Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Monica Ritchey

8/17/2019

Monica Ritchey - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Sharon Holy Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The nomination: Monica Ritchey started dance at the age of 3 and started cheering for youth football when she was in third grade. She started competitive cheerleading in 5th grade. She was a football cheerleader in middle school and was a junior advisor for the youth football cheerleaders at that time. She was a JV football cheerleader in 9th and 10th grade and a varsity football her junior year. Monica is now in her senior year and is currently captain of the Varsity Football Squad. Monica loves to cheer; it is her passion. She loves cheering for her team and getting the crowd pumped. She also loves knowing that her two little nieces want to cheer because they come to the games and see how much fun it is!! Her two older sisters who both cheered were her inspiration. Monica is a straight A student and is VP of NHS. She is involved in future leaders and student government. Monica takes pride in her school and tries to set a positive example for others. She enjoys getting others psyched for their sports teams and for being the best they can be.

How has cheerleading impacted your life in a positive way?
Cheerleading has been a part of my life since the day I was born. When I was younger, I would attend every game and competition my two older sisters cheered at. I marveled at the synchronization of the motions, was mesmerized by the flexibility showcased in the jumps, and was starstruck by the sky-high flips. I fell in love with the energy that radiated off the cheerleaders and the obvious comradery among them. Becoming a cheerleader was a dream come true for me. It makes me feel like one of my life goals has already been completed every time I put on the uniform and head to the field. Furthermore, cheerleading has given me some of my best friends. Your team really becomes your family which means that you always have a support group when needed. Some of the bonds I’ve made throughout my cheerleading career are lifelong and I am forever grateful for that.

When it comes to cheerleading, what is your favorite thing about the sport?
My favorite thing about cheerleading is the performances. The excitement that consumes me before every halftime show is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. I love to show off my and my teammates' hard work each time we take the field. The high energy that circulates each one of us is one of the best feelings. Although the pain of hearing the words “full out again” leaving my coach’s lips is unbearable, we all know that the actual performance will be worth all the trouble in the end.

When you are older, would you want to own your own cheer gym? What are your thoughts? Why or why not?
Although owning a cheer gym would be fun and exciting, I do not think it is in the cards for me. Owning a gym demands more than the love of the sport, it requires a huge financial commitment. Coaches put a lot of hard work and energy into perfecting performances which is something I would be interested in. I know after college I will miss it so much that it will draw me into becoming a cheer coach, but owning a gym is not for me.

What would be 3 words to describe a cheerleading squad? Explain why you chose those 3 words.
First and foremost a cheerleading squad is motivated. All the teams that I have had the pleasure of being part of have been filled with girls and boys who are extremely driven. There is always room for improvement. A motion that could be sharper or a jump that could be higher. A cheerleader’s work is never done.

The second word that describes a cheerleading squad is spirited. Getting the crowd involved and excited is our main priority so having pep and energy is required. Even on bad days you need to leave everything behind when you step on the mat, field, or floor and give it your all.

Lastly, a squad must be united. Every cheerleader needs to understand that they must do their best not only for themselves, but also for their entire squad. The saying “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” surely comes to mind when thinking about cheer. Your squad becomes your family and you all want each other to succeed.

Tell us about something awesome you do when you’re not cheering.
When I am not cheering, I spend the majority of my time planning and volunteering for NHS. I am vice president of this club; therefore, I have a lot of responsibilities that require a plethora of my time and energy. This is my second year in the group and it truly has had a positive impact on my life. NHS has allowed me to get out in my community and get involved. From cleaning up beaches to dressing up as characters for the Haunted Hayrides we truly do it all. Currently my fellow officers and I are working hard to bring a new fun dance to our school. Between cheer practices and NHS, I barely have time for anything else, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Monica will be featured in Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Alyssa Whitt

8/12/2019

1 Comment

Alyssa Whitt - Georgia
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by BluMoon Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Alyssa was nominated by her cheer coach for the GCCA Cheerleader of the Year and she was chosen among the top 40 in the State of Georgia through an application and essay process determined by academic standing, class involvement, extracurricular activities and volunteer work. Alyssa is an amazing teen, who has inner beauty as well as outer beauty. Alyssa has been on our BMP Model Team for a little over a year and she always goes out of her way to make everyone around her feel special and important.

