Shanaya Fastje (born April 13, 1999, in El Paso, Texas) is an American writer, singer-songwriter, and motivational speaker.[1]

Shanaya Fastje
Fastje in Nashville, Tennessee
Fastje in Nashville, Tennessee
Born (1999-04-13) April 13, 1999 (age 25)
El Paso, Texas
Pen nameShanaya
OccupationAuthor, singer-songwriter, motivational speaker
GenreScience fiction, fantasy
SubjectBullying, motivation
Years active2008–present
Notable worksMystery School, Mystery School Monday Sleepover Disaster, Mystery School Crazy Adventures and Bully in the Mirror
Website
shanayafastje.com

Early life

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Shanaya Fastje is the daughter of Lothar and Connie Fastje. At 12 years old she moved to Los Angeles to further pursue her singing, writing, acting, and speaking career.[1] Shanaya attended various schools until she graduated High School with honors on May 10, 2012, at the age of thirteen.[2] In 2010 and 2011, Shanaya was a member of The Youth Council (for high school students) in El Paso Texas after City Hall granted special permission for her to serve.[3][4]

Career

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Published works

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She has written and published five books titled Mystery School, Mystery School: Monday Sleepover Disaster, Mystery School: Crazy Adventures, Bully in the Mirror, and Velvet Door Society.[5] Bully in the Mirror is a curriculum style self-help book mainly directed to teens, young adults, and adults.[6]

Public speaking

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Shanaya began public speaking at the age of ten, after publishing her first two books.[7][8] Shanaya has spoken at various schools, orphanages and universities including The University of Southern California (USC), California State University San Bernardino (CSU), La Vern University, and The Queen Mary.[9] She has traveled across the United States, teaching how to build self-confidence and combat bullying.[10][11]

Television appearances

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She is known for her television appearances such as The Jeff Probst Show and Hit Me Up!.[6][12]

Awards and recognition

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Shanaya has received:

  • President Obama "President's Volunteer Service Award" in 2011
  • Governor Rick Perry "Shining Star of Texas Award" in 2009
  • The City of Burbank California's "Austin Cook Award for Outstanding Youth" on May 7, 2013
  • Prudential Financial and The National Association of Secondary School Principals "The Spirit of Community Award" in 2011
  • United Way "Appreciation for her National Anti-Bullying Program 'Bully in the Mirror'
  • Kohl's Department Stores "Super Star Award" in 2010, 2011 and 2012, Landmark LTD.[1][13]
  • "Extraordinary Book: Mystery School" Award For Excellence from over 3,000 entries in 2008
  • My One School Incorporated (Charity) "Super Star Award" in recognition for leadership in promoting literacy globally in 2009.[13]

References

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  1. ^ a b c Renteria, Ramón (July 19, 2011). "On Her Way to LA". El Paso Times. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  2. ^ Morin, Ami (July 19, 2011). "She's Already an Author, Speaker and Musician". Parenting Teens. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  3. ^ Subramanian, Ramnath (October 3, 2011). "Shanaya Shows How Education Should Work". El Paso Times. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  4. ^ "Young Author About To Release Her Third Book". Texas Home School Coalition Association. November 1, 2010. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  5. ^ "Books By Shanaya Fastje". SBPRA. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  6. ^ a b Karacia, Nicole. "Teen Actress/Author Shanaya Fastje Takes on Hollywood, Music and Bullies". LASPLASH. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  7. ^ "10 Years Old Author". KTSM-TV. October 2, 2009. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  8. ^ "Whiz Kid Gets Day Named in Her Honour". Indiana Gazette. March 22, 2011. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  9. ^ "Shanaya Fastje". IMDb. Retrieved November 30, 2014.[dead link]
  10. ^ "An Interview With Shanaya Fastje". Chase March. February 27, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  11. ^ Hinojosa, Alex (March 19, 2011). "Texas Whiz Kid Gets Day Named in Her Honor". The Monitor. Texas. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  12. ^ "Radical Parenting". Media Bang. January 23, 2013. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
  13. ^ a b "Shanaya Fastje Receives Presidential Award". SBPRA. Retrieved November 30, 2014.
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