 Evan O’Donnell |
 | Zoe D'Angelo "Just be yourself! Everyone at Inspiring Teens is super welcoming and loves when new people join! We get so close to each other and make long-lasting friendships. Don't be shy. Don't be afraid to share what you're thinking. Every thought counts. I hope you enjoy your time here!" |
 | Sierra Zaccagnino "Inspiring Teens was such a great decision because I have been able to develop my leadership skills, and have fun while collaborating with other teens who have the same goals as me." |
 | Grace Mahony "I like how we get to use our creativity as well as leadership and public speaking. We make friends, learn stuff, and it is just all around awesome." |
 | Emma Clopton Coming into the program, I didn't know what to expect. While getting involved with everything, I instantly fell in love with Inspiring Teens Magazine! My advice to any new member is to be yourself. You can find amazing people through being who you truly are. Embrace and love yourself and don't be afraid to show off what you've got. Accept any challenges you may face and never give up! You are beautiful and inspiring and deserve to be here!" |
 | Cyrena Spafford I love how everyone who participates in the program has the opportunity to show a unique part of their personality. The advice I'd give to new girls starting is to be yourself and enjoy every moment in the program! |
 | Sarah Smith "My advice to any new person joining Inspiring Teens would be to challenge yourself. I found that I could do this best in the Leadership Program working with businesses in the area and sharing my ideas with the group. Voice your opinions, don't be afraid to get in front of the camera, and continue to inspire those around you." |
 | Nicole Linder "Don't be afraid to talk and make sure you are yourself. Everyone is so welcoming and will love you for you. Any ideas are good. If you have an idea for an article, raise your hand and share! Good Luck :)" |
 | Mikayla Havers "Just be yourself and open your mind up to meeting other people. I came in here not knowing anyone, and I left the very first meeting feeling like I knew the other girls a lot better. You're amazing and beautiful - always remember that. Best of luck!" |
 | Olivia Bush "I love Inspiring Teens because you get to meet so many new people and have fun. Some advice I would give is to step out of your comfort zone because no idea is a bad idea." |
 | Marie Suttmann "When you join, don't be afraid to really get involved. Getting involved really gives you the full experience of being a part of the programs." |
 | Madison Cavallo "Having a space here at Inspiring Teens to collaborate with other girls your own age is beneficial, inspiring, and very fun!" |
 | Kari Jim "The main thing that I love about this program is all the opportunities that are given. I've met a lot of new people over the years by doing this and I'm really glad I did it!" |
 | Kimberly Wang "What I love about the program is wearing different outfits for different photo shoots, meeting new people and making friendships that could last a lifetime. Advice for new girls: Be confident, be yourself, gain self esteem, believe in yourself, and always have a positive attitude no matter what." |
 | Delila Matara "Follow your heart, inspiring is an art. Don't forget to laugh and smile and always be sweet. Hope you stay a while!" |
 | Jillian Cardinal "My advice would be to just be yourself and not change anything about you because who you are is who you are meant to be." |
Zoe D'Angelo, Jillian Cardinal, Carly D'Angelo, Brittany Shugrue, Ellie Kuhnle and Olivia Bush
Olivia Bush:
Olivia Bush, Sorority interview question and answers for Carly and Brittany:
1. How do you balance your time between school and sorority events?
In order to stay in a sorority, you have to maintain a 2.5 gpa, and you earn points for earning A’s and B’s and for going to the library to study. There is a scholarship chair in the sorority which is just in charge of making sure every ones grades are up to par. So it is pretty easy because we mostly know that we have to get are homework done and that our grades come first in order to actively participate.
2. How do you become more involved in your sorority?
Mostly just going to everything and being really involved. Even if you don’t know someone that well text or dm them asking if they want to go to lunch. Go to events and activities and actively participate.
3. How much time commitment is a sorority?
There are mandatory meetings once a week that are normally an hour, and then there are volunteer events, fun activities and socials. I would say around five hours a week.