Tell us how you got involved with cheer?
I got into cheerleading at a young age. I started out when my mom put me gymnastics at age three and fell in love with tumbling. As I got older, I shifted into All-Star cheer. I continued in All-Star cheer until middle school cheer and I fell in love with the adrenaline of competing at this level. Throughout high school cheer I’ve grown into the person I am today. It has taught me so much in life. Things such as teamwork & that you can’t give up when it gets hard.

When it comes to cheerleading what is your favorite thing about the sport and why?
My favorite thing about cheerleading is the adrenaline I get when competing in competitions. Throughout my three years of varsity cheer I have won three state titles. The feeling of winning this title is one of the best feelings ever. It’s a feeling of accomplishment.

If you had to pick one, would you rather only cheer at games or only compete at competitions? Why?
I’ve cheered both on the sidelines and competitions. I enjoy competitions more than I ever will enjoy sideline cheer. The competitions give me chills that I could never explain. I love cheering competition cheer more than anything.

Tell us about your three state titles you have won and why you think you won them!
I’ve won three state titles and through this I have learned so much. I’ve worked so hard in cheerleading and have been so motivated throughout my time spent in this sport. This is what has led me and my team to our three state titles. I couldn’t be more thankful for the people I have had on my teams over the years and the goals we have accomplished.

How is it possible to achieve anything through perseverance and hard work?
Perseverance and hard work play a big part in my cheerleading life. Throughout my years in cheerleading I’ve been through many injuries and hard situations to handle. Pushing through those things made me successful. It has not only made me successful but also helped better my team. Without hard work and dedication, I never would have achieved three state titles.

What advice would you give to someone who wanted to be where you are today?
I would tell someone who wants to be where I am today that they should never give up. Also, that things take time and hard work is a big key in these things. Accomplishing goals takes a lot of time & you should never give up and go after what you want. Believe in yourself and believe in what you do.

What is it like bring a BMP Model?
Being a BMP model is one of the best experiences I’ve had in my life as I get to express myself in so many ways. I’ve always had a passion for modeling and taking pictures. I also get to enjoy and get to know the other models. I’m so blessed to be able to do this with such an amazing photographer.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/What are your plans for the future?
In five years, I see myself graduated college and working toward my speech pathology license and then hopefully working in my career path. I hope to have accomplished what I have been dreaming of for many years.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
My favorite pastime is being involved in my school through many things such as serving on student council, Beta Club & as class officer. I enjoy community service and I also enjoy being with friends & family and just enjoying my high school time overall.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
With everything on my plate, I get stressed here and there; however, I try and make time to plan out when I’m going to do things and set my priorities in order.

Three things on your bucket list.
Visit Paris, go sky diving, and meeting Justin Bieber, Bieber fever feel me.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my cheer coach, Amy Nimmer, inspiring. I’ve never met someone so determined and hardworking than this lady. She has taught me so much not just in cheer but in my life. She will always be there for me throughout anything in my life and I’m more than thankful for her.

What about you inspires others? Why do you think you’re inspiring?
I feel that I possibly inspire others through setting a good example in all that I do & accomplish by way of hard work and discipline and staying positive through everything.

Anything else you’d like to tell us.
I want everyone to know that no matter what they do in life; love and live it. Believe in yourself and never give up.

Alyssa will be featured in Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

1 Comment

Makayla Miller

5/9/2019

8 Comments

Makayla Miller - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Sara Miller
Photography by Kate Smith Photography

The Nomination: Makayla my beautiful daughter both inside and out inspires me on a daily basis. Her passion for her family, friends and life in general is second to none. Makayla always strives to find the good in everyone and in everything she does. Her smile lights up a room and her personality is infectious and quite amusing. She is true to herself and those she loves. If we all could have a little bit of Makayla in us this world would be a better place.

What is the most important thing to you when it comes to the love of your family?
Telling them I love them every day and each and every opportunity I get.

What are some ways you keep yourself or others feeling confident if they are having a bad day?
I like to think I have a good sense of humor so I always try to add laughter to any situation which helps you forget why you are having a bad day. I also try to remind others and myself about the good in life. I know bad days are just temporary.

Tell us about your personality. What do you want people to think of when they first meet you?
I love to laugh and have fun. I want people to think of me as a positive, upbeat, fun, and trustworthy person.

How did your interest in cheerleading begin? Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to the sport?
I started competitive cheerleading at the age of 6 because I saw the fun my older cousins were having. My biggest inspiration when it comes to the sport is my coach Rakiesha Morrison who I have been with since I started. She has always pushed me to strive for greatness not only just with cheer but in everyday life. She is one of my toughest critics, but I know it’s all out of love.

What type of impact has cheerleading had on your life? How do you think it has changed you for the better?
When I first started cheerleading, I was very shy and quiet. As the years have progressed, I now have confidence in myself and have become very outgoing. I also have made some of my very best friends through the sport.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Always be yourself and don’t change who you are for someone else.

Image of Makayla Miller by Sara Miller

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I try and get along with everyone around me and I always try and bring the best out in someone.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I try and stick to daily routines.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
Shopping and spending time with my friends and family.
Who do you find inspiring?
My Mom because she loves me unconditionally. She always finds a positive even in the hardest of times and she always finds a way to make things happen for my brothers and me.

Pizza or Tacos? Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Tacos, Water, Dogs

3 Things on your bucket list
1. To be a World Champion in Cheer
2. To become a model
3. To marry Lamelo Ball

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
It is such an honor to be in the running to be featured on the cover of Inspiring Teen Magazine. Thank you so much for this opportunity.

Makayla Miller will be featured in issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Keara McKay

3/4/2019

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Keara McKay
Interview by Zoe D’angelo
Nomination & Photography by Michael Zellefrow of Gizmo Photography
Ohio
Issue 15

The nomination: Keara cheers for her local school plus competitive cheer squad. She likes to help the younger girls in her competitive cheer squad and serves as role model for all the younger girls.

How did you become interested in cheerleading?
I got a flyer at school to try out for the youth team. I didn’t even want to do it. My Mom convinced me to give it a try. Then in fourth grade I became involved in competition cheer at a gym I had been taking tumbling classes at.

What are your favorite things about being a cheerleader and representing your school?
I love both competition cheer and school cheer. At school I love supporting the football team and getting the crowd to have team spirit as well. In competition cheer I love going out on that blue mat and giving it my all with my teammates. It is such a rush of emotions and even when we don’t do as good as we hoped, the team connection is awesome! I have made great friends doing both. As I grow up, I love seeing the younger girls starting and being a person they can look up to.

When you’re not cheering, what do you do in your free time?
I spend a lot of my time at the studio where I do competitive cheer. I also dance there. I am on two dance teams and also have a solo routine. I also volunteer at the studio to be Tinker Bell for tea parties for younger girls. I also like to read and believe it or not, do school work. I really love school and love learning. My favorite subjects are Language Arts, Math and Science. I have been very lucky to have some amazing teachers that make school fun. I enjoy doing mental math just for fun.

Tell me about your typical day.
In a normal day, I get up and spend some time with my Mom in the morning and then head to school. When my school day is over, I normally have enough time to go home and eat a snack and then head to cheer or dance practice. After practice I go home to eat dinner and do my homework. After that, I am pretty much ready to go to bed, so I can do it all over again the next day.

What are your plans for the future?
I am hoping to stay a cheerleader / dancer throughout my school life. I want to attend college at Kent State and cheer there as well. I want to become a chiropractor and would also like to cheer for a professional sports team.

Keara was featured in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

click here to buy issue 15

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Monica Ritchey

Monica Ritchey - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Sharon Holy Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alyssa Whitt

Alyssa Whitt - Georgia
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by BluMoon Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Makayla Miller

Makayla Miller - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Sara Miller
Photography by Kate Smith Photography

Keara McKay

Keara McKay
Interview by Zoe D’angelo
Nomination & Photography by Michael Zellefrow of Gizmo Photography
Ohio
Issue 15

Featured

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Monica Ritchey

Monica Ritchey - OhioInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by Sharon Holy PhotographyIssue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Alyssa Whitt

Alyssa Whitt - GeorgiaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by BluMoon PhotographyIssue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Makayla Miller

​Makayla Miller - PennsylvaniaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Sara MillerPhotography by Kate Smith Photography​

​Keara McKay

​Keara McKayInterview by Zoe D’angeloNomination & Photography by Michael Zellefrow of Gizmo PhotographyOhioIssue 15

Featured

Archives

Categories

Monica Ritchey - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Sharon Holy Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alyssa Whitt - Georgia
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by BluMoon Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Makayla Miller - Pennsylvania
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Sara Miller
Photography by Kate Smith Photography

Keara McKay

Keara McKay
Interview by Zoe D’angelo
Nomination & Photography by Michael Zellefrow of Gizmo Photography
Ohio
Issue 15