Bucks County Teen Portraits Senior Pictures

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Alexis Candelaria

3/14/2019

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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!

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Gaby Esquivel

3/12/2019

Gaby Esquivel – 17 - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography
Issue 17 | Athlete

The Nomination: Gaby Esquivel. Gaby is someone that you love the moment you meet her. She is hands down one of the most kindhearted people I have ever met. She is genuinely interested in other people, will drop anything for someone in need and is a huge animal lover. Love, God, animals, and family are most important to Gaby. Gaby is a highly accomplished competitive equestrian. She is ranked as one of the best in the nation.

Gaby volunteers a lot in her community to make a positive impact. Specifically, at her church they garden, make lunches for the homeless, and raise money for poorer countries. She also went on a church retreat and mentored younger teens. With a few powerful words, she could see how much she impacted those around her with her life stories and messages about faith.

The fight against cancer is an extremely important cause in her life. This is because her dad is a well-known cancer surgeon. In addition, she is the Vice President in the Stand Up to Cancer club at her school.

For the Stand Up to Cancer Club at my school I am the vice president. I help organize meetings, such as one to make blankets for kids with cancer at Johns Hopkins. I also assist in our annual Glow Run to raise money for those with cancer in honor of high school alumna Matsie Bosmans. I advertise the run, design t-shirts, and set up lights.

My plans for the future are to attend college, most likely in Maryland, Delaware, or Pennsylvania, and major in biology. As of now, I would like to attend medical or veterinary school in hopes of becoming a surgeon for either humans or animals. I also intend on keeping horses as a major aspect of my life.

I have had a range of equestrian experiences ever since I was 9 years old. From jumping to polocrosse to dressage I have tried a variety of styles of riding. For pony club, I participated in “Games” which consisted of several interesting obstacles, such as attempting to land coffee mugs on poles while galloping on horseback and popping balloons on the ground. Polocrosse was similar to lacrosse, but riding a horse at the same time. I also competed in Tetrathlon which was similar to a triathlon, but with 4 phases (running, swimming, target shooting, and show jumping on horseback). More recently, I began competing in the Hunters through the equestrian team for my high school. This involves jumping and being judged on the position and equitation of the rider. I did however settle in Eventing, which is a three phase horse trial consisting of dressage, show jumping, and cross country. I currently show in this style of riding very competitively and have traveled to Kentucky, Virginia, Florida, and South Carolina for horse shows.

Being ranked one of the best equestrians in the nation was most definitely a pleasant surprise. I always worked my hardest, did my best performance at shows, and spent endless hours at the barn, but never expected to become nationally ranked. When my instructor told me the news I was absolutely shocked and ecstatic. Yet, I focused on remaining humble and continuing my hard work and heavy competition season to further improve my riding ability.

Gaby will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Alexa Fucello

3/10/2019

Alexa Fucello – 17 - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography
Issue 17 | Leader

The Nomination: Alexa Fucello. Alexa’s light shines so bright! She is compassionate, brave, witty, fun, loyal & classy! She is also resilient. She says things don’t always come easy to her. But she always tries to find the positive and continues to work hard to achieve her goals.

At school she has become very interested in business and plans to select that as a major in college. She also plans to audition for a collegiate dance team. In school, she is the incoming President of their Future Business Leaders of America chapter and a member of the National Honor Society.

Her leadership with her school's chapter of Future Business Leaders of America is a point of pride. Last year as an officer and advocate for the FBLA organization, she was able to reach out to other students and increase membership. As the current President of the chapter, she continues to work to advocate and grow their presence in the educational community.

Alexa’s greatest interest and passion is dance. She has been dancing for 14 years as an elite company competitive dancer and has achieved many awards and accolades through the years.

Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography

What kind of business are you most interested in and why?

I developed a keen interest in business through my high school career pathway program. I began to take business courses and realized that this was an area that I wanted to continue to pursue; not only did I enjoy learning about various aspects of business, but I found that I had a knack for it. I credit my business teachers at my school for helping to develop my interest in business as well. As of right now, my plan is to pursue Marketing and Entrepreneurship in college. I really enjoy some of the creative aspects of marketing and hope to develop and own my own successful business someday.

