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Jane Pache

12/1/2022

 
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Jane Pache – Indiana
Nomination & Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN
Issue 62 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Jane is such a beautiful young lady, inside and out. She has been a competitive swimmer since 2016 and is this year's team captain. As a section leader for the flutes as well as playing the piccolo, she participates in the high school band. Jane balances her extra curricular activities with her academic career. She is a member of the National Honor Society and advanced to Nationals three years in a row for Business Professionals of America. Jane truly is an inspiring teen!!

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Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN
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​Tell us about your swim career.
Swimming has been a part of my life since I was five. I participated in a swim club until the end of middle school and have actively been on the school swim team since sixth grade. I am now in my last year of swimming as a senior.

What do you love most about swimming?
It is a huge commitment to be a swimmer and that’s what I love about it. In order to get better you have to put in the work every single day or else you’re taking two steps backward when you miss out on just one practice. It’s got to be one of the most rewarding sports out there.

What is your favorite accomplishment from swimming?
My favorite accomplishment was at the end of my freshman year. I consistently swam a 1:15 100 YD backstroke during regular meets and when the Indiana Hoosier Conference rolled around, I dropped 6 seconds and ended up placing fifth overall. I wasn’t supposed to be on the podium at all according to the heat I was in and where I was seeded. It still keeps me motivated to this day.

​What does it mean to you to be voted captain?
It means a lot to me that my team thought I deserved that high of a role. I share the duty with two other teammates and I’m excited to finish out my senior year being a role model for other swimmers who might want to lead as well.

What are your roles and responsibilities as captain?
As a team captain, my responsibilities vary from keeping the morale high to even making our own captain’s practice. I will make sure that everyone is keeping up in practice and getting in the pool on time. Even though some of the tasks I have are minor, they will shape the swim team to get better and we will work more efficiently as a family.

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Image by Richie Hall

Tell us about your high school band. What is it like being a section leader?
The high school band I participate in has been a great program in the school’s music department for several years. I love being able to represent the flutes as their leader and mentor the younger flautists. It is a great accomplishment to see them improve and flourish under my leadership.

What is your favorite part about music?
Have you ever listened to something so beautiful that you get goosebumps? Not only can you listen to the music but you can feel it. That has to be my favorite part about any type of music.

Do you have a favorite genre of music?
My favorite genre would have to be classic rock. The ’80s and ‘90s released some of the best music of all time (in my opinion) and I’m forever thankful I was raised listening to Pearl Jam and Fleetwood Mac, etc.

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Image by family member

​What has been your favorite service project with the National Honor Society?
Last year I was on the “Bus Driver Appreciation Week” committee. We honored our bus drivers at school by giving them little doo-dads and treats that let them know we appreciate their hard work. Seeing the smiles on their faces when we handed them their gifts felt really good.

Tell us about nationals for Business Professionals of America. What was it like going 3 years in a row, what did you do there, and what did you gain from going?
BPA is an organization that should be in every school. You are able to compete in business-style events and deal with real-life scenarios in various careers. I am very thankful I was able to go to Texas and California for Nationals. Unfortunately, in 2020 I was not able to travel to D.C. due to the Coronavirus, although I have gained a lot of business-like experience from competing among other members in the organization. BPA is an opportunity to participate and simulate the business professional world at a young age.

How did you find and why did you choose Photography by Leslie Ann for your photographer?
My Stepmom, Kristen, was best friends with Leslie back when they were in high school. She ended up being the photographer for my Dad’s wedding and I couldn’t be more thankful that Leslie happened to already have ties with Kristen when my senior year rolled around. Not only is she a family friend but she also takes the most amazing shots and makes sure her clients are comfortable when shooting.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I don’t think I could have had a better experience. What photographer is willing to get knee-deep in freezing creek water in order to get amazing shots for her client? Her dedication to detail and perfection is admirable and I would never ask for it any other way. Being one of her senior representatives has been an amazing experience.

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Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I battled with Trichotillomania from a very young age. “Trich” is a mental health disorder that causes you to pull out your own hair when you need a release from your anxiety and is extremely difficult to overcome. With the help of cognitive behavioral therapy and a lot of perseverance, I was able to jump over this obstacle that deeply affected my self esteem and feelings of shame.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
As cliche as it sounds, never judge a book by its cover. You will never know what’s going on behind the scenes in someone else’s life and that is not for you to assume based off a stereotype or an appearance.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself continuing to persevere and learn more about myself with the options I have for the future. It is my hope to find my true passion and turn it into something I can make a living off of. Even though I’m undecided on this path we call life, I will continue to be myself and never let anything prevent me from my full potential. Whatever it may be.

Look for Jane in issue 62 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 62
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Gabriella Moraes

11/15/2022

 
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Gabriella Moraes - Colorado
Nomination by Kenna Drake
Photography by Chris Bains with Everyday Moments
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Gabriella Moraes always finds ways to light up a room no matter where she goes. Because of this, her strong work ethic, and many other reasons, she was chosen to be the spirit captain of her Poms/dance team. This position is typically reserved for a senior, but she was given the honor as a sophomore. Her amazing work ethic also resulted in her having a leadership position in student council. Gabriella is a straight-A student taking honors classes. Whatever the challenge may be, Gabriella finds a way to get through it and help others with their challenges along the way.

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Photography by Chris Bains with Everyday Moments
Tell us about your Poms/dance team.
The PRHS Poms/Dance team is an encouraging, fun, and uplifting group of amazing students. I joined the team the summer leading up to my freshman year of high school. We have both a Competition Team and a Halftime Team. I am not currently on our Competition Team but I am on our Halftime Team. Our Halftime Team is a spirit team that supports our school sports, performs at pep rallies, and provides overall school spirit. We currently have 17 girls, including myself.

Why did you want to join the team and where do you fit in? Where do you stand out?
I wanted to join the team because I was looking for opportunities to get involved, challenge myself with something new, and show my school spirit. Having played softball for 8 years, dance was a huge change of pace. I fit in because I am supportive and love to lift our team up. I stand out with my spirit and am often told I am one of the most spirited students in the school. I think high school is about having as much fun as possible. I want to show others they shouldn’t be ashamed of having fun at school events.

What is a favorite memory with your teammates?
My favorite memory with my teammates is probably Christmas time from freshman year. Last year during Christmas, we had so much fun as a team! We had the most amazing Christmas dresses that we performed in at our local annual Christmas tree lighting. This event hosts our entire city and surrounding areas and we were given the opportunity to dance in front of everyone. As a team we sang Christmas songs together, bought each other gifts, and had a big party. It is definitely an unforgettable memory, and is one of those core memories I will never forget.

What did it mean to you to get Spirit Captain as a sophomore?
To get Spirit Captain as a sophomore meant so much to me as it showed me that my coaches truly see my spirit and how much I love my school! Because Spirit Captain is typically reserved for a senior, it made it extra special to get it as a sophomore. The seniors on our team are so supportive of me holding a captain position despite my age. I am truly blessed and thankful to have this experience and opportunity to be Spirit Captain.

What are your roles and responsibilities as Spirit Captain?
As Spirit Captain, I choreograph sidelines to perform at football and basketball games. I also help to bring energy to the student section and gets students excited about the game. I also decide what makeup and props we will have for the theme of football games. It is so much fun and I love my role!

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Photography by Chris Bains with Everyday Moments

What is your role in the student council?
In student council I am the Bear-Leadership Chair head. I make thank-you cards for teachers who have chaperoned and helped out at school events, plan student council birthday parties, coordinate council get-together dinners, plan parties and lock-ins for the council, and I give build-a-bears to the seniors at the end of the year as a going away gift.

What have you learned about yourself as a leader in this position?
Having this position in the council, especially as a sophomore, really teaches me how to take initiative. When something isn’t going right or a plan went wrong, I jump on top of it to fix it as fast as possible. It has also taught me time management. Because of how much goes on in the school, from dances to fundraisers, I have to plan things accordingly in order for events to go as planned and work out well. It takes major time management to be able to do all that I need to do for the council.

What is your strongest leadership skill?
My strongest leadership skill is that I am dependable. People often come to me and count on me to get things done. I love getting things done in a timely manner, as it gives a sense of order to me. I believe others see this quality in me and know they can count on me to be efficient and dependable.

What is your favorite accomplishment in student council?
My favorite accomplishment in student council is coming out of my shell. Freshman year I was quiet, didn’t speak up, and would often not voice my opinions. But, because of the encouragement from my freshman year council president, Morgan Scarsbrook, I gained confidence and became more vocal. Second semester of freshman year I began to step out of my comfort zone. I realized my opinions matter and do make an impact. Because of the encouragement from Morgan, I became more vocal and I provided more ideas. This helped me gain confidence within myself, so I can be more “outspoken”.

