Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Anna Grace Scholten

8/19/2019

Anna Grace Scholten - Georgia
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Anna Grace Scholten is a varsity tennis player, varsity cheerleader, currently top 5 in her class and a natural leader! She can be found volunteering in the community or working on missions. She spent much of this summer on a church mission trip giving her time to help those less fortunate. Anna Grace is the epitome of a teen that inspires others and I am more than proud to nominate her!

What is your favorite activity or pastime?
My favorite pastime or activity is tennis. I started in the 5th grade taking private lessons and then began to play USTA tournaments and then school tennis. This is truly where I learned the most about hard work and determination. I began to realize early on you are only going to get out, what you put in. It has been through many long, hot, and cold practices, camps, and tournaments that have brought me to where I am now. As an 8th grader, I played #1 singles for the high school JV team. As a freshman and sophomore, I played #2 singles for the varsity team. Last year I played #1 singles. For the past three years, we have been region champs and have gone further in state playoffs than in years past. I love being part of a team and supporting each other. Last season, I was nominated by In the Game magazine as one of two outstanding girl tennis players in southeast Ga. I am excited about my upcoming senior season.

How does your work ethic help you stay positive through hard times?
I am a very driven person. When I put my mind to something, I am determined to achieve whatever that may be. I believe that if you are going to do something you should put in 110%. My work ethic is something I am very proud of because not everyone is driven. Not everyone wants to put in the work even when it's hard, whether that is school, cheer, or tennis. As a student, I have always taken my academics very seriously. I am currently ranked 5th out of 401 within our student body. It's not about the number, but it is about doing my best. One of my favorites quotes is “Stay Positive, Work hard, Make it happen.” I stay positive through the tough times by trusting that God has a perfect plan, and everything always happens for a reason.

How did you get involved with cheerleading? How long have you been a cheerleader for?
As a child, I took years of dance and gymnastics. So, I knew that when I was of age, I wanted to try out for my school’s cheerleading squad. I have cheered for the past six years. This year I am a senior, and I am unfortunate it is my last year. I love being on the sidelines, cheering and dancing for our Coffee High Trojans.

What was it like becoming an All-American cheerleader?
One of the highlights of my high school cheerleading career was making the All-American cheerleading team my Junior year of 2018. It is not an easy process. To try out for all-American, you have to be first nominated and then go through a tryout, where you do a cheer and jumps by yourself in front of the whole camp. The process can be very intimidating. I did not make the team my freshman or sophomore years, but I didn’t get discouraged or give up on a goal I had set. I came back my junior year and made the All- American NCA team.

What is it like being a part of the FCA leadership team for 4 years?
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is a great club that I am so proud to be affiliated with. I begin in the club while in middle school. It was there I was asked to be on the leadership team. We meet every week and have a student-led devotion and pray for our school, students, and teachers. Having a Christian club on school campuses is such a blessing. We have been able to give out over 1,000 bibles to students. We also have raised money for missions work in third world countries.

Tell us about your church mission trip this summer. What was your favorite part of the trip? Why?
In the past two summers, I participated in a local community camp, known as Camp One-fifty-one. During this camp, we go and repair the homes of the less fortunate in my hometown of Douglas, Ga. The camp is split into groups of about 9 or 10 people. Each group is assigned a house to repair for the week. During the week, we get to know our homeowners by bringing them food, talking, and sharing the gospel with them. This past summer, my site group worked on a single-wide trailer. We repaired the roof, replaced the floor, installed five new windows, new cabinets and a door. This camp has become very dear to my heart. I love meeting new people and serving God together. Yes, I do have over 175 community service hours, but it is so much more than just that. It is about the gift of serving others.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I plan to go off to college in the fall of 2020 and pursue a degree in biology or chemistry. So, hopefully, I will be in a pharmacy program soon. I am so excited about meeting new people and pursuing my dreams.

What are three things on your bucket list?
I want to attend a grand slam tennis tournament, travel Europe, and meet Thomas Rhett.

Is there anything else you would like to say?
Something else I would like to say is even though this interview seems like everything has been good with some hard work along the way, it has not been easy. I have had many setbacks and frustrations along the way. Many times, I have felt like things were going against me. However, I do think that it is in those times of heartache you grow as a person in your character and strength. I would encourage anyone to never give up on something you put your mind to. All things are possible!

Anna Grace will be featured in Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase issue 25 of inspiring teens magazine

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Nikita Jeyasingh

8/6/2019

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Nikita Jeyasingh Virginia
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Maura Varley Photography
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Upon meeting Nikita Jeyasingh, I was immediately stuck by her sweet smile and humble spirit. Nikita is a senior in the Leadership program at James River High School and is ranked 12th in a class of 450. She is the Vice President of the Student Council and a wining varsity tennis player and team captain (ranked #1 in the region). She has been dancing for 15 years and enjoys her third year as a member of the school’s dance team. She is amazing! Even if you are jealous of her abilities, it’s impossible not to like her – she’s just that nice.

Tell us about your passion for playing tennis competitively.

I began competing when I was 11 years old beginning with many local tournaments. My freshman year in high school, I made the Varsity Tennis team, and I’ve played as the #1 singles and doubles player for the past 3 years. Competing has taught me so much about myself and my love for the game. I love the individuality of the sport but also the team aspect of it because the goal is for our team to win the most matches. When I’m competing, I feel like I’m in a different world because all I’m focusing on is the match. I love being able to focus on one thing I love the most and do whatever I can to try to win.

How did your tennis career begin? When did you know that this is what you loved doing?

My dad got me into tennis when I was just 4 years old. It started as something I would do just for fun and to go outside and spend time with my dad. As I got older, I began to develop even more of a love for the sport, and I started training just about every day. When I was 8, I played my first match at a local country club. I remember feeling like Serena Williams as I brought my bag onto the court and battled it out against my opponent. From that day forward, I realized that this is what I want to do and get good at.

What was your experience like on the dance team?

Being on the dance team is such a rewarding experience. I love all the girls on my team and my coach. We have practices over the summer to learn our routines, and we practice after school during the year. We then perform at halftime shows, other school events, and attend competitions. Dance team is something that takes a lot of effort and hard work; however, at the same time, it’s a lot of fun and I’ve learned so much.

What is your favorite thing about being a dancer? What style of dance is your favorite,
and why?

My favorite thing about being a dancer is being able to express myself through movement. My favorite style is probably jazz because I love the sass and the incorporation of tricks, turns, and specific dance movements.

Where have you traveled before? Which location has been your favorite? Why?

I love traveling; I’ve been to 35 countries! If I have to pick a favorite, I would say Thailand because first of all, the food is amazing, and I love how it has so much culture and so many different things to see from the blue beaches in the city of Phuket to the breathtaking mountains in Chiang Mai.

Tell us about your volunteering opportunities and places you have volunteered.

I volunteer at a local hospital at the Patient Information Center and the Surgical Center. I also volunteer with a program at my church called, “Big Pals Little Pals,” which is an after-school program where I can tutor children whose parents don’t speak English or are unable to help them with their schoolwork. I love helping kids with schoolwork, and it’s so rewarding to see them understand their homework and enjoy doing it.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?

I plan on majoring in Biomedical Engineering in college and then going to medical school. . I want to be a pediatric surgeon because I know I want to devote my life to helping people, especially kids.

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

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Amanda Szymborski

6/25/2019

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Regan Keating

3/8/2019

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Regan Keating
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Dennielle Stull of Solid Rock Photos
Ohio
Issue 15

The Nomination: Regan Keating is an inspiring teen for many reasons! She cares about community. She has a sweet soul. She qualified for State in doubles tennis. She is much more than a picture. She is kind, understanding, and friendly to everyone she meets.
How long have you been playing tennis?
I started playing tennis when I was in 8th grade. I started late, but immediately realized tennis was for me! So naturally I played tennis in my freshman, sophomore, and senior year. I am happy to say I lettered all three years. I was not able to play my junior year, because I needed back surgery, which meant a 6-month recovery. At first, I was sad to not be able to play for four years, but the break from tennis allowed me to reflect on life.

What has tennis taught you?
It has taught me to never give up. After my back surgery I did not know if I even wanted to play, but I did and worked hard through the season to eventually make it to state. Tennis also taught me about friendship. I couldn't had made it to state without my doubles partner. I am grateful for the friendship we developed throughout our season.

Do you see yourself playing tennis in the future?
I had considered playing in college after some offers, but I think I would rather just focus on school and play tennis for fun in my spare time.

Do you participate in other activities?
I tutor ESL kids after school once a week. We work on homework, play games, and learn a bible story. I also am a member of Youth to Youth which is a prevention club. We get to go to our middle school and help mentor kids on topics like mental health. Another hobby I have recently picked up is taking ballroom dance classes and salsa classes.

What do you have planned for your future?
I really want to travel and experience new cultures. My goal is to become fluent in Spanish and work as an interpreter or become an immigration lawyer.