1. How do you balance your time between school and sorority events?
In order to stay in a sorority, you have to maintain a 2.5 gpa, and you earn points for earning A’s and B’s and for going to the library to study. There is a scholarship chair in the sorority which is just in charge of making sure every ones grades are up to par. So it is pretty easy because we mostly know that we have to get are homework done and that our grades come first in order to actively participate.
2. How do you become more involved in your sorority?
Mostly just going to everything and being really involved. Even if you don’t know someone that well text or dm them asking if they want to go to lunch. Go to events and activities and actively participate.
3. How much time commitment is a sorority?
There are mandatory meetings once a week that are normally an hour, and then there are volunteer events, fun activities and socials. I would say around five hours a week.
Questions by Jillian Cardinal
Are there a lot of volunteering opportunities?
Yes
Have you done any?
Yes we have done adopt a block which is when you go into town and clean up the streets, we have also done bake sales, and many diamond donates.
What were your favorite type of volunteer opportunity?
The 5k on Veterans Day and we raised 5 thousand dollars for David’s Drive 831 ,an organization helping homeless & hospitalized veteran’s.
Yes
Have you done any?
Yes we have done adopt a block which is when you go into town and clean up the streets, we have also done bake sales, and many diamond donates.
What were your favorite type of volunteer opportunity?
The 5k on Veterans Day and we raised 5 thousand dollars for David’s Drive 831 ,an organization helping homeless & hospitalized veteran’s.
Questions by Ellie Kuhnle
What are team building activities you do in the sorority?
-on bid day we get all social medias and follow everyone . Before social media was big, we’d do cross over the line, where people cross over the line with statements they relate to. Each assignment is fulfilled with someone knew, so you get to know everyone!
What is your favorite activity to do with your sisters?
-a lot of sister hood events, Brittany is sister chair, she sets up event for everyone. Activities like Zumba, pumpkin picking, bowling, & various social events. Ice Cream at the house is common and annual, a movie night is in the planning process. Sisters go out to lunch together and act like “normal friends,” and during finals they all study at the library together.
Have you gained confidence from becoming a sister? If so, how?
-YES! “I’ve seen such a personality difference in myself...” (Brittany) “Almost impossible not to change” (Brittany) Carly plans special events, and Greek weekend (annual) “getting people to come to special events has given me confidence” (Carly) “You have to be outgoing, you have to ask for things” (Brittany) a little weird at first, similar to a job, weekly meetings, etc. positions can last from semesters long to years long.
-on bid day we get all social medias and follow everyone . Before social media was big, we’d do cross over the line, where people cross over the line with statements they relate to. Each assignment is fulfilled with someone knew, so you get to know everyone!
What is your favorite activity to do with your sisters?
-a lot of sister hood events, Brittany is sister chair, she sets up event for everyone. Activities like Zumba, pumpkin picking, bowling, & various social events. Ice Cream at the house is common and annual, a movie night is in the planning process. Sisters go out to lunch together and act like “normal friends,” and during finals they all study at the library together.
Have you gained confidence from becoming a sister? If so, how?
-YES! “I’ve seen such a personality difference in myself...” (Brittany) “Almost impossible not to change” (Brittany) Carly plans special events, and Greek weekend (annual) “getting people to come to special events has given me confidence” (Carly) “You have to be outgoing, you have to ask for things” (Brittany) a little weird at first, similar to a job, weekly meetings, etc. positions can last from semesters long to years long.
Zoe D'Angelo, Jillian Cardinal, Carly D'Angelo, Brittany, Ellie Kuhnle, and Olivia Bush
By Jillian Cardinal
As Ambassadors for Inspiring Teens, we get to interview some pretty cool people, and on this day some of the high school ambassadors got to interview two sorority sisters from West Chester University.
West Chester University is a college in West Chester, PA - which is a really cool town about an hour from our headquarters. We decided if we were going to drive that far, we should do a photo shoot and tour the campus a little.
We first went to some cool stationary trains on dead tracks (that could have something to do with the next issue.. spoiler alert - it's the Travel Issue!) and decided to start our photo shoot there.
West Chester University is a college in West Chester, PA - which is a really cool town about an hour from our headquarters. We decided if we were going to drive that far, we should do a photo shoot and tour the campus a little.
