is now very active in cheer at Dallastown High school.

What was your illness that put you in the hospital?
Guillain-Barre Syndrome a rare disorder in which the body's immune system attacks the nervous system.

Tell us about the events you went through leading up to your hospitalization.
I had a severe stomach bug. A week later I started having severe headaches. My parents took me to the ER where I had a cat scan. They sent me home, and a few days later I ended up at the Pediatrician because I still had bad headaches, my speech started to slur, my feet felt heavy and my muscles were very sore. That doctor sent me to a neurologist, and she thought I had GBS. She sent me to Hershey Hospital. While there I went through many tests, which included a spinal tap and an MRI. I couldn't swallow, so I was given a feeding tube.

What were your biggest obstacles during these hard times and how did you stay so determined?
While paralyzed, and not able to walk, talk or eat, I spent seven days in Hershey PICU and was then transferred to Hershey Pediatric Rehab. I went through many hours of therapy, learning to walk, talk and eat. It was scary and frustrating. What kept me motivated was to be able to eat real food again, go back to school to see my friends, go home to see my dog, and play volleyball again.

If there was one thing you would want people to know about you, what would it be?
Before my illness I was shy and didn't really try new things. When I finally came home and was released from therapy, I decided to try out for our school cheer leading team. I wasn't sure I'd make it, but I did. I also went back to my club volleyball team and became part of student council.

What advice would you give to someone who may be where you were?
I'd say stay positive, have faith, and never give up. Believe that you are strong enough and stay focused on your future goals. Rely on your support system. For me that was my parents and my older sister Lydia. She was in middle school when this happened, but she came to see me almost every night after school. She was so encouraging and thoughtful. Every girl should have a big sister like her.

Ellie was featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

0 Comments

Alexis Candelaria

3/14/2019

1 Comment

Alexis Candelaria – 18 - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Christina Garza
Main Photography by Stacy Jacob Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine | Leader

The Nomination: Alexis Candelaria is a senior at Shadow Hills High School. She is active on the varsity cheer team, has logged over 250 volunteer hours, is involved in the Young Women Leaders program and spends her free time as an intern at a local preschool. She is a natural leader with a big heart and a love for children which has inspired her to pursue a career in teaching. Alexis is a wonderful role model who demonstrates great pride and care in the opportunity to profoundly impact the lives of children and future generations. She is very driven in the pursuit of success, not just her own but for those around her. For these reasons and more, it is my pleasure to nominate Alexis for this amazing opportunity!

How did your career in cheerleading begin?
My career in Cheerleading began my freshman year in high school. I’ve had an amazing time on the cheer squad and the experience has taught me about teamwork and dependability, plus it’s allowed me to form strong friendships. Prior to cheerleading I was a dancer for 9 years. I’ve enjoyed Tap, Jazz, Hip Hop and Salsa Dancing.

Tell me about some of your volunteering opportunities.
I’ve had the opportunity to volunteer for the American Cancer Society assisting with the setup of cancer walks and I’ve also logged several hours of volunteer work as a teacher’s aide at a local preschool assisting with reading, facilitating games, and organizing fundraisers.

What is your involvement in the Young Women Leaders Program?
I attend The Young Women Leaders (YWL) program which helps equip future women leaders with essential and invaluable resources as we enter college and into the professional world. My goal is to someday become an ambassador for the program and mentor other young women.

Why did you want to pursue a career in teaching?
I decided to pursue a teaching career because of my love of children and my eagerness to make a difference. I’ve also been very fortunate to have an amazing teacher named Heidi Knigge. She is one of the major reasons I’m pursuing a teaching career. Ms. Knigge has been a positive leader and mentor in my life, and I will aspire to bring the same passion for learning to my own classroom. She is someone I will admire and look back on fondly long after I’ve completed my high school education.

Image taken by friend, Jake Abawag

What are your plans for the future?
My plans for the future are to continue my education at California Baptist University to pursue my teaching career, continue my travels around the world and enjoy every day I’m blessed with.

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

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

1 Comment

Phoebe Berry

3/13/2019

0 Comments

Phoebe Berry -17 - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Angelina Valdez
Photography by Stacy Jacob Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine | Athlete

The Nomination: Phoebe Berry is a Varsity cheerleader and an honor roll student. She interns at a local grade school to stay young at heart. She also has a part time job as a hostess where she greets the valley with her warm welcoming smile. When a normal person would be tired, she perseveres and always gives her all.

How did your career in cheerleading start?
I started cheerleading my sophomore year, I had multiple friends in it, and I thought that it would be a fun sport to try.

What are some ways you keep yourself organized with cheer, school and your home life?
I keep myself organized by managing my time so I can make sure I have enough time to do my work, go to practice, have a social life, and spend time with my family. I always prioritize school though.

Image by Angelina Valdez (Mom)

Where do you work and what is your favorite part about your job?
I work at Stuft Pizza Bar and Grill. I love the people I work with we get along very well and do our work but still have fun with each other.

Tell us how you stay so dedicated to succeeding.
I stay dedicated to succeeding by knowing what I generally want in life and doing everything I can possibly do to achieve that.

Image by Yolanda Gibson (Nana/Grandma)

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Five years from now I see myself in law school on my way to becoming a lawyer.

