Dallas Volume 5 Issue 4

TEXAS EDITION

Support Minority Owned Businesses AMPS MAGAZINE American Minority People Succeeding

BriLynn White

TRENTON

HARRIS

Lakeview Centennial

Malik Smith

Graduation

Volume 5, Issue 4

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contents

VOLUME 5, ISSUE 4

the AMPS Texas Team Publisher Connie Morgan Contributing Writers Gerald Wright Photographers Aldo Contreras Huey Rawls

What’s Inside...

Who is Trenton Harris?.............. 8 BriLynn White........................... 10 An Inspiring Story..................... 12 Lakeview Graduation................ 14 T h e Next Generation................. 16 Victoria Witvliet........................ 20

Editors Connie Morgan Graphic Design One Wright Company, LLC Logistics Gerald Wright Cover photo by: Aldo Contreras

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A WORD FROM THE CEO Thanks for picking up AMPS Magazine, Texas Edition. I wanted to thank each and every one of you for reading this magazine and making it one of the fastest growing magazines in the south for 2025. We are touching the lives of people who we did not even know we would and inspire even a culture that we were unaware. This publication is called A.M.P.S. (American Minority People Succeeding) for a reason. It is where Substance and Style meets Supreme Standards. Our mission is “superior application development through dedicated professionalism while maintaining a customer-centered focus to lead the industry in ideas and creative solutions”. Our event marketing and promotions department is designed to present positive entertainment and events that the Dallas communities deserve.

We specialize in helping brands create a unique connection with consumers at our events as well as create an opportunity for you to meet other business owners, executives, present and future customers, and other socialites. Simply put, “We are Accomplished By Making You Successful.”

Gerald D. Wright CEO Page 4

from the publisher As we step into 2025, AMPS Texas Magazine is excited to continue our journey of serving and connecting with the vibrant communities across Texas. Our commitment to sharing stories that matter, big or small, is what drives us forward. We believe every community has a unique story to tell, and we are here to help you share yours. Whether you’re a business owner looking to expand your reach or someone with a passion for community involvement, we want to help amplify your voice. We also take pride in motivating the next generation by showing kids that they can achieve anything with determination and hard work. Join us in this exciting year of growth and opportunity—together, we can continue to support and uplift our communities. For more information about advertising or to subscribe, reach out to us at connie@ampsmagazine.com or call (214) 937-9041.

Thank you for your ongoing support!

Thank you for your continued support. Connie Morgan

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COVER STORY

Who is Trenton Harris?

Trenton Harris, a proud native of Texas, is a recent graduate of the Lakeview Centennial High School Class of 2025, finishing with a commendable GPA of 3.4. Growing up, Harris was an avid soccer player, but as he matured, his athletic passions shifted from the soccer pitch to the basketball court. Reflecting on that transition, Harris recalls how his freshman year playing basketball at Lakeview C e nt e n nial (LC) sparked a deeper interest in the sport, but it wasn’t until he joined the DC K i n g s t h a t things really began to change.

“I started getting more athletic, and started liking the sport,” Harris says.

His explosive vertical leap and natural spring in his legs earned him the “big” position, often reserved for players who dominate the paint. “I can jump, I got hops, and I have springs in my legs,” he laughs. That athleticism caught the attention of Coach Anthony Sinclair during a game held at LC. The coach was immediately intrigued. “He saw me play and was like, ‘Who is that kid?’” Harris recounts. Coach Sinclair began asking around, eventually getting Trenton’s contact info and extending a surprising offer—not to play basketball, but to join the football team. “He said to me, ‘Man, I think you’re a really promising kid,’” Harris recalls. That moment became a pivotal turning point. Harris chose football over basketball, a decision he says came straight from the heart. “Most definitely,” he says when asked if the physicality of football was part of the draw. “That, and I would say dominating, honestly, because on the field, it

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just comes to me just like that.” His sophomore year marked the official transition, where he swapped sneakers for cleats and began playing junior varsity football. “That year was about growth,” he says. “Just get to it. Because when you get to varsity, it’s completely different. The hard hits that you get.” That first varsity summer introduced Harris to the grueling reality of summer workouts. “That’s when I really started taking it seriously,” he says. “I was like, okay, yeah, I gotta get this. I gotta get stronger. I gotta get faster. I gotta get better.” He vividly remembers one game against Skyline, which gave him his first taste of a hard varsity hit. “I ran a snap, came back in, caught the ball.

Somebody missed their block. Boom—linebacker hit me hard,” Harris explains. But he shrugs it off. “I don’t really feel them, honestly. As soon as I get hit, I just get right back up and get to the next play.” For Harris, resilience is second nature. While he recalls only two or three big hits in his career, he doesn’t dwell on them. Instead, he focuses on growth, performance, and the next play. Known for his athletic flair, Harris brought energy and excitement to the field—especially with his signature cartwheel backflip celebration. “We came out the tunnel for the first game, and I was like, yeah, this is what I’m gonna do,” he says. The crowd loved it, and the move became a rallying point for the team’s energy. Off the field, Harris is equally passionate about academics, particularly English. “AP Literature is my favorite subject,” he says. “English comes easy to me.

I like reading stories, dissecting them, learning the words to the poems and stories we read.” The subject challenged him in ways that sparked his imagination and opened new ways of thinking.

When he isn’t studying or training, Harris spends quality time working out with his family or enjoying a good meal. Earlier this year, he committed to Emporia State University in Emporia, Kansas for the next four-years to play football. The decision to commit was easy. “It was my first and only visit,” he explains. “I loved the environment, the atmosphere—it just felt like home.

It was like another LC to me.” Emporia’s supportive atmosphere and strong academic offerings made it the perfect fit. Harris plans to major in sports management, sports leadership, and coaching, a natural extension of his love for athletics and leadership. He’s also serious about maintaining good grades and managing time wisely. When asked how he’d respond to peer pressure—like friends urging him to party the night before an exam—his answer is clear and mature. “I’ll just tell them I’m not going for that. And if they’re not with it, honestly, I’ll probably have to cut them off,” he says. “Because in college, your studies have to come first.” Harris stresses the importance of staying focused and holding yourself accountable. “You can’t go out and do irresponsible things. Because later, you’ll take that test and fail it because you didn’t study.” He believes in making

smart choices and doing what’s necessary to succeed. “I’m going to do what I need to do to pass that exam—and I’m going to pass it with flying colors.” His approach to studying didn’t always come naturally. “My study habits really came toward the end of my senior year,” he admits. “But I realized those are the type of habits I need to succeed in college.”

He talks about logging in, completing his work, and making sure everything is handled. When asked what advice he’d give to peers who don’t take studying seriously because they think they won’t need it in real life, Harris doesn’t mince words. “If they’re that big-headed, I’ll just let them do what they do,” he says. “I’m mostly focused on me and what I’m doing. I’ll try to get them on the right path, but if they’re not listening, there’s not much more to say.” His advice is simple but powerful: “Lock in and focus on what matters now.” As he looks toward the future, Trenton Harris carries himself with a grounded confidence and humility shaped by hard work, faith, and a clear sense of purpose. “Just to anybody listening,” he says, “stay on your grind, stay focused, stay locked in, trust in God’s timing—and all will be well, all will be great.”

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BriLynn White

BriLynn White is a driven and determined young woman whose passion for leadership, community service, and personal growth has shaped her high school journey. BriLynn is a proud 2025 graduate of Weiss High School in Pflugerville, Texas, BriLynn has balanced academics, athletics, and extracurricular involvement with grace and determination, finishing with a 3.23 GPA. Her dedication to swimming is evident through her participation on the Weiss High School Swim Team since 2022, earning district-level accolades in both the 400-yard and 200-yard freestyle relays. Outside of sports, BriLynn has immersed herself in youth leadership programs, including the Diamond in the Rough Youth Development Program, the Georgia Teen Institute, and student ambassadorships. Her achievements include winning 1st place in Diamond in the Rough’s Red Ribbon Week Video Presentation Contest in 2020 and earning recognition for her swimming accomplishments. She committed to learning extended to internships at Prairie View A&M University and Southern University A&M College, where she explored fields that align with her career aspirations in nutrition and social work. She is also a proud member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated’s Delta GEMS program, which emphasizes leadership and service. BriLynn’s love for science and the ocean fuels her academic interests, and her post-graduation plan includes attending Austin Community College before transferring to Southern University in Baton Rouge. Through every endeavor, BriLynn continues to grow as a leader, scholar, and role model. Her vibrant spirit, strong work ethic, and compassionate heart are sure to take her far, and we celebrate her accomplishments as she prepares to take the next big step in her journey.

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An Inspiring Story Malik Smith, a proud 2025 graduate of Lakeview Centennial High School in Garland, Texas, has an inspiring story of personal growth, perseverance, and ambition.

Born and reared in Garland, Malik completed high school with a 2.9 GPA an he committed to Southern Christian College to play basketball, where he plans to major in Psychology. His journey into sports was not a typical one—Malik openly admits that he despised basketball during his early teenage years. Around the age of 13, while in seventh grade, he had no interest in the sport and avoided it altogether. However, everything changed when his father encouraged him to give it another try. That encouragement, along with meeting Juju and his father—who introduced him to the DC Kings basketball team and Coach John—helped shift Malik’s perspective. It wasn’t just about the game; it became about the bond, the competition, and the drive to improve. He recalls wanting to be five times better than his best friend, who wore number 3, while Malik wore number 12. That friendly rivalry sparked a competitive spirit that transformed his attitude and laid the foundation for a deep passion for basketball. In eighth grade, Malik expanded his athletic horizons by running track, initially at the suggestion of his coach who believed in his potential. Over time, he competed in events like the 400-meter dash, the open 400, the 4x200 and 4x400 relays, and even the high jump. Through sports, he developed discipline and resilience, two qualities that have shaped his character both on and off the field. Malik’s dream schools were always North Carolina and Duke, iconic rivals in college basketball.

He was especially drawn to North Carolina’s signature baby blue uniforms and the legacy of legends like Michael Jordan.

To Malik, these schools represented not just athletic greatness, but the intensity and tradition of excellence that he admired.

Despite not at-

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tending those institutions, Malik remains focused and optimistic about his future at Southern Christian College. He is deeply aware that academic success is just as crucial as athletic talent, especially for student-athletes. He emphasizes that grades can open doors even when skill sets are equal, noting that coaches often favor athletes with stronger academic records because they are seen as more reliable and committed. Malik wants younger athletes to realize that thinking long-term is critical. Too often, he sees peers focusing on the present moment, forgetting that the decisions they make now directly impact their future. He encourages planning, hard work, and balance, insisting that the effort put in today determines the success of tomorrow. For Malik, mentorship has also been essential, and he believes every young person should have a trusted adult to guide them through tough decisions and transitions. His decision to major in Psychology stems from a genuine curiosity about the human mind—how it works, why it produces certain emotions, and what drives behavior. Malik is especially interested in using that knowledge to become a therapist one day, helping others navigate life’s many challenges. He sees this field as more than a profession; it’s a calling to support people through their mental and emotional struggles. As someone just beginning his adult life, he acknowledges that life is difficult and unpredictable, but believes the ability to understand and support others is a valuable and needed skill in today’s world. Malik credits his relationship with God as a core pillar in his life, advising others to prioritize their spiritual connection. He compares faith to any other relationship—it requires time, dedication, and trust. Malik reminds others that God’s love is constant, even when life doesn’t unfold as planned. He believes that sometimes delays and disappointments are signs that we aren’t ready yet, and accepting that truth can relieve a lot of pressure. Patience, in his view, is vital; it helps us make better decisions and avoid unnecessary hardship. Malik also speaks passionately about social issues, particularly bullying. When asked for his thoughts on the devastating impact of bullying, especially

among school-aged children, he doesn’t hesitate. He condemns all forms of bullying, from subtle micro-aggressions to overt harassment, emphasizing that none of it should be tolerated.

Malik is deeply empathetic toward those who have suffered in silence or even taken their lives due to bullying, saying their stories deserve attention, compassion, and action. He believes that schools must respond more firmly and swiftly when students come forward with concerns about being bullied. Institutions should not minimize such complaints, as the emotional toll can be severe and long-lasting. Malik’s belief is simple yet profound—you never truly know what someone else is going through. A smile might hide immense pain, and every cry for help should be treated with urgency and seriousness. As Malik steps into the next chapter of his life, he brings with him not just talent and ambition, but also a heart full of purpose, a mind ready to grow, and a spirit rooted in faith and compassion. From a reluctant athlete to a scholarship recipient and future therapist, Malik Smith’s story is a testament to what can happen when you open your heart to change, trust the process, and never stop believing in yourself and your dreams.

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Lakeview Centennial Graduation On Saturday, May 24, 2025, Lakeview Centennial High School celebrated its graduation ceremony. Congratulations to the Class of 2025! Wishing all graduates continued success and happiness as they begin an exciting new chapter in their lives beyond high school.

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The Rise Of the Next Generation Tytiana Morgan, a proud Georgia native and junior at East Paulding High School in Dallas, Ga., she is a student with a passion for creativity and a strong sense of purpose. With a GPA of 2.8, she’s a member of the National Art Honor Society (NAHS) and also actively involved in Ladies of East, a mentorship club that supports academic success and student retention. Tytiana’s favorite subject is Literature, and she believes she’s a good writer, especially drawn to poetry. Outside the classroom, she enjoys expressing herself through singing, drawing, and dancing. Of all her hobbies, drawing holds a special place in her heart because it gives her complete creative freedom, allowing her to bring her imagination to life.

She’s been passionate about art for as long as she can remember, and that passion is shaping her future. Since her freshman year, Tytiana has been thinking seriously about college. Her top two choices are the University of West Georgia and the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD), both located instate—an important factor for her since she’s not quite ready to move far from home. Her ultimate goal is to become an animator, combining her love for storytelling and visual art.

Tytiana believes it’s crucial for her generation to understand the importance of education. She emphasizes that doing well in school prepares students for the real world, where challenges await. According to her, good grades open doors to better opportunities, even if that’s not immediately obvious. She encourages her peers to stay focused, study hard, and build a strong academic foundation. “You might not see the importance of getting good grades now,” she says, “but you will later when there are more opportunities out there for you.”

Tytiana stresses that basic skills like reading, writing, and managing money are essential tools for success. She believes that in the long run, dedication to education will prove to be both rewarding and beneficial. With her creative talent, strong work

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ethic, and clear vision for the future, Tytiana is well on her way to turning her dreams into reality.

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Victoria Witvliet Victoria Witvliet’s story is one of ambition, discipline, and an undeniable passion for both academics and extracurriculars. Born in The Netherlands, Victoria moved to the United States with her family at a young age. One of her first challenges was learning English, which she now speaks more than her native Dutch due to living in America. Despite this early obstacle, Victoria has grown into a highly motivated and multifaceted young woman. From music to athletics to

academics, she throws herself wholeheartedly into everything she does. She plays both the guitar and the violin, initially because her parents required her to learn an instrument, and later because she developed an appreciation for the way they sound. For Victoria, the appeal of music isn’t about the complexity of one instrument over another—it’s about how similar the notes are and the enjoyment she finds in producing music. She began with the guitar and picked up the violin at school, viewing both as nearly interchangeable due to their similar musical structures. Yet even with this love for music, Victoria’s main passion is sports, especially tennis. Tennis is her primary focus, and everything

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else she does—including horseback riding, running, and other sports—is ultimately to enhance her skills on the court. She describes tennis as the sport she revolves her life around and sees herself either playing it professionally or teaching it in the future. That said, she also harbors an interest in criminal justice and law, inspired by a fascination with true crime and the thrill of investigation. She sees herself potentially pursuing a career in crime-related fields, balancing her dreams of sports and service. Academically, Victoria is an A student who excels in history, which she considers her easiest and most memorable subject. She has already taken two honors classes and is entering three more next year, showing her dedication to scholastic achievement. Her study habits are notably efficient—she often only needs to read material once or twice to commit it to memory, especially in history. This natural ability, combined with her curiosity and drive, makes her a standout student.

Outside of the classroom, Victoria’s schedule remains full. She participates in cross country, track, swimming, and horseback riding. While she doesn’t compete in equestrian sports, she’s been riding horses since she was very young and continues to do so for enjoyment and relaxation. Running, however, is a core part of her training routine. She runs both long and short distances in track and cross country, though she admits a preference for long-distance events. Running, she says, is not just about competition—it’s her way of staying in shape for tennis and maintaining overall physical and mental health. Victoria’s philosophy toward staying active extends beyond personal benefit. She believes that more people, especially young people, should engage in sports and music as a means of personal development. According to her, too many people today spend time indoors or focused on passive forms of entertainment rather than getting outside, pursuing hobbies, or challenging themselves. She sees her active lifestyle as not just a way to keep busy, but as a commitment to staying healthy in all aspects of life. Although she humbly admits she hasn’t yet achieved major milestones in any single pursuit, she’s confident in her ability to pick up new skills quickly and do well in most things she tries. Her drive is not rooted in external recogni-

tion, but in a personal standard of excellence and growth.

When asked about college, Victoria shares that while Yale is her dream school, she’s realistic about her choices and wants to find a place that truly fits her personality and goals. Her maturity in this regard reflects a thoughtful understanding of what it means to chase dreams while staying grounded. Whether it’s tennis, crime investigation, or academics, Victoria approaches each aspect of her life with focus and determination. She is a clear example of how passion, discipline, and curiosity can shape a life that is both full and purpose-driven, even at a young age.

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AMPS MAGAZINE of MONROE Connie Morgan, Publisher CSM Marketing Company, LLC

(214) 937-9041

www.dallas.ampsmagazine.

Email: connie@ampsmagazine.com

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American Minority People Succeeding