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Ty Watkins

1/15/2020

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Ty Watkins - Texas
Interview by Clara Soler
Nomination and Photography by Amanda Watkins
Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Ty Watkins works hard at school & out of school. He has a great passion for football. He has loved football since he first started school. He works hard for anyone & wants to do the job right. He has great respect for his elders and helps his grandparents anytime they need it. Ty is a very respectful young man & a very hard worker. He strives to do it right & the best at anything he is asked to do or puts his mind towards to accomplish.
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Photography by Amanda Watkins
What got you interested in playing football?
I heard my dad talk about playing football & it peaked my interest when I was little. I’ve been playing since I was old enough to play for ysa & I loved it so once I started, I didn’t want to stop playing.

How has your life changed positively because of football?
In football you have discipline & it takes hard work. Also, teamwork teaches you to work with others.
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How has football had a significant impact on your everyday life?
I work hard & stay focused daily. On anything I start, I want to finish & make sure it’s done right. 
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Photography by Amanda Watkins

​What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I like to hunt, fish go mudding & also play with my aussie Athena. She’s my buddy.

What has your hard work helped you to accomplish?
I believe there’s accomplishments in daily life, there’s always something you can work hard at.

What types of things keep you motivated?
The thought of what the future may hold keeps me working hard.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
 I want to play college football & also my back up plan would be to weld with my dad. 
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Photography by Buster Clem

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
My family is a big help. We help each other with everything. My parents, grandparents & sister are always there for me.

3 Things on your bucket list?
To go skydiving, go to France, & to give back to those who helped me get where I am.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I like to push & encourage people around me, and to show them they can do it - just keep trying and don’t give up. I stay strong & stay focused & keep pushing even when it seems everything is against my goal.

Ty will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 29
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Sydney Carreira

12/12/2019

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Sydney Carreira - South Carolina
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by
​Deanna Webber Photography
Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​ The Nomination: Sydney Carreira-Sydney is taking her senior year by storm! She’s doing everything she can to be involved and make the most of her final year. She and her friends are entered to be on the cover of our new local prom magazine, she is the kicker for her school’s football team, and she was nominated for homecoming queen. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her a couple times, and every time she is so sweet and so grounded. She has such a bright future and I can’t wait to see what door she opens for herself!
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Photography by Deanna Webber Photography
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​Tell us why you play football and how became interested in playing.
Initially, a coach approached me telling me our team needed a kicker. I started going to the summer workouts and eventually became an official member on the team. In the beginning, I was playing for myself because it was a cool experience, but then I realized how much of an impact I had. I started playing for those girls who did not have confidence in themselves and to show them whatever you put your mind to, you can do. I also played for my team. I saw how passionate they were about a sport and it really inspired me to push myself and break boundaries.

What is it like being the kicker for your high school's football team?
Being the kicker was one of the most incredible and memorable experiences of my life. In the beginning, I was extremely nervous, but all my teammates were extremely encouraging. Any time I messed up, they just told me to shake it off and keep trying. I also got a lot more attention than I expected. I knew people would probably get excited that there was a girl on the team, but I never thought that my entire community and the surrounding area would be so supportive.

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Photography by Deanna Webber Photography
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​What is it like being a female in a male dominant sport?
Even though I was the only female in a male dominated sport, my team treated me as if I was family. They were also very protective of me during games and always had my back. I could not have picked a better team to play with. The only difference was that I was in a different locker room, everything else was pretty much the same, which is what I wanted. I did not want any special treatment because I was a girl. Although it was challenging at times, I was really fortunate to play for my school and team.
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Photography by Woodland High School

​How do you balance your life as a student athlete?
I currently have a GPA of 5.1. I have learned that time management is a huge part of being a successful student athlete. I have also learned that even though sports are fun, academics ALWAYS comes first. Most of the time, I see student athletes struggle due to procrastination because they tell themselves, “well I have practice, so the assignment will have to wait”. I knew, however, that academics is what ultimately gets you into college and even allows you to graduate high school in general. It is definitely challenging at times, but learning to not procrastinate and learning time management skills, I am able to be a successful student athlete.

How do you prove people wrong when they assume that student athletes barely getting by when it comes to academics? How do you break those stereotypes?
I always put being a student first when it comes to being a student athlete. However, to prove to people that athletes can also excel in academics, I make sure I make all As. I also take Dual Credit courses with a local college, AP classes, and honors courses. I believe there is a balance between academics and sports. It is completely possible to do both, and to be good at both. The trick is to not waste time. I get assignments done early, that way I can go to the entire practice every day.

Sydney will be featured in Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Aiden Kennedy

11/1/2019

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Aiden Kennedy - Tennessee
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Angel Kennedy
Photography by JB Brookman Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Aiden belongs among the amazing teens featured in your magazine because he is a driven leader determined to succeed through hard work. He bought his first car when he was 15 by working at Sonic. He worked his way up to Manager and started an IRA for himself. Aiden is a captain of the football team and mentor to a group of underclassmen teammates. He is considering continuing his football career after high school and has multiple offers. He has accumulated over 100 hours of volunteer time throughout his high school career, helping everyone from Veterans to Special Needs groups.
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Photography by JB Brookman Photography

​What is the football program like at your school?
It is intensive, and year-round. It is a Brotherhood. BHS football players need to be committed to work for something bigger than themselves. Dedication & perseverance are required to succeed. I am thankful to have been a part of the program for 4 years.

Tell us about some of your volunteer work in the community.
I am blessed to live in an excellent, supportive community. My football coaches encourage us to really give back and be a positive influence throughout our city and to represent our school and program well. I took that message to heart and have worked with special needs children at school and throughout the community, packed meals for veterans and taken care of animals. I’ve volunteered to keep the river by my house and school clean and worked for a church nearby to keep the trees trimmed. I enjoy helping however I can!
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Photography by JB Brookman Photography

​What was it like working with Veterans? They are very special people!
Very interesting; they have amazing stories. I could listen to them forever. I really like history, so I like to hear their take current events and how things have changed. The brotherhood between veterans is similar to the football team brotherhood so I connect with them in that way as well. I see myself continuing to support Veterans through volunteer work for a very long time.

What is something you love about mentoring underclassmen?
I love letting them know that they can talk to someone older than them and confide in an upperclassman because I've been in their shoes too. They like knowing they have someone experienced to rely on in case they need help with bullies, navigating the school, homework or really anything!

What are some easy ways to keep a conversation going with someone who may be on the shy side?
Listen and respond. Smile. When I am polite to people they open up. I also like to ask basic questions to get them talking. I am used to talking to people I don’t know and getting awkward conversations started because of my management job at Sonic. I have gotten to experience conversations with happy, grateful customers and had to calm down angry ones!
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Photography by JB Brookman Photography

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I see myself in a post-graduate law program. I’m planning to major in Criminal Justice and then go to law school because I want to help others who cannot help themselves.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
Repetition & routine. My weeks are scheduled, and I know what to expect at this point! I have practice at the same times & I’ve been working the same shifts at Sonic for several years. It just works.

Aiden will be featured in Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
Click here to purchase Issue 27
Click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Cabel Jarrett

7/31/2019

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Cabel Jarrett – North Carolina
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination and Photography by TAP Photography
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Cabel Jarrett, age 16, is beyond the shadow of a doubt an awe-inspiring teenager. Being the youngest of his class, he pursues excellence inside and outside of the classroom. Although his top 5 class rank is impressive, it barely touches the reason he is inspiring. Cabel’s passion is teaching others through hands on activities. He spends his time teaching public speaking classes, swim training, and ski instruction lessons.
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​How did you become the great leader you are today? 
I have gained my leadership qualities through my experiences. Being able to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone has created the leader I am today. 

Tell us about being the FBLA western region Vice President, and what that title brings. 
I was elected for the position over a year ago and it has had a huge impact in my life so far. Basically, I was elected to help lead a national organization that prepares young adults to enter business related fields in their future. My specialty was public speaking; therefore, I got the chance to travel around the country learning/teaching others how to excel at public speaking in real life scenarios. 

​What has instructing swim and ski lessons contributed to your life over time?
Instructing lessons for swimming and skiing has ultimately led to me becoming more personable. It has even brought me a new passion; kids! I realized that I love to teach others, so I would like to incorporate those new passions into my life. 

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​What opportunities have you been given by being in the top 5 class rank?
I am immensely rewarded by the mental acknowledgment of my effort. I love knowing that I have taken every opportunity possible to succeed. 
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As a player in Cougar football as the tackle position what are your expectations of time, and how do you make excess time for your other activities? 
Playing football is very demanding to the respects of your personal time. The sport requires loads of effort and commitment. However, that never means you do not have time for other activities. One simply must be interested in something in order to participate. I have missed very few opportunities because I play football. 

