Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Anna Hurtado

11/9/2020

Anna Hurtado - Arizona
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by
Sand & Light Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: In her Mother's words: Anna is inspiring because since she was little, she has shown us that dreams come true with hard work. Her dedication, passion and perseverance has led her to accomplish much.
She’s a dedicated student, who knows that school is important-but not more important than her faith and her family.
When she fails trying to accomplish something, Anna manages to learn from her mistakes to overcome them and thus show herself that a bad result does not define what you are capable of achieving.
She has a kind heart and likes volunteering to help the less fortunate. We’re blessed to have Anna as our daughter.

Photography by Sand & Light Photography

Tell us about your high school experiences and how they affected you through your high school years.
I have learned a lot during high school. In my freshman year, I learned to be patient with myself and to get comfortable with failure, and to learn from that failure. In my sophomore year, I learned to identify the negative influences in my life and to move on from them. My junior year, I learned that in every aspect of life, love is everything. I’m not sure what lesson senior year has for me yet, but I’m grateful for these experiences that shaped me into the person I am today.

What performing arts performances have you participated in, and which was your favorite? Why?
I have nurtured my passion for performing during my high school years. At my school, I performed in Don't Rock The Boat, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat , The Lion, The Witch and The Wardrobe, and Mary Poppins. I have also participated in choir and dance performances, and voice and piano recitals. My favorite performing experience has to be Mary Poppins. While it took effort to get into the character of Jane Banks, the process was fun because it required me to explore the inner child in me, which is a refreshing way to look at things at this point in my life. It also taught me that, as one of the songs from the show states, anything can happen if you let it.

Photography by Sand & Light Photography

What leadership opportunities have you had? Share your favorite story.
These past few years, I have had several leadership opportunities at my school, including being: a house leader in its house system, a leader on the freshman retreat, a school ambassador, an officer in the Exchange Club, and a leader for our Kairos retreat soon. My favorite experience I have had as a leader has definitely been leading my house on the Unified Field Day that my school organizes for students with disabilities from other schools nearby. We spent many hours and meetings organizing our field day game, and in the end it was worth the fun and smiles shared by everyone.

What does the NHS mean to you and why are you so proud to be a member?
Being a member in my school’s chapter of National Honor Society (NHS) means to me that I’m capable of achieving a prestigious standard, and still signals me to foster these pillars in my own life. I am proud to be a member in the NHS because I’ve earned my place in it through my own hard work and because I’m proud to be part of an organization that not only recognizes students’ achievements but also encourages us to take those virtues and use them to make a positive impact in our communities.

Photography by Amy Schaumberg

Your nomination mentions you enjoy volunteering. Where do you volunteer and what do you love about it?
I have had several volunteering experiences. Throughout high school, I have participated in my school’s music ministry, either playing the violin or singing in the choir. I have also volunteered at places such as St. Vincent de Paul, Midwest Food Bank, as well as my own parish. My favorite and most frequent way to serve is in the music ministry because I already love to sing and play music, and it feels right to use those gifts I am given to give back to my community.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
To anyone who wants to be where I am today, I would advise them to never underestimate what they’re capable of achieving. By limiting your belief in what you can do, you hold yourself back from being able to achieve what you want. Quoting Theodore Roosevelt, believe you can and you’re halfway there. That is a belief that has helped me achieve my goals and I believe it will help many others reach their potential.

Photography by Sand & Light Photography

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/ what are your plans?
In five years, I see myself graduating from college and I hope to see myself starting a new and exciting career in either writing or performing, in a lively city like New York City or London.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite activity to do in my free time is teach myself how to play instruments. So far, I’ve learned to play the ukulele and I can play some guitar.

3 Things on your bucket list:
Three things on my bucket list are: to be a polyglot, to play Christine in a production of Phantom of the Opera, and to travel around the world.

