Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Madeline Lucey

3/3/2021

Madeline Lucey – West Virginia
Nomination by Ashley Lucey
Photography by Ruthylee Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: My name is Madeline Lucey; I am currently a senior at John Marshall High School. I plan to attend West Virginia University in the fall where I was accepted in the Exercise Physiology program. I have a plan to complete my core courses in college, and then I will be able to take more classes related to my field of becoming a physical therapist or a occupational therapist. I want to work with children in schools to provide them with physical therapy that can overcome their deficits.
I did not always want to be a physical therapist, I always saw myself in some sort of engineering and I just may also get a minor in engineering, but things changed for me recently at the beginning of my senior year when COVID-19 hit our country, I had a overwhelming feeling that I wanted to change my passion of my career path and I wanted to become a physical or occupational therapist, I would prefer in a school setting but I may also want to one day open up my own practice.
Both of my parents work and save so much of their money for me to go to college and pursue my college education and earn a degree. I have had ACT tests be postponed due to COVID-19 so at this time in my life I am unsure I will qualify for the Promise Scholarship, I have received the Go First Scholarship at West Virginia University for first time freshman for my cum. GPA of 3.9 but I still will need additional funding to cover my college tuition, books, room, and board, plus a meal plan. With this scholarship I could afford to continue with my degree in becoming a physical or occupational therapist with less of a financial burden.

Photography by Ruthylee Photography

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
Playing Basketball

Tell us about your basketball career.
Started in 3rd grade as a shy timid guard then I ended up being a aggressive guard my senior year.

Who do you play for and how often do you practice?
John Marshall High School and we practice 6 days a week.

What is a favorite accomplishment from basketball?
Receiving many awards throughout my high school career l.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am High Honors student who has carried a 4.2 GPA last two years

Photography by Ruthylee Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
Family and friends and the importance of having those relationships in my life and how everyone should know the importance of having them

We love that you are so close with family and friends. What is a favorite memory with each? I love hanging out with my cousin Delaney, who is also a senior this year at another high school.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it? Maintaining a 4.2 GPA and playing basketball.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Work hard, stay focused on your goals and always give 110%.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Graduated College and have a degree in exercise physiology and becoming a physical therapist.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Watching Netflix and just hanging out with my friends.

Photography by Ruthylee Photography

Who do you find inspiring?
My grandma who has had many health issues over the years but has always taught me to be upbeat and positive no matter what life throws at you.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I always work hard and remain true to myself and values of working hard for better things in life.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am thankful for all the people in my life without them I would not be who I am today. I appreciate my parents, family, friends, teachers, and coaches who have been in my life.

Look for Madeline in issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 44

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Civita Hooper

2/18/2021

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Civita Hooper – West Virginia
Nomination by Angela Patsy Oliverio's Prom and Bridal Boutique
Photography by Carlos Velez
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Civita Alexandria Sarah Hooper is an inspiring teen. She is CEO and founder of a non-profit called CASH's Caring Corner started over a year ago to promote volunteerism. She believes that we all can make a difference in our corner of the world regardless of how big or small it is. Through her non-profit she writes a weekly letter to all the residents of a local nursing home and hand delivers them. She started this in response to the Pandemic. She also, collects cards and sends a Mary's Angel to pediatric cancer patients and encourages other teens her age to do the same. This is a poem she wrote with a guardian angel attached to it along with cards from other kids she collects. In addition, she dances competitively with Studio 19 Dance Complex, cheers for her high school, as well as working on a career in modeling. Not only is she active in her community and school but she maintains High Honors with a GPA 0f 4.375 that she is very proud of.

Photography by Carlos Velez

Tell us about your non-profit called CASH's Caring Corner. How did you start it, what is it for, and what are your roles and responsibilities?
CASH’s Caring Corning is my non-profit organization with the mission to promote volunteerism within your corner of the world regardless of how big or small those efforts are. I started it at the beginning of 2020. This is my Caring Corner, where I can make a difference in my corner of the world. I am CEO and founder. My responsibilities are to report activities to my board, develop and plan projects for the non-profit to work on. I collect donations, mail letters, and balance the budget among other things. Some of the projects are: Letters of Hope, Mary’s Angel’s and my newer project Forever Friends Friendship Bracelets.

Share with us your dance journey.
I started dancing when I was 4 years old. I picked up a pair of pom-poms and told my mom I wanted to be a cheerleader. This launched my long commitment to dance. I practice between 12-20 hours a week. Along the way I have worked and danced with many great people. I started at Kesters School of Dance and have many great memories. I moved into competitive dance and now belong to Studio 19 Dance Complex in Mars, Pa. I have studied many types of dance including: tap, ballet, lyrical, contemporary, clogging, acro, popping, breakdancing, hiphop.

