Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Emma Griffith

1/22/2021

Emma Griffith - Illinois
Nomination by Kim Haun
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Emma Griffith is a Senior at FHS. She is a role model to youth in her community through her DARE-S program to mentor youth dealing with alcohol and substance abuse within their home. Emma has been a leader and voice for all children through this mentoring program she created as a Junior in High School. Emma would be a true champion for adversity and an excellent representation of overcoming obstacles to gain success.

Photography by Loker Photography

Tell us more about your DARE-S program.
The DARE- S program started after I was able to break down walls I had hidden behind most of my life. Growing up with an alcoholic and absent father I held my feelings in. Once I was able to talk about my experiences, I felt the need to help others do that same. I wanted others to have someone to talk to that could relate to situations they were going through related to alcohol, drugs, abuse or feeling of just not belonging. When the program first started, I focused only on youth in my area, my goals are to create a web-based setting and expand the group nation-wide to let kids like myself know that their circumstances do not have to be their outcome.

What are your current roles and responsibilities?
I hold the responsibility of preparing focus topics for each group meeting. We focus on building strength within ourselves, mental health, believing in ourselves, forgiveness, and trust. Although I started the program, I feel this is a learning process for all of us and we build and grow together.

Photography by Loker Photography

What do you love most about working with the youth in this capacity?
What I love most about working with youth in this capacity is that I get to use my negative experiences in a positive way by helping them through their situations. Most of all just being their friend, listening, encouraging, influencing, teaching, inspiring them, and most importantly reminding them they are not alone.

Photography by Loker Photography

What does it mean to you to be the 2020 Teen Miss Flora Apple Queen? What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
2020 Teen Miss Flora Apple Queen title means the world to me. Each contestant chooses a platform, which is what led me to the DARE-S program. I ran three years straight, the first two I was focused on the crown and not meaning behind what the system stands for. After receiving 1st runner up the second year, I felt a need to continue on with my platform. During that year I grew in ways I never thought possible. This past year I entered knowing who I was, what I wanted to accomplish, and had confidence. My goal was to obtain the title to help build the DARE-S platform, and I succeeded in that and gained so much more.
The Flora Apple Queen Pageant system focuses on building character, empowering girls, and serving our community and I am honored to be a part of that. I hope to leave behind a legacy of the girl that never gave up and kept chasing her dreams regardless of what obstacles were thrown at her.

Photography by Loker Photography

Share with us your Bass Club experiences.
My experience with the FHS Bass Club is one that I never saw myself being a part of. My step-dad Roy is the one that encouraged me to join the club. Why not? I get to spend the day on the lake getting a tan. It became more important to me than that, it is something I look forward to because Roy is my boat captain. He has filled the father piece in my life that was missing, and it is important to me to be a part of this club because we share the enjoyment of it together.

Look for Emma in issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 42

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Annelise Hyche

8/12/2019

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Annelise Hyche - Alabama
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Linda Hyche
Photography by ALP Seniors
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Annelise is 16 years old & loves participating in pageants. She especially loves the opportunity to participate in pageants that include interview & talent. Annelise sings & plays guitar & has enjoyed being a soloist in her youth choir & ensemble. She enjoys modeling & doing videos for local boutiques. Annelise is part of the Teen Team for ALP Seniors Photography. She is an A student with a passion for animals & enjoys working & volunteering at Veterinary Clinics & Animal Shelters. She plans to attend college & study veterinary medicine.

When did you start participating in pageants? How did you start?
I participated in my first pageant in kindergarten. It was the school pageant, and I thought I’d try it. I really didn’t like it then, but I tried it again in middle school and that’s when I really started to think it was fun.

What are some ways to help with self-confidence?
Focus on something that you are really good at. Set a goal and work for it. Put yourself in a group of people that build you up. Don’t let yourself use negative self-talk. Negative self-talk is something I really can’t stand!

How did you get into modeling? What’s your favorite thing about it?
My mom is the manager at a local boutique (Carol’s Boutique) where I’m from. I brought up maybe modeling for some videos and pictures, and the owners really liked the idea. So, I model for them now. I also model for ALP Seniors on her rep team. My favorite thing about it is just having fun with it! I have a blast with the other rep team models. Besides, my best friend is on the team so that makes it super fun too!

