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Payton Kendall

2/4/2021

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​Payton Kendall – Pennsylvania
Nomination and Photography by Amy Hedges Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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The Nomination: Payton Kendall, dedicated and determined, is a dual enrolled high school senior and a college freshman. She is a three-season high school varsity athlete participating in field hockey, basketball, and softball in addition to playing recreation and travel softball in the summer. Payton gives back to her community by assisting with the local baseball little league, assisting with a local community center, and in her church. Her future plans consist of attending college, playing either college field hockey or softball while majoring in exercise science in pursuit of a degree as an athletic trainer.

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Photography by Amy Hedges Photography

​What do you want us to know about you, and what do you like doing for fun?
Although I am only 18, I have experienced both struggles, academically with a learning disability, and accomplishments, with learning to overcome my setbacks. Being a high school senior and a dual-enrolled college freshman, it is my positive attitude and encouraging nature that helps me in being a thoughtful role model for my peers as well as my teammates, during sports competitions. I enjoy various sports and the friendships that are developed in a fun and hardworking atmosphere. We can help each other achieve goals individually and as a group finding mutual interest in the sports, we share. There are new memories with each new game.

Tell us about your sports career. How did you get started and what do you like to play most? What is a favorite memory or accomplishment from that sport?
My desire to compete began at an early age. I started playing baseball at the age of four and have competed in various sports that include baseball, softball, in-line speed skating, basketball, and field hockey. Although I love softball, field hockey has given me much success. In my varsity career, I have assisted my team in winning four varsity district titles, advancing to state-level competition, and working hard to highlight my skills to college coaches, in efforts to compete at the college level, in one of the most trying seasons of 2020.

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Photography by Amy Hedges Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
It is important to me to talk to others about the importance of sportsmanship. This word means a great deal on and off the field or court. My personality and my experience allow me to understand my teammate’s frustrations and share in their joy. Sportsmanship is about encouraging others to be their best for themselves and the team, working hard together, and communicating for better results with each practice and competition. It is important to lead by example and help others understand that winning is fun, but losing only happens when we quit trying.

How did you get involved with assisting with the local little league team and what do you love most about it?
Returning to the little league where I started my athletic career is a great opportunity. I started assisting my dad with his little league team, and it has been a rewarding experience watching the young athletes work to achieve their personal goals as well as accomplish milestones within the game. Assisting with various tournaments at the complex has allowed me to continue to contribute to my community and helps provide opportunities for youth to build a love for the game that I enjoy, too.

Tell us about your church activities and what roles and responsibilities you have within.
My religion and the opportunities in my church provide another way to help children grow. I assist in teaching Sunday school and encourage learning as well as growth through God’s word.
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Photography by Amy Hedges Photography

​What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The most difficult situation that I have ever experienced and accomplished is a challenge that I deal with daily. Learning to achieve academic success despite my learning disability that makes it difficult to read and comprehend easily has required me to place a great deal of effort into learning coping mechanisms that allow me to work towards my goal of higher education. Though it is not a badge of honor that I wear, it has taught me that an obstacle is only a problem if you allow it to be a problem that you are incapable of overcoming.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
The advice I would give to others to achieve the success that I have experienced is to never give up. It is determination that will provide the fuel to achieve your dreams. If you quit, you will never know what you are capable of reaching.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years, I expect that my world will change drastically. My dreams will lead me to experience college sports and graduation with a bachelor’s degree in exercise science. I will be looking towards a master’s program to further my ambitions of obtaining a collegiate sports training career.

3 Things on your bucket list
Having a bucket list means that you are constantly working toward achieving something better. Currently, my bucket list is full of adventure, challenges, and a little risk. It consists of traveling the world to experience various cultures, zip lining through the rainforest, and on a smaller scale, skydiving.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Thank you for the opportunity to participate in this program as it was surprise to be nominated and I am very thankful.

