Whether it be her bold fashion statements, bubbly personality, or everlasting love for cats, somehow you know Nadia Alves.

“I honestly don’t understand why people like me,” says the spunky 16-year-old. “I just go home and watch cat videos,” she laughs, “but I’m flattered.”

This junior makes her presence noticed when making her way through the Ludlow High halls. With her flawless, sun-kissed skin, this girl stands at about 5’3 with chocolate brown eyes that you could melt into.

Looking at her, one may think she gets her outfits out of a Vogue magazine, however, Forever 21 is pretty much her closet.

Her clothes, shoes and accessories make her look photo-ready all day, all the time. Right now, she’s wearing combat boots. That’s right — combat boots. Who can get away with wearing combat boots and make them look good? Nadia can.

“I don’t like to wear the same outfit twice so when I’m shopping. I mix and match everything I buy,” explains Alves, “I get things that flatter my body.”

When asked about who gives her inspiration, without thinking she says Marilyn Monroe, Lana Del Rey, and 2012 LHS graduate Siearra Papuga. She explains that both celebrities express inner and outer beauty, she loves what they live by and stand for. While Papuga, at her age, has accomplished so much and is just naturally beautiful.

Alves’ extroverted personality gives her the ability to bond with people easily, living by the motto “Never pass up the opportunity to give a complete stranger a random and unprovoked compliment.”

When she’s not turning heads in the halls, she’s dancing.

“I’ve been dancing for seven years, I love it,” says Nadia.

Being fully confident with her sexuality, she attends GSA meetings to support and listen to others who may struggle everyday. Alves eschews labels.

“I fall in love with people,” explains Alves, “not gender.”

When asked what advice she would give to young boys and girls who want to be honest with their sexuality, she explains that you need to find someone you trust and go to them about it.

After graduating from LHS, Nadia hopes to pursue a career with cosmetics, wishing to train in Northampton and improve on her skills so one day she can make it to Broadway and do make-up for a living.

“I truly love doing makeup,” explains Alves with a smile on her face, “it makes me happy and I love making people feel beautiful.”