Avon Magazine May 2022 by Towne Post Network, Inc.

MAGAZINE

MAY 2022

MAN OF STEEL KYLE BEIMFOHR OVERCOMES INJURY TO BECOME AN IRONMAN TRIATHLETE

FUN FOR ALL AND ALL FOR FUN Jameson Camp Ensures All Kids Can Experience the Joy of Camp WELCOME TO THE STAGE Hendricks Civic Theatre Invites the Community to Play a Role

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Kyle Beimfohr Overcomes Injury to Become an Ironman Triathlete

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Kyle Beimfohr

MAN OF STEEL KYLE BEIMFOHR OVERCOMES INJURY TO BECOME AN IRONMAN TRIATHLETE Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Amy Payne and FinisherPix

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“ Biking is my happy place.” — Kyle Beimfohr

yle Beimfohr played baseball, football and basketball as a kid. Once he got to high school and college, however, other activities took precedence. A 1991 graduate of Avon High School, Beimfohr is a digital learning coach. It wasn’t until he began his teaching career that he realized it would probably be wise for him to start exercising again. He took up running and ran the local Mini-Marathon, but after logging lots of mileage, his knees began to bother him so he started cycling and fell in love with the activity.

“Biking is my happy place,” says Beimfohr, an Avon resident. “You see the world at a different pace. I like doing long rides because it offers a lot of time for reflection and conversations with God.”

him to try an Ironman competition. Again, the idea initially seemed too daunting. After all, a full Ironman race is a 2.4-mile swim followed by 112 miles of cycling, then capped off with a 26.2-mile run.

One day a friend suggested he sign up for a triathlon. Beimfohr shook his head.

His friends suggested he try the Half Ironman, since he was already doing triathlon training, so he did. That was in July of 2015, and his goal was simply to finish, which he did. After a month passed he felt the itch to try it again to improve his time. He signed up the following year. When he wasn’t too sore following the competition, completing a full Ironman became his new goal.

“I’m not a swimmer,” he said at the time. However, the seed was planted and he was up for the challenge. After doing a couple of small local races, he was hooked. Then his buddies upped the ante, this time inviting

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Training for an Ironman requires a huge time commitment. A typical training week involves swimming three days a week, running four days a week and biking three days a week. Closer to the race date, he does long runs and bike rides on the weekends, sometimes biking for four or five hours. “I try to mix it up so it’s not too monotonous,” he says. He has also gotten better at listening to his body. For instance, during the last few years he has battled shin splints, especially after passing the six-mile mark, so he started doing shorter runs. While he loves biking back-country routes, springtime road conditions can be dangerous because of all the salt and sand that gets put down, not to mention the prevalence of potholes. Beimfohr signed up for an Ironman in Louisville in October of 2017. “I was probably in the best shape of my life then,” Beimfohr says. “I felt comfortable

found out that he had missed the deadline to get a refund of his $800 Ironman registration Then, two and a half months before the race, fee or defer to a later race, he had a fresh goal. he was out on a long training ride with his “I started doing physical therapy,” he says. teammates when one of them fell down in “I decided that as I tried to recover I was front of him, causing Beimfohr to flip over going to see where I got. I figured worst-case him, thereby breaking his clavicle and ribs. scenario, I could always go down to the race, My buddy was like, “Kyle, you’ve got a hole pick up my shirt and backpack and call it a day, but really I hoped that I could finish the in your shoulder,’” he recalls. race.” The doctor put metal in Beimfohr’s shoulder to keep it stable. His first question following He began training five weeks after surgery, but on the bike he couldn’t lean forward surgery was, “Will I be able to race?” with his shoulder. He also realized just The doctor informed him that he was done how much he used his arms to run. Aqua jogging in the pool was the best place for the year. to be. He didn’t begin swimming until mid-September. His friends, family and “I had tears in my eyes when he said that,” Beimfohr recalls. “To have that pulled away girlfriend, Sara Hunter, were all supportive even though they thought he was a little just killed me.” crazy. Though his friends, family, and teammates “There were definitely tears when I crossed all promised him that there would be other the finish line and heard on the loud races, Beimfohr was obstinate. When he with all three disciplines and I was excited.”

