Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Riley Marx - Texas

5/20/2019

Riley Marx - Texas
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Don Marx
Photography by USA Archery and Catherine Marie Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Riley Marx is a Junior and a member of the National Honor Society at Allen High School in Allen, Texas. She is also one of the best Female Olympic Recurve Archers in the Nation. She is a member of USA Archery’s Regional Elite Development Team, USA Archery’s Regional Dream Team, a National 4H Shooting Sports Ambassador, a Pro Staff Shooter at Fulcrum Archery and the Founder of Archers4Tobi. She has taken her love for archery and loss of her Aunt to create a group of young archers that are dedicated to helping families of breast cancer.

Image by Catherine Marie Photography

How difficult has it been to study with your athletic endeavors? Is there any advice you would give to someone who is so involved in both?
Unlike most I have chosen not to homeschool which is very difficult at times. At times it forces me to compromise the amount of time I can dedicate to a particular activity. My piece of advice would be to be persistent. At times you are going to fail but you have to push through.

What opportunities have you received for being a member of NHS?
I have been able to become more involved with my school and my community.

What led you most to create Archers4Tobi?
I wanted to make a charity in honor of my aunt Tobi who passed away and I saw an opportunity to do this through archery.

What is your ultimate dream for the organization?
To comfort as many families as possible.

Riley will be featured in Issue 21 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Katelyn Watts

4/8/2019

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Katelyn Watts - Kentucky
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Jennifer Dunn Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Katelyn is super sweet! She loves her family and really loves her dogs! She has a great sense of humor and a big heart! I've really enjoyed getting to know Katelyn this year!

Tell me about the most amazing experience or memory you have had with your family.
The most amazing times I’ve had with my family is the time I get to spend with every one of them at our family camp. We call it “Anna’s Acres” after my great grandmother who had passed away at Nolin Lake. We all get to spend time with each other boating, swimming, and at the end of the day preparing dinner together! It’s truly a fun bonding experience.

What are some of your favorite hobbies or things to do in your free time?
In my free time I love to spend time with my friends or family, I really love to shop, and this may be odd, but I do love driving through parks every now and then.

As an inspiration for those around you, what advice would you give to other teens looking to pursue their dreams and find their true passions?
Just go for it! You never know the outcome of something new if you don’t try it - so why not! If you push yourself to try something new you can have fun with it!

Image taken by Katelyn's mom

Tell me about a time where you experienced a leadership opportunity.
I have always been close with my younger cousin because family is really important to me, so while she was going through hard times I stepped up to help her in every way I could even when nobody else had believed in her.

How many dogs do you have and why do you think it is important for people to have a "furry best friend" in their lives?
I have two dogs currently & would love more! I can’t stress enough how important it is to have a furry best friend. My pups are there for me when I am at a low. I truly believe dogs know when there is something wrong and when you need some love. Dogs mean the world to me & I know I couldn’t live without my happy furry best friends. Dog kisses are the best kisses.

What do you plan on doing after high school?
After high school I plan on attending college for my business degree & after that I would love to attend a cosmetology school so I could open a beauty business in the future!

Katelyn was featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Hannah Bohm

4/1/2019

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Hannah Bohm - Indiana
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Laura Arick Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: What inspires me most about Hannah is her passion for Best Buddies! I love following her Instagram page and seeing all her pictures with Best Buddies students at their events. Her genuine enthusiasm and love for this program and it's students truly inspires me! She plans to pursue a career as a special education teacher. Hannah has been part of my Class of 2019 Senior Model Team and it has been such a pleasure getting to know her during this past year.

How did you become interested in the Best Buddies program and helping children with special needs?
From the time I was in junior high I was always drawn to interacting with peers with Intellectual and Developmental disabilities. I became interested because I was a peer tutor (a class offered in my district to work with peers with IDD during school). I would always look forward to going to class to learn new things and make new friends. I became interested in Best Buddies because of their mission statement to ensure everyone with or without disabilities has the opportunity to have a lifelong friendship. Joining Best Buddies, a non-profit organization to create one-on-one friendships, has changed my life in a positive way and I wouldn’t change it for the world.

