teen spotlight
photography by Lizzie Nicole Photography
stats
17, Senior at Clay-Chalkville High School
notable
National Honor Society, United Dance Association National Dance
Team Finalist, Camp Fire USA, Clearview Baptist Youth Leadership Team, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
her story
When Melissa Lopresti was three years old, her mom started her
off in ballet, tap and jazz at Shake Rattle and Roll. Dancing has
since been a part of Melissa’s life, evolving into a passion that has
earned her recognitions at the United Dance Association, including All-Star Dancer, National Dance Team Finalist and Individual
Superior Ratings for six years. Melissa has also performed on ClayChalkville Middle and High School’s dance team, serving as cocaptain and captain. She’s even had the opportunity to intern with
her youth pastor as an assistant director of church productions and
choreograph dance numbers.
Academically, Melissa also leads in her performance. She maintains a 3.97 GPA, holds a membership in both the National Junior
Honor Society and National Honor Society, as well as membership
in Mu Alpha Theta. After school, she serves as a tutor for fellow
students.
Her willingness to help extends outside of school. For eight
years, she has held membership in Camp Fire USA, where she
cultivates her serving attitude. Charles Webster, Mayor of the City
of Clay, acknowledged Melissa’s community service efforts over the
years. “She has worked tornado relief helping provide necessities to
people who lost their homes, delivered meals and helped with clean
up. She has worked with the food pantry helping to box up groceries and serving meals to those in need. She has been involved with
community service since she became a member of Camp Fire USA
in the first grade,” he said.
teaching others
Melissa has always been interested in psychology and plans to
become a social science educator after graduating from the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
melissa lopresti
PG (parental guidance) rating
Clay, AL
“One of the best pieces of advice I have been given was by my
Papa,” said Melissa. “He told me to do what makes me happy and
not what might please everyone else.” Melissa said she uses his
advice to make decisions regarding her future.
parents’ perspective
Melissa’s mom Tina Lopresti admires her daughter’s strong leadership skills and devout faith. “She stays true to herself,” said Tina,
“and has never been one to follow the crowd or give into peer pressure. She always strives to do what is pleasing to God and is very
direct about why she doesn’t give into such pressures.”
parent-to-parent
Tina advises other parents to simply let their children know
they are loved. “They grow up so fast, and they need to know
that they are important to you,” said Tina. “Let them be the
person that they are. Don’t try to make them something they
are not and never compare them to siblings or other children.”
www.potentialmagazine.com
35