Look for Payton in issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 43
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Sophia Gardner

2/3/2021

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Sophia Gardner – Pennsylvania
Nomination and Photography by Tish Oconnor Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​The Nomination: Sophia Gardner - Four State Medals in track by the end of Sophomore year was no small feat after working through a shattered pelvis and asthma. The mental toughness she was forced to adopt was her greatest task of all. Personal responsibility, fortitude, and tenacity are just a few of the unexpected traits that were cultured when she could have simply given up. Now, she passes these invaluable lessons on to the younger athletes at the camps she volunteers for and to her teammates on the track and basketball teams. Being a inspiration and mentor is one of her greatest honors and achievements.
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Photography by Tish Oconnor Photography

​Tell us about your injury and recovery. What kept you going?
Faith. That is what kept me going. My injuries could have been career ending, according to the doctors, but I refused to accept this defeat. I loved track, jumping, and my team too much to accept this as my fate. Athletics has always given me a sense of family and accomplishment. I had obliterated my pelvis, shattering it into pieces. My hip and groin were injured too. The road to recovery was long and arduous. I fought hard and came back even stronger. God is the only reason I soar through the air, despite the obstacles that try to hold me back.

What are the camps you volunteer for and what do you do there? What do you love most about it?
To have knowledge is fruitless unless you are going to share it with others. Vacation Bible School and a sprint/agility camp for young athletes have been how I give back. At VBS, I guide and mentor children of varying ages as they grow their faith in God through fun and educational activities. At the sprint/agility camp, I assist in coaching young athletes as they improve their athletic skills. These camps bring me so much joy because I can share the Word of God with everyone in my community, as well as mentor young athletes as they pursue their dreams.

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Photography by Tish Oconnor Photography

​Share with us about your track and basketball careers.
Basketball has taught me so much about teamwork and toughness. I believe basketball is a metaphor for life. You have to trust your teammates, think quickly, be tough, and put in the work when no one is looking. It has been a great cross trainer for track both mentally and physically. My basketball team has won district and conference championships and been state qualifiers. While basketball teaches me about working as a team, track teaches me how to rely on myself. Earning four state medals, I keep striving to top myself and put in extra hours to be better than I was yesterday.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
A piece of advice that I would love to share with other aspiring teens would be to stay focused on your goals, no matter how lonely or difficult the journey is. There will always be people that want you to fail and situations that hinder your abilities, but it is vital to anyone, especially aspiring females, to push through setbacks that may seem impossible. You have to come from a place of discipline, not emotion. And you have to draw faith from God even when the odds seem like they are stacked against you.

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Photography by Tish Oconnor Photography

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Successful, happy, accomplished, and giving back. I understand that you first have to accomplish great things to be able to teach great things. I plan to achieve and learn in the field of marketing and advertising at the University of Pittsburgh, while striving to be the best I can be on the track team. I would then love to mentor young girls in a professional environment showing them how athletics, hard work, and faith can give them a beautiful life. I hope to inspire others to focus on their responsibilities and give back so they can live their dream life too.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I pray that my perseverance and faith inspire other teens. I want others to know that it is an acquired skill to not accept the bad things that happen to us, and to push through obstacles even when the outcome looks hopeless. Injuries, setbacks, and failures exist, but to know that God will only challenge us to allow our faith to shine through is the lesson I hope to pass on. It’s not about winning the medal, it’s the lessons along the journey that make us stronger and wiser.

Look for Sophia in issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 43
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Alaina Gallegor

12/17/2020

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Alaina Gallegor – Pennsylvania
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by Candi Benek Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​The Nomination: Alaina Gallegor is a kind young woman. She plans on attending nursing school after graduation. She’s been dancing forn15 years and currently teaches young dancers in her studio.
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Photography by Candi Benek Photography

​Tell us your dance story. When did you start, where and what do you study now, & what do you love most about it?
I started dancing at Kristine’s School of Dance when I was just three years old and now, I'm eighteen years old. All my sisters grew up dancing and it is something we all enjoy. This year, I am studying Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Lyrical, Jazz, and Hip Hop. I love the energy of the dance studio the most. The second you walk in, everyone says hi and it’s the best feeling after a hard day of school. We all know each other and are super close. I like to call them my family.

What opportunities has dance brought to you?
Dance has brought me the opportunity to have a place to be myself. At school, I keep to myself but when I go to dance, I can just open up and I know everyone will be there to listen and help. It has brought me new, amazing friends. I guess you could say dance has brought me the opportunity to be in this magazine.

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Photography by Candi Benek Photography

​What is a favorite memory from dance?
One of my favorite memories was during Friendsgiving last year at the studio. We all brought snacks and slept in the studio. We watched a movie through a projector and played card games. It was a night I don’t think I could ever forget. Another memory is small but when I received this question, I couldn’t leave it out. The girls and I make a lot of jokes and we are very close with our instructors and we could laugh for the whole class. Even though that might get us in trouble sometimes.

