Photography by Amanda Evans Images
Meet April. She is Beauty Revived.
April is an incredible young lady and it is a privilege to write about someone who inspires the people around her, including myself. Reading the nominations submitted on her behalf, I could see that beauty simply radiates from her. I learned a lot about April from many people who think she is absolutely amazing… she loves photography, spending time with friends, she is passionate about animals and tries to rescue them all, she surprises her mom on her birthday… mother’s day… and somedays for no reason at all with a thoughtful meal made from scratch, she stands for what she believes to be right and true, she’s humble, shy, compassionate and full of love, she enjoys reading, hiking and running in the park with her dogs, and I learned that her mother, father and stepfather adore her. Being a friend of April’s means you are loved unconditionally and without judgement.
Even though she wears a big smile and has a positive outlook on life, April has endured her fair share of trials in her life. It started with the divorce of her parents. Shortly after, her dad began having major brain issues stemming from his AVM, causing a tumor as well as a series of strokes over the span of four years. His strokes eventually damaged the right side of his body, determined to make him wheelchair bound; yet he strives each day to walk without a cane or walker, only using his brace as support. April told me that her dad has taught her to rage against the odds and has also made her appreciate each day that she is blessed to live. She takes her father to his doctor’s appointments and encourages him to participate in the annual 5k that Greenbrier High School’s Renaissance Club hosts. April accompanies him in the race where they walk arm in arm. “They usually finish last, but to April he is a winner all the way around!” are words from her mother, Debbie. “Throughout the entirety of my life thus far, my parents have been the strongest motivating force in my life. Despite my parents divorcing in the middle of my second-grade year they have always worked as a team to make sure everything I needed was taken care of.” April’s brother is also a tremendous motivating factor in her life, being diagnosed with both Thyroid and Testicular Cancer, she is his biggest fan. He has been cancer free since 2011.
April’s life has been a roller coaster of ups and downs but she continues to move forward, stay focused on her future, and is involved in many clubs at school. She was invited to join Beta Club her sophomore year and has been the Vice President both her junior and senior year. April became a member of the National Honor Society her junior year and this year she is not only an active member she is also the President. April has been involved in Student Council and the Renaissance Action Team all four years of High School where she has dedicated long hours to finding sponsors for the National Conference, the Rally in February that recognizes students academically, setting up and working the annual color run, and helping each student feel appreciated and supported. April is also in Senior Sisters, a club dedicated to having a family within the school where girls can participate in carefree, bonding activities and trips. Pep Club is another club April participates in. “Pep Club has been a refreshing aspect of my senior year, allowing me to gather with my friends and support our school; until my senior year I was too cautious of what other people thought about me causing me to refrain from activities I would enjoy.”
April is intelligent, driven and shines academically. Last year she took several college courses and has taken 6 courses this year. After she graduates she plans to attend Middle Tennessee State University pursuing a double major in Criminal Justice as well as Psychology. April aspires to obtain a master’s degree in Criminal Justice and a doctorate in Psychology. “Entirely captivated by Criminal Minds as a little girl, I was intrigued by the character Spencer Reed; I have remained fascinated by the analytical and logistic processes residing behind the scenes to obtain information. I intend on becoming a behavioral analyst, hopefully being employed by the TBI or FBI later in life.”
April’s true beauty comes from within. She is a friend to all of her friends and a loving child with a heart of gold.
About the Photographer
Hey y’all! I’m Amanda Evans: a wife, a mom, a photographer. I am a wedding + senior photographer in Portland, Tennessee. I have been chasing beautiful light, love, genuine emotion and my dream for 9 years. I love pizza, spaghetti, pasta (ok let’s be real here, I love all carbs), reading, relaxing at home with my family and watching football. I am a hopeless romantic who believes in love.
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