Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

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Monica Ritchey

8/17/2019

Monica Ritchey - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Sharon Holy Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The nomination: Monica Ritchey started dance at the age of 3 and started cheering for youth football when she was in third grade. She started competitive cheerleading in 5th grade. She was a football cheerleader in middle school and was a junior advisor for the youth football cheerleaders at that time. She was a JV football cheerleader in 9th and 10th grade and a varsity football her junior year. Monica is now in her senior year and is currently captain of the Varsity Football Squad. Monica loves to cheer; it is her passion. She loves cheering for her team and getting the crowd pumped. She also loves knowing that her two little nieces want to cheer because they come to the games and see how much fun it is!! Her two older sisters who both cheered were her inspiration. Monica is a straight A student and is VP of NHS. She is involved in future leaders and student government. Monica takes pride in her school and tries to set a positive example for others. She enjoys getting others psyched for their sports teams and for being the best they can be.

How has cheerleading impacted your life in a positive way?
Cheerleading has been a part of my life since the day I was born. When I was younger, I would attend every game and competition my two older sisters cheered at. I marveled at the synchronization of the motions, was mesmerized by the flexibility showcased in the jumps, and was starstruck by the sky-high flips. I fell in love with the energy that radiated off the cheerleaders and the obvious comradery among them. Becoming a cheerleader was a dream come true for me. It makes me feel like one of my life goals has already been completed every time I put on the uniform and head to the field. Furthermore, cheerleading has given me some of my best friends. Your team really becomes your family which means that you always have a support group when needed. Some of the bonds I’ve made throughout my cheerleading career are lifelong and I am forever grateful for that.

When it comes to cheerleading, what is your favorite thing about the sport?
My favorite thing about cheerleading is the performances. The excitement that consumes me before every halftime show is like nothing else I’ve ever experienced. I love to show off my and my teammates' hard work each time we take the field. The high energy that circulates each one of us is one of the best feelings. Although the pain of hearing the words “full out again” leaving my coach’s lips is unbearable, we all know that the actual performance will be worth all the trouble in the end.

When you are older, would you want to own your own cheer gym? What are your thoughts? Why or why not?
Although owning a cheer gym would be fun and exciting, I do not think it is in the cards for me. Owning a gym demands more than the love of the sport, it requires a huge financial commitment. Coaches put a lot of hard work and energy into perfecting performances which is something I would be interested in. I know after college I will miss it so much that it will draw me into becoming a cheer coach, but owning a gym is not for me.

What would be 3 words to describe a cheerleading squad? Explain why you chose those 3 words.
First and foremost a cheerleading squad is motivated. All the teams that I have had the pleasure of being part of have been filled with girls and boys who are extremely driven. There is always room for improvement. A motion that could be sharper or a jump that could be higher. A cheerleader’s work is never done.

The second word that describes a cheerleading squad is spirited. Getting the crowd involved and excited is our main priority so having pep and energy is required. Even on bad days you need to leave everything behind when you step on the mat, field, or floor and give it your all.

Lastly, a squad must be united. Every cheerleader needs to understand that they must do their best not only for themselves, but also for their entire squad. The saying “a chain is only as strong as its weakest link” surely comes to mind when thinking about cheer. Your squad becomes your family and you all want each other to succeed.

Tell us about something awesome you do when you’re not cheering.
When I am not cheering, I spend the majority of my time planning and volunteering for NHS. I am vice president of this club; therefore, I have a lot of responsibilities that require a plethora of my time and energy. This is my second year in the group and it truly has had a positive impact on my life. NHS has allowed me to get out in my community and get involved. From cleaning up beaches to dressing up as characters for the Haunted Hayrides we truly do it all. Currently my fellow officers and I are working hard to bring a new fun dance to our school. Between cheer practices and NHS, I barely have time for anything else, but I wouldn’t change it for the world.

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

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Amanda Szymborski

6/25/2019

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Amanda Szymborski - Michigan
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Rebecca Houlihan Photography
Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: I met Amanda Szymborski about a year ago and immediately knew she was somebody special; she has a personality that exudes so much positivity and happiness. Things others say about her is she is always friendly and accepting. She sets an excellent example of work ethic by being in the National Honor Society, participating in school clubs, and being the varsity team captain for golf and tennis. Amanda has made an impact in the community through volunteering and assisting whenever needed. Amanda is someone who truly makes the world a better place and enhances the lives of everyone she is with.

How did you first become interested in tennis to now being the Varsity team captain for your school?
I have “played” tennis ever since I can remember. But my version of playing was just hitting the ball in the street in front of my house with someone. I always enjoyed doing that so my freshman year I decided to join the tennis team, as soon as I stepped on the court, I knew I was meant to be there. I wasn’t very good when I first started, but I put a lot of energy and time into tennis year-round and eventually became one of the best players in the school.

What is the Links program at your school and how did you become involved in it?
The links program is when you spend an hour of your school day to help a student on the autism spectrum be social. Students on the spectrum don’t have the best communication skills so that is why you are there. I joined the links program when one of my teachers suggested I should participate in it. They thought I would be a great link.

Tell me a little bit about the student leadership committee and what your role is.
The student leadership academy is a selected group of outstanding students: students that participate in class on a daily schedule, are kind and polite, and responsible. Almost every single Wednesday morning the group would meet up and we would have guest speakers who would teach us how to speak in front of crowds. Part of the leadership academy is we plan a huge party and we raise money to go towards local charities. Going through the process of the party we set up meetings with local businesses to try and get donations. With all the money we raise, we have to decide what to spend it on and how much to spend on things.

What responsibilities come with being a part of the National Honor Society?
NHS requires you get at least 20 hours of community service per year. I like to spend my time at the local food bank and volunteering my time working at kids camps.

How have you managed to balance all the activities you are involved in while maintaining a strong academic record?
I’m not going to lie it is very tough, but it is doable. Being involved with sports and other after school activities takes up a ton of time, but you just have to remember you are a student athlete. Being a student is always your first priority. On bus ride to games sometimes you have to study for that big test tomorrow or do your homework instead of talking to your teammates. If you’re stuck, your captain or other teammates probably took the class and can help you. All your friends want to hang out, but you have a boat load of homework, you might have to stay home and do your schoolwork over hanging out with friends. I maintained my strong academic by doing all the above, I would take my schoolwork to matches and miss out on times when my friends were hanging out, but it’s worth it in the end.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I always write stuff down in my reminders and calendar on my phone to make sure I don’t forget about something!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them to never give up and always maintain a positive work ethic! Where you get in the future depends on what you are doing now, the amount of work you put into it. Everyone has bad days or weeks but don’t let it get in your head, prevail through the rough patch

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I believe I am so inspiring because I have the ability to remain free spirited in anything I do. I can adapt well to anything in any given circumstance, and love reaching out to new opportunities and people of all ages. I always maintain my smiling face and positive nature. I consider it an amazing blessing that I am looked up to by children, striving to work and become as talented, if not more talented than me, in the future. By seeing and observing my consistent, positive work ethic, I’ve learned and grown throughout the years. I hope this truly inspires many young people to always work hard and to never give up, ever.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love to spend time with my friends! My friends mean everything to me and inspire me to strive to always become a better person each day and have helped to teach me so many valuable life lessons that have helped shape me into the person I am today.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My whole life, friends and family always remind me of how determined and strong minded I am. Always striving to accomplish my goals whether they take hours, days, even years to accomplish.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find all my friends, and parents inspiring and mind changing. All my friends have a special characteristic that no one else I know is anything like, they are all their own person each possess a valuable, inspiring, original outlook on life which has helped to shape my values opinions and beliefs. My parents both have a high education and worked their butts off in college to be as successful and diligent as they are today. Without all their lessons and work motives I would not be the person I am today.

Pizza or Tacos? Soda or Water? Cats or Dogs?
Pizza but it has to be just cheese
Pink lemonade mixed with sprite
Dogs because they are so loving and loyal

3 Things on your bucket list
I want to participate in a mission trip, travel through Europe, and lastly go to all the tennis opens (French open, U.S. open, Australian open)

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Recently, to add on to my tennis career journey, I found out I was named all state for 1 doubles! I consider it an amazing accomplishment, that paid off with long hours of practice, and by maintaining a thoughtful, persevering mindset.

Amanda will be featured in Issue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Abigail Strickland

6/6/2019

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Abigail Strickland - Colorado
Interview by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination and Photography by Carol Dunnigan Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: I consider Abigail Strickland to be an inspiring teen for all the amazing things that she does for her community. Besides being the Varsity Co-Captain of her school's cheerleading team, she's part of the National Honor Society, the A-team which is a tutoring program and part of 4-H. Outside of school she fundraises for Honor Flight Veterans and makes Valentines for local teachers, bus drivers and doctors. She's helped with canned food drives and donating supplies to shelters. Now, she is starting a job as a program aide at the YMCA! I'm proud to have such an amazing young woman on my model rep team!

How long have you been involved in cheer and what do you love most about it?
I have been involved in cheer since I was a freshman so about 4 years. I love tumbling and cheering at football games under the Friday night lights!