Tell us about your life goal about becoming a Veterinarian. How did this profession come your way?
I’ve always had a passion for animals. I like to say it started when I saved a baby bunny from a couple of cats when I was 3! We have several friends that are veterinarians, so I got to start volunteering at a clinic when I was 10. I currently work at a vet clinic now, and I absolutely love it. I got accepted into Auburn University’s Vet Camp back in June, and it was such a wonderful experience! I’m so excited about my future as a veterinarian.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? Set goals & do what it takes to achieve them. Surround yourself with people who want you to do well. Seek godly counsel.

What is your favorite type of music to listen to and why?
My favorite type of music to listen to is Praise & Worship music. It’s a way for me to express my love for Jesus.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years, I will still be in college! (Hopefully at Auburn University!) After that, I plan on having my own vet clinic!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I really love raising chickens. I have 13 chickens as of right now, and they all have names. The majority of them are very docile, and one of them even goes to Tractor Supply with us when we go. She’s an excellent car-rider!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can make a chicken noise that sounds exactly like my hens!

3 Things on your bucket list
Go on a mission trip to Haiti, live on a tropical island at some point in my life, and own a large no-kill animal shelter.

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom and dad! My mom for her calm, cool, and collective-ness; my dad for his great people skills.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I’m a go-getter. I don’t let anything get in the way of my goals. I also really try my best to befriend anyone, even if they are my polar opposite. I’ve seen a couple people in my life do that sort of thing and I’ve always admired them for it.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’ve never had a B on a report card!

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

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Jade Eilers

8/5/2019

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Jade Eilers - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Alisha Eilers
Photography by Rick Martinez and Amin Kabani
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Jade Eilers is Miss Teen Ohio International. She has lost 30 lbs. and committed to a drug free life. She encourages others to take a drug free pledge. She spoke to thousands at the Ohio Statehouse on how it’s cool to be drug free and shared her message at the United Nations. She will be in schools across the country with the steered straight program. She is motivated by the loss of family to addiction, but she shares a message that you don’t have to repeat the cycle and you can make positive choices!

What’s it like being a pageant girl?
Every day I work to break the stigma that comes with being a pageant girl. I remember when I was the honorary captain of the Cincinnati Reds Baseball team & I got to go out and meet with the umpires with my sash on. One umpire looked at me and said, “You’re not world peace, are you?” And I said, “No sir, building a drug-free future.” And he looked a little distraught and he then said “Oh. That’s a cause we can all get behind.” Being a pageant girl is so much more than wearing pretty clothes, a crown, and a banner. It’s about what you use your crown to SAY.

Tell us about your drug-free life and taking the drug free pledge.
I’ve chosen to live a drug free life because I’ve lost several family members to their addiction. From a young age I’ve seen the pain and problems an addiction can lay on a family. I’ve chosen to take the drug free pledge & partnered with the organization that created the pledge (Foundation for a Drug Free World) in order to promote healthy choices & build a drug free future. Since then, I’ve taken my drug prevention efforts one step further. I will be partnering with Steered Straight and going on a speaking tour to share my message that it’s cool to be drug free! I anticipate reaching over 20,000 students!

If someone is interested in weight loss what are some healthy choices they can make?
If someone’s interested in weight loss, there are a lot of healthy choices they can make! I would suggest trying to be as active as you can or designing in workouts. Meal planning is also a big key! We typically eat things that aren’t healthy when we need food fast! When you take the time to measure out certain foods and put thought behind what you’re eating is when real changes happen!

What was it like sharing your message at the United Nations?
First, the UN is INCREDIBLE! But when I was practicing my speech I was always thinking, I’ve done theatre for 9 years, I’ll be fine! But when I got up to speak, I was practically shaking! However, I think the speech went well & it was a life changing experience!

Tell us about some of the awards you have won.
Some awards I have won include: The Drug Free Hero award, 2 state resolutions & best Actress in a play!

