By Catelyn Dileva
Staff Writer
Southbay Magazine makes Mira Costa Sophomore Shelby Friedman one of 19 kids in counting in its special issue called “19 Under 19.”
Southbay Magazine featured Friedman in “19 Under 19,” which is dedicated to finding the 19 teens under the age of 19 from regions of the South Bay, such as Manhattan Beach, Hermosa Beach, Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes, to watch out for. All teens featured in the issue are involved in unique activities, such as working with extracurricular organizations or participating in elite athletics, such as cross country or football.
Southbay Magazine selected Friedman to be a part of the “19 Under 19” feature because of her work with Relay For Life in Manhattan Beach, an organized, overnight fundraising walk, for the American Cancer Association.
“I am very honored to be nominated because people notice what I do and how I succeed, and it’s very inspiring to be a part of this special issue,” Friedman said. “To be in a special issue for a magazine definitely puts my name out and shows people what I do.”
Friedman’s family and friends nominated her in February for her work in various activities. Friedman is on Costa’s improv team and dance team, and she is a certified yoga instructor. She has also worked with Relay For Life for the American Cancer Association for four years, which is what initially grabbed Southbay Magazine’s attention.
“I love being able to participate with such an important organization, but I also love how the volunteer work I do with Relay For Life and the American Cancer Association got the attention of the magazine,” Friedman said.
Friedman began her work with the American Cancer Association by participating in Relay For Life in seventh grade after her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. In eighth grade, she received the award for the highest individual fundraiser after generating $3,000. During her freshman year, Friedman was the captain of a Relay For Life walking team, and her team was awarded the highest fundraising team after raising $12,000.
“Last year, our team was called ‘Team Tiff’ because my mom’s name is Tiff and it was a team to support her,” Friedman said.
After Friedman’s family and friends nominated her, the magazine asked her to fill out a questionnaire about what she does and why she should be one of the 19 teenagers to watch in the South Bay. Once the magazine selected her, Friedman then interviewed with an editor at Southbay Magazine about her passions and why she does the activities she does. She also participated in a photo shoot for the issue.
“I felt like my work for all my passions paid off,” Friedman said. “It makes me want to do more with the American Cancer Association and other organizations, so I can bring awareness through magazines and newspapers.”
In the interviews for the feature issue of the magazine, the editors unveil what the kids are like outside of school and their true personality. Southbay Magazine editor Darren Elms said that Friedman’s personality and activities embody the teens they want to feature in the issue.
“We look for students who aren’t the normal kids that receive recognition for things other than grades, athletics and clubs,” Elms said. “We look at other aspects, like if they are working with an organization, have dealt with an illness, or do something or have gone through something that really stands out.”
Being featured in “19 Under 19” is helpful for students who are featured because they can put this on their resume for college and it brings attention to them, said Friedman. The April magazine issue came out the week of March 21.
“I feel proud after being recognized by the magazine,” Friedman said. “I want to continue working with the American Cancer Association because it is my passion.”
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