We first went to some cool stationary trains on dead tracks (that could have something to do with the next issue.. spoiler alert - it's the Travel Issue!) and decided to start our photo shoot there.
Jillian Cardinal at the trains
Also, we did a little bit of wandering around the WCU campus to find a few hidden gems, like the whispering archway of the Phillips Memorial Building. So this is how it works; two friends stand at opposite sides of the arch and can whisper to each other through a small ridge in the arch without anyone passing by hearing what you said.
We wrapped it up with our interview with a sorority group to learn about how they managed their classwork along with sorority commitments such as volunteering. We also talked about the process of getting in to a sorority group (pledging). *The full interview will be in a second blog coming shortly!
We wrapped it up with our interview with a sorority group to learn about how they managed their classwork along with sorority commitments such as volunteering. We also talked about the process of getting in to a sorority group (pledging). *The full interview will be in a second blog coming shortly!
Zoe D'Angelo at the Whispering Archway
If you like to travel, interview cool people, and do photo shoots, consider joining the
Ambassador program with us!
Ambassador program with us!
How to get into NJHS
By: Olivia Bush
Getting into the National Junior Honors Society is a great honor. It shows that you have the Leadership, citizenship, service, and character skills to represent your school. You are eligible to become an NJHS member in eighth grade, but what you need to know is that preparation does not just start at the beginning of eighth grade. It really starts at the beginning of middle school, but you just don’t know it. Your grades and attitude toward others from the beginning of your middle school career are considered. One thing that most middle schoolers don’t know is that it is not just based off grades. To get into NJHS you need to have volunteered, taken up leadership skills and maintained a 3.5 GPA. You also need to know what would make you a great NJHS member.
On your application, there will be a space for you to list your volunteer opportunities that you have done. You will also have to list the hours that you have volunteered there and you will need a signature from someone who oversaw your volunteering or a parent who drove you there. This place can be a nursing home, or even planting trees. Local public libraries also have some fun volunteer opportunities over the summer where you can shelve books, sign kids up for a summer reading program, and do fun arts and crafts! The library has something for everyone! If you are having trouble finding places to volunteer, my recommendation would be to talk to your Family Consumer Science teacher! Most likely they will have soup kitchen sign ups once a month or a Nova Thrift Shop sign up where you can volunteer. Participating in these events can help you fill up that section on your application form. Even if they don’t have these sign-ups through the school you can always ask your teachers if they know any good places in your area to volunteer.
Another section on your application will be a leadership section. Here, you will list all the leadership skills you have acquired. When filling out this part of the form, you will have to list out what activities you were a leader in. This can be anything from choir, Relay for Life, or sports! You will then have to list out the leadership position you had. This can be a lead singer in your choir, a soccer captain, or a Student Council homeroom representative. Then, list your accomplishments from being the leader in this specific activity. It could be having the top per person average in fundraising for your Relay team or it could just be winning a soccer game.
You also need to be involved in your school or around your community. This box on your application can simply be achieved by participating in extracurricular activities or summer camps. For example, you can play field hockey and soccer for your school while being involved in your church choir and having done 2 summer camps the previous summer. This will help you check one more box off your list, you just have to think ahead!
Moving on to grades, the minimum GPA you must have to get an application letter is a 3.5, so grades do matter. But as you have seen, this is not the only thing they look for out of a contributing NJHS member. Anything lower than a 3.5 GPA and you will not receive an application letter. To get a 3.5 GPA, you do need to put in effort and study hard, do your homework, and pay attention in class. If you don’t understand a topic you are learning, don’t be afraid to ask you teacher for help!
The last part of the application is the essay. You will have to write an essay on what makes you a good choice to become a member of the National Junior Honors Society. This essay must be typed and cannot be over five hundred words.
Once you have filled out all parts of the application that you can and have proofread your form, you are ready to turn it into your school. Remember getting into this organization might be a lot of hard work but it will only help you grow as a person and make many friends and memories!
Membership Perks - Photo Shoots for iTi STYLE: By Olivia Bush
As part of our membership perks to Inspiring Teens, five of us girls participated in a fun photoshoot in some pretty cool places in Bucks County, Pennsylvania.