What is your biggest accomplishment or success in dance?
I think my biggest accomplishment in dance is finishing every performance knowing I put so much hard work into it. I have finished every stage rehearsal, dress rehearsal, and performance that I've committed too. I go to class every day and I rarely miss so I know I have put in as much work as I can.

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Photography by Candi Benek Photography

Tell us about the dance classes you teach and the legacy you hope to leave behind.
I am a student teacher in a lower level Acrobatics class. I make sure they are ready to go. I also go through their warm-up routine. My role in their classroom is to make sure they never fall. I hope they remember me as, “Miss Alaina, who always caught me.” They are all beautiful and strong girls who have a lot of potential and I hope they continue to dance until they graduate like I will be doing.

Look for Alaina in issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 41
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Audrianne Speidel

12/17/2020

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Audrianne Speidel – Pennsylvania
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Heidi Anne Speidel
Photography by Lisha Lee Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Devotion to others through leadership and positive role modeling is Audrianne Speidel. She aspires to bring joy to all and approaches every experience as growth and learning. Audrianne is French NHS & Interact President, FBLA Regional/State champion, in Art NHS, NHS, SADD, Cheer, Dance, and Girl Scouts. Audrianne is a vocalist and instrumentalist, volunteers with Bolivar VFC, works at Ligonier Paws on Main, is a ModelWeek Pittsburgh ambassador, BAA alumni, and will receive her LVHS diploma and an Associate degree, June 2021. Audrianne has a beautiful soul, inside and out, and inspires many with her genuine heart of gold.
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Photography by Heidi Anne Speidel

​Tell us about your passion towards the arts, performing arts and theater.
The arts have always been a huge part of my life. From early childhood, I always loved musicals and performers, and wanted to be on the stage or in the movie with them. I started dance at the age of 2, which then exposed me to a whole new aspect of the arts. I have gained so much appreciation toward those who pursue a career in the arts. So much, that I want to also pursue a career in that field. Unlike most theatrical performers, I didn’t participate in shows from a young age, focusing on my dance training instead. When I did begin working in the theater, I knew: that’s what I want to do for the rest of my life. The arts are also very underfunded and unappreciated, especially in my area. There are not many opportunities to pursue training or performance opportunities unless you want to travel. I am very lucky to have a mom who is up for weekend trips to New York City, where I do the bulk of my training. The pandemic has cancelled many of my trainings but has given me more opportunities to do Zoom classes with some incredible artists.

What are your highest accomplishments/what are you most proud of from each?
One of my greatest accomplishments is placing 5th overall in Publication Design at the FBLA Virtual Pennsylvania State Leadership Conference in April of 2020. Digital media and publication has always been something I was interested in, but I took the leap this past year to compete in the event. I placed 1st overall at our Regional Leadership Conference in December 2019 to my shock, as I was in fierce competition with people who work on digital media for their education. Being able to compete at the state level, and then to place in the top 5, was a complete shock to me and I hope to continue that streak in this year’s competition.

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Photography by Lisha Lee Photography

​What are your goals for 2021 with each and how do you think Covid will affect them?
Some of my goals for 2021 vary from getting to work with more Broadway professionals and growing as a performer, to growing as a person, and of course graduating from high school and leaving home. Covid has really changed how I run my life. I have always been such a Type A personality, planning everything out to a T. During this everchanging time, I have begun to relax into my choices and have the outlook of “everything happens for a reason”. So even though so much of my junior and now senior years have either been cancelled, postponed, or changed drastically, I appreciate the little things that we can still do, and hope for the best in the future.

Tell us about Bolivar VFC and Indiana County Miracle League. What are they, what are your roles in each, and what do you love most about being involved in each?

Bolivar VFC is our local fire company, where my dad is actually chief. I have grown up there, helping my mom, who runs the kitchen and assist with all the fundraisers throughout my life. I joined as an inactive member at 14, continuing in my parents’ footsteps. I have always loved helping in the kitchen before events, making sure everything is just right with my mom before the doors open and all the people come rushing in.

