Meet three incredible teens who are soaring, dancing, and singing their way to success. Whether it’s leaping to new heights in high jump, commanding the stage with amazing hip hop moves, or belting out powerful vocals, these young talents are proving that passion, dedication, and creativity know no age. Get to know these local rising stars who are making waves—and inspiring those around them.
Christina Keller
Student/athlete (high jump)
Instagram: @christinakeller.jumps
Christina Keller is a senior at Scottsdale Christian Academy. She has been a high jumper for a year and a half.
How did you get into high jump?
My weight trainer, who I initially started going to for volleyball, is a big fan of track and told me that he thought I’d be good at high jump. Last year, I decided to join the school track team, won my first meet, and was hooked!
What goes through your mind when you approach the bar?
I try not to think too much, although I generally pick one technical element to focus on, such as “keep my speed” or “hold my arch.” Prior to starting my approach, I take a few moments to get in the right mindset and repeat the scripture Joshua 1:9 in my head. This helps me to center myself and remember what I’m competing for.
Next goals?
I’m excited for my senior year of high school and, concurrently with fall volleyball season, I’ll be training for indoor track season, followed by outdoor track season. I hope to repeat this year and have another undefeated school season next spring. After I graduate, I am planning to attend Grand Canyon University and hope to continue high jumping at a division one level.
Braden Keats
Hip-hop competitive dancer
Instagram: @bradenkeats
Competitive hip-hop dancer Braden Keats will be a junior this upcoming school year at Chaparral High School.
How did you get into hip hop?
My parents tried to put me into all sports when I was young. However, they noticed that I was always dancing on the sidelines. Eventually they asked me if I wanted to try a hip-hop dance class. From that moment on, I fell in love with it.
You’ve won so many awards!
I have been blessed to receive so many dance awards, but some that I am most proud of recently are winning the silver medal at the U.S.A. division of Hip Hop International with my team (2024), competing at the World Dance Crew Championships (North America division) and winning a gold medal with my team (2024); and receiving a KAOS Convention Cast Scholarship, which allowed me to train with some of the best hip-hop choreographers in the industry in Los Angeles this summer.
Where do you hope to see yourself in the future?
Two of my biggest dance goals are going on a world tour with an incredible artist and becoming a famous hip-hop choreographer myself. One day I would also love to teach hip-hop dance to underprivileged kids internationally.
Evelyn Errante
Country music artist
EvelynErrante.com
Evelyn Errante is a 14-year-old singer-songwriter whose style blends country, pop, and a little rock with big vocals and even bigger heart.
Tell us about your album:
My debut album is a mix of cover songs that have inspired me, plus one original that I wrote from the heart, called “First Rodeo.” It’s a way to show people who I am as an artist while honoring the voices that helped shape me.
Your favorite performance to date has been:
Singing “Defying Gravity” in front of a huge crowd. Nothing beats the feeling of holding a long note and hearing the audience cheer.
If you could open for any artist in the world, who would it be?
Lainey Wilson! Her voice, her energy, her whole vibe is everything I admire.
One thing we’d be surprised to learn about you?
I have perfect pitch! I can tell what note anything is just by hearing it, even things like doorbells or car horns!