There are many unique summer activities for non-sports-inclined teens in which to participate within the Bristow/Gainesville/Nokesville area. While these activities can keep teens out of trouble in the summer, they can also serve a more important function: introducing them to new passions, hobbies and possible future careers that could last a lifetime. Many adults find it daunting that their teens are now driving, never mind flying, but that is just what 17-year-old Carl Stover of Bristow is doing with his summer. “I have been going to flight school on and off for about a year now,” Stover said. “I’ve continued to take flight lessons at Twin County Airport in Hillsville, Virginia this summer as I work toward getting a pilot’s license.” Stover recognizes that sports helps teens release their energy and also learn to work as a team; however, he finds a different level of dedication necessary for a pilot. “Flying requires a specific mindset that, so far, no other activity I've done has really called for. If you're playing a sport and get injured, you can stop; if you're driving and don't feel well, you can pull over. When you're flying and the plane stops working, you’re not allowed to quit or you’ll die!” Stover said. Surely it is that level of danger that prohibits others from learning to fly, but Stover thrives on it. “Flying is probably the most exciting hobby I’ve ever found, and I plan to keep doing it,” he said. While some teens adopt summer hobbies, others invest time in practicing what they love. The Amado sisters, Mia and Ali, are heavily involved in theater and spend the majority of their summer acting. “When I’m not relaxing by the pool or hanging with my friends, I use my time in the summer to rehearse. I’m an actress, so this time is very valuable to me,” said 17-year-old Mia Amado of Bristow. In August, Mia will be performing in “Aida” with the Vienna Youth Players. And like any actress, she divides her time between auditions, practices and performances. “This time is very valuable to me. I get to practice monologues, go out for auditions and sometimes perform,” Mia said. Mia also appreciates the social aspects of theatre, including the creativity involved in creating a character.
“I find acting more interesting and sociable than chasing a ball on a field. I meet many people, create lasting friendships and I get to be more creative as I take on a new character, discovering their likes and dislikes,” she said. Mia’s 14-year-old sister Ali also acts with the Fauquier Community Theatre where she recently performed in “Aladdin.” In addition, she will participate in Summerfest in Wisconsin this summer. Although summer is the perfect time for teens to perfect their talents, attending summer concerts is another popular activity. Seventeen-year-old Robert Ionta of Bristow said that he is seeing one of his favorite artists, T.M. Revolution, in Baltimore on August 10. They are coming from Japan to perform and celebrate their 15th year since they debuted in the U.S. Sloane Waitforit LaFroth, a 17-year-old of Gainesville, is excited to see Cheap Trick at Wolf Trap on August 20. “This will be the second time I've seen them, and they're great live,” she said. Casey Thomas, who works at Jiffy Lube Live, is a 17-year-old of Gainesville as well. “I see concerts all the time. It’s such a great job, and I look forward to seeing Maroon 5 in concert this summer!” Thomas said. Renee Ordoobadi is a Bristow resident and a senior at Woodbridge Senior High School where she is a creative writing student and editor of the yearbook. She is a former volleyball player for the Vikings, and now in her free time, she enjoys writing poetry and going on hikes at the Manassas Battlefield.
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