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speaker, ‘Kyle Beimfohr, you are an Ironman,’” he says. Following the grueling race, Beimfohr was extremely sore. “There was a lot of ibuprofen involved,” he says. “You’re exhausted. Your body has been spent because you’ve actively raced for more than 13 hours.” After completing any big race, Beimfohr takes a much-needed break from training to recover and rejuvenate, both physically and emotionally. “I find something else to do that does not involve biking, swimming or running,” he says.

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One of those things is decorating sugar cookies. “I’ve always liked drawing and painting so this edible art feeds my creative side,” he says. After the first Ironman he completed with the broken clavicle, he got the itch to train for another so he could do one in good health. As soon as registration opened up, he signed up for the Louisville race again. The following year, in February of 2018, he was out running a trail on a beautiful warm day. He went under a bridge and stepped on what he thought was shade but turned out to be black ice. The slip tore ligaments in his foot and broke a metatarsal bone. “I had to have screws put in my foot,” he says. “I made sure to defer my race.”

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Though he endured four surgeries in one year, thankfully things have been on an upswing, health-wise, ever since. In fact, he has completed two more Ironmans. Next on the agenda is competing one in Arizona this November. “I like that that will be a river swim,” Beimfohr says. “I tend to stay away from the ocean swims. It’s hard to train for ocean waves when you live in Indianapolis.” He appreciates the camaraderie of triathlons. Although it’s an individual sport, he feels there is a great sense of community. “I’ve got a great group of guys and gals that I train with, some of whom drove down to Louisville just to cheer me on,” Beimfohr says. “So in those dark moments when struggling in training, even when you’re not injured, it’s great having people who will encourage you like that. That’s one of the things I love about triathlons.”

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JAMESON CAMP ENSURES ALL KIDS CAN EXPERIENCE THE JOY OF CAMP

a century later, it serves kids aged 5 to 17, allowing them to experience both day camp and overnight camp. Best of all, the staff members are committed to ensuring that every child has the chance to experience camp, regardless of financial ability. According to Jess Gillum, program director of camp and youth activities, 95% of their families receive financial assistance of some variety, and roughly 80% of the kids who attend the camp live below the federal poverty guidelines. Therefore, staff members at Jameson Camp work with families to help them submit simple financial documentation so that they may be awarded scholarships.

Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided by Jameson Camp

In 1928, Julia Jameson founded Jameson Camp. Situated on 125 acres, it was originally conceived as an open-air camp on the outskirts of Indianapolis for tuberculosis patients. Now, nearly

In addition, 46% of Jameson’s campers have a diagnosis of attentiondeficit disorder, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, or autism. Sometimes these are the kids who struggle to fit in with their peers at school. At camp, however, all of that falls away because no one knows of diagnoses, academic history or financial status. They have day camp for kids aged 5 to 12, which is offered in oneweek sessions throughout the summer. They also have a weekly overnight camp for ages 7 to 15, as well as a “mini” overnight MAY 2022

camp for ages 5 to 14 that’s two days and one night, and is ideal for children who aren’t ready for a full week. “Because of the pandemic a lot of kids haven’t been away from home for two or three years,” Gillum says. “Others never have done a sleepaway camp so this gives them a taste of what that’s like.” The goal is for campers to leave with a little more knowledge and courage than they came in with. “Camp is the perfect place to step out of your comfort zone and discover your strengths,” Gillum says.

and-slide kickball, volleyball, and soccer. “The kids’ favorite is typically the climbing tower and the high ropes course,” Gillum says. “We also have a creek that runs through camp so we do creek ecology and creek stomping.” Each year the leaders adjust the activities to suit campers’ interests. Plus, they hire staff members from different countries, each of whom brings with them a set of unique skills. This year they have employees from Jamaica, Mexico, Hungary, Thailand, Scotland, England, Turkey and Ghana. “We might offer yoga or rugby, for instance, depending on the things our staff members are interested in, in order to expand the kids’ horizons,” Gillum says.