Tell us about Carol Dunnigan's Model Rep Team and your involvement.

I recently joined Carol Dunnigan’s Model Rep Team. So far, I have done two photography sessions. We will be doing more sessions and completing community service. I love taking pictures with some of my classmates and making new friends who are also a part of the team!

Image by Corina Strickland

How did you learn about 4-H? Why did you decide to join?

I learned about 4-H from my mom. She was actively involved in her 4-H club when she was young. A student that my mom had in her 5th grade class was part of the local club. He had told us about the cloverbud program for the younger kids.

Once we found out about a club that was located near us, I joined it to follow my mom’s footsteps. I was seven years old when my 4-H journey started in cloverbuds.

Image by Corina Strickland

What have you learned as being a member of 4-H?

I have learned a lot from being a 4-H member. I have learned about citizenship and government, how to be a leader, how to help my community, and how to become a better person. Through one of the projects that I did over a three-year period, I learned about citizenship and government. At the end of the project, I traveled to Washington D.C. to experience these things in person. The workshops there focused on being a better citizen and leader. Government was exhibited by a mock trial to create new laws and bills. I have learned how to be a better leader by the multiple leadership conferences that I have attended. Also, with being a previous president for my club and the current vice president, I have been able to lead meetings and manage large groups of people. I have learned how to help my community by all the community service that 4-H is involved with. Whether it be donating to shelters or just making someone’s life a little easier. All of these have helped shape me into the person that I am today.

Image by Abigail Strickland

Do you think other people should join 4-H?
Of course, other people should join 4-H! It offers so many amazing opportunities and teaches so many applicable life skills. It makes people become their best versions of themselves. And though, most people believe you need livestock to be a 4-H member, this is not true. All my projects have been without livestock. My first 4-H project was baking. In addition to baking I entered the scrapbooking project for several years. In more recent years, I have added painting and sketching for visual arts. There are hundreds of different types of projects to choose from. These are just a few of my favorites.

What do you plan to do with 4-H in the future?
Even though my 4-H experience will be done when I turn nineteen, I can apply my leadership skills that I have learned to a future career. In these last couple of years, I plan on being even more involved in 4-H by becoming a district representative. It is the next level from my current county club, and it is more state focused. I’m excited to see where these last few years take me!

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

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Libby Neveau

5/6/2019

Libby Neveau – Wisconsin
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination & Photography by Gail Cameron Photography
Issue 21 Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: I am nominating Libby because she has done more for others in her young life than most people do their entire lives. Libby is currently a Senior at Oshkosh North High School. She plays Varsity Tennis, Softball, is a member of National Honor Society and has received a scholarship to play softball at Winona State. She starts each school year with a list of community service projects that she has planned for the year. She organizes, schedules the volunteers and carries out each event. You won't find a nicer young lady than Libby Neveau, anywhere!

Photography by Gail Cameron Photography

What is it like being a part of the National Honor Society? Personally, what is most interesting about it?
National Honors Society was really enjoyable to be a part of. I was the secretary on the exec board which kept very active in my school and community. My favorite part was doing the polar plunge to raise money for the Special Olympics.

What kind of community service projects have you been involved in? Which one has been your favorite to be a part of and why?
I have been in many community service projects ranging from helping The Boys and Girls Club, making root beer floats for a retirement home, and organizing events to raise money for The Children’s Tumor Foundation. My favorite has been the efforts of raising money for CTF because my cousin had NF (Neurofibromatosis), so this is near and dear to my heart.

Tell us about your cousin Owen. What kind of fundraising efforts have you done to raise awareness for NF?
Owen is 17 years old and is a high school junior. He is a very involved teenage that is sometimes held back due to seizures and his NF. This year I took on a big role in raising awareness for NF by holding an event at my softball game that raised money for a seizure dog for Owen. This dog will be a great companion for him as he moves in to more independent living a few years down the road.

Photography by Gail Cameron Photography

When it comes to tennis, what is your favorite thing about the sport? How long have you been playing for?
My favorite thing about playing tennis is being doubles partners with my best friend Sophie! We have made big improvements throughout the past three years and have enjoyed every moment.

Tell us about your career with softball. What position do you play? How long have you been playing?
Softball is a very large portion of my life. I have been playing since I was six and will continue to play in college. I play third base and occasionally shortstop and catcher.

Photography by Gail Cameron Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Stay positive and be yourself all while having clear goals and working hard. Never give up.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I hope to be in a Physician’s Assistant program learning the ropes of the medical field.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I have a very detailed calendar with a lot of lists. Another big thing is I never procrastinate, which helps me keep on top of things.