Photography by Carlos Velez

What is a favorite memory or accomplishment from cheer?
My favorite memory from cheering is winning Regionals this year. My team worked hard on their routine and we wanted to win. We spent every day after school practicing. Right before competition a couple of us were quarantined because of COVID. It was stressful to not be at practice because you were exposed. It felt like wasted time sitting at home. I understand the reasoning, but it was very frustrating. Regardless, we were able to finally get back together, practice hard and win. We move on to compete at States in March and I am looking forward to the challenge.

Tell us more about Citrus Perfect Jr. Teen.
In July from the 30-August 1, 2021 I will compete for the Title of World's Perfect Junior Teen (13-15 years). I am very excited to compete this year and have worked hard at overcoming some of my fears. It has always been difficult for me to speak to other people. I began this journey to put myself out there. Along the way, I have learned important life skills such as interviewing, listening and just being able to formulate an answer when someone asks a question. I have also met amazing people who have aided in my transformation.
My future goals are to attend UCLA and become a general surgeon. I choose UCLA because their medical program is highly rated. As part of this goal, it is important for me to take honors and AP class to maintain a high GPA.

Photography by Carlos Velez

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am a very conscientious student. Education is another area of importance for me. Through education I will obtain my goal of becoming a general surgeon. I am very proud of my 4.75. I am taking 1 AP class and 3 honors. I recently earned High Honors. Geometry was my hardest subject and I had to get a tutor, but I think it's important to realize when you need someone elses help.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
I would present the topic of volunteering within their community. It is important for everyone to understand that regardless of how big or small their contribution is, they can make a difference in their corner of the world. It can be volunteering for the local fire department, church, or school. It also does not have to be for an organization, taking a trash bag and walking your local street picking up trash is volunteerism. Helping at a local food pantry handing out food. All these tasks need done. If each person takes on one task, we move our communities forward. Sometimes, our kindness may be what inspires someone else to dream and succeed.

Photography by Carlos Velez

What is Letters of Hope?
Letters of Hope is a very important project to me. Over the last year, I have been writing letters to the residents of a local nursing home. During this pandemic many of our seniors were left without visitors. This is my way of bringing a little joy into their lives. Once a month I make a special gift for them. Just something small, but I wanted to inspire hope and that eventually this would all come to end and although they may not be able to see their loved ones someone still cares about them.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever accomplished was winning cheerleading regionals. I was able to accomplish this by practicing long hours every day and working hard as a team.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them to follow their dream and work hard. Studying is a huge part of how I have gotten where I am today. Staying on track with schooling is very important and making sure to do all work.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years, I will have graduated high school and would be attending my second year at UCLA.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite pastime is spending time with my friends and family. You don’t realize how important it is until the opportunity is taken away from you.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Most people don’t know that I can play a violin and the clarinet.

3 Things on your bucket list?
I want to Travel to Europe and see the Eiffel Tower. I want to go to Bora Bora, and I want to learn to surf.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find it inspiring when I see friends or family members accomplishing their goals. It reminds me that I can accomplish mine.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think others are inspired by my kindness. I make it a point to treat all people with kindness. I also believe that others are inspired by athletic and academic abilities. I mean if I can do it, then they definitely can too!

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
One more thing I want to share is to ALWAYS believe in yourself! Do not let someone else determine your dreams, your goals, or your success! YOU DECIDE!

Look for Civita 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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Dalton Flowers

2/18/2021

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Dalton Flowers – West Virginia
Nomination & Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Dalton Flowers is a stellar athlete. He will be attending WVU as he has received an offer to play football for the Mountaineers. What he does off the field is the most important thing for him. He is a giver with a heart of gold. He is a member of the Drug free America club, a volunteer for Night to shine, special Olympics, and local food kitchens. He has also participated in local flood cleanups. Dalton especially enjoys helping the elderly every chance he gets. He is devoted to his family, his game, and helping others.

Photography by Life Photography

Tell us more about your volunteering. What are your favorite service projects and what do you do with them?
Special Olympics, because I love sports and helping people. The Special Olympics allows me to combine the two.

What are your football dreams and goals?
I’m taking it one step at a time. First would be to obviously start for the Mountaineers. Hopefully, all 4 years. I’ve always believed anything can be achieved with hard work and dedication. Ultimate long-term dream/goal is to play in the NFL

Photography by Life Photography

You have an outstanding disposition as both a role model and generous human. What do you do with the younger football programs and how does it feel to be a role model for the next generation? What legacy do you hope to pass along to them?
I really like helping the younger athletes learn and understand the game like I do.
It feels great to be considered a role model for those kids. I hope what they gain from me , is that if you work hard and dedicate yourself their dreams and goals can be reached. I want these kids to always remember that I was willing to help them and even when I’m at campus, every chance I get, I will come back home and still participate with them. I think it gives me as much joy as it does them.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Committing to a D1 program. It has taken hard work, hard work, more hard work and total dedication. Also, being able to put myself out there.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Keep their head down and work hard.

