Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

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Samantha Bacher

10/20/2019

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Samantha Bacher - New York
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Rudy Gray Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Samantha Bacher is the new President of Crane School of Music’s chapter of American String Teachers Association. She is an incoming junior, a music education major, and her main instrument is cello. Sam is also a librarian for the Crane Symphony Orchestra.

Photography by Rudy Gray Photography

I started playing the cello in the fifth grade and it resonated with me. I knew instantly it was my instrument for life. Although I don’t come from a musical family, my brother joined me on the cello two years later and we would play for our family members during the holidays. As I continue my journey at a music school, where homework is to practice a minimum of 3 hours a day, I like to think back to those memories that made me feel pride and joy to play my instrument. Music school is difficult. It requires a lot of patience, hard work and a good sense of time management. However, the resources we have to help us in the journey are impeccable. I’ve learned that I’m never alone in this and reaching out to our amazing professors and friends are important. Music school is difficult. However, it can be and feel like the most rewarding and gratifying place. Since I’ve been in school, my cello playing has made tremendous progress and will only continue to be refined. I continue to struggle; I continue to succeed. Music learning is a process, just as many life milestones are. Believe in the process.

Photography by Rudy Gray Photography

Throughout my own education, I’ve learned that music is a special entity that any person can delve into. Music is an experience and is often thought of as talent oriented. However, everyone is born with musical aptitude. Having a music class triggers that musical aptitude is important to our student’s development. For a lot of students, music class is an “out”, a relieving class or a time where they finally get to move around or use their hands. Children using music and movement (such as dancing) can develop fine and large motor skills that continue to develop as music stays in their lives.

Music class is just as important as math or history class. Within a music curriculum, a teacher will talk about the history behind each piece that is played or sung. The history of a piece gives meaning to the notes and is essential in learning the music. Many musical instruments demonstrate physics, for example, tension is what holds a bowed string instrument.

Photography by Rudy Gray Photography

I believe students involved in music tend to be well-rounded and open minded. Going to a music school and being surrounded by some of the greatest musicians I know may cause me to be blind to some of the characteristics that could differ from non-musicians. From what I can tell, however, is that the musicians I get to see every day at The Crane School of Music are intelligible, kind-hearted, and work oriented. Musicians tend to gravitate towards each other and can have that “pack” mentality, however this is no different than a sports team or student government. Although there’s no straight answer to this question, I am beyond grateful for the people I surround myself with at this school.

As I am halfway done with my Music Education degree, I can only see myself utilizing my knowledge of music to teach. I am very passionate about my degree and I look forward to teaching in public schools and giving my students the education they deserve. However, teaching isn’t the only thing I have planned. Looking into the more distant future, my goal is to start a music school for low income students and families. A non-profit school where students can have the chance to play any instrument and learn musicianship without financial worry. Music is universal and should be accessible to all students.

Samantha will be featured in issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Holley Nelson

8/16/2019

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Holley Nelson - Texas
Interview by Zoe DAngelo
Nomination by Jaycob Cisneros
Photography by Amanda Stafford Photography

Nomination: Holley Nelson is a very smart, hardworking, beautiful, talented, funny girl who is always on top of her game and willing to get anything done when needed to be.

How did you become interested in music?
I was introduced to my 6th grade band teacher when he told me to sign up for the flute instead of my originally intended instrument. He said he had a feeling I would be great at this if I gave it a chance. I didn’t think much of it when I first started out. I was placed in the last chair at my first chair test, but that only fueled me to win the next chair test. So, I worked every single day and played many different genres until the next test where I placed first and held my place until the present day. I fell in love with music for the passion, competitiveness, and family that it brought to me. With the help from Mr. Torch I found this passion for music that still burns into me and I couldn’t be happier.