At school kids can feel pressured to get things right the first time, but that’s not the case here. “Here, if you fail at the climbing wall that’s OK,” Gillum says. “You’ll get a chance to try it again. It’s not about doing it perfectly. It’s about giving something a go.” Spending time at camp can build confidence and independence. Being able to choose activities, as well as establishing likes and dislikes, helps kids grow. At Jameson Camp the list of activities is endless. They offer swimming, archery, arts and crafts, rock climbing, a rope course, and team building, as well as a variety of sports including basketball, slip-

Earlier this year she and her team sat down and asked what they wanted their campers to improve on by the time they left camp. They came up with four words - perseverance, accountability, courage and kindness. “Those are the things that make a person well-rounded so we want to instill those values in our kids,” Gillum says. For instance, they talk about how one’s actions impact people. “We’re in a microcosm in a camp so you get to see how your actions make other people

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“CAMP IS THE PERFECT PLACE TO STEP OUT OF YOUR COMFORT ZONE AND DISCOVER YOUR STRENGTHS.” —JESS GILLUM feel. You’re already out of your comfort zone so this is your spot for growth.” One of the best parts of camp is the growth that’s witnessed across campers as the summer progresses. For instance, last year they had a girl who was nonverbal when she arrived. “She came in speaking two words and left speaking in full sentences,” Gillum says. “It was the most beautiful thing to watch.” They also always see a huge shift in confidence throughout the course of the season, particularly when it comes to swimming. Because some campers are new to the water, having had no access to pools before, they are hesitant to try. “So many kids sit on the bench at first, then after a while they put one toe in the water,” Gillum says. “By the end of the summer no kids are sitting on the bench. Everyone is doing cannonballs into the pool.”

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Each year Jameson Camp registers around 1,000 children. They noticed an uptick in registration early this year.

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“Everyone has realized how important it is to be outside and participate in social interactions,” Gillum says.

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Studies show that being immersed in nature is good for health. Not only does it offer the benefit of being physically active and getting some vitamin D from the sun, but camp also provides a learning environment where kids want to participate and ask questions when introduced to new things.

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“WE WORK WITH PARTNERS IN OUR COMMUNITY TO MAKE SURE WE’RE A LOWBARRIER CAMP WHERE KIDS ARE ABLE TO COME OUT AND HAVE A WONDERFUL OPPORTUNITY, REGARDLESS OF WHERE THEY ARE FROM OR WHAT THEIR FAMILIES LOOK LIKE —JESS GILLUM

“Getting comfortable being outside should be lifelong,” Gillum says. “Summer camp changed my life as a kid and now I work here.” Another great aspect of camp is being paired with mentors - a key component to growth for many of these children. “A lot of our kids don’t have many mentors in their lives,” Gillum says. “Plus, in the last couple of years kids have been removed from their mentors or have maybe seen them through a Zoom screen or a mask. Part of what makes our mentors unique is that our counselors and staff are relatable young adults. We are their cheerleaders.” Most camps have a 1:8 or 1:10 ratio of adults to children. Jameson Camp’s ratio is 1:5, depending on the age and ability of campers. In addition, they hire behavioral specialists to help children who may be stressed. “Children with a sensory disorder struggle when a situation gets too loud or the food is the wrong texture,” Gillum says. “Sometimes big emotions are really challenging for our kids. These specialists swoop in and separate the child from the group to offer special support.” In addition, Jameson Camp runs specialty camps every summer, working with kids who have been impacted by AIDS or HIV. They are also partnering with the Indiana Youth Group to host the state’s first LGBTQ summer camp. Plus, their partner, Son of a Saint, works to transform the lives of fatherless boys through mentorship and peer-to-peer relationships. “We work with partners in our community to make sure we’re a low-barrier camp where kids are able to come out and have a wonderful opportunity, regardless of where they are from or what their families look like,” Gillum says. The last day to apply for financial assistance, which is provided on a first-comefirst-served basis, is June 1. Camps start on June 6 and end on July 29. Once camp season ends, Jameson Camp stays open year round to host weddings, parties, company retreats and corporate team building for up to 180 people. “It’s beautiful here so it makes a wonderful place to hold a party or reception,” Gillum says. “These events are how we raise money for our scholarships.” Though Jameson Camp spans a sizable amount of land, it is tucked back in such a way that some people drive by and have no idea that it exists. “We’ve been here 100 years and are our own little oasis,” Gillum says. To learn more about Jameson Camp, call 317-241-2661 or visit jamesoncamp.org. MAY 2022