Look for Anna in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Grace Pitts

10/16/2020

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Grace Pitts – Arkansas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by Christen Pitts
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Grace Pitts shines on and off the stage/screen! She performed in NYC in The America Project, an off-Broadway workshop, more than 20 plays/musicals (two world premieres), and many commercials/films. She is a member of the Dance Troupe, Thespian Society, NHS for Dance Arts, Choir, Tri-M Music Society, Teen Ensemble, Heart Ball Sweetheart (Silver Service Award), Girl of Distinction- Arkansas Women’s Hall of Fame. Grace uses her artistic gifts to inspire, teach, learn, challenge, and create opportunities. She also created her own baked goods/custom art business, Grace’s Gifts, and has over 350 clients!

Photography by Christen Pitts

How did you get your start on and off the stage/screen? What are your most memorable moments at auditions and/or behind the scenes?
My mom is a dance teacher and choreographer, so I was “attending” rehearsals when she was pregnant with me! I loved being in the studio and playing onstage while she was rehearsing, so performing was a natural first step for me. I started modeling when I was nine months old, dance at three, and did my first commercial at five. I performed in my first musical at eight and was in my first movie at nine! I am so grateful for all the wonderful opportunities I have had. I have worked with incredibly talented people over the years. With every new character, I learn a new story. I can just stop being me for a moment in time and absorb the lessons of someone else’s life.
One of my most memorable moments was when I played Little Red Riding Hood in Into The Woods. I was the youngest in the show and was in my “safe place” with my “theatre family.” During a break from rehearsal one night, my phone lit up and mean messages appeared on the screen. As Little Red faces threats from the menacing Wolf, I was confronted with something far more terrifying: middle school bullies. Fellow Into the Woods actors noticed my distress and comforted me without hesitation. The next day, the director called everyone into a cast meeting and the woman who played Rapunzel presented a jar to me filled with sweet and encouraging notes from each cast member. Whenever I was sad, I could just open up the jar and pull out a note to cheer me up. That is the reason I love musical theatre: the family that it creates out of a community of strangers.

Let's talk about performing in NYC in the America Project. How did you find out about it, get involved, and what were your conditions like? (How often did you perform, where did you stay, how did you get along with the rest of the cast, etc.)
The creative team for The America Project (Dina Slawson, Dell Howlett, and David Dabbon) did a nationwide casting call. My brother, Corbin, and I submitted our auditions and were two of the twenty-two young artists cast in this new musical workshop. We rehearsed at Pearl Studios in New York City and performed at the Sheen Center. It was an incredible experience! We met some amazing and talented friends from across the country working on this show! It was exciting to originate a role for a show that will hopefully make it to Broadway one day!

Photography by Warren McCullough

With your many commercials and films, which are your most notable that you are proud of? Tell us about your top 2.
One - I was cast in a feature film last year called “Don’t Say My Name” which was inspired by true events about a young human trafficking survivor who escapes her captors and is on a journey of survival. We shot the film in and around Orlando, Florida and I had a great time meeting actors and filmmakers from across the country. The film is such an important subject and hopefully will shed some light into this tragic issue.

Two - My brother, Corbin, was cast as a recurring character in True Detective Season 3 on HBO with Mahershala Ali, Stephen Dorff, and Carmen Ejogo. I was so proud of him and was so happy to have been cast as a high school student in one of the scenes he shared with Carmen Ejogo. I loved being a part of the show and had fun on set watching my brother. We celebrated his 12th birthday on set followed by dinner with some of his castmates: Brandon Flynn, Rhys Wakefield, and Richard Meehan. It was fun hanging out in his trailer, meeting and working with so many talented actors, going to the red carpet premiere, and watching the show when it aired on HBO.

You belong to a LOT of clubs and organizations and volunteer a lot. Which 2 are you most involved in/closest to your heart or goals and why?
When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, “I used everything you gave me.” This quote by Erma Bombeck resonates with me because I am a strong believer that giving back to the community who supports you is very important. I have learned so many incredible lessons from working with and helping others, as well as, connecting with community stakeholders. Many of my volunteer experiences have been through the arts. I have performed for Arkansas Enterprises for the Developmentally Disabled’s Curtain Call for a Cause, Martin Luther King Megafest, Dark Night and Encore for Education for ACT, helped teach dance to ambassadors of the Children’s Tumor Foundation, assistant taught musical theatre classes for the Acansa Arts Festival, Argenta Community Theatre, the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, and more! Through the arts, I have found my voice, self-confidence, and the ability to express myself. I hope to encourage others to find what they love and share in the joy of the arts with others!