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

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

0 Comments

Morgan Burleigh

12/18/2018

0 Comments

Interview by Lauren Michener | Submitted by Morgan Burleigh
Nomination & Photography by Cynthia Schoettker Photography
Kentucky

The Nomination: Morgan Burleigh is a Varsity cheerleader for her high school's football and basketball teams and is a member of the coed competition squad. She has an amazing ability to balance her busy cheer schedule with achieving the highest academic honors. Morgan believes no dream is too big to achieve!

Do you prefer competition cheer or cheering at games?
I prefer competitive cheer. The crowd is much more engaged, and the anticipation of competing is exciting and intense. It's so much fun performing to music and showing off our elite stunting and tumbling abilities. Being on the mat for those 2 minutes and 30 seconds is an indescribable feeling. My coed squad just qualified for Nationals this February so to be able to represent my high school and perform on the nation’s most prestigious cheer stage is a dream come true.

With cheerleading mostly all-year round, how do you keep your grades up?
The trick to keeping my grades up is time management. I am super organized and that has become a major asset to me as I balance my busy cheer schedule with taking multiple advanced and college level classes. I try to get as much homework and studying completed during free time at school, but if not, I do it as soon as I get home from school because most days, I have practice for 2-3 hours in the evening.

How does cheer interfere with your daily/social life?
Cheer impacts my social life greatly. Between daily practices and cheering games, I am not home much, and I don’t have much free time during the week. I usually have one weekend night free to hang out with friends. However, I am blessed to have amazing friends who come to watch and support me at competitions.

Do you want to purse cheerleading after high-school?
While I would absolutely love to cheer in college, I want to focus on a career and academic success in college.

What are some things that years of cheering had taught you?
Cheerleading has taught me so many great things, but mostly dedication, hard work, competitiveness, teamwork, and sportsmanship. I use these qualities not only at cheer, but also in my everyday life. I have learned that when things get difficult, you can’t give up. You have to persevere and put in the extra work and effort. I’ve learned that things work best when teams pull together, and that praising others for their work and encouraging them is much more beneficial than criticizing others. The respect our squad has for each other allows our team to be successful in reaching our goals. Overall, the life skills I’ve learned from cheerleading define who I am and play a major role in my life every day.

This interview was published in Issue 15

Click here to purchase issue 15

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

click here to join inspiring teens

0 Comments

Layken Sanders

Layken Sanders – Tennessee
Interview by Zoe DAngelo
Nomination by Jeni Sanders
Photography by Jeni Sanders & Amber McKellar
Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Guerra

Brianna Guerra - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography by Vintage Couture Photography
Nomination by Marisa Rosales
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Abigail Doran

Abigail Doran - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Tyna Norman
Photography by Lisa Weaver & David Beckham Photography

Ellie Stump

Ellie Stump - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Tricia Stump
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alexis Candelaria

Alexis Candelaria – 18 - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Christina Garza
Main Photography by Stacy Jacob Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine | Leader

Phoebe Berry

Phoebe Berry -17 - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Angelina Valdez
Photography by Stacy Jacob Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine | Athlete

Morgan Burleigh

Interview by Lauren Michener | Submitted by Morgan Burleigh
Nomination & Photography by Cynthia Schoettker Photography
Kentucky

Featured

Archives

Categories

Layken Sanders

Layken Sanders – TennesseeInterview by Zoe DAngeloNomination by Jeni SandersPhotography by Jeni Sanders & Amber McKellarIssue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Brianna Guerra

Brianna Guerra - TexasInterview by Zoe D’AngeloPhotography by Vintage Couture Photography Nomination by Marisa Rosales​Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Abigail Doran

Abigail Doran - OhioInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Tyna NormanPhotography by Lisa Weaver & David Beckham Photography

Ellie Stump

Ellie Stump - PennsylvaniaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination and Photography by Tricia StumpFeatured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Alexis Candelaria

Alexis Candelaria – 18 - CaliforniaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination by Christina GarzaMain Photography by Stacy Jacob PhotographyIssue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine | Leader

Phoebe Berry

​Phoebe Berry -17 - CaliforniaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination by Angelina ValdezPhotography by Stacy Jacob PhotographyIssue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine | Athlete

Morgan Burleigh

​Interview by Lauren Michener | Submitted by Morgan BurleighNomination & Photography by Cynthia Schoettker PhotographyKentucky

Featured

Archives

Categories

Layken Sanders – Tennessee
Interview by Zoe DAngelo
Nomination by Jeni Sanders
Photography by Jeni Sanders & Amber McKellar
Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Guerra - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography by Vintage Couture Photography
Nomination by Marisa Rosales
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Abigail Doran - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Tyna Norman
Photography by Lisa Weaver & David Beckham Photography

Ellie Stump - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Tricia Stump
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alexis Candelaria – 18 - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Christina Garza
Main Photography by Stacy Jacob Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine | Leader

Phoebe Berry -17 - California
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Angelina Valdez
Photography by Stacy Jacob Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine | Athlete

Interview by Lauren Michener | Submitted by Morgan Burleigh
Nomination & Photography by Cynthia Schoettker Photography
Kentucky