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​How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I honestly have a photographic memory, so I don’t really write anything down. I am probably the worst person to ask this question to. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Focus only on the future: it never hurts to dream big. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
Graduating from college and considering applying for a doctorate program. 

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What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
Probably the fact that I am very outgoing. 

Who do you find inspiring?
Young men and women who serve in the military. 

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Playing the piano!

Pizza or Tacos? Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Both, Sweet tea, and I am not an animal person. 

3 Things on your bucket list
1- Travel the world
2- Have a huge family of my own
3- Go skiing in the Swiss Alpes 

Cabel will be featured in Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen
click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine
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Joe Gutowski

4/29/2019

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Joe Gutowski – Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nominate by Christine Gutowski
Photography by Chris Shabay Photography
Issue 20 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

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​The Nomination: Joe Gutowski played football since the age of 7. He was never gifted with great athletic ability or skill but persevered through those obstacles and continued through even though he was told by his peers that he would never be good enough. He was never on the best team, always on the “B” team. One day during leadership his coach told them about a bible verse 1 Peter 5:6 : “humble yourselves therefor under God’s mighty hand, that he may lift you up in due time” This verse completely inspired him to keep going in his lowest time. And his senior year he finally got his spot on varsity!
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​How did you become interested in football? Who inspired you the most to start playing?
 I don’t think anyone in particular inspired me to play football. It was always just something I loved to do. 

Tell us about the Bible verse your coach once told you. Tell us what it means and what it means to you, personally. 
The verse itself says “humble yourselves, therefore, under Gods mighty hand that he may lift you up in due time.” To me, I applied this to my situation with football. I was struggling to maintain a good self-esteem because it felt like no matter what I did, nothing was good enough. This verse taught me to keep working, persevere, and in due time, God will lift me up. 

What were some ways you persevered through your tough times? How did you not let what other people said about you, affect you?
I just kept my head down and tried to outwork everyone around me, I knew that without working hard I would always be average so I just kept working hard. I tried to turn those negative words into motivation to work even harder. 

How did you feel when you made the varsity team your senior year? How did you celebrate?
It was definitely a relief. It was something I had waited for, for so long. I can’t remember if I celebrated any, but I just kept on my path. 
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​Tell us more about your different experiences you have had throughout high school. What was one high and one low you remember?
Definitely a high in my high school career was beating our arch rivals, Colleyville Heritage, senior year. The pure joy around everyone on our team was unbelievable. That’s something I’ll never forget. On the other hand, my all-time low was finding out I made JV my junior year. I was right on the border of making varsity and to look at the roster and not seeing my name was devastating. 

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
 DO NOT QUIT!!! It may be hard but it’s 100% worth it in the end. 

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I’m going to ASU for sports journalism, so I see myself covering the Cardinals or Diamondbacks. My goal is to eventually be on ESPN. 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
That no matter how many people told me I was trash, instead of giving up, I worked harder. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I just try and manage my free time as best I can. Keeping reminders in my phone have helped me a lot (especially with remembering homework) 
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What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I’m definitely a lake guy, so anything at the lake. Wakeboarding, wake surfing, tubing, etc. I also back myself as the best FIFA player I know, so I guess Xbox. 

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I’m a pretty good FIFA player. But it’s not really hidden because all my friends hear plenty of trash talk. 

Who do you find inspiring?
For me, I relate to Isiah Thomas a lot. Thomas was picked by the Kings with the last pick in the NBA draft. No one thought he’d be anything special. An undersized, underweight guard could never succeed like he has. But he has proven every doubter wrong overtime by putting in the work and staying the course. 

Pizza or Tacos?  Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Tacos, Dr. Pepper is the best, 100% a dog person 

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Skydiving 2. Shark Cage diving 3. Go to a Super Bowl 

Anything else you’d like to tell us? 
Thank y’all for this opportunity!!! 


Joe 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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Cade Mullins

2/25/2019

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Cade Mullins
Interview with Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination & Photography by Amanda Cantrell Photography LLC
Kentucky
Issue 15

The Nomination: Cade is a young man I got to know when he was a sophomore. We joked & kidded on the football sidelines while I photographed the games. He's frankly like my second son. Gosh I love this kiddo. I photographed his family the year I met him & I learned their story. Cade's dad, Craig had passed away when Cade was in the 8th grade. Craig was a HS & college football player, and college coach. He had won championships on both sides. so, when it came time to photograph Cade's Senior pictures, Cade and I worked together to create an art piece to surprise his mom. Every piece of this image tells a story.