We all started out at the Inspiring Teens studio in Warrington, PA. We came in wearing an outfit that went along with something that is special to us that we brought for props. For example, a football jersey and a football. Then we all moved on to an outdoor shopping center, where we wore trendy and fashionable outfits. The last location we were photographed at was a park. For this location, we all wore something summery. Some of us sat by the edge of the creek to take our photos, and some of us girls actually got in the creek!
The timing on this shoot was perfect, as it was the start of the new ITI STYLE Magazine. A place where teens can share their styles! Not your ordinary Fashion Magazine... because who cares about Fashion when you have Inspiring STYLE!
We all started out at the Inspiring Teens studio in Warrington, PA. We came in wearing an outfit that went along with something that is special to us that we brought for props. For example, a football jersey and a football. Then we all moved on to an outdoor shopping center, where we wore trendy and fashionable outfits. The last location we were photographed at was a park. For this location, we all wore something summery. Some of us sat by the edge of the creek to take our photos, and some of us girls actually got in the creek!
The timing on this shoot was perfect, as it was the start of the new ITI STYLE Magazine. A place where teens can share their styles! Not your ordinary Fashion Magazine... because who cares about Fashion when you have Inspiring STYLE!
An interview with teen dancer Madison Dedieu
by Olivia Bush for the 2017 Winter Issue of Inspiring Teens Magazine
1) What/who inspired you to start dancing? My mom because she was the person who really got me to start dance classes when I was 3, but my biggest dance inspiration right now are my dance teachers.
2) What styles do you currently dance? Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theater, & Tap. Contemporary or Musical Theater would be my favorite because they are both so fun to perform and to express yourself in.
3) What is your favorite dance you have performed? Last season, I performed a Musical Theater dance with six other girls called “I Can Cook Too” from On The Town which placed very high and was so much fun.
4) What is your favorite part about performing? Definitely being able to express myself through all my movements and just being there with these girls that are basically my family. The energy is such a crazy feeling.
5) Have you taken any master dance classes? Yes, I have taken a class at Abby Lee Dance Center in Los Angeles, Alex Wong from So You Think You Can Dance, JoJo Siwa, many dancers from Joffery Ballet School, Katy Perry’s back up dancer Khasan Brailsford, and Courtney Ortiz.
6) Which one is your favorite reality show & would you want to be on it? My favorite has to be World of Dance. I think it would be so much fun and such a cool experience dancing in front of so many people, so yes!
7) If you could dance with any dancer who would it be? I would have to say Eva Iago because she is so close to my age and is such a good dancer and is just someone that I aspire to preform like.
8) How far do you want to take dance? Right now, I want to go to college for dance and be a dance teacher.
2) What styles do you currently dance? Jazz, Ballet, Contemporary, Musical Theater, & Tap. Contemporary or Musical Theater would be my favorite because they are both so fun to perform and to express yourself in.
3) What is your favorite dance you have performed? Last season, I performed a Musical Theater dance with six other girls called “I Can Cook Too” from On The Town which placed very high and was so much fun.
4) What is your favorite part about performing? Definitely being able to express myself through all my movements and just being there with these girls that are basically my family. The energy is such a crazy feeling.
5) Have you taken any master dance classes? Yes, I have taken a class at Abby Lee Dance Center in Los Angeles, Alex Wong from So You Think You Can Dance, JoJo Siwa, many dancers from Joffery Ballet School, Katy Perry’s back up dancer Khasan Brailsford, and Courtney Ortiz.
6) Which one is your favorite reality show & would you want to be on it? My favorite has to be World of Dance. I think it would be so much fun and such a cool experience dancing in front of so many people, so yes!
7) If you could dance with any dancer who would it be? I would have to say Eva Iago because she is so close to my age and is such a good dancer and is just someone that I aspire to preform like.
8) How far do you want to take dance? Right now, I want to go to college for dance and be a dance teacher.
I feel very fortunate to have my studio located in Warrington, PA to photograph Teen Portraits, because we are so blessed to have so many beautiful locations within a few minutes of our building!