I was honored to be chosen as a one of five Girls of Distinction for the Arkansas Women's Hall of Fame. I was paired with Hall of Fame honorees, Academy Award Winner, Mary Steenburgen, and Dr. Carolyn Blakely- two incredible women blazing a path in their careers! It was so inspiring to hear all of the women empowering and supporting one another!

Through my volunteer work in the arts and my community organizations, I have over 1,600 community service hours. I am proud to give back and feel I am a better person for sharing my time, talent, and energy with others.

Photography by Christen Pitts

You own your own business, Grace's Gifts. Tell us about it, including why and how you got started, any difficulties running it while you are busy doing so many things and how you manage it, and where you hope it grows in the upcoming years.
I was cast in “Bye Bye Birdie” at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre for the summer of 2020, but the show was cancelled due to COVID-19. With my newfound free time, I wanted to get a job, so I created Grace’s Gifts! I love baking and creating art, so this was the perfect opportunity! In just a few months, I have over 350 clients and am even getting an internship credit at school for my company! I am using the money earned to help pay for college audition coaching, workshops, and application fees. www.gracejpitts.com (website) and imdb.me/gracepitts

What are you passionate about?
I am passionate about empowering others. There is so much negativity in our society and I think it is important to support friends, include others, and to make people feel important. The negative effects of social media on teenagers has led to many young people having depression and anxiety. I hope that the stigma of asking for help or understanding could be erased. Lift one another up...be there for each other. If you see someone being hurt in person or on social media- step up and help make things right.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
In addition to being a performer for most of my life, I have been a part of many community service organizations. I feel it is important to be a part of the community you live in. I was a member of the Mayor's Youth Council for two years, Student Council for four years, volunteered at homeless shelters, at local arts organizations, was an assistant teacher for musical theatre classes at the Arkansas Repertory Theatre, Acansa Arts Festival, and the Argenta Community Theatre. Being an active member of your community is very fulfilling and allows you to learn and grow. The arts can change lives.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why? (What do you feel passionate about or could talk forever about?)
Bullying...I am VERY passionate about this subject. It only takes one person to make a change. Step and stand up to help others. "Liking" mean and hateful comments on social media makes you just as guilty as the one posting them. Think before posting things. It is rude to exclude. If you see someone being left out- invite them to sit with you. If your friends are your true friends, they will love you in your good and bad times. They won't turn on you and post negative things or spread rumors. Encourage others to be a friend and to be kind.

Photography by Christen Pitts

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up and ignore the “noise.”

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Living in New York City and yes!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I like to read.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can make puppets.

Who do you find inspiring?
Lindsay Mendez. She got rejected from every drama program she auditioned for for college but she’s a big Broadway star now.

How do you keep your schedule straight when you are so busy?
Lots of calendars! I have to be good at time management and it is difficult at times (especially if things overlap).

Look for Grace in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens!

click here for more information on issue 39

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Jacob Halloway

4/9/2020

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Jacob Halloway – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Debbie Halloway
Photography by OH! Shoot Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Jacob Halloway is my son, and I nominate him as an Inspiring Teen because he has been a 4-H teen counselor for several year for the Chesterfield 4-H program, where he has won teen counselor of the year two years in a row.
He is a dance captain in his high school showchoir group at Manchester High School. Last weekend, his group, Capital Swing, won Grand Champions of a competition in Ona WV. At that competition, Jacob won most outstanding performer!!!!

Photography by Debbie Halloway

What inspired you to want to get involved in 4-H?
I attended as a young camper and loved it. I attended each year for 5 years as a camper and really looked up to the teen counselors and decided I wanted to be one, and applied, interviewed and was chosen. 2020 will be my 9th year as a part of 4-H, and my 4th time as a teen counselor. I was chosen as “Counselor of the Year” in 2018 and 2019.

