“At Gulf Coast Teens in Motion, we believe in the power of community and the importance of nurturing the next generation.”.
Welcome to our October issue! As the fall season sets in, we are excited to bring you another edition filled with stories that inspire, motivate, and celebrate the incredible talents of our local teens. This month, we are focusing on empowerment, resilience, and community a reflection of the themes that resonate strongly within our young generation.
One of the highlights of this issue is the powerful story of brothers Caleb and Noel Estrada, who are making waves both on and off the football field. Their dedication and hard work serve as an example for all of us on how to pursue excellence in every aspect of life.
We also feature our exciting Senior Rep Program, spotlighting the unique talents and achievements of our high school seniors. From personalized photoshoots to leadership opportunities, these students are representing their schools and communities with pride. .
As always, we hope this issue leaves you feeling inspired and empowered. Thank you for being a part of the Gulf Coast Teens in Motion community. We are thrilled to continue this journey with you, celebrating the youth who are making a difference in our world.
Blessings,
Elyssa Marie Editor-in-Chief Gulf Coast Teens in Motion
12 Creative Images LLC Senior Rep Program
Page 9
Gulf Coast Grief & Loss Support Evening Recap
Page 12 Creative Images LLC Senior Rep Program
Page 22 Money Matters Event Recap
Page 25 Caleb and Noel Estrada: Standouts On and Off the Field
Page 28 Advice on Numbers with Lavina Dedeaux Coastal Youth of The Month
Contributing Writers
Do you love to write?
We’re looking for talented and passionate writers to join our team at Gulf Coast Teens in Motion Magazine! Whether you enjoy storytelling, poetry, or writing about important topics, we want to hear from you. If you’re ready to share your creativity and make your voice heard, this is your chance to be featured! Reach out to us today—we can’t wait to see your work!
PHOTO CREDIT: SEAN PAVONE
AubreyHolton,9thGrader atHarrisonCentralHigh
Prioritizing Prioritizing Mental Wellness Mental Wellness in High School in High School
Prioritizing in High School
High school is exciting but can also be overwhelming with academic pressures, extracurriculars, and social expectations. Prioritizing mental wellness is essential to maintaining balance, and here are some key tips that have helped me along the way.
First, practice self-compassion. We often aim for perfection, but it’s important to be kind to yourself and recognize that mistakes are part of growth. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and celebrate even the small wins.
Sleep is another vital part of mental wellness. Without enough rest, it's harder to manage stress and stay focused. Stick to a consistent sleep schedule and limit screen time before bed to help improve your sleep quality.
Finding healthy ways to cope with stress is also crucial. Physical activity like walking or exercising helps clear your mind, while creative outlets like journaling or drawing can be a positive way to express your feelings. Make time to unwind self-care is necessary, not selfish.
Having a support system is key. Whether it’s friends, family, or teachers, having people to talk to makes a huge difference. Don’t hesitate to reach out when you need help, and check in on your friends too—they might need support as much as you do.
Setting realistic goals keeps you focused and motivated. Break bigger goals into smaller, manageable tasks, and celebrate progress along the way. Be flexible if things don’t go as planned adjusting is part of the process.
Lastly, take breaks from technology. Constant connection to social media can increase stress, so try setting boundaries. Engage in offline activities like reading, exercising, or spending time with family to give yourself a mental break.
Mental wellness is about balance. By being kind to yourself, managing stress, and staying connected with others, you can navigate high school with confidence. You’re not alone taking care of your mental health is just as important as your academics.
GulfCoastGrief&
LossSupport Evening
Grief is a powerful and complex emotion that affects everyone differently, and finding a space to process those feelings can be incredibly healing. On Sunday, September 8th, the Gulf Coast Grief & Loss Support Evening provided just that an opportunity for teens and adults in Gulfport to come together, share their experiences, and find comfort in a supportive community. The event, held at 12472 Dedeaux Rd, created a compassionate environment where attendees could reflect on their losses and begin their journeys toward healing.
Event Recap
On Sunday, September 8th, the Gulf Coast Grief & Loss Support Evening brought teens and adults from Gulfport to 12472 Dedeaux Rd for an evening of healing and support. The event provided a compassionate space for those coping with grief, fostering understanding and shared experiences
Katrice Cook opened with a heartfelt welcome, emphasizing the importance of community, followed by Elyssa, who highlighted the need for open conversations about grief. Shelbi Bradley, the key speaker, spoke on the diverse ways grief affects individuals, offering comfort and validation to those struggling with their emotions.
Mental health professionals, including counselors and a life coach, were present to provide support, ensuring attendees had access to caring professionals A notable moment came when Carrissa Corbett encouraged attendees to prioritize community safety, urging them not to hesitate in making difficult decisions for the greater good.
A spiritual element was added through Pastor Barkum’s prayer, bringing comfort and unity to the group. The Remembrance Activity allowed participants to honor their loved ones, providing a shared space for reflection and healing.
The event ended with a reminder that grief is a journey no one has to walk alone, with ongoing support available from counselors and professionals The evening was a testament to the strength of community, leaving attendees with a sense of hope and connection.
Thank you to our sponsor for making this event possible and helping create a space for healing and support.
ENIOR REPS S
SPOTLIGHT
The Creative Images LLC Senior Rep Program is an exciting opportunity for high school seniors to capture the essence of their final year while also serving as ambassadors for the Creative Images brand. This exclusive program selects standout seniors from various schools, giving them the chance to participate in professional photoshoots that showcase their personalities, achievements, and individuality.
What makes this program even more special is that it doubles as a referral program, where the seniors not only represent the brand but help promote Creative Images within their communities. By referring their friends and classmates, these students help expand the business while also gaining valuable skills in networking and leadership.
Beyond the photoshoots, the program is designed to give these seniors memories they’ll cherish for a lifetime and offers them a pathway to success beyond high school. Through mentorship, creative collaboration, and personal development, the Senior Reps learn valuable lessons that prepare them for the next stage of their lives.
This year ’ s Senior Reps are a talented group who excel both on and off the camera. Their participation in this program is helping to create lasting memories while laying the groundwork for future success. With the support of Creative Images LLC, these students are leaving their mark in more ways than one.Stay tuned for the incredible showcases of these talented seniors as they take on their final year with Creative Images LLC by their side!
PROGRAMDIRECTOR
PROGRAM COORDINATOR
Tracee Fairley is the Program Coordinator for the Creative Images Senior Rep Program, bringing her expertise in leadership and organization to ensure the smooth operation of the Senior Rep Program. With a background in education and youth mentorship, Tracee excels at guiding students through this exciting chapter of their high school journey. Her passion for fostering creativity and helping students express themselves makes her an invaluable part of the Creative Images team.
Tracee’s ability to connect with seniors and empower them to shine, both personally and through their photos, has made her a trusted mentor and coordinator within the program
Ta-Taneka Moore serves as the Program Director for the Creative Images Senior Rep Program, where she brings over 20 years of experience in education and transitional services, along with her passion for photography, creativity, and community engagement. With a deep commitment to empowering young people and highlighting heir unique talents, Ta-Taneka plays a vital ole in managing the Senior Rep Program. Her dedication to capturing meaningful moments and helping high school seniors ocument their milestone year has made her an inspiring leader within the organization. Drawing on her extensive background in educational and transitional services, TaTaneka guides students not only through their senior year but also prepares them for the future. Under her leadership, Creative Images LLC continues to create unforgettable experiences for seniors, fostering their growth, confidence, and readiness for life beyond high school, both in front of the camera and beyond
LANAYA C.
