Influencer of the Week: Mallory Daniels, Hope Charter School

Mallory Daniels is the recipient of the 2020 Hope Award, given to the best overall student at Hope Charter Middle School. One student is chosen each year for the top honor based on academic effort, character, attitude, compassion, participation in school athletics, activities and having a positive influence on those around her. Mallory has been involved in soccer, basketball and volleyball. She also serves regularly at her church and is a girl scout.

What does the Hope Award mean to you?

The Hope Award means a lot to me in many different ways. It shows that all of my hard work in and out of school actually paid off in a way. It even goes to show that I may not be that popular, but I still work hard and have friends who love me and care about me. It inspires me to give everything I face 110% of my effort. I am so honored to have earned this award out of my entire middle school class. It means the absolute world to me, and I am so glad to have been chosen. 

What is your favorite class in school? 

My favorite class this year as a freshman would have to be World History. I love my teacher, and the classroom environment is so relaxed, so I feel comfortable, even encouraged, to contribute my thoughts and ask questions. I always get a good laugh from that class; it really helps me to stay interested, and I never know what random topic we will start to talk about next. We even took a "What kind of cheese are you?" quiz! Apparently, I'm mozzarella. 

What do you want to do as a career? 

While many of my classmates already have a career in mind, I haven't quite decided yet what I want to do. I do know though that I'm really interested in science, animals and how things work/how they are put together. I hope to someday go swimming with sharks and go to see all the beautiful coral down by Key West. Maybe after seeing that I'll be able to really find my passion and know what career I want.

What are your favorite foods and restaurants? 

I'm kind of basic in terms of favorite food. I love pizza, especially from Italian Garden by our local Publix. I also love BLT's and chocolate cake.

What music do you listen to, and what books do you read? 

I love reading! Some of my favorite books are “Wings of Fire,” “Harry Potter,” “Hunger Games” and the first book of a trilogy called “The Knife of Never Letting Go.” I also really recommend the book “Because of Mr. Terupt” to any middle schooler/preteen. It really taught me some powerful life lessons. I also really loved the book series "Mouseheart."

What was your favorite children’s book and why?

My favorite book as a child was “You are My I Love You.” My mom read that book to me almost every night, and it holds a special place in my heart. I also loved the Magic Treehouse stories when I was little. I even made a map of my backyard showing all of the dangers and secret treasures and where our magic treehouse lied, waiting to be taken on yet another adventure.

If you could only listen to three bands or artists for the rest of your life, what would they be and why?

I'm into more of the indie side of Spotify, but I also love Christian music too. The three artists I would listen to are mxmtoon, Conan Grey and TobyMac. TobyMac was my first-ever favorite music artist, and he still creates awe-inspiring music that worships our amazing God. I even went to concert for him once, and it was a life changer. Mxmtoon is more of a current favorite singer and songwriter. She's kind, funny and beautiful and takes all of those traits and puts them into her music. She sings about feelings and emotions, most love songs, but her more recent ones are about growing up and wanting to live life to its fullest, and it’s really inspired me and moved me to just live more, to do things outside of my comfort zone and to embrace being myself. Conan Grey also writes love songs, and they are super hype and show that you don't need people to complete you. 

What do you like to do in your spare time?

I like to watch Netflix and chill, in my spare time. I also like to draw and paint. I've also taken up the interest of skateboarding, and I'm hoping to get better at it soon. 

What are your hobbies?

My hobbies are playing sports. I play mostly soccer, basketball, and volleyball. I also like to knit and to curl up in bed with a good book.

If you could have any super power, what would it be and why?

If I could have a super power it would be super strength, because right now I have a very weak back, hips and knees, making me at risk for a lot of injuries. So, if I had super strength, I wouldn't have to worry about that anymore, and no one would ever underestimate me. I could help a lot of people and maybe even win a lot of money if I compete in American Ninja Warrior.

What do you love most about Hope Charter? 

The thing I love most about Hope Charter is most of the teachers. I also love the fact that we wear uniforms so I don't have to worry about what outfits I should wear. I also like the sport communities, especially in soccer. Those girls make me feel so welcome and loved; they are honestly a huge inspiration.