Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Allie Rae Hamby

1/17/2020

Allie Rae Hamby - Louisiana
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Becky Cerda
Photography by Sprig Designs
Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Allie Rae Hamby is a senior at Ouachita Christian School. She exudes school spirit and she is a loyal friend to all. Not only is she an excellent athlete, she is also an honor student. Her peers also elected her Homecoming Queen.

Photography by Sprig Designs

Tell us about your athletic life with cheerleading.
Being a cheerleader has had an extremely huge impact on my life for more than 6 years now. Cheerleading takes a major role in my life when it comes down to commitment, time, hard-work, and dedication. It is one of my main passions I have in life. There is something about the Friday night lights that give me chills. Cheering on the sidelines while my friends play football gives me so much joy, and I would not change it for the world.

If you had the opportunity to coach a cheerleading team in the future, would you take it?
I would love to coach a cheer team if I had the opportunity. Sharing my passion for cheer and the excitement it brings me would be easy to share with others.

Photography by Sprig Designs

If you had to pick out of the 4 sports you play, cheerleading, basketball, track and softball, which would you be your favorite and why? If you cannot pick one, tell us one special thing you love about each sport!
Even though I go to a small private school in Monroe, La, you would think everyone would play every sport, but in this case, they do not. I am the only female athlete at my school that goes season to season always playing a sport. People ask me all the time what my favorite sport is, but I do not have one. I love the Friday night lights and the atmosphere of the crowd when I am cheering. In basketball I love the sisterhood and the fun we have at not only at practice but at the games also. In track, being a part of a State Champion 4x1 team really shows how teamwork, hard-work, and compassion really comes into play when your team has the same goal, win. Playing softball is generally fun to me. I have experienced playing travel ball and being on my middle school and high school team. The energy softball brings when you are running out onto the field just makes you feel like everyone is there to watch you, and everyone feels that way.

Photography by Angela Hamby

What was it like being elected Homecoming Queen by your peers?
It was truly a humbling honor to be elected as Homecoming Queen by the entire high school student body. Being elected showed many things people see and admire about me that I might not see about myself. Earning the title really showed how much the students wanted me to represent my school, Ouachita Christian. This honor truly changed my life.

What does it mean to be a loyal friend?
Being a loyal friend is always being there for someone when they need you. A loyal friend is one who you can always trust and will never turn their back on you. Having a loyal friend/friends is a really important tool to get you through the ups and downs in life.

Allie Rae will be featured in issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Brileigh Cates

5/22/2019

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Brileigh Cates – Missouri
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Brileigh Cates is a triple-jumper and a 400 M sprinter who has wanted to be a missionary and help others since she was six-years-old. She has top class rank/GPA and still finds time for Varsity Track, Academic Team, Pom Squad, Marching Band, Wind Ensemble, and Studio Jazz. She has recently been elected as Vice-President of the Sho-Me Band and was chosen to be the Alto Saxophone section leader. She also returns to her elementary school to help with Open House and choreographing for their GLEE Club. Brileigh is the hardest working teen you will meet.

What led you to want to become a missionary?

When I was five, I knew of the concept of sinning, but I did not know the reason of why we sinned. Between the ages five and six, I learned how everyone sinned, and has come short of God’s glory. When I was little, I knew that there were places in the world that were not as privileged as I was. I knew that some people would never even hear of God’s greatness and love. I decided I wanted to witness to these people, so they would get the chance to be redeemed under God.

How have you managed to rank the top GPA in your class while also being involved in many extracurricular activities?

First off, I always take notes in class. I right down key details of that day. Second off, I set times to study thoroughly before my tests. I have set standards on myself to have no missing assignments or any grades lower than an 90%. Overall, I make sure to use my time wisely, so I do not use any other distractions, such as a phone, during these time periods.

Tell me a little bit about the GLEE club and Open House you help out with at your old elementary school.

GLEE Club is basically what it sounds like, it is a club that involves singing and dancing. I was asked to make a sweet and simple dance routine for the third graders in the Glee Club. This dance routine was to “This Is Me” by Keala Settle and The Greatest Showman Ensemble. Open House is a night when all of the parents and students meet with their new teacher for the new school year. Normally, I would help parents and students find their teachers and introduce them to each other.