Indiana County Miracle League holds a special place in my heart. They approached me back in 2018 to begin singing the National Anthem for them, which I happily accepted. The Miracle League is the County’s baseball team for those with disabilities, through the Pittsburgh Pirates Foundation. Every time I sing it never fails to put a smile on my face getting to see everyone have so much fun doing something they love to do.


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Photography by Lisha Lee Photography

What legacy do you hope to leave behind this year?
I would say that the legacy I would like to leave behind this year is just to be yourself and follow your dreams, no matter what people say. 2020 has been a rough year for everyone, but it has been a great period of learning who we are as people. The big things that were cancelled led the way for smaller, more meaningful occasions, which will matter more in the long run!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up and keep following your dreams. There may be times where everything around you seems to be against you, but it will get better and you will overcome. And the person you become will be even greater than the one before.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years, I hope to be working in New York City, on Broadway, or travelling the country on a Broadway National Tour!

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel as much as humanly possible,
Lead a Broadway show (and maybe win a Tony Award for it),
and be the best version of me I possibly can

How do you keep your schedule straight when you are so busy?
A lot of time management and planning in advance. When Spring rolls around (my busiest time of year on a normal year), I always make sure I have everything mapped out in my planner and phone so I don’t forget someone or something.

Look for Audrianne in issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 41
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Jessica Stabile

10/23/2020

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Jessica Stabile - Pennsylvania
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by Linda James Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Jessica Stabile is a sweet, energetic, intelligent & kind young woman. I've had the privilege of knowing her since she was in preschool! She works hard at everything she does. She's a star basketball player & currently the only senior on her team, enabling her to be a strong leader. She maintains excellent grades, serves as a rep on my senior model team, captain of her basketball team, mentors freshman students and works a part-time job at a retirement community. She plans to study forensic science in college & pursue a career in the FBI.
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Photography by Linda James Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Throughout my life, diversity, equity, and inclusion have been extremely important to me. Everyone is not the same and we all face challenges. These challenges could be because of our race, religion, gender, sexual identity, or even medical condition. I was taught to accept everyone from a young age because my father has epilepsy. I have seen first-hand the discrimination and struggles of someone having a disability and it shaped me into a person who is not afraid to stick up for what is right and who wants to use their voice to make a difference. The stigma surrounding my father's medical condition fueled ignorance and discrimination throughout his life. It is time to flatten the curve on ignorance to people with medical conditions and disabilities. I am and will continue to be an advocate for educating my peers on the importance of inclusion and equity on all levels. One initiative that I am actively involved in at the student level is a freshman mentoring program at my high school. My goal through this program is to address issues of bias and judgment to create a more empathetic, equal, and welcoming community.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
Through my experience in mentorship and leadership, I learned that everyone experiences adversity, and these problems or situations can be easily overcome with the right support system, attitude, and direction. My mentorship and leadership roles game me a new perspective on the importance of providing a positive and welcoming climate in new, challenging situations. It is important for teens to look for those people and groups that are there to help and provide guidance. This has taught me that we do not make this journey all by ourselves, but it is up to us to seek out the right help and be brave enough to accept that help.

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Photography by Linda James Photography

​We love that you are taking a leadership role on something you are so passionate about. Tell us about your freshman mentoring program - how it got started, how often you meet, how you address the issues, and how you feel the group is impacted and carries the message outside of the group.
Link Crew is a national program designed to help facilitate the freshmen transition into high school. As a Link Crew Leader at my high school, I am assigned a group of freshmen each year to help them navigate through their freshman year. We start to build relationships with our group in the summer with various activities, which continues throughout the school year. Drawing on my past experiences and challenges as an incoming freshman, I encouraged students to join new activities, helped them identify resources for academic help, provided frequent communication on social activities, and talked through issues that students were experiencing. I stressed the importance of trying new activities even though they may be intimidating at first, and to not be afraid to reach out for help when they are struggling academically or socially. I enjoyed watching my group grow as young adults and face and conquer their struggles head-on. Most importantly, this program provided a positive school culture and climate and the lessons will carry over in all stages of life, far beyond their freshman year.