Favorite Colors: Blue & Pink
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Music Genre: 90’s R&B
Favorite Movie or TV Show: Ginny & Georgia
Favorite Social Media Platforms: Instagram & Facebook
Favorite Hobby: Driving around
Favorite School Activity or Club: Art
Favorite Subject: Math
One Word to Describe Yourself: Creative & Outgoing
Lanaya brings creativity and a love for adventure, always ready to explore and express herself!
JADA B.
Favorite Color: Black
Favorite Food: Canes
Favorite Music Genre: Rap
Favorite Movie or TV Show: The
Vampire Diaries
Favorite Social Media Platform: TikTok
Favorite Hobby: Listening to music
Favorite Subject: History
One Word to Describe Yourself: Outgoing
Jada is all about bold vibes, great music, and a love for history!
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Music Genre: Any old school
Favorite Movie or TV Show: Madea movies
Favorite Social Media Platform: TikTok
Favorite Hobby: Running track
Favorite School Activity or Club: Track
Favorite Subject: English
One Word to Describe Yourself: Funny
A'Miya shines on and off the track with her love for old-school vibes and her lively sense of humor!
A'MIYA P. MCKENZIE L.
Favorite Color: Pink
Favorite Food: Seafood
Favorite Music Genre: Rap
Favorite Movie or TV Show: Law and Order SVU
Favorite Social Media Platforms:
Instagram & TikTok
Favorite Hobby: Cooking
Favorite School Activity or Club: Track
Favorite Subject: Science
One Word to Describe Yourself: Outgoing McKenzie brings energy and creativity, excelling in both the kitchen and on the track!
AMIYA B.
Favorite Color: Purple
Favorite Food: Canes or any hot chips
Favorite Music Genre: Rap
Favorite Movie or TV Show: Friday
Favorite Social Media Platforms: TikTok or Instagram
Favorite Hobby: Shopping
Favorite School Activity or Club: Cheer
Favorite Subject: English
One Word to Describe Yourself: Confident
Amiya radiates confidence with her love for shopping, cheer, and all things purple!
JAHKYLA A.
Favorite Color: Red
Favorite Foods: Rotel, Seafood, Tacos
Favorite Music Genres: Rap, R&B, Blues
Favorite Movie or TV Show: Power
Favorite Social Media Platform: TikTok
Favorite Hobby: Making money (I’m a homebody so I don’t have one)
Favorite School Activity or Club: Pep rallies
Favorite Subject: Math
One Word to Describe Yourself: Loving Jahkyla brings passion and positivity, whether she's enjoying her favorite foods or cheering at pep rallies!
Special Thanks to Ria’s Creations!
We want to extend a heartfelt thank you to Ria’s Creations for sponsoring the shirts and prints for our Creative Images Senior Reps. Your contribution has helped us elevate this year's Senior Rep experience, providing them with customized shirts and prints that truly capture the spirit of this exciting journey. Thank you for your generosity and for partnering with us to make this project a success!
A Special Thanks to Graceful Creations!
We are truly grateful to Graceful Creations for sponsoring the shirts and prints for our Creative Images Senior Reps! Your support has added a special touch to this project, making the experience even more memorable for our Senior Reps. Thank you for partnering with us and helping to bring our vision to life. Your generosity is deeply appreciated!
DESIGNED BY: EVERYTHING ELYSSA MARIE
Stepping Up for a Cause: Heart Walk Community Service Recap
Dr. Shelbi Bradley a Licensed Professional Counselor Supervisor and Board certified Telemental Health Provider. She is the owner Powerful Minds Counseling Center. Shelbi specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma, life adjustments and substance abuse, is EMDR trained and a trainer for Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid. She also works as an adjunct Professor for William Carey University. Shelbi is a proud Alumna of Mississippi College, William Carey University and The University of Southern Mississippi. Shelbi currently serves as a MS License Professional Board Member, secretary for the MS Association for Counselor Educators and Supervisors, and many other community organizations across the state. Shelbi is a Gulf coast native, she is married, and has three dog daughters.
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