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t times our world can feel fragmented, disjointed and contentious. Thankfully, certain things tend to always bring us together, and the arts is one of those things. “Theater has taught me so many lessons in life, one of which is that people can be totally disconnected on all kinds of issues

but still come together for the thing they love,” says Karla Janning, Hendricks Civic Theatre (HCT) president. “Theater really connects people on a level that you can’t explain until you do it.”

disappointments, but any time I’ve done things with the theater, I’ve only had fulfillment and support from people around me,” she says. “That was something I didn’t expect to get, this whole new family.”

Like so many lovers of the arts, Janning views theater as her happy place.

Each year HCT puts on six productions, including a kids show in the spring, a family musical in the summer and four other plays (a mixture of comedies and dramas, one of

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which is a Christmas show). In years past, some of their most popular performances have included “To Kill a Mockingbird,” “Twelve Angry Men” and “The Foreigner.”

the same shows they always see because it’s what they know. We’d like to up the ante a bit and invite folks to step out of their comfort zone.”

“‘To Kill a Mockingbird’ opened up a narrative of talking about things that people usually don’t like to talk about,” Janning says. “That was good to see.”

In May, HCT will present a comedy called “Play On!” at Longstreet Playhouse in Danville, where they hold the majority of their shows. In July, however, HCT is performing “Mamma Mia!” at Danville High School. Down the road they’re hoping to utilize the new Performing Arts Center in Plainfield. Currently the town is working on building a new Town Hall portion first. The previous Town Hall area will be torn down and that’s where the bulk of the Performing Arts Center will be. Construction of the Performing Arts Center likely won’t start until later this year and won’t be ready for use until sometime in 2023.

While they try to pick shows that are wellknown, they would also like to start doing lesser-known shows that the community will still want to see due to confidence that HCT will put on quality productions. Each year the board sends out a survey to the community to get an idea of the types of shows people are interested in. “We want to know if they’re ready for a show that maybe challenges them with regards to a moral compass, or challenges them with questions of race and color and those kind of things,” Janning says. “We’re just hoping that they’re ready to not just see

for shows, ushering, or helping to categorize the costume room or prop room. If you’re intrigued but worried that you’re not the right fit because you’re not a seasoned thespian, worry no more. “You don’t have to have ever set foot on stage,” Janning says. “We need the business end of the board - people who can do paperwork and marketing. No acting experience is necessary.” The bottom line is that they’re looking for theater lovers. To volunteer, go the website and click on “Play a Role.” You can also submit a director application if you’re interested in directing a show. Janning estimates that between the casts, volunteers and audience members, HCT touches between 1,000 and 2,000 people per season.

Janning, a lifelong fan of the arts, is The HCT team is always interested in attracting more volunteers who want to help committed to theater and feels it’s important with shows or serve on the board. Volunteer for many reasons. jobs include working the concessions area

