Staff Danielle Rice Publisher Editor Aimée O’Grady Pam Kamphuis Carol Osborn Parenting Editor Graphic Design (Advertising) Editor’s Note Raising Tomorrow’s Leaders Lisa Pavlock Associate Editor & Sales Manager Gretchen Franti Sales Representative Graphic Design B Kara Beebe Thorpe Piedmont Family Magazine is published six times a year and is distributed free through libraries, community centers, advertisers, and family-oriented businesses in Culpeper, Fauquier, Prince William, and surrounding counties. Visit us on the web at www.piedmontfamilymagazine.com for a calendar of events, local resource lists and more. For advertising rates and details, look in the advertising section of our website or send an email to adsales@piedmontfamilymagazine.com. © 2013 Piedmont Family Magazine. Warrenton, Va. Any reproduction of this publication, in whole or in part, is strictly forbidden without expressed written permission from the publisher. eing a teenager today bears little resemblance to when I was a teenager in the late 80s and early 90s. At that time, I ran track and either babysat or worked in the mall to earn money for college. My mall job was no hardship as a steady stream of friends visited me during my shifts. By the time I turned 18, I was enrolled in a small private college in New York State. When I look at today’s teenagers, there is a burden they carry that was unfamiliar to me. Today’s young people combat cyber attacks with increasing frequency; they cannot remember a time when 9/11 wasn’t in their history books; and for those who attend college, the outcome of their education is uncertain. But today’s teenagers are also far more worldly and philanthropic. They have great compassion for those who suffer, whether they are in our community or across the globe. They face obstacles head on with their loved ones. They are driven and daring and unafraid of risk. Today’s teens are tomorrow’s leaders, and personally, I think we will be in good hands. I am always impressed when I speak to today’s teens. They possess a confidence and knowledge that is enviable. To help aid and guide our tween and teen population we put together an issue that we hope will serve as a go-to guide for readers. With features on mission trips, social responsibility, college planning, teen advice, teens and politics, and more! We hope that our readers, who are raising tomorrow’s leaders, will find it informative, humorous, and entertaining. Sincerely, About Us Questions, comments or feedback? Send an email to editor@piedmontfamilymagazine.com Find Piedmont Family Magazine Online at www.piedmontfamilymagazine.com @piedmontfamily facebook.com/ piedmontfamilymagazine Aimée O’Grady, Editor editor@piedmontfamilymagazine.com www.piedmontfamilymagazine.com 2013 • Issue 2 Piedmont Family Magazine 3