What advice would you give someone who wants to be where you are today?
If someone wanted to be where I am today, I would just say: Don’t be afraid to tell the truth. So many people are hiding what they’ve been through because it hurts to talk about. You have to be honest and sometimes vulnerable in order to share an effective message that people will relate to.

Why do you think you are inspiring?
I think it’s inspiring how I’ve turned what hurt me into what I talk about. I’m not letting the absence of my father bring me down, I’m letting it lift me up and others.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my mother incredibly inspiring. She came from almost nothing and had to work very hard to build us a better life. She was incredible in school, has an amazing work ethic, and doesn’t let what hurt her define her.

How do you picture yourself in five years?
What I want to do changes weekly, however I’ve always wanted to go to Vanderbilt University! I could totally see myself there in 5 years, studying Political Science, on my way to becoming a lobbyist!

How do you stay organized?
I keep myself organized with the help of my “Momager” mom! We have a master calendar & we take everything day by day. We just plan very far ahead!

What are some of your favorite past times that aren’t in your nomination?
I love to listen to music (Lauren Daigle & Billie Eilish) and do makeup! I like to do those things while hanging with my friends too!

Do you have a hidden talent?
I’m double jointed in my arms and six fingers so I can move them in an oddly fascinating way.

Pizza or tacos? Water or soda? Dogs or cats?
I’m Puerto Rican, I love tacos! I’m a huge water drinker. Although I’m allergic to dogs AND cats, I’m still a dog person!

What are three things on your bucket list?
Get into Vanderbilt University (hopefully on a full ride) -travel to Italy -Graduate with honors

Is there anything extra you want to tell us?
I’m very excited to be featured in this magazine!

Jade will be featured in Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Gabriella Morando

7/27/2019

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Gabriella Morando - Ohio
Interview by Claire Path
Nomination by Elisabeth Morando
Photography by David Beckham Photography
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Gabi is inspiring because she is incredibly dedicated to and passionate about the things that are important to her. She has studied classical ballet for 12 years and devotes up to 20 hours per week to dance, striving for excellence and perfection despite exhaustion and pain from injuries. Ballet has taught her the necessity of practicing something over and over again in order to achieve every bit of progress, something that requires so much patience and focus. She applies the same qualities to metal sculpting and jewelry-making, for which she has won statewide awards. Gabi is an honors student with a 4.4 GPA and a flexible school schedule so she can work to advance her community service projects, too, like her volunteer work for the Ronald McDonald House and human trafficking charities like her own initiative, Prevent-Prepare-Stay Aware, and she has reached thousands of elementary students with her anti-bullying pro-kindness message. Gabi is currently Miss Ohio High School.

How has your passion for classical ballet impacted your daily life, and what do you love most about dancing?
Ballet touches everything I do because studying this art has had such a huge impact on who I am. Classical ballet has taught me discipline, patience, appreciation for my mind and body, and it has given me a strong work ethic. Ballet is so focused on perfecting the smallest of moves that it has taught me the necessity of practicing something again and again in order to make incremental improvements. I understand nutrition and injury prevention and care because of ballet, and I have learned to love classical music and the beautiful stories that dancers tell without words.
My favorite thing, though, is performing. So many hours go into preparing for just a few minutes on stage, but the feeling I get from performing is like none other, and it’s always worth it.

When did you first start pageantry, and what is one of your favorite experiences from it?
I started pageants at age 9. Since then, pageantry has truly been the most amazing journey, and I’m so thankful to be able to do it. One of the best things about it is being able speak with kids and hear their experiences. Just last winter, I made one little girl’s dearest Christmas wish come true. My first ballet teacher told me about a young student dreaming of being a pageant princess with a beautiful dress and crown, but her family couldn’t do that for her. I was blessed to be able to surprise her with a perfect ballgown and tiara, and we had a photo shoot to commemorate the day. It was something I’ll never forget.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
My dream and my goal is that in 5 years I will be dancing professionally in a classical ballet company, and I will be serving on the board of a significant anti-human trafficking non-profit, helping make changes in legislation and social programs to help victims. And I will be Miss Universe!