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“If you want to get scientific, countless data shows that communities that have a vivid arts community enjoy better health, better connections with one another, and they tend to work better together on projects outside of the arts,” she says. From a personal standpoint, Janning has found that theater is a great place for people who aren’t sure where they belong. “We have extroverts, introverts and everyone in between,” she says. “I love it when a parent comes up to me after a show and tells me they were shocked when their shy child said they wanted to audition. On stage they’re a totally different person. I’ve heard that time and again.” Janning encourages everyone to give theater a try. If you think you may want to audition but are nervous because it’s your first time, HCT is the perfect place to get your feet wet. “We’re a community theater that wants people to flourish,” Janning says. “We’re going to encourage you, support you, hug you, love on you. This is a safe, comfortable space. Everyone is there to help everyone else out. That’s what I love about HCT.” Should you audition and not get a part, they will always find a way to include you in the show, working backstage or in some other capacity. In fact, many people enjoy contributing behind the scenes. Historically the biggest pool of people who have auditioned at HCT have been Caucasian, but they would love to see that change and have people from all walks of life sign up for audition slots. HCT is hoping to attract more diversity to both auditions and the board. “We’re trying to get the word out that we embrace diversity,” Janning says. While they’re one big happy family, they are always welcoming new members into the fold. They have brand-new people involved in almost every show. Through the years many families have performed together on stage. “That’s always the most fun,” Janning says. “What happens a lot is that kids have gotten cast in multiple shows, and then a Christmas show comes around and they encourage their MAY 2022

mom or dad to audition too. As parents, that’s really rewarding when your child wants you to participate in something with them.” Anyone can become a HCT member with just a $25 donation. Those who want to make a monthly donation can do so as well. They er are also always looking ster e b s t e r Webstoruindividual for business show Websponsors. e Wue

iq iq Techn iedchnique Techn ied ertifTe C f i t Cerlots of expenses with our Certified “We have

shows so when we can offset those expenses, it helps a lot,” Janning says.

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Skilled trade careers offer steady work because people will always need plumbing, heating and cooling in their homes and offices. In addition, many people love to work with their hands. The team at Peterman Brothers recognizes this, and in October of 2020 they began Top Tech Academy, their own internal trade school that offers both HVAC and plumbing courses. Offered twice per year in the spring and fall, Top Tech is a five-month accelerated program where students undergo a mix of classroom learning, hands-on training and field

experience. Applicants who are accepted into Applicants must be 18 or older, with a high the program choose to study either plumbing school GED or equivalency. or HVAC, depending on their area of interest. The most common feedback they get from applicants is that they’re seeking job security. During the academy, students ride with technicians for job shadowing. They also partner with other students to do inspection “We also hear, ‘My dad was a plumber,’ or, ‘I helped my grandpa work out in the garage,’ calls. Over time they graduate to having or, ‘I really like working with my hands,’” their own van and doing customer calls. Wernert says. This month they will open the application process for next semester, which will start After applying, candidates complete a phone the first week of September. Currently screen with the recruiting team. Wernert they take 12 plumbing students and shares a recorded video that outlines expectations of the students as well as what 15 HVAC students per semester. It’s a the students can expect from the program. highly competitive program, and as word has spread, interest has grown. The first semester, 600 people applied. Last semester, “That’s got a lot of critical information that can make or break their decision on that number doubled. whether to accept an offer,” Wernert says. “We take the top 2%,” says Dani Wernert, In-person interviews follow. Applicants will learning and development specialist. either get accepted into the program, put on a If you think you don’t have a shot of making wait list or be asked to apply the next semester. it because you didn’t graduate in the top 2% of your high school class, think again. One huge draw to the program is that Peterman Brothers pays students. “Applicants need not have experience in the trade specifically,” Wernert says. “We’re “While they’re in school with us, they’re looking at personality and behaviors. We getting paid an hourly rate,” Wernert says. “It’s want to know that you’re going to treat our a full-time job. They are Peterman Brothers customers right.” employees with us on day-one of school.”