Tell me about the FBLA organization and your duties within.

I joined our school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter my sophomore year. Through FBLA there are many learning opportunities that include state and national conferences as well as competitions. I have enjoyed competing at the regional, state, and national levels. I am actively involved in our chapter and was elected the first female FBLA President at my school. I’m working hard in my senior year to market FBLA benefits and potential business careers to female underclassmen.

Photography by Danielle Lavis Photography

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

While I am ready to start the next chapter of my life and enjoy all the new experiences the next four years of college will bring, I do have a vision that in five years I will be employed by a great company and starting my successful career.

Dance image by Mike Gillette

How did your interest in dance begin?

This will mark my 15th year as a dancer. When I was two and half years old, my mother enrolled me in my first dance class. My parents thought dance would be a fun activity, but it quickly turned into a passion that shaped the person I am today. I have been with the same studio, Savage Dance Company, for all 15 years. My teachers and mentors at Savage have had a huge impact on my growing up, not only as a dancer but as a person. My time in the studio and on stage has taught me more than just technique. There was a time when I was not as confident as I am today. Performing on stage in front of hundreds of people pushed me out of my comfort zone and forced me to be vulnerable on stage. I learned at a young age how to deal with a tremendous amount of pressure in the heat of competition. I’ve learned valuable lessons in perseverance, how to rebound from disappointment, the benefits of hard work and commitment, and how to humbly celebrate success. One of the most valuable things I have gained from dance are the friendships I have formed that will last a lifetime.

What is your favorite type of dance and why?

While I enjoy all genres of dance, my two favorites are contemporary and lyrical. These forms of dance really allow me to express myself and my emotions through art and movement. It is hard to describe, but when you can touch an audience with the emotions you are feeling and are trying to convey, it is a very rewarding experience.

Alexa's interview will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know.

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DJ King

2/27/2019

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DJ King
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Main Photography by Rebekah Gregg Photography
Georgia
Issue 18 | Leader

The Nomination: DJ King is a leader on his football team and basketball team (team captain). He strives to be an example to his little sister and he's an encouragement to his mom and his friends. Leadership is a major theme in his life and is extremely important to him.

When did you careers in football and basketball start?

I started playing basketball around the age of three. It was like an everyday thing to me until about first grade, which is when I stared my football career.

Image by Rebekah Gregg Photography

Why do you think you are considered a “True Influencer”?

I believe that I am a true influencer because of my leadership and positivity. No matter what I’ll always try and pull the best out of someone even when they feel they are at their very worst.

Tell me about your younger sister.

My sisters name is Aryelle, she’s in the eighth grade and plays basketball as well. She is my motivation for just about everything I do, I’m the middle child so I know what not to do from my older brother and I know what to pass Down to my younger sister so I feel as i can set a good example for her then she can expect to be very very fortunate in the future.

What are some of the leadership opportunities you have had?

Every team I’ve ever been on I’ve Been the captain, I’ve been a part of student council in middle school, Chick-fil-A leadership academy, I’ve been in charge of small groups at basketball camps, I try to be a leader in the classroom as well

Looking forward, where do you see yourself in the next 5 years?

In the next five years I see myself hopefully entering the draft but if not then being a successful business man.

DJ will be published in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

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Serena Yee

2/23/2019

Serena Yee
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Alicia Crosson Photography
California
Issue 18 | Leader

The Nomination: It's a privilege to nominate Serena as an inspiring teen! Serena is currently a freshman in high school, on her school's Drill Team, and a part of Student Council. Serena also loves to dance and is a dancer for Showstoppers Dance Studio in her hometown. She also carries a Black Belt in Taekwondo!

I admire so many qualities and characteristics Serena has. Serena is super sweet, kind, loving, gentle, loyal, and has a heart of gold. I adore her and her love for others. She is hard working, dedicated, and a natural, inspiring leader to her friends and to others who know her. I would love to see her being recognized as the amazing, inspiring teen that she is!

Tell me about your school’s drill team and why you joined.
My school’s drill team consists of dancers from all different grades. We perform at home varsity games during both football and basketball season. I’ve gotten very close to these girls because we share the same passion. I really love this team because we strive to make each other better dancers and people. This team is special because our routines are choreographed and taught by the junior and senior dancers which I’m inspired to do someday.

What are your duties within student council and what have you learned?
I am the freshman Vice President in student council. As Vice President I share ideas with other officers and help plan school related events such as themed spirit weeks, school dances, homecoming, and rallies. From being in student council I understand that in order to be a good leader, one has to be able to listen and effectively advocate for the student body.

How did your career in dance begin and what do you love most about it?
My first dance class was taken when I was two and a half years old. I started with a ballet and tap and as my love for dance grew so did the dance genres I learned. I first started competing around the age of seven and I immediately loved it. I competed in jazz, tap, lyrical, and hip hop. My biggest milestone in my dance career was when I performed my first self-choreographed solo last year. My all-time favorite style of dance is pointe and I love every aspect of it. I believe that dance has taught me dedication and commitment along with grace and poise.

Image by Julie Yee

Why do you think you are so inspiring and what makes you stand out?
I believe that I am inspiring because I am hard working, dedicated, and always open to trying new things. One of the things that I believe makes me stand out is that I am a second-degree black belt in taekwondo. I started when I was seven years old and have been practicing ever since. Martial arts allow me to physically and mentally push past my fears. As a result, I was able to gain the confidence that opened so many opportunities for me.

What are your plans for after high school?
After high school I plan on going to college. Some career fields I’m interested in are pharmacy or psychology. I would really like to move away to college and become more independent. I’d also like to minor in dance or even try out for the college’s dance team.

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

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Brooklyn Campbell

2/21/2019

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Brooklyn Campbell
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nominated by Casandra Campbell
Photography by Heidi Anderson
Kansas
Issue 18 | Leader

The Nomination: Brooklyn Campbell is an inspiring teen for all that she juggles with a smile on her face and a heart for serving others. She has strong leadership skills and extremely balanced. Although Brooklyn is a competition dancer, a member of the Dance team at school, and is an apprentice for Tremaine Dance Company, Dance is not all she focuses on. Brooklyn is the junior class president, and a freshman mentor. She also works with special needs kids in the club Circle of Friends, is the secretary for Model United Nations, is a member of National Honor Society, teaches Sunday school to 5th grade girls for the past three years, attends youth group, and volunteers for the CASA organization. Brooklyn also maintains a 4.6 GPA.

Tell me about some of your leadership opportunities you have had.
I have had numerous opportunities to serve as a leader in dance as well as school. Some of my leadership is done through being a role model for others, and other times it is physically leading a group. One leadership opportunity in particular is my role as the junior class president. I have been able to lead the other juniors in organizing fundraisers, making announcements, and helping anyone get involved who wants to within my high school.

How did your career in dance begin?
My career in dance began when I was two years old. My mother danced in her childhood, so it was destined for me. I ended up loving it and never wanting to leave dance class. Then, through elementary school I pursued dance up to 5 days a week. I still love and express my joy for dance through my high school dance team, Tremaine Performance Company, and my competition team.

Tell me about your duties within the CASA organization.
CASA is an organization that supports advocating abused and/or neglected children and provides them with a court appointed advocate to help make them feel safe and have a permanent home. I was able to provide various clerical duties for the staff and adult volunteers to make their days easier so they could further provide for the children.

With all your amazing extracurricular activities, how do you maintain an outstanding 4.6 GPA?
It is a juggling game, honestly. Throughout my years in high school, I have developed many habits that help me throughout the week. These habits go anywhere from setting timers for studying and then off to the next activity to going in early to school to communicate with teachers in areas I may need additional help. I will also mention that surrounding myself with the people I have has also helped me achieve all that I have. My friends and parents are nothing but encouraging.

What are your plans for the future?
I plan on attending college and majoring in biochemistry and minoring in leadership. While in college, I plan to continue dancing on the college dance team. I have always had a passion for helping others in need and using problem solving. With that said, I hope to attend medical school and become an anesthesiologist.

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

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Abby Cannella

2/10/2019