Recently, I got the opportunity to photograph 5 teens as part of their programs for Inspiring Teens Magazine. We started at our studio in the Metropolitan Plaza Building with something that was important to them. Their items ranged from musical to sports!
Recently, I got the opportunity to photograph 5 teens as part of their programs for Inspiring Teens Magazine. We started at our studio in the Metropolitan Plaza Building with something that was important to them. Their items ranged from musical to sports!
 Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA at Conway Productions Inc - Olvia's First Up! |  Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA at Conway Productions Inc - Olivia |
Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA at Conway Productions Inc - Amanda
We did these while they were all arriving and settling in, and then they got changed to move on to Valley Square. We had a lot of fun in this gorgeous shopping center! I loved the variety of looks that they wore for this!
Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA at Valley Square
 Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA at Valley Square - Jillian |  Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA at Valley Square - Eva |
Afterwards, we went to Kemper Park for their next set of teen portraits in Warrington, PA, which is technically in Warminster, but since it's on the same street as Warrington, we'll let that slide!
Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA at Kemper Park - Jillian's Turn!
The girls had these things to say about their Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA photo shoot:
"What I liked best about the photo shoot was that everyone was so nice and supportive, especially when everyone was getting their photos done."
- Amanda
"I liked how I could see some of my friends during the shoot, and I thought it was fun to get in the creek."
- Jillian
"My favorite part was being able to get photos taken in/with items that meant a lot to me and being able to make so many memories with amazing people. I think they are a good bonding experience for us outside of the programs. I personally have become a lot closer with girls because of them."
- Olivia
"I loved laying in the creek. Dirty, but fun!" (This was Ellie's 3rd time getting her teen portraits taken at and near our Warrington, PA studio!)
- Ellie
"What I liked best about the photo shoot was that everyone was so nice and supportive, especially when everyone was getting their photos done."
- Amanda
"I liked how I could see some of my friends during the shoot, and I thought it was fun to get in the creek."
- Jillian
"My favorite part was being able to get photos taken in/with items that meant a lot to me and being able to make so many memories with amazing people. I think they are a good bonding experience for us outside of the programs. I personally have become a lot closer with girls because of them."
- Olivia
"I loved laying in the creek. Dirty, but fun!" (This was Ellie's 3rd time getting her teen portraits taken at and near our Warrington, PA studio!)
- Ellie
Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA at Kemper Park - Ellie So that's a wrap on our day of Teen Portraits in Warrington, PA!
Book your own Teen Portraits Photo Shoot by Visiting our Teen Portraits page.
From our Ambassador Olivia, who was one of the five girls photographed:
On August 17th, 2017 five teen girls from Inspiring Teens Magazine took part in a fun Teen Portraits photoshoot in Warrington, PA. They all fundraised 500 dollars or more so this was their reward.
They all started out at the Inspiring Teens studio in the Metropolitan Plaza Building. They came wearing an outfit that went along with something that is special to them. For example, a soccer jersey and a soccer ball.
They then all moved on to Valley Square a local outdoor shopping center where they were wearing a trendy and fashionable.
The last location they shot at was Kemper Park. For this location, the girls were wearing something summery. Some sat by the edge of the creek to take their photos, and some girls actually got in the creek. All of the photos were taken by Leslie Conway from Conway Productions Inc.
To find out how to join Inspiring Teens Magazine you can go to their website www.inspiringteensmagazine.com
On August 17th, 2017 five teen girls from Inspiring Teens Magazine took part in a fun Teen Portraits photoshoot in Warrington, PA. They all fundraised 500 dollars or more so this was their reward.
They all started out at the Inspiring Teens studio in the Metropolitan Plaza Building. They came wearing an outfit that went along with something that is special to them. For example, a soccer jersey and a soccer ball.
They then all moved on to Valley Square a local outdoor shopping center where they were wearing a trendy and fashionable.
The last location they shot at was Kemper Park. For this location, the girls were wearing something summery. Some sat by the edge of the creek to take their photos, and some girls actually got in the creek. All of the photos were taken by Leslie Conway from Conway Productions Inc.
To find out how to join Inspiring Teens Magazine you can go to their website www.inspiringteensmagazine.com