Congratulations on your success in basketball. Tell us what you love about the sport, how long you've played, a favorite memory, and what legacy or thoughts you want to leave behind to the underclassman players.
I have been playing basketball since 2nd grade when my dad was my first coach. He helped mold me into the player that I am today. Since then, I’ve played in multiple leagues and played in tournaments all over the United States with some of the most talented athletes in the country. My favorite memory is from my junior year when my high school team traveled to Florida to compete in a national tournament. We took first place and also grew tremendously as a team. I truly enjoy my role of team captain and providing leadership and mentorship to the underclassmen. I am sure the underclassman players may not remember how many games we won or lost in a particular season, but I hope they remember how I made them feel as a person and teammate both on and off the court.

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Photography by Linda James Photography

Tell us about your model team. What do you do in it and what do you love best about it? Why would you recommend your model team to upcoming seniors?
I am fortunate to have worked with Linda James Photography on her teen modeling team as well as her senior team. I appreciate that Linda provides a welcoming environment and fun opportunities for the group to regularly meet, acts as a mentor, and makes us all feel equally confident. She has a talent to perfectly capture each of our unique personalities, whether it be in a group or individual shoot, and I would highly recommend upcoming seniors to get involved so they can make some irreplaceable memories and meet new friends their senior year.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I plan to be graduating college with a degree in forensic science and criminal law with hopes of pursuing a career with the FBI.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love to travel and attend concerts with my friends. I have traveled around the country to see my favorite artists. I have really missed concerts during the pandemic and can’t wait until I can attend them again!

Look for Jessica in Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 39
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Julia Ischinger

10/19/2020

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Julia Ischinger – Pennsylvania
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Photography by Julia Ischinger
Nomination by Kristen Ischinger
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Julia Ischinger is a smart, hard-working junior. She takes honors and AP classes and is very motivated. She is involved in student government, athletic council, and plays lacrosse. Julia has a big heart and loves helping others.
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Photography by CPI Photography

​Tell us about your honors and AP classes and what keeps you motivated.
This year I am in 4 honors classes and 2 AP classes. What keeps me motivated is thinking that all this hard work will pay off in the future. I focus on my goals of going to a good college and having a good job.

What part do you play in student government? 
I am involved in helping set up fundraisers and events for my school and before Corona we would help set up dances and other events.


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Photography by CPI Photography

What is the athletic council and what do you do in it?
The athletic council goes hand-in-hand with student government. They focus on the themes we would have for football games, school spirit, homecoming week, and the powderpuff football game. I help set up all these events as well.
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​How long have you played lacrosse and what got you interested? What is a favorite memory from it?
I played lacrosse since my freshmen year. I thought I should pick up a sport and everyone who played in my school was also relatively new to it. My favorite memories are the practices and becoming close with the girls on the team.

Look for Julia in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 39
Click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Jazlyn Yanssens

9/24/2020

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Jazlyn Yanssens - Pennsylvania
Interview by Olivia Bush
Noination and Photography by Photographybyalessa
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Jazlyn Yanssens is selfless, helpful, caring and a life saver. One early morning this summer I witnessed a man collapse in the park across the street from our house. After calling 911 I ran to check on him and discovered he was not breathing. The 911 operator asked if I knew CPR and I answered “no, but my daughter does.” I ran to get her, she was asleep, but jumped out of bed, and ran to the park without hesitation. She immediately began CPR, and it WORKED! She saved his life. After a week in the hospital, and many prayers he came to visit her to thank his “Angel”. Thankfully, Jazlyn knew what to do because she was a lifeguard. She has inspired me to take CPR and she hopes she inspired others to do the same.
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Photography by Photographybyalessa

Tell me about the moment when you were woken up by your mom, what was going through your head in that moment?
The moment my mom woke me up, I instantly thought I woke up late for moving my brother into college. I never would have expected to be saving a life.

Why did you decide to get your CPR certification and why do you believe it is important for others to get theirs?
I got my CPR certification during my life guard training. I decided to do this because I thought it would be a fun job to work at our local pool with a bunch of my friends from the swim team. I think it is very important that others get certified because you never know when you’ll need to step into help someone like I did.

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Photography by Photographybyalessa

​What does it mean to you to be an inspiration to many people because you saved this man's life?
It means a lot to me that people see me as an inspiration because I saved a mans life. I love knowing that people feel safe around me because of what I did, it’s also an honor knowing people look up to me and want to learn CPR because of my story.