Photography by Life Photography

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Graduated college with my wildlife and fisheries degree. Hopefully working as a Federal Game Warden by then or ultimately in the NFL.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Lifting and anything outdoors

3 Things on your bucket list
Play in the NFL, skydiving, and deep-sea diving.

Who do you find inspiring?
JJ Watt. He is a beast of a football player, but he is levelheaded and gives back.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I feel like a broken record, but once again it would have to be my hard work and dedication. My favorite saying is “I didn’t come here to participate. I came here to dominate.”

Photography by Wallace Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
Athletics. It’s very hard in our area to get noticed for scholarships and opportunities in college. My family and I have worked very hard to get me noticed and to put my skills and drive out there to be noticed. I’d love to help other athletes like myself who may not have the support or knowledge of what needs to be done. Also, I’d add how addiction can affect families and how you can overcome your family dynamics.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I would like to thank EVERYONE that has given and offered me opportunities that, have so far, helped me get to where I am at today.

Look for Dalton 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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Jordan Cunningham

2/4/2021

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Jordan Cunningham – West Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Jordan Cunningham is a Senior at John Marshall High School. She is a 4 year honor student with a 4.5 GPA. She is a proud member of the Drug Free Club, Spirit Club, National Honor Society, and President of the Student Council, she is also a 4 year member of the Medical Project Lead the Way Program.She has happily been involved with I Believe Foundation for the past 3 years. She has played JM volleyball for 4 years. She is a member of the Apache 4-H Club for 9 years and shows California Rabbits, achieving many awards. She will be going on to attend West Liberty State College with a Major in Pre-Med.

Photography by Life Photography

You are in a lot of clubs and organizations. Pick one to tell us more about - One that means a lot to you. What is it, what do you do in it as a group?
I believe that every one of the clubs and organizations that I am proudly a part of are majorly important to my community and the well-being of others, so I definitely have to make a hard decision with this one.
If I were to choose just one, I think I would choose to tell you about my 4-H club/group The Apaches (and the goat & rabbit club which is associated)! I’ve been a member of 4-H for almost 9 years now and it’s been one of the most influential experience of my life. Not only do I present and sell my rabbits to which is the reason I am apart of 4-H, but I’ve spent most of my time absorbing the lessons surrounding it. 4-H has brought me so much closer to my community and the people within it. There’s not a single person in that group that I do not look up to, they are constantly helping those around them and teaching them at the same time, for example my club donates money to a different charity each month such as soup kitchen, animal shelters, and the veterans etc. I’ve learned how important it is to do the same as my mentors like helping those around us and teaching the importance of hard work and putting forth dedication to everything that you do. These are the most important lessons that have helped me grow as a person, it’s NEVER too late to join 4-H! If you ever have the opportunity take it!

Photography by Life Photography

What are your goals?
I think primarily one of the most important goals in my life is to keep learning, not just about what I’m going to do in the future such as my career path but rather learning about myself. I think before I am able to move smoothly towards my future, I have to learn more about the things that I love as a person and with learning those things about myself I can use them to build a better understanding of what I’m good at, and even more importantly what I love which will help me pick what I’ll be best at to hopefully impact the people around me and the world.

Photography by Life Photography

What would you like to do to change the world?
Easier said than done, I would love to change the world by exhibiting the importance of understanding the differences. Although this may sound wordy and confusing, I so simply mean I wish that everyone around each other could get along despite opinions. We all know especially with most recent circumstances that a lot of the world is surrounded by disagreement and hate. I so much wish that I could use my social media platforms, even if they aren’t big, to promote how easy it is to get along with others even if they have different opinions. It’s okay to not think the same way as others, the only thing you should do similarly is care about one another, no matter who they are. Just be kind :-)!

Look for Jordan 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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Madeline Lucey

Madeline Lucey – West Virginia
Nomination by Ashley Lucey
Photography by Ruthylee Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Civita Hooper

Civita Hooper – West Virginia
Nomination by Angela Patsy Oliverio's Prom and Bridal Boutique
Photography by Carlos Velez
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Dalton Flowers

Dalton Flowers – West Virginia
Nomination & Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jordan Cunningham

Jordan Cunningham – West Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

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Madeline Lucey

​Madeline Lucey – West VirginiaNomination by Ashley LuceyPhotography by Ruthylee PhotographyIssue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Civita Hooper

Civita Hooper – West VirginiaNomination by Angela Patsy Oliverio's Prom and Bridal BoutiquePhotography by Carlos VelezIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Dalton Flowers

Dalton Flowers – West VirginiaNomination & Photography by Life PhotographyIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jordan Cunningham

Jordan Cunningham – West VirginiaNomination and Photography by Life PhotographyIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Madeline Lucey – West Virginia
Nomination by Ashley Lucey
Photography by Ruthylee Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Civita Hooper – West Virginia
Nomination by Angela Patsy Oliverio's Prom and Bridal Boutique
Photography by Carlos Velez
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Dalton Flowers – West Virginia
Nomination & Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Jordan Cunningham – West Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine