teen spotlight
stats
Junior, Montgomery Catholic; 16 years old
notable
• Hopes to start a program for underprivileged kids who aren’t told
they can succeed
• Has played on the Varsity soccer team since 7th grade
her story
Andrea Hayes was in seventh grade the first year she tried out
for the varsity soccer team at Montgomery Catholic Preparatory
School. “My dad started coaching me when I was in kindergarten,
and he encouraged me to go out for the varsity team because it
would push me.” Being one of the youngest on the team allowed
her to be friends with people she may not have known otherwise.
Now, as one of the upperclassmen on the team, she’s able to mentor
younger girls.
teen core
Besides soccer, Andrea is part of a group called Teen Core that her
youth minister started. Teens in the group minister to other teens
by preparing talks, being available for advice and participating in
activities. Andrea enjoys being able to share her faith with others
because it helps her grow closer to God. “It allows me to center my
life around what truly matters,” she said. “With all the struggles I
face and might face in my future, I’m provided with a stronghold
that will not go away.”
daniel lobello
one day I hope to . . .
“One day I hope to start a mentoring program for underprivileged
kids who don’t come from a family or background that encourages
them to succeed. Eventually, maybe I’d be able to establish a
scholarship program.”
PG (parental guidance) rating
“My mom and dad have always pushed good grades, but it was
because they knew me and my sister were capable of getting A’s. My
mom has always encouraged me to do what I love because that’s
what will
make me
happiest.”
andrea hayes
parents’ perspective
Andrea’s mother Julia is constantly awed by her
daughter’s determination in life. “Andrea has an
amazing desire to help and assist others with unconditional love,” she said. “It’s evident the happiness
she gets when she has reached and helped another
person.”
Not only does Andrea thrive in taking care of
others, she also excels in school and extracurricular activities. “I have helped Andrea reach her potential by showing her how to believe in herself,”
Julia said, “and that she can reach anything she
sets her mind to reach.”
parent to parent
“The best advice I have to share is to have open communication
with your teenager. Know that they are individuals that have to
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set their own path, and you have to assist them in developing that
path. If you have open communication, you develop trust, respect
and understanding for each other.”
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