What different volunteer projects have you participated in and which has been your favorite?
I have also volunteered at school tutoring for middle school students and worked in the tech department. I also walk my elderly neighbor’s dog a couple times a week. My favorite would have to be tutoring though, I love working with the students one on one. I also love hearing feedback that I helped raise their grades.
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Photography by Photographybyalessa
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What inspired you to want to become a lifeguard? How long have you been doing this and where else do you work?
Many of my teammates on the swim team are life guards and our assistant coach is the manager at the pool, so I thought it would be fun to work with my teammates at the pool. I only got to work at the pool one summer, since the pool got closed due to covid this summer. I now work for a sign company.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest things I’ve accomplished was qualifying for the district championship for swimming. Our girls team qualified for the 200-freestyle relay. At the beginning of the season we never thought we would’ve made it, but we worked hard as a team and went all out at every meet, and qualified at our very last chance. It was such an amazing feeling we got to experience as a team.
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Photography by Photographybyalessa

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In the future I plan on going to college and earning a bachelors degree in supply chain management.

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom is my inspiration. She is the hardest worker I know and would love to be half the woman she is one day. She is her own boss, working for her businesses she’s made for herself. She is such a hard worker and deserves everything she receives.

Jazlyn will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Sierra Zaccagnino

8/20/2020

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​Sierra Zaccagnino - Pennsylvania
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Caryn Gratz
Photography by Inspiring Teens Magazine
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​The Nomination: Sierra Zaccagnino, Editor of Inspiring Teens Magazine, is a creative and natural leader with unwavering determination. In school she is her class’ public relations officer, the VP of the National English Honor Society, an FBLA competitor and voting delegate, and a team leader of the freshman mentor program. She does this all while maintaining a high academic standard of being in the top 10% of her 400+ student class. Sierra spends much of her free time drawing and painting, playing piano, writing stories, and turning sketches into fashion designs. After college, she aims to pursue a career in advertising and marketing.

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Photography by Inspiring Teens Magazine
​How did you get involved with Inspiring Teens Magazine and what does your role as editor entail? What do you like most about being involved with so many teens from all over the world through it?
I initially wrote articles and participated in photoshoots for the magazine starting my freshman year of high school. Over the years I have had a couple of ideas on how to improve the magazine and keep things fresh, so I was very happy to accept the editor position at the start of my junior year. My primary responsibility is to review all interview submissions from nominated teens and edit their writing, without altering their stories. One of my favorite parts of my position is leading our online international meetings where members come together to develop leadership conferences and global service projects. I love getting to know and speak with the inspiring teens who I read so much about! 
 
What do you like so much about being a leader?
Being a leader is important to me because I have the opportunity to foster a collaborative community and I get to uplift others. People look up to you as a leader, and I enjoy carrying that responsibility.

What are your duties as a class’ public relations officer?
As the public relations officer, I control the class profile on social media platforms and use these platforms, as well as regular print media, to share and receive information with the student population. I also work with the other student officers to plan and run popular events such as the Homecoming Dance, Junior Prom, Fall Festival, and Senior Prom.

How do you balance extra circulars and your leadership positions while maintaining top 10% in your class?
Most of my extracurriculars and leadership positions revolve around subjects that I already work on in school, so I like to view these activities as extensions of my learning outside the classroom. Additionally, I find it best to take challenging classes that you’re truly interested in because then you will have more motivation to learn and excel. For example, I choose to take more English and history courses because I know that I’m willing to put in the effort for subjects I love.

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Photography by Sierra Zaccagnino

What kind of fashion do you like to design, why?
I like to blend contemporary and artistic fashion because there is something incredibly satisfying about wearing clothes that I’ve designed myself, but it is also rewarding to see more experimental ideas come to life. I was fortunate enough to spend some of last summer at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago learning all about fashion design through the lens of fabric manipulation and dimensional art.

What is your favorite kind of story, why?
While I do have a soft spot for certain historical tales, my favorite type of stories are primarily realistic or dystopian fiction. In general, I enjoy a book with good character development, appropriate pacing, unique point (or points) of view, and a distinctive voice. Some memorable books that I’ve read recently are Disappearing Earth and Normal People.

How does everything you do keep you so focused on your final goal?
Storytelling is a big part of my identity given that I often incorporate it in all my creative and even academic ventures. I know that I can use a strength like this in the future within an advertising or marketing career because I will need to analyze situations from multiple viewpoints. Knowing this furthermore encourages me to continue expressing myself and seek new experiences from which to learn.


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