What are some goals you have set for yourself and how have you been able to achieve them?

In the 6th grade, I decided I wanted to be on the high school dance team (Pom Squad). I knew that one of my mom’s co-workers had a daughter on the Pom Squad, so, I asked Kassi if she would work with me on some basic required skills. She did, and now I’ve earned my first varsity letter.

In the 5th grade, I received a “Basic” on the state exam for English Language Arts. Then, during 6th grade, something just clicked. School started to make sense and I started to get all A’s. That year, I made “Advanced” in ELA. I told myself that I needed to keep up these good grades and set a goal to continue to make all A’s. Now, my goal is set on being valedictorian for the class of 2022.

Image by Brileigh Cates

What has been your favorite memory of being a part of the marching band?

My favorite memory probably was when a JROTC student was running next to our practice marching band field and he then accidentally ran into one of the drum major’s podiums, and she fell off.

Can you elaborate more on all of the activities you are involved with in your community?

I have volunteered at our local Mark Twain Museum. This is a museum dedicated to the history of Poplar Bluff, MO and Butler County. I have helped sort through donations. I have given personal tours (my favorite by far).

I volunteer at The Walk to End Alzheimer's and the UCAN Walk. I have made cotton candy, face painted, and been a designated cheerleader throughout the walk.

Brileigh will be featured in Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!!

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Gavin Smith

2/19/2019

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Interview with Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Penny Smith
Photography by Dwight Allen Photography
Iowa

The Nomination: Gavin has been running since his 7th grade year in Cross Country (and Track). Gavin has qualified for state for 6 years in a row starting in Junior High, with his team, and individually. Junior High garnered a state title and a runner up. In High school the Spartans were 4th twice, runners up once, and State Champions (in 4A) once. Gavin has been in the top 15 at state individually, earning him a All-State Award. Countless hours and miles have been run in and out of season. His attitude and character have been an example and inspiration to many, including his family!

What/Who inspired you to become a track athlete at your school?
I started cross country and track in the 7th grade and I wasn’t very good at first. Coach Sacco (my coach at the time as well as my asst coach in high school) really motivated me to keep improving. By the end of that year, I had improved so much that I finished the season as the team’s second-best long-distance runner.

Tell me a little bit about the level of competitiveness at the state championships.
The state meet is as competitive as it gets. The meets throughout the year are just to help get people in the competitive mindset you need for state.

As a dedicated member of the track/ cross-country team, how do you balance your academic, athletic, and social life?
I'm able to balance all the things in my life by developing my time management skill. I pre-plan most of my days so I have enough time to finish schoolwork, practice, and hang out with my friends.

What are some of the most important qualities a good runner/ athlete must have to do well?
I think one of the most valuable quality an athlete can have is dedication. As an athlete, you have to train day in and day out and you have to realize that success doesn’t come overnight; you have to work towards a goal and stick with it for the long haul.

What do you plan on doing after high school?
After high school, I plan to continue my running career at a competitive level. Alongside my running career, I hope to study business and one day hold a high managerial position in a company.

Gavin was featured in Issue 15.

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Allie Rae Hamby

Allie Rae Hamby - Louisiana
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Becky Cerda
Photography by Sprig Designs
Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brileigh Cates

Brileigh Cates – Missouri
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gavin Smith

Interview with Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Penny Smith
Photography by Dwight Allen Photography
Iowa

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Allie Rae Hamby

Allie Rae Hamby - LouisianaInterview by Zoe D'AngeloNomination by Becky CerdaPhotography by Sprig DesignsIssue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brileigh Cates

Brileigh Cates – MissouriInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Luna PhotographyIssue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Gavin Smith

Interview with Michelle SicardNomination by Penny SmithPhotography by Dwight Allen PhotographyIowa

Featured

Archives

Categories

Allie Rae Hamby - Louisiana
Interview by Zoe D'Angelo
Nomination by Becky Cerda
Photography by Sprig Designs
Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brileigh Cates – Missouri
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Luna Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Interview with Michelle Sicard
Nomination by Penny Smith
Photography by Dwight Allen Photography
Iowa