Is there a specific experience or volunteer opportunity involving those with special needs that sparked your call to become a special education teacher in the future?
Through peer tutoring and Best Buddies, I began to see just how deep my connection grew to these wonderful peers actually was. I was honored to be offered the opportunity to go to the Best Buddies Leadership Conference in Bloomington, IN. in summer 2018, where people from many countries go to learn how to make the world a more inclusive place. I knew that was what I wanted to do after I went because it in inspired me to hear the different stories people had shared. I am the Friendship Walk Captain for my school’s chapter and am currently fundraising for the Annual Best Buddies Friendship Walk. It is personally so satisfying and heartwarming to see the motivation and determination in peer students. These relationships are always a learning experience for us all and that is why I plan to study Special Education in the fall.

What kind of events does the Best Buddies program have for the children involved?
Each month we have events ranging from several things to do. For example, we go out to eat, go bowling, go to paint, etc. My favorite event that is held each year is Best Buddies Prom. It is awesome to see everyone dressed up and dancing!

Tell us a little bit about your experience as a student of the Class of 2019 Senior Model Team. Is it a program at your school?
Being a part of the Class of 2019 Senior Model Team was one of the best experiences ever. People that were on the Model Team had the opportunity to do exclusive shoots and work with Laura Arick behind the scenes. Her program is not affiliated with my school. I heard about it through a friend who worked with her from the previous year and suggested I apply.

Besides modeling and special education, are there any other fields or hobbies that you take part/interest in?
I also am involved in Unified Basketball and Unified Track, which are varsity sports that give peers with IDD the opportunity to compete while having fun.

As you seem to be a very busy, inspiring teen, how do you manage your time between school, extra-curricular programs such as Best Buddies, and friends?
To manage my time between school, Best Buddies, and friends I always write down what I have to do that week and make a checklist. I try to take it one day at a time, so I am not overwhelmed.

Hannah was featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Jacolby Moore

3/27/2019

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Jacolby Moore - Houston, TX
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Pink Lilly Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Jacolby is a young man focused on dreams and goals. While in high school he managed to play Basketball, Football, run track and play tennis all while maintaining his grade. He is debating on which college he wants to attend but has is eyes on U OF H for Art Institute. As a backup plan he has Criminal Justice in mind.

I became interested in sports at the age of 5 years old. I started playing Basketball for the YMCA.
When I was in Elem. School in the 5th grade, my cousin Brandon hit a 2 pointer in 3 seconds before the end of the game which tied up the game and I came back to make the final shot! My team and I was running around the court screaming and yelling we won! Yes! The YMCA teaches you values, respect, and morals for one another. I will carry that knowledge with me for life what I was taught by my coaches!

I plan on going to University of Houston and majoring in Architect with minor in Art. I will play Tennis and run track for UofH. In the future I see myself owning my own Architect Business and giving back to the community.

Always work hard and never let know one tell you, can’t follow your dreams. Dream big, strive for the star, have respect for one another, morals and values! Stay well-grounded and always remember the first law of nature is self- preservation.

To past time I like to play my PS4, play Basketball, cook and help out in my community. I play on line with my friends and family.

I’d like to own my own business/clothing line, second graduate from college with my BS degree and my Master in Art and Design.

One of my favorite talents that was not mention is swimming! In my family I have a brother and a cousin who became Lifeguards at the age of 15. I remember watching them both inspired me to become a Lifeguard! When I turned 15 years of age, I became a Lifeguard for Greater Houston Pool Management. I worked for GHPM for 3 years. I was employed with Safe Splash as a Lifeguard part time for 2 years. I am currently employed with Houston Swim Club. I have off campus duty every day, so I am able to work afterschool and on Saturdays. During my time as a Lifeguard I have saved 2 lives and truly love my job and would not trade it for anything!

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

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Trey Boone

2/21/2019

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Trey Boone
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by TAP Photography
North Carolina
Issue 17

The Nomination: Trey Boone is a high school senior and a preacher of the gospel. He plays guitar, bass, mandolin, dobro, banjo and piano. He not only plays but also gives lessons to both adults and school age children. Trey is a volunteer fireman and is dual enrolled in both high school and Community College in the applied engineering program.

