Sydney Gray

Sydney Gray – Alabama
Nomination & Photography by Narfunda Ross of 1033 Photography
Issue 51 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Sydney is inspiring to me because she is a quiet, humble soul. Sydney is a firm believer in God, grace and equality. She believes everyone deserves a chance and possibly a second chance. She often reminds us that respect is earned through hard work and kindness shown to others through her actions. She agrees to disagree with respect and reverence. Sydney is a friend that everyone would want because of her supportive nature and leadership qualities that she possesses while at work, at school, and on the field cheering or playing soccer.
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Photography by Narfunda Ross of 1033 Photography

What should we definitely know about you?
Even though I am fairly shy and an introvert, I do love interacting with people and volunteering in my community. I have had opportunities to work with the various cities and organizations in Chambers County and those are some of my fondest memories. I am also a huge animal lover and would stop anywhere to pet or help a dog.

How did you get involved in volunteering and what do you love most about it?
Through my mom’s work, I learned at a very early age, it’s about doing and giving. My mom and her best friend (my 2nd mama) Denise are always giving and doing things for others, whether people know it or not. They showed me it’s not about the credit but about getting it done for anyone in need. I love helping during Halloween for the City of Lanett’s Trunk or Treat and Christmas Tree lighting festival. Seeing the kids dressed up and the light in their eyes when I bend down to tell them hello or how cute they look, makes me feel like I made a difference in their day.

What has been one very special experience volunteering & why?
One year I volunteered at the Chambers County Sheriff Department’s Special Needs Rodeo. This rodeo is held in a carnival like atmosphere for all Special Needs students at all schools within a 40-mile radius of LaFayette. I remember during a prize walk that one little boy was scared of the music and wouldn’t walk, until I took his hand. He and I danced around the circle, and then he didn’t want to leave. For those few minutes, I feel like I made him feel safe while making him feel part of the event. Volunteering at this event has shown me how much of an impact one small, kind, and selfless act makes on another person’s life.

Do you have a dog? 
Yes! I have Onyx, she is a Belgian Malinois mix rescue. She was abandoned as a puppy when a lovely family took her in and gave her a temporary home. This family loved her, but did not have enough time to take care of a dog. They had been searching for a home for this puppy for months. One day, they decided to take her to the same special needs rodeo I was volunteering at, hoping to find her a new family there. I was working at a game booth at the rodeo when one of the girls from the family was walking her on a leash. I started petting the dog and instantly fell in love with her. The girl informed me that they were looking for a home for her and I instantly said “I’ll take her.” Of course my mom was hesitant at first. I got the family’s contact information and went about my day, hoping and praying my parents would agree to take her in. The next day, April 6th, 2019, I had finally convinced my parents to let me keep her. The same day, she arrived at my house. It took some time for me to come up with a name for my new companion, until I realized every time someone would come to our house, she would sit in front of me and bark, in a harmless but protective manner. I then decided to name her Onyx. Onyx is a stone that is supposed to bring you protection. And after that, the name stuck. Onyx and I are currently spending our free days riding around in my car with the windows down, playing with her chew toys outside, and going for a swim at the lake.

Photography by Narfunda Ross of 1033 Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
The time and dedication that I put into sports on and off the field. I absolutely love cheering competitively as well as soccer. I wish I had started soccer earlier. Our ladies soccer team has faced many obstacles over the past three years with multiple coaching staff changes and covid. However, I choose to see the best of that being on the team that won the first game in the history of VHS. I love it when everyone works together for the greater good and our win that night was the perfect example.

What has been a favorite memory with cheerleading? What is your team like and what is it like to spend time with them?
My favorite memory from cheerleading would have to be the first successful competition our competitive cheerleading team performed at. This year we performed at a UCA competition in Birmingham AL. We scored the highest score ever in the history of our competition team and we were able to receive a bid to Nationals! It was the most exciting moment I have ever encountered in cheer. A good word to use to describe everyone on my team is hard-working. Everyone puts everything they have into competition cheer Whether that be at practices, or competing on the mat. We never give up until everyone is fully satisfied with what we put out on that mat. It is so amazing to be around a group of such dedicated, happy, and sweet girls.

What has been a favorite personal accomplishment with soccer?
It would have to be winning the first game ever for the VHS Lady Rams Soccer program. It didn’t matter who scored, all that mattered to us girls is that we won, and it felt great!

Do you plan on participating in either sport in college? Why or why not?
I would love to continue being a part of soccer or cheer in college, but my plan is to focus on my classes and get where I need to be in order to pursue my dream profession as an orthodontist.

Photography by Narfunda Ross of 1033 Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Teamwork and getting up over and over again after stumbling, You can't win unless you try. I've learned there are far more failures in life than wins, but those wins wouldn't have come, if we did not try as a team.

What is a valuable lesson you can tell younger peers about being frustrated when things aren't going right and how to get past it with a positive attitude?
Whenever I am frustrated, my go-to quote is “this, too, shall pass,” reminding me that things won't always be easy, but they certainly won't always be difficult either. I would say the same thing to anyone younger who is struggling, and also let them know that I am always available if they ever need someone to talk to.

Why did you choose Narfunda Ross of 1033 Photography for your senior portraits? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I chose Narfunda for several reasons. First she loves Lanett, I mean really really loves the City of Lanett. Our city has gone through some pretty dramatic challenges over the past. Businesses leaving, vacant buildings and job loss. Mrs. Ross is part of the core that will keep Lanett going, growing and rebuilding. I wanted my images on the abandoned cotton mill site to be reflected in her artwork, while also showing the beauty of the downtown area and what a miraculous comeback the City has made. She is a fighter. She beat breast cancer, and she still mentors others who are going through the same thing she did with TEAM W.H.I.P. She always puts others first and I knew she would jump at the idea of the abandoned mill site.

What leadership quality would you say is your strongest?
Inclusivity. I never want anyone to feel left out or that they don’t belong. It is important for everyone to feel welcomed and comfortable in any situation they are in.

Photography by Narfunda Ross of 1033 Photography

​What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever had to accomplish was to feel comfortable about my body image. Many of us girls today struggle with body positivity and how we look in the mirror. I was always insecure about my body and thought it would never look like the bodies of models on social media. I overcame this struggle by standing in the mirror every morning before I started my day, naming one good thing about my body. Each day I found more and more things I liked about the way I looked. Eventually, I got to the point where I started to feel more and more comfortable with my body image. After realizing how much better that exercise made me feel about myself, I started giving different people a compliment every day.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Always work hard for what you want! You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years, I see myself with a degree in dentistry, attending orthodontics school. My plans are to open my own orthodontics clinic in the small town I grew up in. It has always been my dream to become an orthodontist, and to make kids want to smile all the time!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite activity would have to be hunting with my dad. I am older now, and do not have a lot of 1 on 1 time with my dad. One thing we have always done since I was a little girl was go hunting together and listen to classic rock while on the way there. I am happy that it is the one thing that has not changed since I grew up, and I plan to keep the tradition going for as long as possible!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
My hidden talent is playing the piano. I started playing when I was about 8 or so. I always loved the feeling of playing such beautiful music.

3 Things on your bucket list
Seeing the northern lights
Traveling to as many countries as I can, learning their cultures and traditions.
Having children and starting a family.

Who do you find inspiring?
Several local women who are fighters and are STRONG! My principal Dr. Frankie Bell, who nearly died in a car accident, was told she would never walk again, and she proved them wrong and wrote a book. When you are with her, she makes you feel like there’s nothing you can’t do. Debbie Wood, who’s now our State Representative, she’s a breast cancer survivor and fighter. Karen Brown, who is a classmate’s mom, teacher and a breast cancer fighter and survivor. Lt. Sandra Crim, she’s our School Resource officer, a fighter and survivor, she gives to hundreds of children in our city every single Christmas.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
When I see other people overcome adversity and don’t complain, that inspires me! That makes me want to be better. If I can be half the woman that these ladies above are, then I know I can make a difference in someone’s life.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I love making the people around me happy! Being nice to someone and showing kindness has always been a great habit of mine. I try to spread positivity and joy as much as I can and I always stand up for what is right.

Look for Sydney in issue 51 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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click here for more information on issue 51

click here to nominate an inspiring teen