Tell me about 4-H and what you do in it.
4-H is a youth organization where we reach youth and help them reach their full potential. We host a week-long sleep away camp where kids between 8 and 13 attend and choose different activities such as fishing, kayaking, outdoor survivor cooking, archery, swimming, crafts, etc. Teen counselors oversee these activities.

Photography by Debbie Halloway

Why did you get involved in showchoir?
I was part of a company dance team for 3 years between the ages of 8 and 10. I decided to take a break from dance in middle school to pursue playing basketball. I played for 5 years, but once I was a sophomore in high school, I decided to audition for our showchoir and get back into dance this way.

Tell me more about what show choir is and what you do.
Our show choir is a mixed chorus that competes at various in and out of state competitions. Our group is called Capital Swing and we were the first high school show choir in the greater Richmond area.

Photography by Debbie Halloway

What are your responsibilities as dance captain?
As a dance captain, it is my job to learn all choreography and be able to teach it to my peers. I also keep the group on track at rehearsals and competitions

What was your reaction when you won most outstanding performer? Were you expecting it or was it a total surprise?
I was totally surprised when I heard my name announced. I felt that I was in the running based on comments from friends, teachers and competitors who watched the performance, but I was thrilled and grateful to be recognized and to represent Manchester High School and Capital Swing

Jacob will be featured in issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 32

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Sydney Mora

10/10/2019

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Sydney Mora - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Laura Cook
Photography by Jacie Leigh Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination:
Sydney is majoring in dance at SMU, one of the top schools for a dance performance degree. Not only is she a beautiful dancer but she has a beautiful heart. She has worked with dance outreach programs all over Lubbock under the Ballet Lubbock & Outreach in Schools partnership program. She wants to pursue a career in dance while also working with kids to make sure that everyone has the opportunity to explore the art of dance in any form possible. She enjoys partaking in musicals and has been in over 10. She has a heart for performing but also for giving back to her community that gave so much to her.

Photography by Jacie Leigh Photography

Tell us about your dance history.
I started dancing at the age of 3 and was a complete perfectionist. So much so that I refused to dance in my first class because “I didn’t have it perfect yet” as the story is told by my mother. Dancing was always something that challenged me both physically and artistically, which is probably what I love most about it. I have taken ballet since I was five and also had the opportunity to compete in jazz, tap, hip hop, and contemporary before I began dancing with the Lubbock High School Pom Squad, where I served as the captain my Junior and Senior year.

Photography by Jacie Leigh Photography

Please explain what outreach education is and how you got involved.
Outreach dance is a topic near and dear to my heart because it reaches into the community and provides children with the opportunity to get quality dance training that may not be able to afford it otherwise. I had the opportunity, with Ballet Lubbock, to teach these kids and help them grow their love for dance just like my teachers did for me. Dance classes are some of the most expensive extracurricular activities that a child can partake in. Therefore, I found that the outreach program at Ballet Lubbock meant so much more to me than just teaching. It allowed me to open these kids’ eyes to a whole new world of fine arts that they may have never found.

What is your favorite part about performing? Why?
My favorite part of performing is the feeling I get when I walk on stage for the first time in a show. The adrenaline is pumping and my heart starts to race. But as soon as the music begins, a calm rush comes over me and allows me to tell my story through the art of dancing, singing, or acting; whichever one I might be doing at that time.

Taken by Sydney's mom - a recent picture from her senior performance at Ballet Lubbock

Tell us about some of the musicals you have been in and which one was your favorite to be a part of? Why?

I started doing musical theatre at a young age because I loved Disney movies, particularly the song and dance numbers in them. In my first musical, I was Kate in Annie and from there I was HOOKED. I went on to be in Willy Wonka, The Little Mermaid Jr, Seussical Jr, Oklahoma, Carousel, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers, Peter Pan, and most recently Mamma Mia where I played Sophie Sheridan. I have to say that it is extremely hard for me to pick but my top two favorite roles were Alice in Seven Brides and Sophie in Mamma Mia because these were my two biggest roles that I have played in large-scale productions. Both musicals challenged me and pushed me to fully immerse myself into the character that I was playing.

A photo from Sydney's most recent performance in Mamma Mia

If you never started to dance, what do you think you would be doing?

If I never danced, I wholeheartedly believe I would still be involved in the arts in one way or another. I could see myself doing more acting, as I was very active in middle and high school theatre. However, I could also see myself thriving in a role behind the scenes such as stage managing or costuming because I find joy in helping people create magic just as much as I enjoy creating the magic myself.

Sydney will be featured in Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to purchase issue 27

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Carolyn Farmer

2/19/2019

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Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination & Photography by Carrie Eigbrett Photography
NEW YORK

The Nomination: Carolyn is inspiring because unlike most teens, she spends 6 weeks of her summer working as a counselor at a camp for kids ages 8-15 and adults with developmental disabilities. During the school year, she spends an immense amount of time in the Theatre (public school and local shows) and in Chorus. Carolyn has been recognized for her talents and was even admitted onto the All State Chorus. In addition to all of this she maintains her academics and is on the National Honor Society and is heavily involved in her church.

I grew up at this camp, and it's one of the most positive environments I've ever been in. I always knew I wanted to work there as soon as I could. When I was 16, I did the counselor in training program, and got to meet and work with a lot of the campers, and coming back as a counselor at 17, it was spirit lifting when my campers remembered me, and were just as excited to spend another week or two with me, as I was with them.

I've played the heart breaker several times in 2018, and I've become attached to it. It's almost a game, to try and win the audience over, before becoming the bad guy and breaking not just my opposite character's heart, but the audience's well. I take it as the highest compliment when some after the show tells me they wanted to hate me, but they liked me too much.

To be selected for All State, first you must participate in NYSSMA Solo Festival, where you will be scored out of 100 on your singing and sight-reading abilities. You want to shoot for upper 90s to guarantee a spot. I am not a naturally gifted singer, so I have to work hard, dedicating extra time to rehearsing to secure an upper score.

Typically, the whole point of a choir or a theatrical ensemble is to blend in. The goal is to create a unified sound, or action. So, you learn to be a leader in other ways. I'm always on time to rehearsal, and I spend extra hours on the weekends building sets. I work one on one with chorus directors to improve my voice and the sound quality that I contribute to the group. You can't always stand out belting a solo center stage, but you can always find ways to be exemplary!

Carolyn was featured in Issue 15.

click here to buy issue 15

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Anna Hurtado

Anna Hurtado - Arizona
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by
Sand & Light Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Grace Pitts

Grace Pitts – Arkansas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by Christen Pitts
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jacob Halloway

Jacob Halloway – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Debbie Halloway
Photography by OH! Shoot Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sydney Mora

Sydney Mora - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Laura Cook
Photography by Jacie Leigh Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Carolyn Farmer

Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination & Photography by Carrie Eigbrett Photography
NEW YORK

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Anna Hurtado

Anna Hurtado - ArizonaInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination and Photography by​Sand & Light PhotographyIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Grace Pitts

Grace Pitts – ArkansasInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination & Photography by Christen PittsIssue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jacob Halloway

Jacob Halloway – VirginiaInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Debbie HallowayPhotography by OH! Shoot PhotographyIssue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sydney Mora

Sydney Mora - TexasInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Laura CookPhotography by Jacie Leigh PhotographyIssue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Carolyn Farmer

​Interview by Michelle SicardNomination & Photography by Carrie Eigbrett PhotographyNEW YORK

Featured

Archives

Categories

Anna Hurtado - Arizona
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination and Photography by
Sand & Light Photography
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Grace Pitts – Arkansas
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination & Photography by Christen Pitts
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jacob Halloway – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Debbie Halloway
Photography by OH! Shoot Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sydney Mora - Texas
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Laura Cook
Photography by Jacie Leigh Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Interview by Michelle Sicard
Nomination & Photography by Carrie Eigbrett Photography
NEW YORK