Who do you find inspiring?
My cousin Lauren because she has always been a great role model and fills the room with energy. She is the reason I started playing softball as well as why I am involved in many other activities.

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

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Brianna Guerra

3/31/2019

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Brianna Guerra - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Photography by Vintage Couture Photography
Nomination by Marisa Rosales
Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Brianna Guerra is inspiring because she never stops moving. She does great academically and she still has time to be a part of Student Council, National Honor Society, Peer Assistance Leadership, help in the community and be an amazing cheerleader. She is caring and she is always willing to help anyone at any time.

How long have you been a cheerleader? How did your career begin? What is your favorite part about the sport?
I have been a cheerleader for six years now and it all began accidentally. I went to a gym to enroll in gymnastics and throughout that season I would see these beautiful cheerleaders learning impressive things and I wanted to be just like them. The following season I tried out and made a level 3 team! My absolute favorite part about competitive cheerleading is the adrenaline you get when you’re standing in front of a huge crowd about to show them and the judges what you’ve been practicing for countless of hours.

Did your cheerleading team compete at Nationals this year? If so, how did your team do? What was the experience like? Tell me about it!
Yes, my team competed at Nationals in February. Prior to, we had been working extremely hard and spending so many hours in the gym to prepare for this prestigious competition. Teams from all over the country come to Dallas, Texas to compete in this competition and It’s every cheerleader’s dream to win NCA. The nerves were high, and the adrenaline was rushing. Our coaches gave us a chilling speech right before we went on stage and our performance was incredible! We hit a zero-deduction routine both days of the competition and took home the national title!

What is your favorite part about helping your community? When did you start helping?
I started helping in my community ever since I was eight years old. My favorite part about helping in my community is meeting so many different people. People from different countries and cultures. I love the experience I gain from helping others, but nothing beats the feeling of seeing their faces light up with joy when you’re able to help them in some way.

Tell us about the Peer Assistance and Leadership organization you’re a part of. How long have you been involved? What are your duties within it?
The Peer Assistance and Leadership Program focuses on enabling young people to use their potential to make a difference in their lives, school and communities. This is my first year in PALs because only seniors can be in the program at my school. Our duties as PALs include visiting different elementary schools in our district and mentoring our palees. Throughout the school year, we discuss a variety of key youth issues with our palees such as bullying, teamwork, responsibility and behavior problems. Our overall job as a PAL is to be a positive influence on the youth.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I don’t see myself as inspiring, but people always seem to take my advice or want to do what I do. I don’t think I’m doing anything special, but I only stand up for what I think is right.

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

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Peyton Fearin

3/20/2019

Peyton Fearin - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Kingston Photography
Featured in Issue 19 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Peyton is a beautiful girl but her true beauty shines from within. She is a loved by her peers and is kind to everyone she meets. She is a youth leader at her church and loves helping with the Special Olympics. She is a member of the National Honors Society at Prosper high school. It is a 6A school, so you can see how competitive that is. She has been on the PHS cheer team all four years of high school but has been cheering most of her life. She also coaches youth cheerleading at PYSA. She is involved in several high school clubs and various volunteer activities in and outside of school.

Tell me about your involvement with the Special Olympics and your favorite part about it.
As a Prosper cheerleader, we attend Special Olympics every year to help support all the athletes who compete at the event. I love being able to work with and get to know all the people attending the event. It truly is a heartwarming experience and very eye opening. It has taught me to look at situations with positivity.

How did your career in cheerleading begin?
I started cheering my freshman year of high school after doing competitive cheerleading for one year. After being a gymnast for ten years, I decided I wanted a change, so I chose to cheer. I am extremely happy I decided to try out for cheer because I have made lifelong friends and memories.

How do you keep yourself organized and earn yourself a position in NHS with all your amazing extracurricular activities?
The National Honors Society is an extremely prestigious program with rigorous requirements to be inducted. I really pushed myself to stay on top of my grades, do community service, and make myself a prominent figure at school in order to get into NHS. I’ve had to learn to balance school, cheer, and work in order to achieve being in the program.

Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
In ten years, I hope to be working in the medical field as a Trauma Nurse! My goal in life has always been to help others and the medical field is the perfect place to do it! I hope I am happy and surrounded by people who love me and support me.

Do you plan on continuing with cheerleading? Why or why not?
Although cheerleading has given me the memories and opportunities, I will not be continuing my career. I have suffered many injuries in which prevent me from doing what I love. Therefore, I chose not to cheer at a collegiate level.

Peyton will be featured in Issue 19 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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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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Noah Payne

2/11/2019