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“It’s like a three-legged stool,” Wernert says. “If you have two of the virtues but not three, “We’ve found that it’s absolutely worth the that stool is going to fall over.” investment,” Wernert says. “Every new class impresses us.” MAY 2022

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FINALLY, A CHANGE IN THE HOUSING MARKET BUT IS IT WHAT YOU EXPECTED? Writer / Claire-Anne Aikman Photography Provided

It looks like 2021’s housing market will repeat itself through most of 2022 thanks to the continued demand for homes to purchase, low foreclosure rates, and another solid year of growth in home value. What’s new, however, is that mortgage interest rates are creeping upward, which will result in buyers adjusting their budgets because the increased rates will decrease their buying power. Typically this results in buyers being more discerning with their funds, and while there is still a surplus of

buyers at every price point, there may be more instances where prices will need to decrease in order to match buyers’ budgets. It is doubtful that this will lead to home prices matching what they were five years ago, but the potential for an adjustment in pricing is definitely there. Meanwhile, inventory remains low. There are plenty of lovely homes owned by lovely people…who would love to adjust their living space to better suit their family’s needs, but who are not inspired enough to make a move based on what is being offered in today’s market. 30 / AVON MAGAZINE / MAY 2022 / TownePost.com

So here we sit, and the Groundhog Day of the housing market is upon us. Some of the dialogue has changed but in the end, the outcome is the same. Changes happen, growth happens, and Hendricks County is changing and growing every day. At some point things will level out, but today is not that point in time. Claire-Ann is a West Side Realtor helping people make Hendricks County their home. You can reach her at 317-345-6640 or thepointinrealestate@gmail.com

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LOVE AND LOSS

AVON HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS DISCUSS GRIEF AND LIFE AFTER LOSING A PARENT Writer / Christy Heitger-Ewing Photography Provided

There are pivotal days in every teenager’s life, including going to prom, getting a driver’s license and graduating from high school. Through four years of high school, teens experience other highlights as well - perhaps special moments in sports or standing in a spotlight on stage. Sadly, however, sometimes other pivotal days rise to the surface when life delivers an unexpected blow. Such was the case for Avon High School seniors Hannah Hughes, whose mother passed away when she was a freshman, and Carson Dossey, whose father passed away during his sophomore year. Despite their shock and sadness, both teens found ways to persevere, move forward and honor their parents by joyfully embracing life.

Hannah Hughes and Carson Dossey

n March 16, 2019, Hughes, 15 at “My sisters and I sat by her side all night, the time, was at a state show-choir holding her hand,” Hughes says. The next competition. Before going on day she passed away at age 53. stage, a weird sensation washed over her. In the initial days and weeks following her “I knew something was happening but I mom’s passing, Hughes struggled to get didn’t know what,” she recalls. Following out of bed as she wrestled with feelings of her performance, her sister found her. depression and guilt for not having spent more quality time with her mom. “It’s mom,” her sister said. “We need to go.” “It hurt knowing that I could have seen her In recent years her mother Missy had more but didn’t because I had a hard time suffered heart problems and several strokes. seeing her so sick,” she says. She also struggled with other physical and mental health issues which worsened over In an effort to get to a better headspace, time. Still, her decline came in rapid fashion. Hughes talked openly with her sisters TownePost.com / MAY 2022 / AVON MAGAZINE / 35

about how she was feeling. She also began journaling. “That helped me pour my emotions out into something,” she says. “I wasn’t in a great state of mind then, but it’s good to look back now and see how far I’ve come.” One of her biggest difficulties since her mom’s death has been listening to people talk about what they get to do with their parents. “Hearing others talk about their mom really hits me in the heart because I can’t experience that anymore,” she says.

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“Mother’s Day is especially tough.” Throughout her high school career Hughes has proactively tried pursuits that would make her mom proud, starting with getting outside of her comfort zone by being more social. “She would talk to everyone, but I’ve got social anxiety so I’ve been pushing myself to be outgoing like she was,” Hughes says. Following graduation, she plans to take a year to earn some money, then head to the Big Apple to land a job doing special effects and stage makeup. “I want to work on movie sets,” she says. “That’s my main focus.” A self-proclaimed “theater nerd,” she began doing makeup for theatrical shows in eighth grade. The last couple of Halloween seasons, she’s also worked at Hanna Haunted Acres doing both makeup and performing as a “scarer.” “I made a lot of friends by working there,” she says. “That helped get me out of my bubble.” It also proved to boost her confidence, as she worked with a makeup artist who has worked on movie sets with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. “She complimented my makeup technique and told me my lines were beautiful,” Hughes says. The high praise makes Hughes think of all the times her mother encouraged and supported her passion for theater and choir. Missy proudly watched her daughter’s theatrical performance in her eighth-grade production of “The Wizard of Oz,” when she was cast as the Wicked Witch of the West. Though her evil cackle was deliciously spot-on, it is her mom’s boisterous chuckle that makes Hughes smile. “I vividly recall being on stage and looking out into the audience at her beaming face,” Hughes says. “Her laugh was everything. Mom’s death took a huge toll on my life, but I’m forever grateful for her and everything we shared.”