How did you become interested in music and what are some artists/bands you look to for inspiration?
I was first interested in learning to play guitar in middle school and I would play with my grandad. It wasn’t long, and I really loved it and started playing in bands. Some of my biggest influences are Tony Rice and Bryan Sutton. I also enjoy playing other instruments such as piano mandolin and bass, and some instruments no one likes such as banjo and dobro.

What advice would you give to a teen/adult trying to learn a new instrument?
The advice I always give to people learning to play an instrument is that you can be as great of a musician as you want to be, but you must have the practice to back it up. This is true because the practice and time you put into being a musician is how well you will be able to play in the end.

What kind of jobs have you performed that inspire you to keep on being a volunteer fireman?
I have always grown up around the fire house with my dad being the assistant chief. It’s always great to know that you can make a positive impact on someone’s life. Being a part of the fire department, you frequently get the chance to make someone’s life better and that is what it is all about.

As a student participating in dual enrollment, how are you able to organize both time and stress of school and your schedule?
School can be hard to juggle alongside a full schedule but when you look toward the end goal you know that one day it will all be worth it. Even though it will be hard now you have to persevere and keep the end goal in mind as motivation.

As a part of a religious community, what are some of your duties and jobs at your church, organization, etc.?
At the Concord Baptist Church I have several different jobs I do from Sunday to Sunday. I am the youth choir pianist, bass player for the choir, I often teach a Sunday school class, and preach when I get the opportunity. This is my favorite place to be and I always look forward to being at church.

What do you plan on doing after high school? Is engineering a possibility?
After High School I will take more engineering courses in the summer followed by an internship in the fall and then I will peruse a four-year degree in engineering. After I am done with school, I hope to get a job in the engineering field and possible pastor a church. I look forward to all that God has in store for my life and ultimately it is His will that matters most in the direction of my life.

Trey will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

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Carolyn Farmer

2/19/2019

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Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination & Photography by Carrie Eigbrett Photography
NEW YORK

The Nomination: Carolyn is inspiring because unlike most teens, she spends 6 weeks of her summer working as a counselor at a camp for kids ages 8-15 and adults with developmental disabilities. During the school year, she spends an immense amount of time in the Theatre (public school and local shows) and in Chorus. Carolyn has been recognized for her talents and was even admitted onto the All State Chorus. In addition to all of this she maintains her academics and is on the National Honor Society and is heavily involved in her church.

I grew up at this camp, and it's one of the most positive environments I've ever been in. I always knew I wanted to work there as soon as I could. When I was 16, I did the counselor in training program, and got to meet and work with a lot of the campers, and coming back as a counselor at 17, it was spirit lifting when my campers remembered me, and were just as excited to spend another week or two with me, as I was with them.

I've played the heart breaker several times in 2018, and I've become attached to it. It's almost a game, to try and win the audience over, before becoming the bad guy and breaking not just my opposite character's heart, but the audience's well. I take it as the highest compliment when some after the show tells me they wanted to hate me, but they liked me too much.

To be selected for All State, first you must participate in NYSSMA Solo Festival, where you will be scored out of 100 on your singing and sight-reading abilities. You want to shoot for upper 90s to guarantee a spot. I am not a naturally gifted singer, so I have to work hard, dedicating extra time to rehearsing to secure an upper score.

Typically, the whole point of a choir or a theatrical ensemble is to blend in. The goal is to create a unified sound, or action. So, you learn to be a leader in other ways. I'm always on time to rehearsal, and I spend extra hours on the weekends building sets. I work one on one with chorus directors to improve my voice and the sound quality that I contribute to the group. You can't always stand out belting a solo center stage, but you can always find ways to be exemplary!

Carolyn was featured in Issue 15.

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Olivia Bradin

2/12/2019

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Olivia Bradin
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by
Michelle Laskowski (Portraits With Michelle)
Michigan
Issue 15

The Nomination: Olivia Bradin is a young lady beyond her years. She graduated high school at the age of 15. She is a very talented special effects makeup artist, she can do hair and makeup for photoshoots, she is a very talented photographer, she draws, sings, dances, plays several musical instruments, cares for her sisters, planned an entire surprise engagement for her mom. She has got such an amazing perspective on life. Did I mention, she GRADUATED high school at FIFTEEN, yes, 15 years old!!