Regan was featured in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

click here to buy issue 15

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Grant Eubanks

3/7/2019

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Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

The Nomination: Grant Eubanks is a senior at George County High School, where he will be graduating with highest honors. Grant is inspirational for his drive and determination, not only in academics but sports. Grant has played tennis for his high school since 7th grade and qualified for state championships two years in a row. He hopes he qualifies this year as well his senior season.

How did you become interested in starting a career in tennis?

My interest in the game of tennis began out of curiosity. I had heard the stories of two of my uncles playing on their high school teams, and I decided that I wanted to try my hand at tennis, so my dad and I found a teaching pro at The Mobile Tennis Center. After every lesson, I began to enjoy the game more and more. My enjoyment quickly turned into a passion for a game that I had just started playing. I had no idea that 8 years later I would be the singles player for my school, two-time qualifier for the state championships, and ranked in the top forty in Mississippi at sixteen.

How does playing tennis help you inspire others?

I think that my involvement in tennis inspires others because tennis is not a sport that gets much attention. I do my best to inspire more people to play and have managed to grow the tennis community in my town considerably. I have helped many people discover the game that I love so dearly.

Tell me about your experiences qualifying for the state championships.

When I was a sophomore, I became one of the few players from my school to qualify for the state championships and the first to qualify in boy’s singles. After qualifying, I was elated, and I celebrated with my teammates. The next year, I qualified playing mixed doubles, but in addition to qualifying, my partner and I won the district mixed doubles championships.

What advice would you give to a young person who wants to be a tennis player?

Since I have the privilege of coaching and advising young players in my community, I would advise younger people that wanted to start playing tennis to go out and find a professional coach: this makes all the difference later in one’s tennis career. When I started going to tennis lessons, my knowledge of the game grew as well as my passion.

Do you plan in continuing to play tennis in the future?

After finishing high school, I will play tennis for Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College. After playing in junior college, I am going to play in adult leagues and on USTA teams. I am also considering getting my USTA coaching certification. Tennis is the game that anyone can play for their entire life, and I plan on playing as long as I am able.

Grant will be featured in Issue 18 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Tennis

2/13/2019

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Article & Image By Simme Salguero
Pennsylvania
Issue 15

I started tennis at the YMCA when I was 7 years old, and absolutely loved it! When I became more advanced, I started going to the Township tennis court and took lessons there as well.

When I heard there was a tennis club in middle school, I knew immediately I wanted to participate. We had the option to play singles or doubles. When our first practice came, I was super excited! When our first match came along, my partner and I were both kind of nervous, but luckily it was a home match which made us a bit more confident. We WON 4 to 6 and it felt really exciting to be playing again!!

My entire experience playing tennis was and still is amazing. I always have a blast playing and often think to myself how lucky I am to even have the privilege to play tennis! I want to play tennis next year, in five years and for my entire life!

Tennis, By Simme Salguero, was published in Issue 15 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

click here to buy issue 15

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Anna Grace Scholten

Anna Grace Scholten - Georgia
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nikita Jeyasingh

Nikita Jeyasingh Virginia
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Maura Varley Photography
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Amanda Szymborski

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

Regan Keating

Regan Keating
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Dennielle Stull of Solid Rock Photos
Ohio
Issue 15

Grant Eubanks

Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

Tennis

Article & Image By Simme Salguero
Pennsylvania
Issue 15

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Anna Grace Scholten

Anna Grace Scholten - GeorgiaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination and Photography by Amber Bounds PhotographyIssue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Nikita Jeyasingh

Nikita Jeyasingh VirginiaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination and Photography by Maura Varley Photography​Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Amanda Szymborski

Amanda Szymborski - MichiganInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Rebecca Houlihan PhotographyIssue 23 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Regan Keating

Regan KeatingInterview by Larissa CheliusNomination & Photography by Dennielle Stull of Solid Rock PhotosOhioIssue 15

Grant Eubanks

​Grant Eubanks - 18 - MississippiInterviewed by Zoe D'AngeloNomination & Photography by​Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake PhotographyIssue 18 | Sports

Tennis

Article & Image By Simme Salguero Pennsylvania​Issue 15

Featured

Archives

Categories

Anna Grace Scholten - Georgia
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nikita Jeyasingh Virginia
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination and Photography by Maura Varley Photography
Issue 24 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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

Regan Keating
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Dennielle Stull of Solid Rock Photos
Ohio
Issue 15

Grant Eubanks - 18 - Mississippi
Interviewed by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination & Photography by
Sonja Shamblin from Keepsake Photography
Issue 18 | Sports

Article & Image By Simme Salguero
Pennsylvania
Issue 15