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Photography by Chris Bains with Everyday Moments
Why is getting straight A’s important to you?
Getting straight A’s is important to me because it helps keep me focused. In my future I want to be a nurse, and getting straight A’s will help me get into the best possible nursing school available to me. Getting straight A’s will also help me keep my eyes focused on school and continue working towards what I want to be. Being focused is very important to me because it helps me be the most successful person I can be.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?
This school year I am most looking forward to running for Junior Class President or Vice President. Running for Junior Class P/VP will help keep me focused on school and it will teach me even more leadership skills. I am so excited about the possibility of representing my school in this way!

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Photography by Chris Bains with Everyday Moments

How did you find and why did you choose Everyday Moments for your photographer?
I found Chris Bains with Everyday Moments Photography through my friend, Kenna, who previously had her pictures taken by Chris. I chose Chris because as I looked through her photos, I was impressed with how her pictures looked and her overall talent. Seeing her pictures made the decision very easy to make. I have been so honored to work with Everyday Moments Photography and look forward to future session with her!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience with Everyday Moments Photography was wonderful. Chris was super sweet and kept encouraging me and bringing my confidence up. She really showed she loved her job and made the experience very fun. The part I loved the most about my shoot were the pictures I took in the water. Being in the creek with the freezing cold water rushing over my legs was exhilarating! We had a lot of laughs learning to navigate the cold water and posing in just the right way. Plus the pictures came out beautifully!

Look for Gabriella in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kaylyn Butler

11/15/2022

 
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​Kaylyn Butler – Ohio
Nomination by Linda Butler
Photography by Laura Esposito Photography, LLC
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Kaylyn’s zest for life is inspiring. She’s overcome several challenges early in life. At seven months of age she received a lifesaving liver transplant. Kaylyn had less than 24 hours of life left when she received her transplant and is living her best life since. Her accomplishments and activities are many. A partial list includes: -National Honor Society -Member of the Ohio Department of National Resources teen advisory board (CONTAC) -Speech and Debate team -Drama Club -Spirit Club -High School softball team - Hunting and Fishing Kaylyn embraces new challenges and opportunities to enhance and grow her life experiences.
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Photography by Laura Esposito Photography, LLC

​What has been your favorite service project in the NHS?
My favorite service project was working with Love the Children Ministry. I helped set up a Christmas party that is held for families that are less fortunate.

What do you do in Contac and what do you love most about it?
We have meetings once a month, always in a different place, exploring different divisions within the ODNR. For example, one time we planted flowers and other organisms at the Ohio State fairgrounds. I love learning about nature and how to conserve it. As well as meeting many new friends that without this program I would otherwise probably never meet.

What has been a favorite accomplishment with the Speech and Debate Team?
One of my favorite accomplishments with the speech and debate team is becoming more confident in my public speaking skills. I also am very proud of the improvement I have made from last year to now. I used to receive very low ranks during my rounds and now I have improved and am getting higher ranks.

In Drama Club, what has impacted you most?
The biggest impact that drama has had on me is making new friends and them helping me with my confidence when speaking in front of large crowds.

Tell us about your Spirit Team. Where do you fit in, and where do you stand out?
We set up for pep rallies. I fit in when voting on ideas on what we will do at the rallies. I stand out by bringing new ideas to the conversation.

Tell us about your softball career.
I started playing softball when I was ten years old. I have been playing for seven years. I play any outfield position but mostly left field. One of my favorite memories from softball is when my 14-U team had an undefeated season.

What do you love most about hunting and fishing?
My favorite part of hunting and fishing is spending time with my dad. Hunting and fishing are about spending time with family and friends. Coming home with a deer or some fish is just an added bonus.
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Photography by Laura Esposito Photography, LLC

​How did you find and why did you choose Laura Esposito Photography, LLC for your photographer?
I found Laura Esposito when I was in a pageant, and she took my photo for the local paper. I chose her because I loved the picture she took for the paper as well as the many senior portraits she has done.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I had a very positive experience. I loved that when taking pictures, I was able to be myself and show my personality in every picture.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Some things inspiring about me are that I am reliable, courageous, and forgiving. When I say I am going to do something I follow through. I am always there for my friends and family when they need me. I am always willing to try new things and meet new people. An example of my forgiveness is that after an argument, I am quick to diffuse the situation and quick to forgive.

Tell us about your family and what you love doing with them most.
I am an only child I live with my mom and dad, and they are my best friends. I love when we have get togethers with my other family and friends. I like when everyone is all together. I love going to Church with them on Sundays.

What is your favorite memory with your friends?
One of my favorite memories with my friends was going to Country Fest this summer.
I went with my parents and my best friend. We spent the whole week together. We went up early every day and met so many new people. We got to see our favorite country artist Morgan Wallen.

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Photography by Laura Esposito Photography, LLC

What else would you like to talk about?
I would like to talk about volunteering as well as my volunteer experiences. I love being able to give to others as well as advocate for issues that are not often discussed. I have worked with LifeBanc, Love the Children Ministry, and am a member of the Ohio Department of National Resources teen advisory board (CONTAC).

Tell us more about your volunteer experiences.
I have been volunteering with LifeBanc as long as I can remember. I have spoken at various events with my family. I do this to encourage others to become organ donors because I have received the gift of life

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would present the topic of organ donation to my peers. The reason I am so passionate about organ donation is because without it I would not be alive today. I believe people don’t understand the impact organ donation can have on someone and their family due to lack of education surrounding this topic.

Look for Kaylyn in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brycen Doyle

11/15/2022

 
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Brycen Doyle – Pennsylvania
Nomination by Amber Doyle
Photography by 707 Photos
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Brycen Doyle is an inspiring young entrepreneur who started his own powerwashing & landscaping business at the age of 16. Brycen also attends his high school career tech welding program full time, manages his business and works a part time job. Brycens extraordinary work ethic inspires his peers to work hard and not be afraid to open up new opportunities for personal growth and career success. He is an inspiration to us all!
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Photography by 707 Photos

​Tell us about your business.
I started my own business to make extra money on the side- that was my main motivation. I started my business when I was 16 years old. Initially I offered pressure washing services, but then expanded and offered a variety to include, mowing, trimming, deck staining, mulching and flower bed clean up. Do you do it by yourself or do you have help? Most jobs I can do myself, however, there have been a few really large deck staining projects that I have hired my school peers to help with.

What was the hardest thing about getting it going?
The hardest thing about getting my business going was building new clients and saving for my own zero turn mower. What was the most satisfying? The most satisfying thing was receiving customer feedback on the job well done and getting calls from new customers that were referred to me by previous clients that were more than happy with the work I performed. I was also able to purchase t-shirts, lawn signs and my own truck detail to extend my advertising.

What do you love most about running your own business?
What I love most about running my own business is I can make my own schedule around my other school and part time job commitments. I can make more money and save with having this flexibility.

Tell us about the work ethic you need to start your own successful business.
I needed to show up when I said I was going to show up and do the job to meet the homeowners’ expectations. It came easy for me because I love doing anything outside.

What have you learned about yourself from owning your own business?
 I have learned I am able to manage more than what I thought I was capable of. I also learned that I am good at talking with customers and gaining a good rapport.

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Photography by 707 Photos

What has been your favorite welding project?
My favorite welding project was a fire stick, I added my own unique twist to my fire poke stick, and it was a challenge for me.

What is your part time job and what have you learned about working for others?
I work part time as an assembler as JLG. I assemble JLG lifts.

How did you find and why did you choose 707 photos for your photographer?
My brother used 707 photos last year for his senior pictures and the photographer really went beyond and above for capturing his photos, and I knew Nate would do the same for mine.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience was awesome! The day started out with a surprise heavy fog! Nate came up with the idea to hike up a top of the mountain to get the fog in the background. It took a while for us and my parents to hike to the top, but the pictures were totally worth it!

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Photography by 707 Photos

What has been the best part of your senior year so far, and what are you most looking forward to before it's over?
The best part of my senior year so far is hanging out with my friends and riding our dirt bikes. I am looking forward to more riding at the track!

How would your friends describe you?
My friends would describe me as crazy, but I’m going to take that as they would mean a risk taker.

Where would we find you if you had nothing to do and all day to do it?
If I had nothing to do and all day to do it you would find me outdoors hunting, riding my dirt bike and spending time with Adi.

What is a favorite family memory?
My favorite family memory is our trip to Jamacia last year.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Just recently l, I stopped and rendered aid to an Amish boy hit by a car. I consider myself a thoughtful person and I hope I inspire other kids to do the right thing in a time of need.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
My business, work ethic and how I like to work and earn a living to become independent.

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Photography by 707 Photos

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
 Starting my own business was the hardest thing I have ever accomplished. I took one day at a time, bounced ideas off my parents and with my teacher Ms. H.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Have a plan, people who support you and a go getter attitude is advice I would give to someone who wants to be where I am at today.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
 I see myself living in Florida with Adi, and welding hopefully with my own business.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite activity is hunting and riding my dirt bike.

3 Things on your bucket list:
Three things on my bucket list are to save enough money to purchase a new diesel pickup truck, travel as much as I can for fun, and also to expand my business at Florida.

Who do you find inspiring?
Successful people who have worked hard for what they have. It’s easy to have something if it was handed to you, but if you’ve worked for it then that is something inspiring to me.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
Having my own business and working hard I think would inspire others. I hope others are inspired to start their own business at a young age too!

Look for Brycen in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Madeleine Wentz

11/15/2022

 
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Madeleine Wentz – Texas
Nomination by Madyson Heaton
Photography by Vanessa Hendrickson - Contemporary Portraits
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: I’ve been friends with Madeleine Wentz since seventh grade in middle school, and we are now seniors in high school. I can say with full confidence that she is the most honest, bubbly, and genuine person I’ve ever met. Not only is she an amazing writer, actress, and singer, but she’s a beautiful person inside and out! Everyone needs a friend like Madeleine; she lights up every room she walks into and has such a promising, inspiring future ahead of her.
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Photography by Vanessa Hendrickson - Contemporary Portraits

​Tell us about your friendship with Madyson.
Madyson and I have been friends since 7th grade when we met at a new student orientation. Funnily enough, the reason I introduced myself was because she was also tall. We’ve been through thick and thin together, but have always stuck by each other’s sides. We love to get our nails done, get dressed up and take photos (thanks to our fabulous photographer for that), and perform together. Our company is honestly best kept through conversation, making each other laugh and smile by catching each other up on our lives. I love Madyson so much and I’m proud of all she’s accomplished.

How did you find and why did you choose Vanessa Hendrickson for your photographer?
My aforementioned friend Madyson who nominated me was a senior model before me for Vanessa, and I loved the photos she had taken of her. I had never taken professional photos before this, yet Vanessa makes me feel so comfortable and confident during sessions. Her vision and creativity for certain shots is something I’m glad I get to benefit from. Vanessa is so wonderful and talented, and I am so thankful to have her as my photographer!

What has been a favorite memory so far in your senior year?
In all honesty, senior year has been far more stressful than it has been fun. But I did enjoy performing Les Miserables at my school! It was a truly mesmerizing production, I’m so proud of everyone who was a part of it. Les Mis brought tears to many eyes, including my grandparents’ who were still teary when I saw them after curtain call. I’m glad to have gotten that amazing experience, it was a production I won’t soon forget.

What do you love about acting that makes you want to do it again and again?

I started acting when I was just 6 years old and I played Jojo in Seussical for my first show. I was the youngest member of the all-ages cast but never felt out of place. My fellow kids were like my older siblings and the adults like my aunts and uncles. That feeling of family is what made me fall in love with theatre, and since then I have made lifelong friendships through acting. Theatre is a gift to those on stage, behind the curtain, and in the audience. It transforms lives, inspires people, and lets them know that they belong.

Tell us about a favorite role you've played?
Last year I played the role of the Librarian, Renee, in the play Kodachrome. I felt challenged by this role because I had to tap into a range of emotions that I hadn’t expressed on stage before, including regret, grief, and romance. I got to deliver a touching monologue kneeling before a grave that is to this day my favorite scene I’ve ever done. The show overall was inspirational and poignant, and the cast & crew so supportive and gifted. Renee helped me grow as an actress, and I’m forever grateful to my director for giving me that opportunity.

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Photography by Vanessa Hendrickson - Contemporary Portraits

​What other hobbies do you have?
I love reading, writing, making & listening to music, and traveling! I have a goal of visiting 100 countries within my lifetime! I’m an avid reader, so much so that I’ve run out of room on my bookshelves, and I particularly love classics, historical fiction, and fantasy. I also play Dungeons and Dragons, for which I am currently a dungeon master, aka the one creating and driving the story. D&D is a lot of fun, a fantastic storytelling and acting game, and brings my friends and I closer together.

Where has your favorite travel destination been?
100 words simply isn’t enough to explain my trip this past summer to Ireland, Scotland, Wales, and England! Those 10 days changed my life by unearthing areas of growth, rekindling old passions, and widening my worldview. The trip was through EF with other kids my age, and though I knew no one going into it, I came home with some of my closest friends. With these former strangers I ran through ancient castles, danced in the rain, belted pub songs, and marveled over history and architecture. The British Isles are naturally and culturally beautiful, and I will someday be back.

What type of music do you like?
I love folk music, alternative rock, old school R&B, and practically anything my dad introduces me to. A lot of my music taste comes from my dad, who would sing me Frank Sinatra as lullabies before bed when I was little. I love to sing showtunes, acoustic folk songs as I strum along with my guitar, and songs that I can belt on roadtrips. My playlists are filled with music that is both sonically and lyrically beautiful. Some of my favorite artists include Hozier, Lord Huron, Rainbow Kitten Surprise, Sammy Rae and The Friends, and Noah Kahan.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I could (and have) talked for hours about books! It’s fascinating how a good book can contribute so much to a person's development and attitude, and change the way we view ourselves and the world. Some of my favorite/most influential novels I’ve read are Anne of Green Gables, Fahrenheit 451, and Good Omens. I have learned from and been inspired by literature all my life. I started writing at the age of four, and that hobby has persisted to this day. I hope that my writing will someday inspire others the way books have inspired me.

What do you like to write about?
I’m a fantasy author! I’ve been working on a novel I started in 4th grade. I wrote about 100 pages between the ages of 10 & 13, then read it back my freshman year and thought, “well, there’s bones here…” Since then I have been worldbuilding, developing characters, creating themes, and threading everything together into a cohesive story. My novel features government corruption, unlikely romance, and elemental magic. This story means everything to me; I could ramble forever about what it represents and the effect I hope it'll have on readers. Its publication will be my proudest accomplishment.

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Photography by Vanessa Hendrickson - Contemporary Portraits

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I pride myself on my individuality and confidence! I possess a strong sense of self, have never tried to change myself to fit in, and use my own abundance of confidence to instill that same spirit in others. I have a positive outlook that I've been told radiates to those around me, brightening their day. I'm also an exceptional advisor to friends in times of need, and I use my gifts to advocate for the issues I'm passionate about.

What are you most looking forward to next?
I’m looking forward to Christmas break because I get to see my family and friends! My grandparents are coming into town from Florida, and all of my college friends will be back for at least 2-weeks to a month. Plus, all of my college and scholarship applications will be in by then and admissions letters (hopefully) arriving. It’ll be so nice to get a chance to breathe in the cold air and Christmas spirit, relax with some hot chocolate, and spend time with those I love.

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Taken by a friend for my use. Description: Taken at Edinburgh Castle in Scotland this past June. Edinburgh is my favorite city I've ever been to because of its history, architecture, and culture.

​What else would you like to talk about?
About 7 years ago my family began sponsoring a Rwandan girl through the Christian non-profit organization Food for the Hungry. Our monthly donation provides her with basic necessities like education and clean water. She’s my penpal, too, sending me news and drawings about her village, friends, and family. Her letters always seem to arrive just when I need them most. Our correspondence has taught me that selflessness and the love of God are stronger than language, cultural, and class barriers. If you have the means, please consider donating or sponsoring a child through FFTH, for they are changing lives.


click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Katelyn Bradshaw

11/15/2022

 
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Katelyn Bradshaw - Missouri
Nomination & Photography by Switch Focus Studios
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Katelyn Bradshaw - I have been photographing her and her family for years. I have enjoyed watching her mature into a young woman and I am inspired by her love for Family! This family is close and they have so much fun together. They always include their FUR baby Nicole into photos and they treat that dog like a family member. Katelyn is wise beyond her years and she has her priorities set. She is a joy to be around and I can't wait to watch her spread her wings and fly! We need more young people with a heart like Katelyn!
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Photography by Switch Focus Studios

How did you find and why did you choose Switch Focus Studio for your photographer?
When our photographer was just starting out, she worked with my mom in another industry. Once she decided to be a photographer full time, we had her take our family’s picture. We loved her energy and how the pictures turned out. She has been our photographer for the last 12 years!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Diana always comes up with very unique location to take our pictures. She has a vision and is so talented and very easy to work with.

Tell us about your family and where you fit in. Where do you stand out?
I am the baby of the family. I have one older brother who is away at college. We both have our endearing qualities, but I would say I am more artistic than my brother.

What is your favorite family memory?
My favorite family memory is our trip we took this last summer to Grand Tetons and Yellowstone. Our goal when we left was to see a bear in its natural environment. On an early morning hike, we saw a black bear enjoying its breakfast of berries! It was a sight I’ll never forget!