* Cade's dressed in a sharp suit w/ his Beats on (very him)
* Cade is wearing his dad's championship rings
* Cade has on a "Team Mullins" bracelet that folks in the community wore while Craig was fighting cancer
* Cade's HS jersey hangs in the far left locker (#9 is Dad's college number)
* Craig's HS jersey & college football jacket are surrounding Cade, to signify that his dad is ALWAYS with him.

THIS is powerful imagery. There is no way that a person who knows this story cannot be moved by a son's love for both his mom and his dad.

THIS is why I do what I do. Every Senior has a story. Every Senior has a vision, and a photographer who listens & works hard to make their vision a reality is a KEY to creating something more than a picture. It's ART, and an image that will mean something to not only Cade & his family, but to his children, grandchildren and future generations. This makes my heart smile & I feel honored that I was able to help him create it. ❤️

I know you love your beats, what is your favorite kind of music to listen to and why?
That’s tough because it really depends. I love it all I can listen to different stuff at times. like before games I’ll listen to hip hop and rap, and when I'm with my friends its anything from Luke Combs to Drake.

Tell us about this photo. What does it mean to you?
Oh, so much, it helps people take in what I represent, also how I hold myself. The lockers to start with, I've always played sports growing up and plan to in the future, that's just how I was raised. The jerseys, the first one is mine: I've always worn number 9 because of my dad. Also the other jersey, that is my dad’s high school jersey, just showing where he came from. Also, the Georgetown college jacket, that was also my dad’s. The suit just shows that I like to be classy and dress nice and have a formal appearance most of the time. The rings are my dad’s. I chose to wear those to show some of his achievements. I've always worn a white #Teammullins bracelet, that was what was made when my dad was sick. Lastly, the glasses and headphones, those are really to show class. That for the most part means I mean business. and have matured because of what has happened in my life.

What are your favorite sports?
Football is by far my favorite. This is my last year of high school football and I have been playing since I was 7. I do enjoy other sports too. I like watching all other sports, but football has been my main sport forever even while playing other sports.

What are your plans after high school?
I plan on playing college football, not sure where yet. I have various colleges looking at me along with 4 college offers. I want to study athletic training or sports management.

Cade 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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Evan O'Donnell

2/21/2019

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​Evan O’Donnell
Interview & Photography by Olivia Bush
Pennsylvania
Issue 15

Evan O’Donnell A Highschool Quarterback
Written By: Olivia Bush

Walk into CB East high school on a Friday afternoon and you will see CB Easts 6-5 football team preparing for their upcoming game. If you look in the right place you will see their starting quarterback Evan O’Donnell starting to mentally prepare himself for that week’s 48 minutes of football.

Evan has done a lot and worked hard to get to the position he is in now. “My dad brainwashed me into becoming a Redskins fan when I was four even though I live in Philly and then started playing football with me in the backyard. I’ve played quarterback for as long as I can remember, and it was my dad who even taught me how to throw,” Evan says.

Now when it comes to having a packed schedule Evan knows all about it. From football practice, to hanging with friends, and taking some of the highest-level classes Evan does it all and knows how to balance it while having fun. “My parents have always pushed me academically,” says O’Donnell, “So I know that if I mess up football will be the first to go. I sometimes ask my parents why I can’t go out with friends and they say, ‘Evan you hang out with them every day at practice’ and I realize that they’re right because all the guys on the team are my best friends”.

Now when I sat down with Evan, I asked him a lot about his senior season. “My senior season is definitely a special one,” States the quarterback. “One of my favorite memories of my high school football career was beating West this year. This is mostly because my junior season we had so many close games and never won one. I wanted to finally win a close game, and that’s what we did”. Not only did East beat West this year, but they also beat South, winning the CB cup. They also beat Pennridge, securing them a spot in the Division One Playoffs. This is what Evan says made his senior season the best. Now everyone has a moment that they look back on and go that was so embarrassing. When I asked Evan what his was, he responded with “junior year, North Penn, I fumbled the ball out of the back of the endzone. My friends still give me a hard time about it, but we all know that we all make mistakes”. When it comes to pre-game rituals and players favorite parts of game da y everyone is different, but O’Donnell shared with me some unique ones, “Before every game I watch Drew Locks and Baker Mayfield’s college highlight reels, that gets me in the zone. Then when we go out to the field, I say a prayer at the 30-yard line, and that gets me ready to play. As far as my favorite part of gameday it would be playing the game and if we win, knowing that I helped the team win is a great feeling,” Evan says. 

