Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Brileigh Cates

5/22/2019

Brileigh Cates – Missouri
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Brileigh Cates is a triple-jumper and a 400 M sprinter who has wanted to be a missionary and help others since she was six-years-old. She has top class rank/GPA and still finds time for Varsity Track, Academic Team, Pom Squad, Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Studio Jazz. She has recently been elected as Vice-President of the Sho-Me Band and was chosen to be the Alto Saxophone section leader. She also returns to her elementary school to help with Open House and choreographing for their GLEE Club. Brileigh is the hardest working teen you will meet.

What led you to want to become a missionary?

When I was five, I knew of the concept of sinning, but I did not know the reason of why we sinned. Between the ages five and six, I learned how everyone sinned, and has come short of God’s glory. When I was little, I knew that there were places in the world that were not as privileged as I was. I knew that some people would never even hear of God’s greatness and love. I decided I wanted to witness to these people, so they would get the chance to be redeemed under God.

How have you managed to rank the top GPA in your class while also being involved in many extracurricular activities?

First off, I always take notes in class. I right down key details of that day. Second off, I set times to study thoroughly before my tests. I have set standards on myself to have no missing assignments or any grades lower than an 90%. Overall, I make sure to use my time wisely, so I do not use any other distractions, such as a phone, during these time periods.

Tell me a little bit about the GLEE club and Open House you help out with at your old elementary school.

GLEE Club is basically what it sounds like, it is a club that involves singing and dancing. I was asked to make a sweet and simple dance routine for the third graders in the Glee Club. This dance routine was to “This Is Me” by Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble. Open House is a night when all of the parents and students meet with their new teacher for the new school year. Normally, I would help parents and students find their teachers and introduce them to each other.

What are some goals you have set for yourself and how have you been able to achieve them?

In the 6th grade, I decided I wanted to be on the high school dance team (Pom Squad). I knew that one of my mom’s co-workers had a daughter on the Pom Squad, so, I asked Kassi if she would work with me on some basic required skills. She did, and now I’ve earned my first varsity letter.

In the 5th grade, I received a “Basic” on the state exam for English Language Arts. Then, during 6th grade, something just clicked. School started to make sense and I started to get all A’s. That year, I made “Advanced” in ELA. I told myself that I needed to keep up these good grades and set a goal to continue to make all A’s. Now, my goal is set on being valedictorian for the class of 2022.

Image by Brileigh Cates

What has been your favorite memory of being a part of the marching band?

My favorite memory probably was when a JROTC student was running next to our practice marching band field and he then accidentally ran into one of the drum major’s podiums, and she fell off.

Can you elaborate more on all of the activities you are involved with in your community?

I have volunteered at our local Mark Twain Museum. This is a museum dedicated to the history of Poplar Bluff, MO and Butler County. I have helped sort through donations. I have given personal tours (my favorite by far).

I volunteer at The Walk to End Alzheimer's and the UCAN Walk. I have made cotton candy, face painted, and been a designated cheerleader throughout the walk.

Brileigh will be featured in Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!!

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Alaina Nesby

5/6/2019

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Alaina Nesby - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and main Photography by Chele Jones Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: I am nominating Alaina Nesby because she is an extraordinary, talented, humble and lovely human being who is an inspiration to all who know her!
Alaina is an incredible singer songwriter and at the time I met her 3 years ago, could play over 25 instruments at the age of 13 (that has probably increased by a couple by now).
She is currently going to school (sophomore year) at Akins high school and working on recording her own album of original works. She also assists teaching at Franklin Music Academy.
Her musical skills range from classical to quirky to complex R&B and her voice keeps up with it.
Click here to listen to her do a live set. You won't be sorry!

Image by Michele Jones - This is from a patriotic shoot in the famous Texas bluebonnets.

How did you first become involved with singing and songwriting?
Music has always been a huge part of my life. I began composing at the age of 9 and have been doing so ever since. Songwriting has helped me through a lot.

How do you get inspiration for the songs you write?
Composing music is kind of like writing in a diary for me. I love poetry, so it’s easy to write about my personal struggles metaphorically in my songs. My goal is for my music to help others as it has helped me.

Out of all the instruments you play, which instrument is your favorite to play and why?
I’d have to say guitar because it’s easiest to perform with. Violin is a close second, but only because I can’t sing and play it at the same time yet.

Image by Michele Jones - This is when I returned to my middle school to perform in a tradition I started a rock-themed orchestra concert.

Tell me a little bit about the opportunities you are involved in toward helping others compose their own music.
Well, at the moment I have a paid internship at the Franklin Music Academy. There, I understudy and even conduct some of my own music lessons for kids who are beginning to learn how to play their instruments. My goal for any student I have is to equip them with the knowledge they need to create whatever they want, rather it be musically or otherwise.