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Photography by Switch Focus Studios

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My love of vocal music is something that has inspired me to work hard and try new things. I've learned that in order to succeed you must sometimes step out of your comfort zone, be persistent and practice! I am starting to see the benefits of my hard work. I am very proud of my academic success and equally as important the wonderful friendships I've developed in high school. I believe that my strong work ethic and dedication to being a good person will help me succeed next year when I head to college.

What type of music do you love most to sing?
I love all kinds of music! In my honors choir, I’ve been exposed to all different kinds of music. I really enjoy singing songs in foreign languages- especially Italian. I also love to sing Disney songs and songs from movies I love- the songs I’ve grown up with.

Do you have a favorite go-to song and if so what is it?
Somewhere over the Rainbow- I am a big Wizard of Oz fan.

What opportunities have you had as a vocal musician?
Our choral director does a great job of giving us opportunities to showcase our talent. Last Easter, our choir sang at Carnegie Hall in New York City. I was a once in a lifetime opportunity to sing in such a historic venue. A memory I will never forget!

Why is academics important to you?
Academics is important to me because I know that learning and getting good grades will help me achieve my goals. I know that the skills I’ve learned in high school will help me excel in college.

Tell us about your friends and what you like to do together.
I have the best friends, many of them I’ve had since elementary school. We love to go to football games, go shopping and just hang out.

How would your friends describe you?
Happy, energetic, funny. Someone who would do anything to help a friend.

What else would you like to talk about?
I'm very proud of my achievements through high school. I'm in the top 10% of my class, a member of National Honors Society, IB Spanish, Sounds of Summit honors Choir and all District Choir. I am a member of the Lee's Summit High School women's swim and dive team, Lee's Summit softball and Windsboro Waves summer recreational swim league.

What has your favorite service project in the NHS been?
Recently we had a large group of kids participate in a local highway clean-up. I enjoyed helping beautify our community and spending time with my friends. It’s amazing what you’ll find on the side of the road!

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Photography by Switch Focus Studios

​What is IB Spanish and what do you do in it?
IB Spanish is short for International Baccalaureate Spanish which is an honors class with accelerated pace and a more in-depth instruction. This is my fifth year of Spanish and we focus on learning through conversation and studying Spanish culture. I’m also a part of the Spanish National Honors Society.

What has been a favorite memory from Sounds of Summit honors choir?
I’ve enjoyed the outreach to the local elementary students. We when go to the elementary schools and sing for the kids it helps create interest in choir. The success of our music program is dependent on the new students that enter middle and high school. This type of outreach is how I became interested in singing many years ago. I heard this choir sing many years ago and I told myself that I would be a part of that group when I was old enough- and now I am.

What has been a favorite accomplishment from the District Choir?
Trying out and making district choir is an accomplishment in itself. Over 30 schools send students to try out for this one mass choir. I wasn’t going to try out because I wasn’t sure if I would be selected. Luckily, I was able to set my nerves aside and go for it.

Tell us about your swim and dive career.
My parents knew that swimming was an important skill to have and started me in swim lessons when I was 6. I loved being in the water and asked to join our neighborhood recreational swim team when I was 8. I had so much fun and many of my friends were also on the team. Then in middle school, I joined a competitive swim team and learned how to fine tune my strokes and improve my time. When I went to high school, I joined to girls’ swim team and now I’m in my last year.

What position do you play in softball and what do you love most about it?
I’ve played softball since I was 6 years old. My favorite position is left field, but I play wherever I am needed. I love the competition and the friendships I’ve made over the years.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I would love to talk about school/ life balance. Academics is so important to help you achieve your goals, but not at the expense of living the best teenage life. Time management and muti-tasking in the high school environment is a skill everyone should learn, and I believe I've mastered it!

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Work hard and put the time into something you love- that’s how you excel!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Finishing my last year of college. I’d like to find a job that I can utilize my journalism degree.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?

3 Things on your bucket list
To go skydiving
To see the Eiffel Tower
To see the Chiefs play in the Super Bowl in person

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom is inspiring to me. She has taught me to work hard and always be myself. I’ve learned a lot from my mom and I am very grateful to have her in my life.

Look for Katelyn in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Hannah Wilson

11/15/2022

 
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Hannah Wilson – Pennsylvania
Nomination & Photography by Clark's Studio
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Hannah is a Senior at Wilmington Area High School and is an Inspiring Teen for more ways than one! Hannah plays tennis, is a peer leader volunteering her time, and was chosen as this year’s Homecoming Queen. In the summer Hannah works at her local pool as a lifeguard where she has made multiple saves! While receiving multiple academic awards for honor roll, she has also found time to have a parttime job as a shift leader at Dunkin Donuts. Hannah is also the president of FBLA. In her spare time, she loves spending time with her family, friends and her dog Grace! We can't wait to see what Hannah accomplishes in the future.
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Photography by Clark's Studio

Tell us about your tennis career.
I started playing tennis my junior year. I decided to join the team because my previous sports team was just not a great environment. There were always issues with coaches and the team and too many causes for drama and stress. I just completed my senior year of tennis and I do not plan on continuing to play tennis other than playing for fun with family and friends.

What do you love most about playing tennis?
What I love most about playing tennis is the team bond. Through playing tennis, I have met a lot of amazing friends and teammates.

How did you find and why did you choose Clark's Studio for your photographer?
Clark’s Studio has always taken the pictures for my high school so they are a well known studio in our area. My older sister used Clarks Studio when she graduated and we loved the outcome so when it came time for my pictures we knew where we would be going.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
The experience was amazing. Mike was so nice about everything and so helpful throughout the whole process. I loved most that we were able to use different backgrounds and locations to get unique photos that we will have to capture this moment for the rest of our lives.

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Photography by Clark's Studio
What is a peer leader and what is your role as a peer leader?
Peer leaders are students who already have leadership qualities and are naturally good leaders. They are nominated to join the Peer Leadership Club where they can take on a role and use their leadership qualities to do good in their community. As a peer leader I try to look out for others by being aware of what is going on around me. Right now, our Peer Leadership Club is working on getting a lunch buddy program going, where high school students will eat lunch or go to recess with elementary or middle school students who may need a friend at the moment.

What have you learned about yourself being a leader for others?
I have learned that not everyone thinks the same or notices the same things. I have noticed that I do tend to be more observant and think more about the things that go on around me. I strongly believe in the saying “If not you, then who?”, and not everyone thinks like that but I have found that I do.

​What is your best leadership quality?
My best leadership quality is being my own person. I do not mind standing out or being different and that leads to many opportunities to help others or be a friend to those who may not be a part of a big group.

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Photography by Clark's Studio

What did it mean to you to get Homecoming Queen this year?
To be crowned Homecoming Queen this year was a dream. It was probably one of the best experiences of my senior year so far. It was a big deal to my family, since my older sister was crowned queen her senior year as well. It was an amazing feeling to see and hear how many people were and still are supporting me and rooting for me.

What are your responsibilities as president of FBLA?
As President of FBLA, I lead our club meetings and help organize and plan events. Right now we are trying to plan a food drive for the holidays so I will be very active in planning that and getting the ball rolling.

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Photography by Clark's Studio

Tell us about your family and where you fit in. Where do you stand out?
My family is very important to me. I have one older sister who I was very close with growing up. While I was going into second grade my parents got a divorce but my sister and I always had one another. I live with my mother but I am still very close with both sides of my family. We have a lot of cousins and we are all very close and go on camping trips every Summer. I hope to always maintain my relationship with my family no matter what comes my way.

What would we most likely find you and your friends doing if you had nothing to do and all day to do it?
If my friends and I had nothing to do all day, we could almost guarantee a Dunkin’ run, probably lots of snacks, and maybe a movie or shopping trip. Anything to help destress with everything going on in day to day life.

Look for Hannah in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Shelby Koerten

11/14/2022

 
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Shelby Koerten - Tennessee
Nomination by Julie Koerten
Photography by Rural Southern Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Shelby Koerten uses her platforms to help others embrace their differences and use them to create positive change. She works to inspire a sense togetherness while advocating for the potential impact her generation can make when teens combine their unique traits to make an amplified difference in the world. Shelby currently serves as the National Senior Beta Club Tennessee Secretary and holds multiple offices within clubs at Sevier County High School. Her relationship with Christ guides her as she strives to share His love and light through all of her endeavors.
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Photography by Rural Southern Photography

​What is the National Beta Club and what is your role as Tennessee Secretary?
Beta is the largest independent, non-profit, educational youth organization in America. The club promotes character, service, leadership, and achievement, which are values I hold in high esteem. My favorite part about our club is how it enables students to discover their passions and pursue them, especially through competitions at conventions. As the Tennessee Senior Beta Secretary, I provide supportive leadership as members serve in their communities. I lead our State Convention and help Betas find ways to get involved. Also, I have worked on developing versatile service projects that are beneficial on both the local and state levels.

How would you describe your leadership style?
Wherever I lead, I aspire to create an encouraging and inclusive atmosphere for everyone involved. Each person has something special to contribute, so I work to identify areas where these strengths are applicable. By aligning myself with Biblical truth, I have developed a method of servant leadership, making sure each member feels valued and appreciated. I strive to attentively listen to those I preside over and take their opinions into consideration. Celebrating success and progress is crucial to team morale, so I work to maintain an uplifting environment.

What/who motivates you?
Above all else, my faith motivates me! Being raised with Christian values, I have formed a firm foundation of faith that has carried me through the highs and lows of life. My relationship with Christ has taught me how I was created to be a light in the darkness that often consumes our world. The Lord has blessed me with countless positions of influence, and I aspire to glorify Him through each of them; I want to faithfully steward my God-given gifts. My deepest desire is to make Him known and help others discover His abundant grace and love.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
Something I am incredibly passionate about is the beauty of individuality. The world is filled with pressure to conform to a certain standard or image, which suppresses creativity and originality. Comparison can be such a barrier in our paths to reaching our full potential. We were each intentionally created for a unique purpose. By embracing this and learning to appreciate our differences, we will find how freeing it is when we are brave enough to live authentically and inspire others to do the same.

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Photography by Rural Southern Photography

What is something that has inspired you?
I am a huge Marvel fan, and I have grown up watching the MCU movies. I’ve always looked up to the Avengers, and they have shaped my outlook and values in many ways. Captain America taught me the importance of endurance and maintaining my character. Thor demonstrated the power of sacrifice and loyalty in leadership. Black Widow showed me the value of being multifaceted and adapting to my circumstances. Each hero found ways to use whatever strengths they had to help the world and people around them. They fought with the same passion I want to have for serving others.

What is one word that summarizes you as a person?
I would use the word “storyteller.” Acting has enabled me to embody the experiences of carefully developed characters, each more nuanced than the rest. Dance has served as a platform to delve deeper into sharing stories creatively. Stories are more to me than just fairy tales; they are the struggles and experiences of humanity, filled with details that can impact countless listeners. I have utilized my love of writing to share them in both simplistic and profound ways. The most important story to share is the Gospel, and I venture to communicate its truth with as many people as possible.

What offices do you hold in which clubs at your high school?
I serve as DECA President, Beta President, Teen Board President, Fellowship of Christian Athletes Captain, National Honor Society Historian, and Student Government Association Historian. I am also a member of the Drama Club, National Science Honor Society, Rho Kappa, National Technical Honor Society, and the Keep Sevier Beautiful Teen Advisory Board.

What have you learned through your experiences in these organizations?
At a young age, I took the initiative to forge my own path. I formed connections from the ground up and pursued leadership positions in numerous clubs. It came to my attention how many students never put themselves out there simply because they have not considered the possibilities waiting for them. I use my story to encourage them to push themselves past stereotypes to achieve greatness. The greatest lesson I have gained has been that there are no guidelines for what a leader should look like. No matter your background or experiences, you have the ability to make a difference.

How do you manage stress?
Being involved genuinely brings me such joy, but it can be challenging to find moments to unwind when life gets busy! My ability to focus well and fully put myself into my endeavors has helped me succeed, but being mindful of my own state of being is crucial. Reading my Bible and spending time in prayer helps me stay grounded in peace and find rest in God’s goodness. I love art in all of its forms; writing and painting allow me to express my emotions creatively. Staying active through dance improves both my physical and mental health.

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Photography by Rural Southern Photography
How did you find and why did you choose Rural Southern Photography for your photographer?
Kasey Stringfield selects a team of senior girls to represent her photography each year. I came into contact with her Instagram page and immediately fell in love with her bright, bold style. I knew the team was something that I would enjoy being a part of, and I was selected for her 2022-23 Rural Southern Belles Team! Her senior photo session experiences are extremely personalized, and she perfectly captures each client’s individuality. During mine, she let me play music to help me feel confident and was open to feedback the entire time. Shooting with her is a wonderful experience!

What are your plans for the future?
I currently plan on pursuing a degree in Public Relations/Communications, which I intend to use as the spokesperson of a company. Depending on where life takes me, I would even love working on a talk show or news program. My dream from early on has been to go into acting, so I aim to continue to develop my craft and also work as an actress in either film or theatre. No matter what path I may choose, the ultimate profession for me would be working as an inspirational speaker.

What is your favorite activity or pastime?
Dance has been a key part of my life since I was four years old, and it has been a cherished creative outlet in my academic pursuits. I have been trained in tap, ballet, jazz, contemporary, hip hop, lyrical, musical theatre, and clogging, and I held the title of the 2021 Miss America’s Clogging Hall of Fame Premier Ambassador.

What is something on your bucket list?
I have always wanted to travel to Paris, France. I think the culture there is so captivating, and I would adore seeing the artwork and architecture.

What is your favorite movie and why?
I absolutely adore the movie La La Land. I think it is a really beautiful representation of the balance between having a passion for your craft and a desire for romance.

What quality do you admire about others?
I love when people find strength in their vulnerability. Being brave enough to share experiences opens the door to empathy, which connects us on a deeper level and helps us support one another.

How would you describe yourself in five words?
Passionate, Encouraging, Joyful, Dedicated, and Creative

Look for Shelby in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Emma Jackson

11/14/2022

 
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Emma Jackson – Ohio
Nomination & Photography by Laura Esposito Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Emma is hardworking, determined, and always has a smile on her face. Emma does not always giver herself credit where it is due, but she makes a difference in the lives of those around her. Emma wants to see herself as the strong, responsible, and beautiful girl that she is. Emma is active in the Aultman Ambassadors Program, the Hope Squad (suicide prevention), Mentorship, National Honors Society, a Buckeye Girls State Representative, and tutors elementary students after school. Emma is also in the drama, science and history clubs.

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Photography by Laura Esposito Photography

​What is the Aultman Ambassadors Program and what is its mission?
The Aultman Ambassadors Program (AAP) aims to make Stark County Schools the healthiest in the state of Ohio by the year 2032. We strive to improve the health of our youth and our teachers to allow everyone to be the best version of themselves. Throughout the year, we host many different challenges that center around promoting health and positive habits, and we offer prizes for the winners as an incentive to participate. We also hosted a community dog walk, and plan to be involved in a community color run.

What are your roles in it & what do you love most about being a member?
As members, we help our advisor come up with ideas and plan these ideas. We are always looking for something new and fun to get people excited about improving their health. I love being a member because it shows that you can make a difference in how people view themselves and their habits, and it doesn’t take much to do so.

Why is the Hope Squad close to your heart?
Hope Squad is a peer-to-peer suicide prevention program in which the members are nominated by their peers as someone they feel that they can talk to in a time of need. We want to raise awareness of suicide and reduce the stigma around mental health. We also serve as an emergency resource to those in our community who are struggling and don’t know how to get help. This program is very close to my heart because we were given the opportunity to directly impact our peers’ lives. The most important gift anyone can receive is the gift of hope, and I’m proud that my community trusts me to do so.

What is Mentorship and what is a favorite memory from it?
Our mentorship program involves juniors and seniors volunteering to travel to the middle school with the goal of making a difference in the lives of the seventh graders there. Growing up is a challenge for everyone, so we want to show these kids that they have support within their community and that they aren’t alone. A favorite memory I have is from our teambuilding visit where we were doing the human knot activity. Every single girl had a smile on their face, and it was amazing to see that we were making a difference.

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Photography by Laura Esposito Photography
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​How did you find and why did you choose Laure Esposito Photography for your photographer?
Many of my friends from the class of 2022 had Laura as their photographer and absolutely raved about her. I also followed her on Instagram for a few years, and I never saw a bad picture. I was sure that she would make my portrait session magical, and she did!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
At first, my experience was a bit rocky. We had planned to shoot all my pictures outside, but it was raining and gloomy. Laura was so sweet and rescheduled for a few days later with no problem at all. She made me feel beautiful the entire time she was shooting. She also had a reveal session, which made the experience more fun due to the anticipation building up. All my pictures were gorgeous, and she was a delight to work with.

What has been your favorite service project in National Honors Society?
My favorite service project in National Honors Society has been weaving homeless mats out of recycled plastic bags. We ask students and teachers to bring in their plastic bags instead of throwing them away. Then we cut them into strips and weave them into mats which will be handed out in bags to be given out to help the homeless during the winter.

