Embracing Charisma: Ava Washington’s Journey to Community Involvement

A teen in a grey sweater poses outside under a magnolia tree

In the future, Washington plans to go to the University of Memphis to further her career. However, she is undecided on what she may want to do. “I’ve changed my mind so many times. Right now, I’m feeling like I want to be an OB-GYN, but at one point I wanted to be a defense lawyer,” the student journalist says.

Kirstyn Lyles’ Journey to Her Childhood Dream: Graphic Design

A teen in a striped shirt leans against an old red phone booth on an outside sidewalk

Kirstyn Lyles was reading a book while at daycare after school, just as she always did. While reading, the 8-year-old came across many illustrations of art styles that she really liked. Lyles realized she could do that someday, imagining herself drawing the lines and coloring. The 17-year-old now is working toward that childhood dream.

Laila Henderson’s Lifelong Passion For Music and Science

A teen sits in a well lit room at a large black piano, fingers on the keys

Since second grade, piano has been a big part of Laila Henderson’s childhood. A year after she started playing, she began to play Christmas recitals in the Flowood area. During her 9th-grade year, she joined the Brandon High School show choir and continued until 10th grade.

Haley Bradford: Music and Supportive Family Are Her Safe Place

A young teen sits in the windowsill of a marble building

During her years in music, Haley Bradford received several achievements and awards, like making and remaining on the all-state choir for three-plus years, and also fared well on a Disney performance that helped her team achieve all-superior ratings.