What is your favorite memory of performing for others in Austin, Texas?
As much as I love performing for large numbers of people, there’s something to be said about performances in intimate settings. No mic, no amps, just me and my guitar. One of my favorite memories isn’t from that long ago. On the lengthy bus ride home from an orchestra and guitar competition in Houston, Tx, I was asked to perform one of my original songs. It caught me off guard, but I was more than happy to. What made this experience so memorable for me was that once I began singing, the entire bus quieted down and actively listened for the entire song. Some even sang along with me. It felt absolutely amazing to be supported by my classmates like that. The rest of the journey was like a mini concert, I played some more of my songs as well as songs that they all knew. Together, we sang like a choir all the way home.

Image by My mother - This was taken after my orchestra and guitar ensembles won Best in Class and Overall Best at a competition in Houston, Texas.

How have you been able to continue your involvement with music while also maintaining good grades along with it?
I am very organized, and I expect only the best from myself. I love learning, so most of the time, school is pretty easy, but the college courses I am enrolled in keep me on my toes. I am at the top of both Orchestra and Classical Guitar programs at Akins High school, so I practice a lot as well. Often, I have to lose a lot of sleep to manage it all, but I find it more than worthwhile to be where I am today.

Who do you find inspiring?
My teachers and coworkers are very inspiring to me. My orchestra director, Thomas Mann, is an incredible musician and one of the nicest people you will ever meet. My music tutor, Scott Blanco is not only my teacher, but one of my best friends. He composes and performs complex yet soulful music in his band, Finite Fidelity. My coworkers, Luis Parra and Jesse Hernandez are amazing performers and teachers. I open for their band, GOOD., often.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I’d like to attend the University of North Texas College of Music.

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

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Shawntoni Nichols

4/30/2019

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Shawntoni Nichols - Indiana
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Seniors by Marc Anthony
Issue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Shawntoni is an amazing and gifted young student. She is an amazing song writer, singer and producer. She is a self-taught musician, playing the acoustic guitar and bass. She has even produced her own music out on SoundCloud several YouTube videos that inspire so many amazing young people around her. She also gives back to the community and willingly shares her gift with others. She is a star!

How did your interest in music begin? Who is your biggest inspiration when it comes to music and why?

Ever since a child, I was surrounded by music. Literally, my whole family does something that involves music. It wasn't until I saw my brother producing and making beats that I really got interested in it. From there, I wanted to learn all the instruments I could. I never wanted to sing until I had gotten older. My brother is my biggest inspiration when it comes to music. I learned everything about producing through him. I’d sit and watch him play the piano and when he’d leave, I’d go and try to play exactly what he played. He is the real reason why I started to take music seriously. I saw how much joy he got out of making music and I wanted to feel that same joy.

What was it about the acoustic guitar and bass that made you want to play it? How long have you been playing these instruments?

I wanted to play piano first. I learned a little but it got difficult for me, so I wanted to try something else. I used to watch a lot of Tori Kelly videos on Youtube and I loved the way she played so I wanted a guitar. Once I got my guitar, I instantly fell in love. It was much easier for me to play chords than piano. I’ve been playing for about 7 or 8 years now. With the bass, I’ve been playing for about 4 or 5 years and I’m still not as good as I could be. I really wanted to learn because around that time, I discovered an artist by the name of Thundercat. His bass playing is out of this world and I don’t think I could ever achieve his level of playing. He inspired me to learn bass.

Do you think being a self - taught musician was difficult? Explain!

I don’t think being self-taught for me was hard. I think if I would’ve been taught by someone, I’d still be an amateur. It was easy for me because I was determined to learn. I looked up chord charts, listened to different artists that play guitar, and learned my scales. I never watched Youtube videos because it didn’t really help me. I just kept practicing every day and continue to.

What is your favorite type of genre of music? Do you like playing the same genre? Do you like listening to the same type? Why or why not?

My favorite type of music would probably have to be R&B. I play a lot of R&B but I add a lot of other genres also. I don’t always like listening to the same type of music because it gets boring. I listen to all types of music because I never know what can influence my own music.

Can you attach the link to your SoundCloud account and Youtube so we can listen to your music! Thank you:).

https://soundcloud.com/shawntoni-nichols

https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCwwNCm9zIlW5UQQ4cML7E-A?view_as=subscriber

Shawntoni will be featured in Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Cheyenne Osborn

4/30/2019

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Cheyenne Osborn – Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Main Photography by Memories by Tawnya
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Cheyenne Osborn was an Honor student all four years of high school. She passed the ASVAB testing which is a military test. She submitted art work to scholastic and even had pieces of her art purchased by local businesses. Cheyenne attends Abundant Life church and assisted Sunday School check in for almost 2 years. She played alto saxophone 3 years, placed 2nd place at Issma. She was a tutor for students in math for 2 years. Cheyenne is also Involved with dance and performed in showcases. Cheyenne will be attending Ivy Tech college to become and RN starting this fall.

Image taken by - Memories by Tawnya

It took me a few weeks to prepare for the ASVAB. I took this test as a pathway to graduate.