Tell us about your hearing disease and how it has affected your life and music.
My hearing disease is known as, Degenerative Neurological Nerves of the Ear Canal, and it has affected my life in many ways. At first, it caused my life to spiral out of control as I was just being introduced into the world of music as a performer. However, I learned later that it wasn’t a boundary, but an advantage. I learned how to perform using different methods other than just my sense of hearing. I learned that I would always have obstacles in life but with hard work they were never impossible to overcome. My hearing disease will always affect my life, but it will never limit me or my successes.

What are some ways that you are active within your school?
I am an active member within my school through the following organizations, Band as the drum major and section leader, varsity cheer and tennis, Chief Editor of the yearbook, Vice President of both NHS and Student Council, and UIL academic competitions.

What are some of your leadership positions you have in your community?
I am the drum major of the band, the chief of the yearbook, the vice president of both NHS and Student Council, I volunteer at the local Good Samaritan shelter, and I help during the summer with a local at-risk youth equestrian camp.

Tell us more about your educational achievements.
I have academic achieved many things within the last 4 years. I was awarded the presidential academic award the last three years, alongside with the school board academic excellence award. I have received many UIL Academic awards for poetry, science, and persuasive speaking. I’ve been lucky enough to receive straight A’s for my entire academic career and also honors in many individual subjects. Lastly, I have also had the pleasure of graduating college with my CNA, and will be graduating this year with two different associate's degrees and a field of study in Criminal Justice.

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

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Phoebe Coleman

3/31/2019

Phoebe Coleman - Maryland
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Shooting Future Stars
Featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Phoebe is 13 years old, an actress, plays the drums and dances. She is also an honor student who reads to kids in her spare time.

What are some of your favorite quotes and why?
Cicely Tyson quote:
• “I want to believe that there is a mountain so high that I will spend my entire life striving to reach the top of it.”
I feel that you are always learning your craft. When you stop learning, you give up.

Denzel Washington quotes:
• “You pray for rain, you gotta deal with the mud too. That’s part of it.”
I feel that you have to go through something to get something.
• “Do what you have to do, to do what you want to do.”
I feel that you have to put your best in life to be the best – this goes for acting too.

What is your favorite part about playing the drums?
Before I took drum lessons, I would often hit my thighs, the table in front of me or anything else that I could hit or bang on. My favorite part of playing the drums is accenting or making a stronger sound after maintaining a certain beat or tempo.

When you dance, what are some thoughts that go through your head?
When I dance, I feel free. I feel as though there is no care in the world. I feel like I can fly like an eagle in the wind. I have a destination in mind or I am focused on being free. I am thinking freedom from all cares when I dance.

Tell me about your experience of reading to kids in your spare time.
I love reading to kids in my spare time. I know that I am giving back to the community. I have read at malls, community centers, day care centers and plan to continue doing this. The kids interact with me through my questions to them and their questions to me. They are engaged with the conversation and they are motivated about what I say to them.

What’s next for you?
In the future, my plans include acting in movies and television shows that have action, motivation, and comedy in them. I also want to motivate the financially disadvantaged and physically challenged youth.

Phoebe was featured in Issue 16 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Zoe Cerrillo

3/29/2019

Zoe Cerrillo - California
Interviewed by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Launa Penza Photography
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Zoe Cerrillo is a consummate professional even at 17, pursuing a major in the medical field. She is responsible, punctual, focused, yet she is quirky, funny and playful. An accomplished guitar player, inspired by her dad. She has an amazing collection of all the guitars she's played since she was 5 years old. She is also involved in student council, instrumental conservatory and an outside volunteer group.

Tell me about playing the guitar. What are some of your favorite songs to play on it?
Music is one of my greatest passions and I would not be able to imagine my life without this source of art. During the early stages of my musical journey, I played a lot of radio pop songs; but as I developed as a musician, I was able to define my own sound and style. I draw a lot of inspiration from artists like Lianne La Havas and Daniel Caesar and my favorite songs to play from them are “Ghost” and “Best Part”.

Who taught you how to play the guitar? Why did you start playing?
I started playing the guitar and singing almost 11 years ago when I was seven and was taught by my amazing family friend and musical artist Deborah Davis. But the reason that I started playing the guitar was because my dad also played guitar and watching him was always so inspiring to me.

How many guitars do you own? Do you have a preferred guitar to play on? How long did it take you to learn how to play?
Currently, I own seven guitars; three electric, two electric-acoustics, and two acoustics, but I would be lying if I said I still play them all! My favorite guitar to play is my newest addition that I received this past Christmas from my parents, which is a limited edition Made in Japan Traditional Series ‘50s Fender Stratocaster. I am a quick learner and it was easy for me to pick up notes, chords, and strumming patterns, but I still have so much more to learn beyond what I already know.

What are you currently doing to be a consummate professional for your future plans in the medical field?
In order to reach my goal of attending college and graduating with a Bachelors in Nursing degree, I concentrated on taking extra science related courses throughout high school such as Honors Physics and Kinesiology, which really helped me to get a head start on anatomy.

What volunteer opportunities have you had? Where are some of your favorite places to volunteer at and why?
I have been an Assisteens of the Assistance League of Glendale for six years and being a member sparked my passion to help others and become a caregiver. My favorite place to volunteer, however, is at the local hospital, Verdugo Hills Hospital. Here I have met some of the most dedicated volunteers and it is absolutely thrilling to be in a chaotic medical environment where I thrive.

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

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Aidan Mendoza

3/26/2019

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Aidan Mendoza - Texas
Interview by Larissa Chelius.
Nomination and Photography by April Mendoza Photography.
Cover/Scholarship Winner for Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

The Nomination: Aidan has an amazing work ethic and is very self-motivated. He has been interested in playing the guitar since he was a toddler, and the interest stuck with him. He started on guitar, but he switched over to bass. That has been his love. Then last year he started playing drums, and like the bass he has really excelled due to his desire to practice many hours a day. He is in house band at School of Rock Clear Lake which is their main performing band that he had to audition for. The kids at School of Rock are such a tight group. Even when they are not playing a gig somewhere, they are usually together hanging out on the weekends. One of the things I really love is how supportive they all are to each other.

How did you become interested in music and what made you decide that this is something you want to pursue in life?
Ever since I was five, music is something that I've always had a strong passion for. I was always so interested in how music came together and worked along with the stuff going on deeper inside of it. It was watching music videos and people performing that made me want to pick up an instrument, and ever since I immediately knew what I wanted to do.

What kind of community has the school of rock been for you?
School of Rock is a really great place to start out for anyone who wants to pursue music. With many excellent and supportive instructors, it has helped me a lot in many ways. I have gained a lot of experience in the past two years attending School of Rock. From being able to join the house band and getting to play countless shows at many places around Texas, it has brought me great experiences to becoming a professional musician. Playing live is one of the most thrilling and addictive experiences ever, and I can't thank the people at School of Rock enough for giving me these opportunities.

Tell us a little bit about the relationships made at School of Rock.
School of Rock is a really great place to meet people who have the same passion and love for music as you do. I have made many great friends and opportunities because of it. It's also a really great way to network with other musicians, who've since I've and many others started bands and musical projects with.

Who has inspired you the most as a musician?
For me, it would have to be John Mayer. He has changed me a lot as a person and a musician, a lot for the better. He taught me that it's okay to go outside of the lines and to be able to express yourself musically however you feel is right to you. You don't have to line up behind what's popular, it's okay to share what you truly love even if people aren't into it at the moment. Cross musical borders, do not be afraid to do something that you can't compare with something that is already heard.

What do you plan on doing after high school?
I would really like to see where music takes me in life. It's honestly what I love doing the most. I would even love to attend a school such as Berklee College of Music one day too!

Has homeschooling affected your career in music?
In good ways yes, it certainly has given me a lot more time to fulfill being a musician while being able to maintain schoolwork and good grades.

Aidan will be on the cover and featured in Issue 17 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Emily Williams

3/20/2019

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Emily Williams – Ohio
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Memories by Tawnya Photography
Featured in Issue 19 Inspiring Teens Magazine - Music

The Nomination: Emily was a huge help in leading her band this last summer into school year unexpected due to her teacher having a medical issue happen! Emily took on the role of helping her peers by leading and working with students that needed extra help. She also helped the assistant and sub teachers prep for band by getting materials ready. Emily did every task that landed in her lap. She even helped load and unload the bus before and after events and games. All this led to her astounding accomplishment of her as Field Commander. Emily also won the Outstanding Leadership Award. She is in School Musicals, Choir and the Art Club. Emily is also heavily involved with her church.

What happened for you to step into the leader role you received with music?
My music teacher had planned surgery that lead to complications that were unexpected. She couldn’t be back in time, so she asked me if I could step in and be the Field Commander to help the fill-in director. We all worked together to make this past marching band season happen. My classmates and I continue to pray that our director will be able to return to doing what she loves. In the end, we are all there to make music, and be a family.

Tell us about the role of Field Commander position you had.
A Field Commander is under the director but is the highest leadership position in the band. I started during percussion camp, sorting through music for all the underclassman's folders. I then went through band camp with my fellow peers. Typically, field commanders have their own camp where they learn to direct, but I crammed it in a couple days. Luckily, I had amazing directors that were there to help guide me along the way! Eventually, we got our whole show together, and would prepare for competitions. In between these, I'd painted a couple 8 ft. backdrops that are placed on the field for a show. I'd also help with minor things like fetching things for directors and getting rubber bands to kids (for their flip folders.)

How did you become a role model by helping your peers who needed extra help?
The first day of band camp, all of us seniors introduced ourselves to the under classmen to make them feel comfortable. We all knew what it was like being the new kid on the first day, and we just wanted them to feel accepted. Anytime a kid would need help, I would try to help them to the best of my ability. I helped teach kids the fundamentals of marching. Most people think it's not that hard to do, but they've never had to make sure they have a good posture, rolling their feet, carrying an instrument, and trying to play at the same time. Some kids would get frustrated, but I'd encourage them to keep at it.

What is the Marching Band Award you have won?
It was an award given to me by my director my junior year of high school (2017-2018). This award goes to the marcher who never settles and is willing to do what it takes to help the band succeed. I think I've won it because I strive to show that our Class C band can march as good as any Class B or A band. Yes, those bands are big, but they don't have the strong family connection a small band like ours has. We treat each other like family, and family we stay.

What are some of the activities you are involved with at your church?
I enjoy helping people doing work for the kingdom. I'm involved in our church’s youth group and the Sunday school. For Sunday school, I help with the 4 and 5-year-olds and love contributing to both. I love teaching little kids about the Lord and His great love for them. Seeing their smiling faces each week brings me indescribable joy.

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

Click here to purchase Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Hannah Herrera

3/7/2019

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Hannah Herrera - 15 - Texas
Interviewed by Larissa Chelius
Nominated by Susan Bowen
Photography by April Mendoza Photography
Issue 18 | Musician

The Nomination: Hannah Herrera is an aspiring musician, and keyboardist. She loves to sing all day, every day. She is in her school choir and will be going to state competition as a soloist, soprano 1 this summer. She also sings in a band that does charity performances raising funds for the cause at the time. She is a songwriter for which she will be recording this summer.

Hannah is a wonderful drawing artist and has won awards for some of her artwork. She is an actress and model. She is an animal lover. She is the person who makes everyone feel welcomed in a crowd. She is loyal to a fault and always has a smile on her face.

How did you become interested in being a musician and how did you get started?

I became interested in becoming a musician just by listening to songs with my family and singing along. Even as a baby I loved music when we were driving in the car. I seriously started out in third grade when I got a lead role for a musical and then pursued my interest. It has been my dream ever since. It is a hard industry to pursue and there will be a lot of tough walls to climb, but I won't give up.

What kind of charity events have you performed at?

I have performed at charity events such as Cerebral Palsy. The Houston Food Bank, and The Santa Fe High School Shooting, which was very close to my heart. Also, I am involved in raising money for kids who can’t afford to go to events that they are interested in. We continue to add events as we grow.

Tell us about how you got the opportunity to go to the state competition as a soloist.

I will get the opportunity to go to state as a soloist through my school choir. I have to practice my solo piece for many hours, which happens to be in a foreign language. This takes a lot of my time to get the right pitch, correct wording and annunciation. My solo is also sang as a soprano 1. My usual style has been county and rock, so this is a new adventure for me. What helps with the foreign language songs is I had been enrolled in a duel language program at my school for 9 years.

Where do you find your inspiration when you are writing music?

I find my inspiration from my past and present situations, life experiences mostly. I also look at the world around me and ask myself what current events are happening and is it affecting it for the good or bad. I realize everything could potentially be a song for someone. You just need the right words to express how you feel.

With all your musical activities how do you keep up with your drawing, acting, and modeling?

I keep up by practicing. I draw all the time and even doodle on my classwork! I sing every day and if modeling or acting gigs come up, I make time for that too. I have developed multitasking skills and have learned to not put all my eggs in one basket. I weigh each one to see which I should grow and improve on the most, then focus on them each individually. There have been times where I have had three gigs in one day. It's not easy but I love every moment of it.

Hannah will be featured in Issue 18 of 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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Madelene Eilers

2/23/2019

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Madelene Eilers
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Sarah Eilers
Photography by Amy Taylor - A Taylored Image
Oklahoma
Issue 18 | Volunteer

The Nomination: Maddie Eilers is a Senior in Mooreland Ok. She is inspiring to me because she gives of herself and her time. She received the Barbara James Service Award for completing 250+ hours of community service, serving and loving on others in a way many teens will not do. It’s refreshing to see a light shine so bright as she does what she loves.

National Honor Society, NHS Treasurer, National Technical Honor Society, HOSA, HOSA Chapter Secretary, Golf, Band, Youth Group, Classic Bowl Honor Band, People and Song summer internship, Oklahoma Honor Society, Superintendent's Honor Roll, Brazilian Jiu Jitsu

Tell me about the Barbara James Service Award.

This award is in memory of Barbara James. This award seeks to recognize individual HOSA members who show leadership skills and have a commitment to community service in health. To receive this award your volunteer hours have to come from something that is related to the health care field.

What is HOSA and HOSA Chapter Secretary?

HOSA is an international student organization recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Education. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, post-secondary, adult, and collegiate students enrolled in health science education and biomedical science programs or have interests in pursuing careers in health professions. HOSA is 100% health care! I am the secretary of my HOSA chapter.

How did you receive 250+ hours of community service?

I received my hours from volunteering at my local martial arts gym, RYSE MMA. I was chosen to be a part of the STORM team which stands for Special Team of Role Models. As a STORM team member, I helped teach children ages 3-15 how to live a healthy lifestyle, build character, and how to defend themselves if needed.

What else do you do in your spare time?

I also love helping, serving and reaching people. One of my most favorite things to do is spread the good news of Jesus Christ every opportunity I get.
I set an example in what I believe. When I set my mind to something, it’s going to happen. I am very determined.

Image by Nikki Pecoraro of H&N Photography

What are your plans for the future?

I plan on attending Northwestern Oklahoma State University to pursue a degree in Health & Sports Science: Health/Fitness Management and minor in Business. I also plan on continuing to write songs and play music. I am determined to continue my training in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and obtain the honor of becoming a black belt. These are just my plans; God’s plans are the real plans.

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

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Tyler Graciano

1/22/2019