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When asking Evan about his favorite play to run he says that the play is his favorite because of the memories that go along with it. “It’s a slant and go play. This is my favorite because this play is the play that helped us beat West this year. It is also the play that was used in the first touchdown me and my best friend Chris scored together”. Now anyone who goes to East football games knows that when Evan and Chris are out on the field together, they are unstoppable. When I asked Evan what it’s like getting to play and make game changing plays with his best friend; he responded with nothing but raving remarks about the wide receiver, “I would say it’s surprising, but Chris talks in my ear a lot and is always telling me that it will happen one day. I believed him and then it happened. I can never fully make a play without Chris. We have accomplished so much together, getting 1st team all-league together this season. He makes me look good and I am glad”. Afte r hearing this I briefly sat down with wide receiver Chris Lochetta and asked him what he thought about making game changing plays with his best friend and he told me, “Me and Ev have been neighbors for over 13 years so we’ve been imagining these types of plays and opportunities since we started throwing the ball in his yard. What we have accomplished this year is amazing and now we hope to play in college together soon”.
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Now Chris isn’t Evans only close friend on the football team. “I’ve been best friends with these guys since 8th grade and some before that,” says O’Donnell. “We have always been close, and football has brought us closer”. Many people that walk the halls of CB East high school know that the team is like family. When I asked Evan about what it is like he says, “It’s great, they are all brothers to me. We are really like family. Yes, we fight a lot but, in the end, we will always have each other’s back,”. When CB Easts football team manager Liv was asked about Evan and the team she said, “Evan is one of the sweetest people I have ever met. I ask myself every practice if Evan O’Donnell can get any nicer and then something happens for me to go, oh yes, he can. As far as the team goes it is like I have 60 older brothers who I know would do anything for me and I would do the same for them,”.

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According to O’Donnell some people think the team can be ignorant but really, they’re loads of fun! “Sure, we are very serious at practice and on the sidelines, but what people don’t see is how much fun we have. Our dance offs, Coach free style rapping, guys dancing in the weight room, and the week we play West is always entertaining. So yes, we are a hardworking team, but we balance out with fun,”.

If you go to a football game home or away, one thing you will always remember is the student section. “They are amazing,” says O’Donnell. “yes, the summer time was hard but once school started they have showed up to every game no matter how far, rain or shine”. I quickly sat down with someone that is regularly in the student section, spending time with friends and classmates, but also watching Evan play. When asked what she loves about getting to watch the games and Evan play his girlfriend Sammi Garoman adorably responded “It’s really awesome to watch him play because I know how much time and energy he puts into football. I love that during every game he goes out and plays to the best of his ability and always tries to improve himself. Watching him make plays makes me happy because I know he’s out there doing what he loves,”.

When I asked Evan about his future, he says he doesn’t want to stop playing football and wants to play college ball but doesn’t know where,”. When asked what he will miss about high school football he responded “Everything, the game in general. No other level of football has this much energy. Lastly, the people. I’ll miss the coaches because they have shaped me to become who I am today and my teammates because they’re my best friends and my family.”

To say that Evan O’Donnell has a passion and heart for the game of football is an understatement. He is truly a great high school quarterback.

Evan was featured in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

click here to buy issue 15
click here to submit an article to inspiring teens magazine
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Jordan Veldman

2/17/2019

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​Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by
Heather Wanninger of Sweet Lemonade Photography
Illinois

The Nomination: ​Jordan is a 3-sport athlete in high school while also taking grades seriously and being highly involved in church, youth group and volunteering among other activities. He is strong in his faith and quick to share what lessons he learns through studying the bible. He's a great all-around young man!

What three sports do you play?
I play football, basketball, and baseball.

How has being in youth group changed you?
It has made me a better leader. In youth groups, there are times where people don’t feel comfortable sharing their ideas or beliefs and I have learned to step up and throw in my opinions and ideas. This creates a more comfortable atmosphere for everyone because now people feel better about sharing what they have to say. Youth Group has also changed the way I go after a religious lifestyle. This occurred in 7th grade church camp; this was the moment that I truly realized I needed a savior. I have been raised in a family where my grandparents were pastors and my whole family was very faith-based. I always understood to believe the stories of the bible, but at this camp, I finally learned that it is about our relationship with Jesus that makes us different. I figured out that I had to invest in a relationship with Jesus like I do with everyday friends. This has been vital in me developing as a Christian and making me joyful with this newfound hope I had.