What does it mean to be a Buckeye Girls State representative and why is it important to you?
Being a Buckeye Girls State representative is very important to me. I was the only girl from my high school to attend, which was an honor. During my time there, I learned so much about our government, elections, and voting, but I also met so many girls that I will be lifelong friends with. It was amazing to be able to talk to so many like-minded people, and it was one of the most fun experiences I’ve ever had. I think it is important for girls and women to be educated and able to use their voices, which is what this program taught us all how to do.

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Image by Hailey Jackson

​What do you tutor elementary students in and what is a favorite accomplishment from this?
I tutor the students in any subject they may be struggling in. Usually, I help them with math or reading homework, but we also study for tests, practice spelling and reading, and work on projects together. My favorite accomplishment from this was helping a fifth grader study for a test she was very worried about. She has five older brothers, and all of them are very good at math. She wanted to make sure that she did well enough to impress her family, and she ended up getting a perfect. I was so proud of her, but more importantly, she was proud of herself.

What has been your favorite character to play and why?
My favorite character to play has been Angela Angel in the play Curtains! She is a little too confident in her skills as an actress, but it is so fun to portray her sass and attitude. Her personality is much different than my own, so I enjoy getting to act differently than I usually do. Every character in the play is hilarious, so I would have been happy with any role, but I have grown to love Angela.

What about the history club makes you question where we are today?
On a day off from school, the history club took a trip to the MAPS air museum. Although the main focus is aviation, they have many artifacts and outfits from people who are from Ohio and have fought in wars. They also have a medical tent fully set up as it would be during battles. It was very informative and eye-opening, and it gave us an inside look of what our veterans have gone through to protect us. Without them, America simply wouldn't exist.

​What else would you like to talk about? If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I would love to talk to my peers about how they can help themselves and others who are struggling with mental health. It is very important that everyone understands that they are never alone and never will be. There is always hope that can be found, and anyone can make a difference.

Look for Emma in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Samantha Heinrich

11/10/2022

 
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Samantha Heinrich - Connecticut
Nomination by Leah Heinrich
Photography by NKG Imagery, Nathan Gilmore
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Samantha Heinrich is inspiring because she sets herself a goal and will do everything she can to achieve it. She is the person to help you when you need it. It’s as if she empowers the people around her. She also supports others as if they are a part of her family. She has shown me how to be a better person and how to stay organized. She inspires me to never give up and to always try my hardest no matter how hard things get. I love the person she has become.
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Photography by NKG Imagery, Nathan Gilmore

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
More inspiring things about me that weren't covered in my nomination is how I lead others to become better. Mostly during school like if we are doing a school project and let’s say someone wants to give up I’ll encourage them and give them a better understanding. I will also encourage others to try new things even if it scares them because you could always end up finding something new you like to do.

What experiences have you had to be a leader?
I’ve had to be a leader during my sport. Track, it’s a very independent sport and you have to be a leader towards yourself but you also have to be a leader towards your team member. Even if that means you need to take lead of a practice or tell someone something to help them out on there form.

What are your best leadership qualities?
My best leadership qualities is honesty and desire to lead others. Honesty is an important quality to have it shows others you can be trusted and not lie to them. Having the desire to to lead others can lead you to good opportunities and a good influence on others not only that but it can makes them feel as if they are motivated by you.

What have you learned about yourself in a leadership position?
I’ve learned that it makes me feel as if I have a clear purpose to lead others. It not only makes me feel important but humble knowing that you can make someone else believe they can do better.

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Photography by NKG Imagery, Nathan Gilmore

​What else would you like to talk about?
I would like to talk about my experience with this all and the photo shoots mostly because this is my first time ever doing something like this out of my comfort zone. I would also like to talk about this opportunity I was given.

How did you find and why did you choose NKG Imagery for your photographer?
I found NKG Imagery through school I knew of others girls who had used him for senior pictures and I loved his work so I chose to randomly sign up as a senior rep model for fun to see if he would get back to me and he did!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience so far is really good! I love that I can let go a little bit and be comfortable around him and it not be awkward. He not only takes my photos but he takes the time to get to know me and my mom, so he does not leave out anyone in the photoshoot. Overall it’s a good experience I would recommend to anyone!

What has been your favorite photo shoot so far?
My favorite photoshoot so far is my last one at the Nelson Atkins Museum. It was super fun and cold but we made the most of it and that photoshoot is what got me to this point today.

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Photography by NKG Imagery, Nathan Gilmore

What do you love best about your senior year so far?
I love most that you get to do fun activities with your class and that you know it’s your senior year so you want to be friends with everyone. I’m most excited for my track season but, I love that everyone gets you excited for graduation and how everyone cheers you on to get you excited. Also I’m loving the new memories I’m making.

What are you excited for next?
I’m excited to get my life started and move out. Moving out can be a scary thing because you’ve lived with your parents your whole life but it can open new opportunities and make you more responsible.

How would your friends describe you?
I think my friends would describe me as fun, persistent, and versatile. They would describe me as these because I always stay persistent with activities I do such as track and the gym, I am most of the time versatile because if we get told to do some sort of activities I can always adapt to it such as track I can do many event in track no matter what they switch me too.

Where would we find you if you had nothing to do and all day to do it?
You would find me in the gym because I feel as if you lay around all day it makes me feel lazy and makes me not feel productive so if I’m at the gym I’m not only helping myself but giving myself something to do while feeling good about myself.
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Photography by NKG Imagery, Nathan Gilmore

​Tell us about your family and where you fit in. Where do you stand out?
I have a family of ten in my house I am the 3rd oldest. The ages range from 5-22. We also have 2 dogs and 1 snake.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I feel like I could talk about life and about how everything came about. It’s a crazy topic that I could probably go on and on about for a while. Because just thinking about this topic it’s crazy to think about how lucky we are to be here and how many theories we could come up with.

Look for Samantha in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Seth Tinner

11/10/2022

 
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Seth Tinner – Ohio
Nomination by Stephanie Tinner
Photography by Vanessa Purdef Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Seth Tinner is a person who invites everyone to his table and then encourages others to do the same. There isn’t anyone he doesn’t like. He values each person and meets them right where they are as an individual. He sees the best in everyone he meets. He then leads well by showing others how to love people well. He is highly considering majoring in social work or counseling as he enters his college years. He just cares about people that much.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am an encourager. I like to help people feel good about themselves and to realize their potential. I’m a good listener and like to help counsel people when needed.

What would you most like to talk about?
I would like to talk about what my future may look like as a counselor.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why? I could talk forever about a lot of things. The one I would like to talk most about is the hardships of my mental health and how I have overcome.

Look for Seth in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Sarah Doggett

11/10/2022

 
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Sarah Doggett – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Laura Broussard Photo
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Sarah has been inspiring myself and others since I have known her as a little girl. She has always been driven, focused academically, and involved in school and community activities. Most importantly, she is a kind and generous person, making a difference. In high school, she was at the top of her class. She was Head Columnist and Editor for her school newspaper, involved in Spanish club, Varsity Volleyball and Basketball, Student Council, and UIL Journalism. She was President of her church's Youth Council and an active volunteer in the community. She is currently attending Texas A&M studying Business.
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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
During the second semester of my junior year, my dad was in a traumatic brain accident, disabling him for life. He now experiences brain fatigue and extreme memory loss with the inability to form new memories. This challenging situation gave way to maturity, emotional intelligence, and the development of my drive and grit. I kept my GPA, went to regionals in three UIL Journalism events, made it to state in volleyball, was awarded 1st Team All-District, and Academic All-State in two sports, and amongst other things, achieved my goals despite the odds.

What would you most like to talk?
I'd love to talk about my high school activities, how they formed me into the young adult I am now, and why each commitment was something special that I was passionate about. Then I can also talk about the activities I am currently involved in as a new college student. I'm also willing to talk about any information I disclosed in my nomination form.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
My family. I think the concept of my family is innately interesting to me and others because of our unique circumstances. I've also always been interested in family dynamics, including my own, because it is the greatest socialization agent for an individual. I could talk about my family before my dad's accident and then the one we are now. Included would be the importance of family, the effect of losing a parent without their actual death, traumatic brain injuries, PTSD, the result of maturity at a young age, and how the accident affected each family member at varying ages.

Look for Sarah in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Olivia White

11/10/2022

 
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Olivia White – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Joyful Point of View Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Olivia is radiance imbodied! She is joyful, beautiful inside and out, and brings sunshine wherever she goes. She works hard and truly cares for those close to her. She is intentional, driven, loving, and hilarious. She is in school for Occupational Therapy and will go on to help SO many people one day!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
In addition to Jacelyn’s sweet nomination, I also feel like I am passionate, intuitive, and fiercely loyal! I really do love serving others. Whether that’s in a personal or professional capacity, having the chance to brighten a friend or loved one’s day means so much. I love an opportunity to grow and mature in my interpersonal skills, mental health, and my overall outlook on personal and professional situations.

