TEEN | MISS | MS. | MRS.

My name is Lana Elise Journet, and I am currently a junior at Lancaster High School in Lancaster, California. If you’ve never been to Lancaster, I encourage you to take the scenic drive through the mountains to the Antelope Valley. Once you arrive, be sure to visit the Antelope Valley California Poppy Reserve. At the right time of year, the reserve is overflowing with breathtaking fields of California’s vibrant orange state flower. The natural beauty of Lancaster, especially the mountains and poppy fields, continues to inspire me, offering moments of peace and reflection.

 

My love for tennis began in middle school when I started playing locally as a way to stay active and challenge myself. What began as a casual activity quickly became a true passion. By the time I entered high school, I joined the junior varsity team as a freshman, dedicating myself to improving my skills and learning the game. My hard work earned me a spot on the varsity team during my sophomore year, where I now compete in singles and doubles matches as the third-ranked player. I also play with the Excel Tennis program, which has allowed me to further refine my skills and connect with other players in the community.

 

I am deeply inspired by tennis icons such as Coco Gauff, Naomi Osaka, Taylor Townsend, and Ben Shelton. They have each shown resilience, determination, and grace, both on and off the court, while staying true to who they are. Their stories encourage me to embrace my own journey, challenge limitations, and find joy in my progress. Tennis has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of setting goals—lessons that I carry with me in every aspect of my life.

 

Another passion of mine is drama, which I’ve been pursuing for three years as part of my high school’s theater program. Drama has given me a unique outlet to express myself creatively while teaching me invaluable life skills such as confidence, teamwork, and communication. I’ve learned how to connect with others through storytelling, and it has helped me overcome self-doubt and embrace my individuality. In my sophomore year, I was honored to receive the “Most Improved” award, which reminded me of the importance of growth and perseverance. Drama has shown me that every person has a unique voice, and I am grateful to use mine on and off the stage. I also hold a California Entertainment Work Permit, which allows me to pursue professional opportunities in acting and performance, aligning with my love for creative expression.

 

I also have a passion for photography, capturing the world around me in unique and creative ways. I especially love taking pictures of the sky—whether it’s the soft pastels of a sunrise, the glowing hues of a sunset, or the sparkling constellations at night. The beauty of the Antelope Valley, with its majestic mountains and vibrant poppy fields, is one of my favorite sources of inspiration. Photography allows me to express my creativity and find joy in the everyday wonders of nature.

 

When I’m not on the tennis court, the stage, or behind a camera, I love reading and writing short stories and poems. I am also passionate about animals and have had the privilege of volunteering at Wild at Heart Horse Rescue, where I gained a deeper understanding of compassion and advocacy. My dog, Bailey, is my best friend and constant source of joy. Spending time with her reminds me of the simple pleasures in life, like love, loyalty, and connection.

 

Family, true friendship, and community are incredibly important to me. I am especially grateful for the support of my younger brother, Robert, who inspires me daily with his passion and determination. One of my favorite memories was traveling to Italy with my family to support Robert at a fencing camp. Exploring beautiful cities, learning about Italian culture, and cheering him on were unforgettable experiences that strengthened our bond as siblings.

 

Another highlight of my community involvement is my volunteer work with the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated® Alpha Gamma Omega Chapter Youth Leadership Institute, where I serve as Teen Lead. This program empowers youth aged 11–13 to develop leadership skills, advocate for themselves, and explore different career pathways. As Teen Lead, I play a vital role in guiding participants and supporting the program’s success. Speaking with these young leaders and encouraging them to reach their potential has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

 

These experiences connect deeply with my platform, The Confidence Project, which is my primary focus. The Confidence Project promotes mental health awareness, body positivity, and the joy of simply being yourself. My platform is especially dedicated to today’s youth, both boys and girls, with a particular emphasis on elementary school girls. It always surprises me to see young girls worrying about their weight, crop tops, or makeup at just 10 years old. They are already doubting the power of their unique beauty, and I want to change that.

 

Through The Confidence Project, I aim to provide mentorship, impactful discussion groups, and opportunities to promote acceptance and belonging. I want to remove the stigma around asking for help and create healthy outlets for anxiety and depression. Today’s youth face immense pressures—academic, social, emotional, societal, financial, and more—on top of the ever-present challenges of cyberbullying, social media, and the unrealistic pressure to “fit in.” My goal is to help youth navigate these challenges by encouraging them to be humane, authentic, and confident in who they are.

 

In addition to my primary platform, I am also passionate about supporting Wild at Heart Horse Rescue through a secondary initiative to raise funds for their mission. The organization’s commitment to rescuing and rehabilitating horses inspires me, and I hope to make a meaningful contribution by bringing awareness and resources to their cause.

 

Looking ahead, I am considering several schools for college, with Pepperdine University and Howard University among my top choices. I plan to pursue a degree in business and journalism, combining my love for strategic thinking, creativity, and storytelling. I also dream of playing collegiate tennis and continuing to grow as both an athlete and a student.

 

The quote that inspires me most is by Angie Thomas: “Sometimes you can do everything right and things will still go wrong. The key is to never stop doing right!”This guides my approach to life—staying true to my values and empowering others to embrace their strengths, pursue their passions, and create meaningful change.

 

Whether through tennis, drama, photography, volunteering, or creative expression, I am committed to living a life that uplifts others and creates positive change. By embracing every challenge and opportunity with kindness, determination, and authenticity, I hope to inspire others to find their unique strengths, pursue their passions, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.