What volunteer projects have you taken part in?
My favorite volunteer project that I have taken part in is when my church ran a vacation bible school (vbs) in a trailer park. We spent one day walking door to door to meet people and give them flyers about the event. This event was completely free and ran solely by my church and the volunteers. I was able to help with moving things around and organizing/setting things up as well as participate as a teacher in one of the ‘stations’ we did for the children. This was a great experience because it helped me get out of my comfort zone as well as learn that all the glory of those events truly goes to God. No one person claims or asks for credit, we just all give it to God.

Would you recommend others to take part in youth group?
Yes, it will change your life; you get to meet new people that are so genuine and care about you as a person. It gives you confidence to go into your school as a Christian and to be different because you see that you aren’t alone. One of the biggest helps from youth group is that when you’re around multiple other God-loving people that invite God’s presence into the room, God will speak through them. If everyone allows God to speak through them and put things on their heart, the atmosphere is so awesome, and you are directly hearing from God.

Do you have a saying or a story that you like to live by? If so, what is it?
“Rules without a relationship lead to rebellion”; I love this saying because it shows that when we go into life without God on our heart and mind, we are bound to break His commandments for us. God has these set in place to protect us and to keep us pure and holy with Him. When we are daily in His word and actively pursuing a relationship with Him, it will make following His commandments so much easier.

Jordan was featured in issue 15.
click here to buy issue 15
click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know
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Jackson Pearson

2/16/2019

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Interview with Zoe D’Angelo 
Nomination & Photography by Karen Stauffer Photography 
Illinois

The Nomination: ​Jackson's passion for football started in 2nd grade & has continued through his senior year. He has worked so hard and has dedicated many years on and off the field to be 100% ready to win the game. Jackson is hoping to play college football and study graphic design.
Another thing that is close to Jackson's heart is making others aware that bullying is not ok and especially with those who have special needs.
I really admire his gentle spirit.
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​How did you become interested in playing football?
I became interested in football when I was six years old. I started watching the Chicago Bears with my dad & I found the sport so intriguing because of how action packed it is & you never know what might happen from play to play.
I know you've been playing football for many years, so what kinds of people have you met along the way?
During the duration of my football career I've met so many great friends & coaches. So many people I have met from football have influenced me throughout the years & made me who I am today. 
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What are some of the things you do in the off season to help you be more prepared for the upcoming year?
In the off season it is very important to stay in shape & improve for the next season. I do this by working out as much as I can with my team & eating the right kinds of food.

If you encountered a child who wants to have a career like yours including football, what is one piece of advice you would give them?
I would tell them to never give up on their dreams & work hard to achieve them. I would also tell them to play every football game as if it were their last.

When you’re not playing football or working on school work, what do you like to do in your free time?
In my free time I like to do outdoor activities such as playing sports with my friends or go fishing. I also like to draw & play with my two dogs, Zoey & Frankie

Jackson was featured in issue 15.
click here to buy issue 15
click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know
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Jack Willis

2/15/2019

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Interview with Zoe D’Angelo 
Nomination & Photography by Tim Goates Photography (above)
Photography by friends of Jack (below)
North Carolina

The Nomination: Jack Willis is a hardworking, focused and determined guy who leads others.
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​How did your interest in football begin?
My interest in football began at a young age. My Dad loved the game and we watched football together as a child. I began playing at age 11 and my love for the game has grown.

How many years have you played football and what positions do you usually play?
I have played for 7 years and I have played multiple positions including quarterback, linebacker and center. Through high school, center has been my primary position.
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​What opportunities have you had that you have been given to lead?
Being a senior I feel that it’s my job to prepare and mentor my younger teammates for their remaining years of participation so they can be the best they can possibly be.
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What would you tell a child who was interested in starting their own football career?
I would tell them that football isn't for everyone and that you have to be tough, willing to take some pain. It requires you to be dedicated and work hard. I would also tell them that it is a great way to meet new people and make new friends. Some of my closest relationships were built in playing football.

What are your plans for college if you wish to attend?
After high school, I plan on attending a local community college with an interest in Engineering.

Jack was featured in issue 15. 
Click here to buy issue 15.
click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know.
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