t was January of 2020, and the world had not yet shut down when Carson Dossey’s world came crumbling down around him. His father Kelly, a local soccer referee who organized tournaments for multiple soccer clubs here and in other states, began to feel unwell on a Wednesday after returning from a work trip to Baltimore. Given his symptoms, his doctor prescribed flu medicine, but it didn’t help his high fever, nausea or extreme fatigue. Though he felt lousy, he assumed he’d get some rest and be back to normal by the following week. Four days later, however, Kelly passed away in his sleep at the age of 55. Dossey was just 16. His father’s death came as such a shock because he was completely healthy the week before.

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Dossey had attended Winter Jam, a contemporary Christian music concert, two weeks before his dad’s passing. An artist at the show named Austin French sang a song called “Why God,” and the

HANNAH AND CARSON’S ADVICE TO NEWLY GRIEVING TEENS “ Talk through your feelings with someone you trust. Confide in a good group of friends. Eat, sleep, journal.” —Hannah “ Try to remember the positives, because most of the time they outweigh the negatives.” —Carson

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lyrics resonated with Dossey. “After dad died I thought, ‘Maybe that’s why I love this song so much,’” he says. “I realized that all the puzzle pieces in your life ultimately fit together. Thankfully I didn’t go down a super dark path like some people do when they grieve. I had faith that it would get better.” Grief can manifest in different ways.

my dad, who had a super loud voice, would scream ‘Larry!’” recalls Dossey with a chuckle. Kelly had a fun, playful personality, which he passed on to his son. The best life lesson Kelly ever taught his children was simply to be kind to everyone. “He was happy no matter the situation,” Dossey says. “He always had a smile on his face. He wanted to lift everyone around him.”

A big part of Dossey’s healing journey involved music. He had always wanted to learn how to play an instrument so when “My sisters looked at the negatives and I looked at the positives,” Dossey says. “There’s always regret when it comes to loss, but I wanted COVID hit, he bought a guitar and taught himself how to play it by watching YouTube videos. to focus on the good memories.” Soccer was a family passion, and Kelly coached all of his children in the sport including Dossey, starting when he was 3 years old. When Dossey was 13, his team traveled to Orlando to compete in a tournament. He went to Disney World with his dad, which was extra special given that the pair loved thrill rides. He estimates that his family has been to Kings Island more than 100 times. A favorite memory with his dad involves riding Delirium, the largest frisbeestyle ride of its kind in the world.

He also began to journal his feelings. This year, two years after his father’s passing, Dossey pulled out his journal and transformed his entries into a song, which he titled “Love You More.” When he performed it at a choir concert to honor his dad, there wasn’t a dry eye in the house. “A lot of people told me that the song touched them,” Dossey says.

His choir friends, church community and grandpa have all played “Dad and I used to watch the show ‘Impractical Jokers’ where this guy roles in helping him heal. He also appreciates the transparency of would randomly yell out the name Larry, so when we rode Delirium, those who shared their own grief journeys with him.

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“There are a lot of people you don’t realize have gone through similar situations,” he says. “I had teachers come up and talk to me about what they had been through.” When he graduates later this month, Dossey plans to go to college and major in criminal justice, then join the military for SWAT training. His end goal is to become a K9 officer. Mostly, he just wants to make his father proud. “The thing I miss most is the connection we had,” Dossey says. “I have a stepdad who is old-school and into cars. My dad was super sportsy and super emotional. I learned both sides of manhood from the two of them.”

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