How did you become interested in makeup and how did you start?
When I was around eleven years old, a friend of mine asked if I would help him in making a short film over the summer. He and I had participated in theater productions previously, and I often helped in creating props, so when he asked me to help him with his short film that is what I was expecting to be assisting with, the props. I wasn't entirely wrong, not only was I in charge of creating and obtaining all of the props, set accessories, and costumes but I also was told that I had to do everyone's makeup and special effects makeup.
I spent the next week researching everything I could about this so-called "special effect makeup" and watching any video I could find on it. So the next week when I had to transform a twelve-year-old boy to an 80-year-old man I borrowed a big bag of my grandma's eyeshadows and powders and got to work! When I was finished, I looked over my newly created old man, and instantly felt so proud of what I had created.
Now granted looking back, it was not as amazing as I thought, however, at that moment that was all I needed to know that I loved special effects and that I wanted to do for as long as I could. I've been at it for almost five years now, and I'm still learning brand new and challenging things every day.

Are you looking into a career with makeup in the near future?
Yes! I absolutely love makeup, and it brings me such joy! This past year I had the joy of receiving my first professional job as a special effect makeup artist at Blakes Haunted Farm and Attractions. I would do makeup for the actors that worked there. That job really helped me to learn how to incorporate both quality and speed into my makeup. Fast forward in time a bit, and I am currently working on starting up my own business called ConstantLeeSharp that combines both photography and special effects makeup into one for the clients.

What is a piece of advice you would give to teens interested in starting makeup professionally?
Save your money and get creative! Products for this field can get very expensive. Before buying, think to yourself whether you will use it in your kit. Most importantly be patient with yourself! Special effects makeup takes so much time and practice.

Being a great student, what did you do to graduate at age 15?
I wouldn't necessarily call myself a great student. I had my struggles just as any other student would. The only difference is I treated my school work as if it was my extracurricular activity. To put it in perspective a high school football player dedicates the majority of his/her week to practices and games knowing that the more they better themselves, the more likely they are to further a career in football or even get a full ride to college. This is how I viewed my schooling.

I was a homeschooled kiddo, and through the years I met many people who didn't support homeschooling saying that they aren't social and will struggle in life. I took this negativity and turned it into motivation to push even harder. Plus, some of my best friends were also homeschoolers and helped and supported me to graduate early. By having a great support team, a drive to learn, plus a dream to study material that I am genuinely interested in instead of the basics, I was able to graduate early. I am now in my first year in college studying psychology! As Plato said, "To know is to be. The more you know, the more you are, and the better you are."

As a performer, what have been your favorite performances/shows/gigs and why?
Every performance is different; each one brings its perks and their struggles. It is so difficult to pick a favorite. However, I have to say one of my more recent performances is in my tops. You see I am an oldie at heart, and don't listen to or play too much of today's popular music. Once I knew that the annual music show was coming up at the studio where I have taken instrumental lessons for many of my instruments, I signed up right away. I talked to my teacher and settled on doing a guitar piece and a vocal piece.
But it was the vocal piece that I was most excited for this time. I decided to do " House of The Rising Sun". I felt thrilled with this performance, like I really let my voice off of its leash and expressed its true form. I put my heart and soul into the piece. It felt as if I had taken any ounce of struggle I ever faced and pushed it out, and at that moment it felt nonexistent to me.

Olivia will be featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

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Tyler Graciano

1/22/2019

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Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Alexis Graciano of Graciano Photography
Indiana

The Nomination: Tyler is a loving person. He enjoys singing in his free time and is in his school choir. He plays on his school basketball team as well as the AAU basketball team for our town. He was in private school most his life where they taught him Spanish and how to sign. At a young age he found his love for singing and theater at his private school but is very happy to now be in public school playing basketball and his school choir.

How did you become interested in singing in the first place? Is there a specific artist/band you are inspired by?