I would play the flute. I find the flute beautiful and delicate and it sounds lovely

Image taken by Cheyenne Osborn

The style of dance I like is both jazz and hip hop. I don’t have an inspiration when it comes to dance.

Image taken by - Cheyenne Osborn

It began when I was in middle school, my art teacher was impressed with mine and other students work, she had submitted it to scholastic and my first piece was purchased and went into a dentist office. From then on, I continued making pieces and I featured them on Facebook and people began to purchase. It made me feel good, and confident in myself that I can be an artist.

Image taken by - My Dance Teacher ( Picture of my Dance Group )

Cheyenne will be featured in issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Lia Kurkimilis

2/27/2019

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Lia Kurkimilis
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by TAP Photography
Issue 17 | Music
North Carolina

The Nomination: Lia Kurkimilis plays the piano and is the flute section leader in concert band and woodwind section leader in marching band. She is 4th in her class with a 4.4 g.p.a. and has volunteered over 200 hours. She intends to be a medical examiner, specializing in forensic pathology.

How did you become so interested in playing multiple instruments? Tell us about them.
My desire to play multiple instruments stemmed from my inheritance of my mom’s flute. I started out pretty poorly, incapable of playing even three notes-- but the more I used music to cope, the more I improved, and I knew I wanted to express myself through other outlets. I became interested in playing the piccolo when I joined marching band. It was such a bold instrument that I knew I had to learn it. I have always loved the piano; it’s my dad’s favorite instrument, and there is something really cool about being able to sit down at a piano anywhere and play.

If given the opportunity, would you teach younger students how to play instruments?
I would definitely take the opportunity to teach younger students how to play the instruments I play. I am the flute section leader of my concert band, and I look forward to sectionals in which I can work with the other flutes. Furthermore, every Thursday for the first half of lunch, I meet with three to four underclassmen in order to teach and guide them on playing the piccolo. It is fulfilling to be able to share something I love so much while learning a couple things myself.

How do you maintain your outstanding GPA of a 4.4 with your extracurricular activities?
I balance my academics and extracurricular activities through a structured schedule. If a deadline is not in my planner, it’s not in my brain. As long as I stay slightly ahead of my homework, I will have time to do the things I enjoy; more work now means more play later.

Tell us about some of your volunteer opportunities that landed you with over 200 hours service.
I have volunteered with many clubs and organizations, but some of my favorites have been my work through the Yancey Humane Society and the VolunTEEN program at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. I instantly see the results of my work at the humane society, where simply walking a dog can coax them out of the fear of abuse. At the hospital, I served in the ER and main lab, helping patients on the front lines as well as behind the scenes.

What are your plans for the future?
I am fortunate enough to have received an academic scholarship from Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, where I plan to major in pre-medicine biology. I will then study pathology in medical school and forensic pathology in a state-based fellowship. I am passionate about advocating for the victims of homicides, suicides, and accidents, who can no longer speak for themselves; I will strive to bring justice to them and comfort and closure to their families.

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

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click here to purchase 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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Art/Music

12/15/2017

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Art and Music submission by Amanda Wisner

Inspiring Teens Member Amanda Wisner loves Imagine Dragons and her flute. Music flows through her so beautifully!

Click here for more information on our photo shoots

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Brileigh Cates

Brileigh Cates – Missouri
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alaina Nesby

Alaina Nesby - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and main Photography by Chele Jones Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

Shawntoni Nichols

Shawntoni Nichols - Indiana
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Seniors by Marc Anthony
Issue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine

Cheyenne Osborn

Cheyenne Osborn – Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Main Photography by Memories by Tawnya
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lia Kurkimilis

Lia Kurkimilis
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by TAP Photography
Issue 17 | Music
North Carolina

Trey Boone

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

Art/Music

Art and Music submission by Amanda Wisner

Featured

Archives

Categories

Brileigh Cates

Brileigh Cates – MissouriInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Luna PhotographyIssue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Alaina Nesby

Alaina Nesby - TexasInterview by Claire PlathNomination and main Photography by Chele Jones PhotographyIssue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Shawntoni Nichols

Shawntoni Nichols - IndianaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by Seniors by Marc AnthonyIssue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine

Cheyenne Osborn

Cheyenne Osborn – IndianaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination and Main Photography by Memories by TawnyaIssue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Lia Kurkimilis

​Lia KurkimilisInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination & Photography by TAP PhotographyIssue 17 | MusicNorth Carolina

Trey Boone

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

Art/Music

Art and Music submission by Amanda Wisner

Featured

Archives

Categories

Brileigh Cates – Missouri
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alaina Nesby - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and main Photography by Chele Jones Photography
Issue 21 - Inspiring Teens Magazine

Shawntoni Nichols - Indiana
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Seniors by Marc Anthony
Issue 20 Inspiring Teens Magazine

Cheyenne Osborn – Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Main Photography by Memories by Tawnya
Issue 20 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lia Kurkimilis
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by TAP Photography
Issue 17 | Music
North Carolina

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