January/February 2017 the good stuff is Volume 1, Issue 1 PENNSYLVANIA A PLATFORM FOR KIDS/TEENS TO SHARE THEIR GOOD DEEDS AND TALENTS ! WARNING This magazine contains articles on kids who have done fascinating things. Be prepared to be amazed! A message from the About our young Founder/Publisher Writer T he word “contagious” may have negative connotations associated with W hen I think of the words focused and driven, Jamie Faith Sheppard an infectious disease or even bad habits. But contagious can work in a pos- comes to mind. The second child in a family of three girls, Jamie has always itive way and our magazine projects a whole new light on the word conta- been passionate about writing. From the age of six, she would often be gious. We are happy to bring you this, our frst issue of “The Good Stuff is seen with a writing pad and pencil as if it were a part of her - writing stories, ‘Contagious’”, highlighting great things happening with young people in together with illustrations. Reading was never something that she had to our community. We want to celebrate the youth and infuse our community be coerced into doing. Her enthusiasm for these two things has led her to with positive energy, by sharing their achievements and good deeds, while quite a few achievements. inspiring others to follow suit. We hope that in highlighting and reaching Jamie self-published her frst children’s novel, for ages seven to twelve, out to our youngsters, the good vibes and good habits will become con- when she was in ffth grade. Soon after, she was invited by Woburn Junior tagious. Public School in Toronto, Canada, to do an author’s visit. To an audience of We are surrounded everyday by such negativity - in the media, in the children, grades three to six, she gave a motivational speech about perse- movies and video games - that we don’t want our kids to be clouded by verance and commitment in being a young writer. Jamie, being a natural these actions. The truth is that our kids are so blessed, so talented, and offer introvert was extremely nervous, but true to form, she persevered and was a great deal to our community through their good deeds and great ideas, determined to speak. that we want to have a forum for them to share their stories and express Through her vision to help others, Jamie sold her books at the themselves. West Allegheny Battle of the Books competition and also had a book sign- Our magazine will highlight kids from elementary to high school lev- ing at The Mall at Robinson in 2013, where she donated all the proceeds to el doing positive and inspirational things within our community, as well Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. Her books were sold throughout as throughout the United States and around the world. Each month, we the United States, Canada, United Kingdom and the Caribbean, donating a part of the proceeds toward various schools. As a student at West Al- Densie Sheppard will feature our youth volunteering in various aspects to make our world a Jamie Sheppard better place, demonstrating compassion by assisting others in need, and legheny Middle School, Jamie entered the library writing competition in showcasing their talents and strengths in myriad ways. We will be their plat- sixth and seventh grade, being named honorable mention both times. She form to make the “good stuff” contagious, creating a desire within each oth- also placed frst in the Patriot’s Pen writing competition in seventh grade. er to want to do more and to really make a positive difference. Our young And her most recent accomplishment is becoming a feature writer for “The people need to learn how to make sharing and caring second nature, and Good Stuff is ‘Contagious’” magazine. as natural as breathing. We all have the power to change our lives for the Throughout the years, Jamie has volunteered numerous hours at West- better; and by our actions, inspire others to do the same. The big idea is to ern Allegheny Community Library, assisting with different programs during let our charity be contagious, let our sincerity be contagious and most of all, summer as well as after school. Jamie always strives for excellence in every- let our love be contagious. thing that she does, whether it be extra-curricular activities or academics. Our kids are the future of this great nation and our world, and our aim Currently, a freshman at West Allegheny High School, Jamie joined the high is to heighten awareness of their strengths and capabilities within our com- school JV tennis team. She also plays the guitar and piano and performs munity. They have a great deal to offer, and all of the good that they do will with a rock band every spring, summer and fall. In her spare time, she likes create a ripple effect and shape a new paradigm. So, let’s start spreading to draw, write poems, listen to music and play with her dog, Mickey. And the good news! just like any typical teenager, she also loves social media but has a balance with anything that she does. Positive-minded, always pleasant, and although a bit shy, this young lady never allows anything to deter her from her goals. Whenever she fal- ters, she gets up and marches on, aiming for higher. Jamie always sees the good in everyone and is happy to see other people’s achievements. Jamie Sheppard is truly a special young girl and is surely destined for greatness. TO ADVERTISE: HERE’S WHAT’S COMING UP IN FUTURE ISSUES! Our magazine focuses on the infusion of positive energy through In future issues, we will feature a guest writer from middle school or the good deeds and talents of the kids and teens in our commu- high school. The guest writer will be responsible for interviewing nity. If you would like to advertise with us, please contact us at: someone and writing one article for the magazine. So, buck up on your [email protected] writing skills because you could be our next guest writer! 02 I the good stuff is contagious [January 2017] [January 2017] the good stuff is contagious I 03 Siblings honor the contents Orlando Night Club victims 05 Siblings honor the Orlando Night Club victims by spreading positivity throughout communities 06 50 Days of Kindness [with Alayna and Isaac Stephens] by Jamie Sheppard 08 School, Sports, Community and Friends – Mike Schaal W ith all of the negative things that have been their generous acts. There was also interest shown by a couple of their dedicates time to all happening around the world lately, it’s heartwarm- friends to partake in their initiative but the most heartening ripple effect ing to know that there are youngsters out there was the voluntary assistance of little kids, who were eager to help the who are willing to spread positivity within the com- Stephens pick up trash at a local park. These siblings were inspired 10 Kids and teenagers spreading Joy through music munity; and that even the smallest of good deeds to complete their incredible mission because they wanted to bring can make the biggest difference in someone’s life. awareness that through all of the negative and troubling events con- 12 Daniel Mihelarakis –Making his future bright, one Siblings, Alayna and Isaac Stephens, along with the stantly plaguing humanity, there is still good in the world. The pos- musical instrument at a time help of their mother, Devonna, took on a selfess and itive effect on them was as equally impactful as those in receipt of inspiring gesture of performing 50 random acts of their good deeds. Their kindness was well received. The Stephens kindness for 50 days, in and outside their community family was happy to make a difference and bring joy to others. ABOUT THE COVER: 15 Honoring her Mom through her kindness – Faith Orsini – in remembrance of the Orlando Night Club victims Alayna and Isaac, 13 and 11 respectively, attend West Allegh- Our debut cover features kids/teens symbol- (See 50 Days of Kindness on next page). Each day was eny Middle School. In addition to being civic-minded, they are ically lifting up the world. Let’s all make a dif- dedicated to one of the 49 victims. On the 50th day, the involved in quite a few activities. For Alayna, this includes color ference in our community and by doing so, we 16 Our very own Shane Treloar – Broadway Bound shooter’s son was honored (even though unharmed) as guard, swimming, art club, show choir, peer mediation and band. can uplift a piece of the world around us. he was also a victim because of his father’s unthinkable Isaac is in band, jazz band and plays ice hockey. 18 WA’s Wrestling Prodigies actions. It is refreshing to know that despite the tragedy in FOUNDER/PUBLISHER During the Stephens’ incredible journey to spread Orlando, the Stephens family found it within themselves to pro- Densie Sheppard 20 Lacey Eaton spreading love and happiness through her positivity, a ripple effect was created, as some people of- mote positivity while honoring the night club victims. WRITERS warmth and smiles fered to sponsor items, as well as donate money to assist in Densie Sheppard Jamie Sheppard 21 A Success Story [Aarolin’s Recovery] Honoring Evan Ziemniak [In Celebration of His Life] 22 Emily Richard paving her road to Success! columns: DESIGN & LAYOUT PHOTOGRAPHER Johnny Gonsalves (Cover, Publisher & 02 A message from the Founder/Publisher Writer Photos) Stacy Koloski 03 About the Writer 07 The Kindness PITT Stop 09 The Good Stuff from miles away: Horse Rider–Artist-Aspiring Entrepreneur from Davis California EDITOR Karen Fittipaldo © 2017.