Well it all started with the old originals like Taylor Swift and Justin Bieber but now it is more like Khalid, Halsey, Post Malone, Lil Uzi Vert, Nicki Minaj, and Juice World. To be honest it was just a feeling, that I just loved to do it, it made me happy and feel like I could be a part of something greater than myself.

How did you feel during your transition from private to public school? Was it that much different, and if so, how?

I loved it. My old school wasn’t really the right fit for me and some of the kids were not what I needed, plus all my friends went to the public school. It is different but coming from that to this is a transition I wouldn’t change for the world. I’m so much happier I get to be with my real friends. Shoutout to The 6 Amigos, Griffin, and Cassidy.

Tell me a little bit about your AAU Basketball Team. Was there any experience where you had to be a leader or show leadership skills in the team?

So my AAU team is really hyper and were like a family to be honest. We have support for each other and have each other’s backs. There was a few times when I had to step up especially on my School team but we all worked together and we got second in conference.

What are some of your favorite pieces you have sang in choir and does your school have choir concerts or other activities?

Well my favorite piece in choir was singing Believe from the polar express, and yes we have a Winter, Spring, and ISMA pre-concert. My favorite musical I have ever done was at my old school and we did High School Musical.

With all your amazing extra-curriculars, how do you keep yourself organized and keep your grades up?
I have to stay organized or I get stressed. It’s weird and helpful at the same time, but I just try my best to get good grades just like I do.

What do you plan on doing after high school?
Well for college I was either thinking about staying local like IU Bloomington or Purdue but, I really wanted to go somewhere where its nicer like AADA which is an acting in school in California, or somewhere in Texas or Florida. And if neither of my passions work out, I would try to be an Interior Designer or Architect.

Tyler will be featured in Issue 16.

Click here to vote for Tyler for the Cover of Issue 16

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Riley Marx - Texas

Riley Marx - Texas
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Don Marx
Photography by USA Archery and Catherine Marie Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

Katelyn Watts

Katelyn Watts - Kentucky
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Jennifer Dunn Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Hannah Bohm

Hannah Bohm - Indiana
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Laura Arick Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jacolby Moore

Jacolby Moore - Houston, TX
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Pink Lilly Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine

Trey Boone

Trey Boone
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by TAP Photography
North Carolina
Issue 17

Carolyn Farmer

Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination & Photography by Carrie Eigbrett Photography
NEW YORK

Olivia Bradin

Olivia Bradin
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by
Michelle Laskowski (Portraits With Michelle)
Michigan
Issue 15

Tyler Graciano

Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Alexis Graciano of Graciano Photography
Indiana

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Riley Marx - TexasInterview by Michelle SicardNomination by Don MarxPhotography by USA Archery and Catherine Marie PhotographyIssue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Katelyn Watts - KentuckyInterview by Michelle SicardNomination and Photography by Jennifer Dunn PhotographyFeatured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Hannah Bohm - IndianaInterview by Michelle SicardNomination and Photography by Laura Arick PhotographyFeatured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

​Jacolby Moore - Houston, TXInterview by Michelle SicardNomination and Photography by Pink Lilly PhotographyIssue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Trey BooneInterview by Michelle SicardNomination and Photography by TAP PhotographyNorth CarolinaIssue 17

​Interview by Michelle SicardNomination & Photography by Carrie Eigbrett PhotographyNEW YORK

Olivia BradinInterview by Michelle SicardNomination and Photography by​Michelle Laskowski (Portraits With Michelle)MichiganIssue 15

Interview by Michelle Sicard Nomination and Photography by Alexis Graciano of Graciano PhotographyIndiana ​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Riley Marx - Texas
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Don Marx
Photography by USA Archery and Catherine Marie Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

Katelyn Watts - Kentucky
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Jennifer Dunn Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Hannah Bohm - Indiana
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Laura Arick Photography
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jacolby Moore - Houston, TX
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Pink Lilly Photography
Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine

Trey Boone
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by TAP Photography
North Carolina
Issue 17

Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination & Photography by Carrie Eigbrett Photography
NEW YORK

Olivia Bradin
Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by
Michelle Laskowski (Portraits With Michelle)
Michigan
Issue 15

Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination and Photography by Alexis Graciano of Graciano Photography
Indiana