stats: 17, Senior at Churchill Academy
notable: Bridge Builders Participant, Outstanding Improvement Award in Math, Dually Enrolled Student at Trenholm State
quotable: “No matter how hard it is, always try again.”
her story: At Churchill Academy, Teneal is known for being responsible and helpful, and even has several awards to show for it. Outside of school, one of her main priorities is still helping others. She is a member of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, where she actively serves on the usher board and in the missionary society, which includes a “Feeding the Souls” program. In 2015, Teneal became interested in Bridge Builders- a program that seeks to motivate teens and equip them with the skills to work as a team and help their communities. She explains, “Bridge Builders offers different avenues and opportunities that will assist me in choosing the path I want to take in life. It also will assist me in obtaining a scholarship for college to help me reach my educational goals.” She’s already well on her way to reaching those goals–she is dually enrolled at Trenholm State and is taking classes to work towards her future career as a nurse. Teneal already has a strong idea of the legacy she wants to leave behind: “I want to be remembered as a strong, smart, independent, and brave woman.”
what’s next: Teneal wants to be a nurse or an occupational therapist in the future.
PG (parental guidance) rating: “My mom has been an inspiration in my life because when I need help, she’s always there for me, no matter what,” explains Teneal. She adds, “I am proud that I have a family that supports me every step of the way- they are proud of me, and I am proud of them.”
parents’ perspective: Rozzell and Sanquenetta are proud of Teneal’s transformation into a young lady. When asked what role they have played in helping Teneal reach her potential, Sanquenetta responded: “Standing behind her and pushing when she feels like things are not going right.”
parent-to-parent: “Push them, never let them give up, and let them know you are behind them 100%.”