What do you love most about volunteering to help others in need?
Volunteering is something I have grown up doing. I still remember visiting and helping to serve meals with my mom at homeless shelters when I was only 4 years old. I love being able to serve other people, and the feeling I get from doing that is so magical. I feel blessed that I have had role models in my life who have taught me the importance of giving back and helping others who are not as fortunate.

How has your involvement in your community impacted who you are and what you stand up for?
Community service has given me a certain perspective on life that I don’t think I would have if I only looked to my own needs. Seeing what other people go through makes me appreciate what I have so much more, and it reminds me to take nothing for granted. Helping others has done so much good for me, and I’m so grateful to all the organizations I’ve worked with for giving me a chance to make a difference.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Don’t be afraid to go after what you want! It’s so easy to let fear stop you from trying things because, frankly, trying something new is scary. But if you face your fear and go ahead and try, you will always find that what you’re afraid of isn’t so scary after all.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
Time management is a real challenge but I’m really lucky that my school was just starting an online curriculum when I was an entering freshman, and they agreed to let me be the first student to try a blended schedule of some online classes and some in-school classes. So I get to use school labs and facilities for science and art, for instance, but I have the flexibility of online classes that I can do whenever and wherever I am. I like to work ahead as much as I can when I have time, too, so I can focus on dance more when I need to or do my community service projects.

Image by Elisabeth Morando

What do you enjoy most about jewelry making and what awards have you won from it?
I love how jewelry making is so detail-oriented. It takes so long to make the smallest chain link or a single engraving, but the work put in shows in the final product. I have won gold and silver keys in the Scholastic Art Competition, was a finalist in the Ohio Governor’s Youth Art Exhibition, and I was the one student chosen to represent my congressional district in the Ohio House of Representatives Student Art Exhibition that will remain on display for this entire year.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
If I inspire others, I hope it’s because they can relate to me and the struggles I have had and hard work I have to do to reach for my dreams. When I was little, my shyness made me quit ballet after my first class because I couldn’t stand people looking at me. That shyness is still there inside me, and it’s a constant effort for me to fight it. But the effort has made me strong enough to be able to continually face my fear and perform onstage, speak in front of crowds, and put myself out there to be judged by pageant judges and everyone else who is watching. If I can do that, believe me — anyone can do it.

Who do you find inspiring?
I get inspiration from many sources, including some famous people like my favorite, Audrey Hepburn. But mainly I’m inspired every day by the people I’m surrounded by—people at school who work so hard to get amazing grades, the girls I dance with who never give up even when it’s painful and difficult, my family and friends who believe in me and support me no matter what.

Image by Elisabeth Morando

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’m so honored to be featured in Inspiring Teens magazine. I know I have had the benefit of being inspired by many amazing people, and the possibility that I can provide inspiration for someone else is wonderful and humbling. I’m very grateful.

Gabriella will be featured in Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Emma Griffith

Emma Griffith - Illinois
Nomination by Kim Haun
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Annelise Hyche

Annelise Hyche - Alabama
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Linda Hyche
Photography by ALP Seniors
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jade Eilers

Jade Eilers - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Alisha Eilers
Photography by Rick Martinez and Amin Kabani
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gabriella Morando

Gabriella Morando - Ohio
Interview by Claire Path
Nomination by Elisabeth Morando
Photography by David Beckham Photography
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Emma Griffith

Emma Griffith - IllinoisNomination by Kim HaunPhotography by Loker PhotographyIssue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Annelise Hyche

​Annelise Hyche - AlabamaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Linda HychePhotography by ALP SeniorsIssue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Jade Eilers

Jade Eilers - OhioInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination by Alisha EilersPhotography by Rick Martinez and Amin Kabani​Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Gabriella Morando

Gabriella Morando - OhioInterview by Claire PathNomination by Elisabeth MorandoPhotography by David Beckham PhotographyIssue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Emma Griffith - Illinois
Nomination by Kim Haun
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Annelise Hyche - Alabama
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Linda Hyche
Photography by ALP Seniors
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jade Eilers - Ohio
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Alisha Eilers
Photography by Rick Martinez and Amin Kabani
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gabriella Morando - Ohio
Interview by Claire Path
Nomination by Elisabeth Morando
Photography by David Beckham Photography
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine