Welcome to Arts in Snellville with Lonnie and Alisa Boykin of Time2Inspire School of Arts in Snellville, GA.  This week they are focusing on a couple of students.  Javi Hart and Haleigh Wertanen are aspiring performers at Time2Inspire School of Arts.

Alisa: What is your dream?

Haleigh: I want to be a successful actor and model; become a role model to other teens.  I love making people smile.

Javi: Since I was little, I wanted to be a famous dancer.  I want to be a great entertainer and be remembered forever, impacting a new era from a new generation. 

Alisa: What and who are your inspirations?

Haleigh: Audrey Hepburn is one of my favorites because she was a great actress and had such a clean image.  I also am inspired by my brother because he is different and is his own person.  He always taught me that no one can tell you who you are. I am also inspired by my mother’s comments to me when she tells me that I have the brightest smile. 

Javi: I admire the talent of Michael Jackson, Omarion and Usher.  I am compared to a lot of dancers, but I want to be recognized for my own uniqueness.  I also like Will Smith because he is a great actor. He also said, “When you have plan A, focus on plan A and don’t plan for failure.”  Those are words that I live by.

Alisa: What are your hobbies?

Haleigh: I like to listen to music, designing and cosmetology. 

Alisa: The last thing I want to ask is how do you want to help others with your success?

Haleigh: I want to help my friends’ dreams come true and show others that whatever you put your mind to, you can do it.  Always shoot for the moon and if you fail you will still land among the stars.  This means even if things don’t go according to plan, you still are a success.  Failure is not pursuing destiny.

Javi: I want to be a positive influence to youth and be someone that people can be inspired by.

Alisa: Close friends and family can really affect you and it hurts when they don’t believe with you, even though they believe in you.  Most people feel like you need to be a lawyer, doctor or have something steady to make money.  What message do you want to give to anyone reading this article?

Haleigh: Let go of the reality.  If the world was full of just reality, there would be no creativity.

Javi: Everyone has a favorite artist.  There would not be a Michael Jackson, Luther Vandross or any celebrity without someone investing in what they did.  We just want parents and friends to know that the same way they are fans of artists and have made them a part of their lives; we can be those artists too. 

Lonnie: I think that these two teenagers have wisdom beyond their years.  They have won part of the battle because they believe in themselves. It was great to hear Haleigh say to shoot for the moon, this means to aim high and when you do, at least you know that you have done your best.  Javi made a key point to parents when he said that they can be like those other celebrities too. You don’t know who will make it or who will not.  The goal of a parent is to trust and believe in the gifts of our children, no matter how big that goal may look or even the uncertainties that come with it.

Alisa: Time2Inspire has become a haven for youth who are artists.  They are at the center all the time. 

Lonnie: We allow them to spend time there because it is a refuge that provides safety and vision.  There is never a dull moment as you can walk down the halls and always hear music, acting, dancing, singing and most importantly, laughter.  We are so glad to be able to facilitate a place like this in our community and hopefully others will see our efforts and support our cause.

Alisa: This is why we formed our advocacy called “Art 4A Cause”. It is about embracing the arts and living the dream.

Lonnie: Time2Inspire School of Arts will be performing at Briscoe Park on Saturday, September 29^th at 4pm.  The event is called “Around the World.” Come and visit our tent between 1pm – 7pm and also see us on stage at 4pm as our very talented youth perform a musical theatre piece called, “The Music Store”, written by Alisa Boykin. 

Special Notice: Also remember, the block party for Sunday, September 23^rd is cancelled due to preparation for the Briscoe Park event.  However, we will be holding open auditions for talent from 4pm – 7pm.  Call and make an appointment if you want to audition.

Visit us on the web at www.eapofamerica.org and Like Us on Facebook – www.facebook.com/time2inspire