What would you most like to talk about?
I would love to talk about the leadership opportunities I’ve had in my sorority, Delta Gamma, the growth that I’ve experienced in my mental health from quarantine until now, and the massive impact that having a grace-filled, loving mentor has had on my life!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would talk about the importance of filling up your own cup before pouring into others. A leader that I admired in my first semester of college spoke constantly about filling up your cup (the cup representing yourself and the action of filling that cup being anything that promotes or diminishes your well-being). That simple image helped me understand that I couldn’t serve others in a loving way until I took care of myself and my needs. Now that I’ve had several opportunities to put that ideology into practice, I want nothing more than for others to learn that too.

Look for Olivia in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Mia Bonadonna

11/10/2022

 
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Mia Bonadonna – Missouri
Nomination & Photography by Switch Focus Studios
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination Revised by Mia: Hi, I am Mia Bonadonna!! I am a senior at Blue Springs South High School and here are some things about me. I come from a huge Italian family, so family means everything to me. I try to spend as much time with them as possible. My whole life has consisted of playing softball where I made countless memories and lifelong friendships. After high school I plan to attend a four year university to study nursing. I am super excited to see what my future has in store for me.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have had an IEP since third grade and throughout my years of school I have really challenged myself with taking higher level classes. I have not let my IEP stop me from reaching my goals in life.

What would you most like to talk about?
My family. My family is my world. I am super close with my mom, dad, brother (Joemike), and sister (Sofia). I also have two dogs and they are the cutest things in the world. I have a huge extended family and I am super blessed to say I have amazing relationships with all of my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. They are all my best-friends and I know they will always have my back through thick and thin.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I could talk about how everything happens for a reason in life. I have had many things happen to me in the past couple of years of high school that I just wish I knew why what happened, happened. My biggest advice to someone struggling like I did is, keep pushing because there is always a light at the end of the tunnel.

Look for Mia in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for info on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kenzie Goldsmith

11/10/2022

 
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Kenzie Goldsmith – Illinois
Nomination & Photography by Katie Fina Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Kenzie Goldsmith is an inspiration because she is kind-hearted, humble and goal-oriented. She plans on studying Elementary Education in college (most likely at the University of Kansas) and we all know that teaching is an under-appreciated profession. I know first-hand as I am an elementary teacher as well as a photographer. Kenzie showed initiative when she emailed me to be a Class of 2023 senior model. She stated that she didn't really know how to model, but she was a natural in front of the camera after she got comfortable. I was so excited that she chose to hire me for her custom senior session! Kenzie participates in cheerleading at her high school; lives a very active, healthy lifestyle; babysits when she has free time and is also a brand rep for Gilly Hicks. Kenzie also said her mom is her biggest inspiration in her life. I am lucky to have met Kenzie and her mom and I hope to continue to a friendship with both of them in the future.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have a love of children, and love helping them learn, and encouraging them to feel good about themselves. Which is why I want to become an elementary teacher. I am also involved in two different cheer programs for elementary-aged children in my community. I volunteer at one and another is a paid position of teaching kids cheerleading moves and the importance of working together as a team.

What would you most like to talk about?
Children! How they can make you feel better and loved - even on your worse days. How bringing out the good in them, helps bring out the best in us. They have so much to give and so much to teach us about being outgoing and about how to persevere - Which unfortunately are skills that as we age, we can struggle to keep. There is something so welcoming about the way they are able to say "HI" to almost anyone they meet.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
How we need to be sure we are taking time for yourselves and our own mental health concerns. We are under a lot of stress and have a lot on our schedules with school and extra curriculars, and sometimes it can be overwhelming and cause us to want to hide and pull away. But being open with our peers, friends, teachers and parents about how we are feeling can help us create a support system that will remind us that we are not alone and that we will get through this and get to the next chapter in our lives.

Look for Kenzie in Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
Look for Kenzie in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Jennah Helton

11/10/2022

 
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Jennah Helton – Georgia
Nomination & Photography by Michelle Petteys @ Heritage Snapshots
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Jennah's academic achievement, strong work ethic, leadership and dedication to her family make her an inspiring teen. This past summer, Jennah worked at the local zoo, assisting with a government funded program for the city, as a camp counselor for special needs children and young adults. This exposure, coupled with the raising of her five year old cousin that is exhibiting learning and behavior disabilities, has inspired Jennah to want to pursue a career as a children's behavioral therapist. In addition, Jennah still manages to be an amazing friend, helpful daughter and inspiration to us all.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I just wanted to go more in depth about how much I enjoyed the camp work over this past summer and how joyful and loving the campers were! There was such a love of life felt through each one of the Campers! It gave me such a feeling of purpose and never once felt like work.

What would you most like to talk about?
I would like to focus on family and finding my true self through my high school years.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
About living each day to the fullest and with so much joy because life is too short to be anything but your best self. Stand up for yourself and others around you!

Look for Jennah in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Caden Cook

11/10/2022

 
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Caden Cook – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Lauren Cook
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Caden has a rare chronic pain condition called AMPS - Amplified Musculoskeletal Pain Syndrome. He fights chronic pain head to toe, but still finds the strength to attend school, be a part of the band, and be an athletic manager. Some days are harder than others, but he is a true warrior every day.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have had chronic pain since I was 10 years old and I want other kids like me to know that they are never alone. Some days are harder than others to get out of bed, but this is a syndrome that you have to keep moving to keep the pain down.

What would you most like to talk about?
I would like to talk about how difficult it has been for people to understand my AMPS condition. I look normal on the outside, but I have pain 24/7 that never goes away in my feet, thighs, and head.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would let my peers know that just because a person looks normal and acts normal, doesn't mean they aren't fighting a health condition. We need to always be nice to each other and help each other when we can because we never know what someone is going through.

Look for Caden in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Allison Plantz

11/10/2022

 
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Allison Plantz – Ohio
Nomination by Denise Plantz
Photography by Paula Yates Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Allison Plantz is an inspiration to so many people just by simply leading by example. She humbly demonstrates how one can balance both community and personal responsibilities. While maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout her entire high school career and lettering in multiple Varsity sports, Allison always seems to find time to "give back" to her family, friends and community. She has donated countless hours of her time to local organizations that help feed the hungry and less fortunate, ministers to local foster kids, and volunteers to help children in various sports and other school related activities within her local school district. Allison also loves to share her passion of music, art and cooking with others. Her willingness to bring joy and happiness to others is not only contagious but inspiring!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover? One thing that I believe makes me who I am is Royal Family Kids Camp. For the last two summers, I have volunteered at a week-long summer camp for foster kids. Despite my reluctancy, it became one of the best experiences of my life. Getting the opportunity to make those children feel loved is such a humbling privilege. It is one of the most draining weeks you can experience, but easily the most rewarding. While I can only hope I made a positive impact on those kids, I know they made an impact on me.

What would you most like to talk about
One thing most people know me for is my artistic ability. I have always been artistically inclined, but it’s always music I go back to. My appreciation for music was instilled in me by my grandmother and late uncle. I have played piano since I was five, and have been a self-taught guitar player since I was 14. When I listen to a song, I hear each individual instrument and search for deeper meaning in every lyric. I have a deeper appreciation for music because I know the skill, emotion and bravery that it takes to create it.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Snowbird Wilderness Outfitters is a church camp in a tiny mountain town in North Carolina. I began going in 2017, and have made 10 trips since. Snowbird is a place of Christ-like love and Spiritual growth. While the place itself isn’t magical, there is something powerful and unexplainable about the close relationships formed there. There are staff members who have been with me in the hardest times, and celebrated with me in the best times. A goal of mine is to mentor teens the way Snowbird did for me, and I hope to join their staff in the near future.

Look for Allison in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! 
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Omair Hanna

11/4/2022

 
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Omair Hanna – Florida
Nomination & Photography by Traci Sproule Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Omair inspires with his activities. He's been involved in his church for seven years and has played in many services and events. This has sparked his growth as a person and a musician. He excels with his schooling, maintaining a high GPA while also being on the varsity tennis team at his school. He strives for excellence, for service and for community involvement.

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Photography by Traci Sproule Photography

​Tell us more about your church and why you love being a member.
I serve at Christ Fellowship church which is a growing and vibrant church. Being a member allows me to grow as a Christian and allows me to participate in worship through my band.

What instruments do you play and which are your favorite?
In the band, I play the drums.

How has being a musician influenced your life?
Being a musician has allowed me to grow not only as a person, but also as a Christian. I have grown personally gaining confidence, making new friends on the team, and have improved as a musician. As a Christian, it has helped me grow spiritually in my faith.

What opportunity have you had as a musician that you might not have otherwise had?
I have had the opportunity to play in bigger venues and in many events.

What has been your favorite experience as a musician?
Throughout the years, I have had many amazing experiences, but there was one that stuck out. It was a county wide teen event accommodating over 1000 people. The production was so professional that I felt as though I was playing in a real concert.

What type of music do you love to play? Do you have a go-to song? What is it?
I love to play funk type music, but I mainly play Christian worship songs. My go to song would most likely be “You Are Good” by Israel & New Breed.

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Photography by Traci Sproule Photography

How did you find and why did you choose Traci Sproule Photography for your photographer?
Traci Sproule has been the Jupiter Christian photographer for many years. She has previously done family and senior pictures for other sisters.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
It was a really fun experience. We got to do a lot of shoots and very creative shots. My favorite shot would most likely be when I got on top of my school's sign structure.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am a member of Future Business Leaders of America at my school.

How did you get involved in this and why is it important to you?
I got involved through the finance choice program at school. This is important to me because it introduces me to the different aspects of the worlds of business which has given me a greater insight on what my future career might look like.

What has been a favorite accomplishment with this organization?
My favorite accomplishment would be winning second place in an Next Era/ FPL competition.

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Photography by Traci Sproule Photography
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What are you most looking forward to during your senior year?
This year, I am looking forward to finishing this year strong academically, playing tennis one last time for my school and making the right decision for the next chapter in my life.

What do you hope people remember about you from high school?
I hope to remember how much fun I had through school activities like spirit week, homecoming and prom and the many friends and relationships I have made along the way.

What will you miss most about it?
The thing I will miss the most would be the relationships, especially with the teachers that have made such a great impact on my life.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I would probably talk about how failure can lead to great success. This is mainly because throughout my life, I have failed multiple times. For example, when I don't win a match in tennis or mess up on a problem in school, I can learn from my mistakes, work harder, and won’t let those small errors get in the way of my success!

Look for Omair in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Ava Luna

11/4/2022

 
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Ava Luna – Texas
Nomination & Photography by
​Contemporary Portraits - Vanessa Hendrickson
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​Nomination: Revised by Ava - I am running for Vice President for my school, to vouch for my peers that don’t feel their voices are heard.
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Photography by ​Contemporary Portraits - Vanessa Hendrickson

What made you decide to run for Vice President at your school?
I decided to run for Vice President so be a voice for my peers. I want to make changes within my school for the benefit of both the students and staff.

What will your roles and responsibilities be if you are chosen?
I will work alongside the school president so find solutions that are concerning to my peers. I will also work on projects to help engage my peers into our school activities and functions. Being Vice President I will also be a liaison between my peers and teachers/administrators for my school.

What are you most looking forward to in your senior year?
I am looking forward to making memories with my peers and leaving a mark on the school with all of my accomplishments thus far.

How did you find and why did you choose Contemporary Portraits - Vanessa Hendrickson for your photographer?
I found Contemporary Portraits with Vanessa through a mutual friend of my mom’s as well as scrolling through her feed via Facebook. I saw her work and fell in love with it!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I had an amazing experience with Contemporary Portraits! Vanessa made me feel so comfortable- as it was my first time with a photographer, she made the whole experience very enjoyable! I loved how easy going the whole process was and how comfortable it all was.

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Photography by ​Contemporary Portraits - Vanessa Hendrickson

What else would you like to talk about?
I am open to talk about my family, childhood, as well as my major interests going into college.

Tell us about your family and where you fit in - and where you stand out.
I am the only girl in a family of five. I grew up very close to my aunt and her children of 2, whom are also boys. I have assumed the role of “big sister” for all of them. I am very protective of them, and they know they can always count on me.

What was your childhood like?
I had a very good childhood, I grew up with both parents in a happy marriage, who worked to give my brothers and I a comfortable life. My older brother would go back and forth between his mother’s home and ours. This pushed me to be the sibling that looked out for my younger brother as my older brother did when he was here.

What are your major interests going into college?
Going into college I want to study Criminal justice with a concentration of psychology. I have always been fascinated with the way the mind works and why people do what they do.

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Photography by ​Contemporary Portraits - Vanessa Hendrickson

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am a natural leader, that leads with kindness and respect. I also work very hard to be the best version of myself in my workplace, school life, and personal life.

What is your strongest leadership skill?
My strongest leadership skill would be that I take my time before speaking so I can evaluate/ understand the situation before speaking. I am also not afraid to take give correction or teach others.

What has been your favorite accomplishment as a leader?
Being able to seem my peers grow and knowing I may have played a small part in their growth.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
A topic that I can talk about for hours would be injustices in our society.

What do you think is the biggest injustice in our society?
I believe the biggest injustice in our society is the lack of communication we have. I believe that if our society was able to communicate their feelings in an appropriate way without judgement or disregard, we will be able to overcome many of the hardships we come across.

Look for Ava in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brianna Bailey

11/4/2022

 
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Brianna Bailey – Virginia
Nomination & Photography by Diana Giammarco Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Brianna is such an inspiration in how she treats everyone with such kindness and thoughtfulness. Brianna placed 3rd in the Ms. Teen Globe United States pageant in 2019, being the first in pageant's history to have a developmental disability: Asperger Syndrome. Brianna's story is one of inspiration and perseverance. Brianna presented her project that embraced Asperger Syndrome entitled "Teen Girls Rise", demonstrating that anyone is capable. Brianna is a model individual, but also a fashion model and has walked the runway several times! Everyone that meets Brianna loves her!
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Photography by Diana Giammarco Photography

​Tell us about your pageant life. When did you get started and why? 
I started my pageant life around the age of 12.  The 1st pageant I participated in didn't go so well.  I was accepted and people really didn't understand what Asperger's really was; and how it impacts individuals that suffer from this disorder.  I like participating in pageants, because I get to utilize my skills and pursue my passion for modeling.  Later, after my first attempt, I tried again in another pageant, and it went better this time.  My parents came up with the idea to write a "Comp Card," (used as a tool for actors & models) which explains Asperger's. This helped a lot; because I was able to give these cards out to anyone I came in contact with so that they had a better understanding of this disorder.  The card explained what Asperger's Disorder is (in detail) and how it affected me and how to best help me in certain situations. Everyone that suffers from Asperger's is affected differently, and that was the primary reason for me speaking out about this disorder, and to spread awareness, so that others could recognize that we are "people too," with the same hopes, dreams, and aspirations as anyone else. 

What do you love most about it? 
What I loved the most about pageant life, is how nice the girls were; once they knew that I had Asperger's. I was very happy to see how they interacted with me, and how they embraced me; disability and all! 

Walk us through prepping for the Ms Teen Globe United States pageant in 2019.
My parents hired a pageant coach for me.  The coach was a prior pageant winner and knew the ins and outs of participating in pageant contests.  My coach understood what Asperger's is, and was able to coach me based on my strong points.  My coach was very patient and kind.  She made me very comfortable, with me accepting myself for who I am, and not someone else.  We practiced a lot on walking the runway, and how to respond to questions posed by the judges. 

What was the day like?
The day was so exciting; however, I must admit that I was very nervous. I was scared because I thought the girls wouldn't like me and that I would get pushed into the corner all by myself.  But the opposite happened; the girls were really nice, and I was included in all the after-day events.  At the end of the day, I met and made some really nice girlfriends. 

What is your favorite memory of the pageant?
My Favorite memory of the pageant was Flying to California, with my parents, and getting dressed up and made-up by the makeup artist.   I really enjoyed it when the group went out together and had dinner at a Chinese restaurant. That was awesome!

What might people who have never been in a pageant not know about being a contestant?
Being a contestant is not as easy as it looks -- it's learning to be yourself, but also being competitive at the same time. It's a balancing act!  At the beginning, I didn't want people to know I had a disability; but once they knew and understood how it affected me, they were really accepting and cool about it.  

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Photography by Diana Giammarco Photography

​​What do you wish people knew about Asperger's?
Asperger's affects everyone differently.  Most people who don't know I have Asperger's think that I'm weird or odd.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  All that anyone wants is to be accepted and included.  Most kids that have Asperger's don't have many friends.  The kind of friends that ask you to go hang out at the mall, or a school function, or maybe even, a football game. Unfortunately, that just doesn't happen very often. 

Tell us about your presentation "Teen Girls Rise".
Teen Girls Rise was my Girl Scout "Gold Award" project.  The Gold Award is the highest award you can recieve in Girl Scouts, and it's usually done in your junior/senior year in high school.  The main point of the project was to keep girls in school.  If by chance, they had a "Mishap" when their cycle came on at school, and they weren't prepared, they could stop by the nurse's station and retrieve Feminine Hygiene Products (without cost).  This would allow them to make it through the remainder of the school day. This ready access to Feminine Hygiene Products would preclude students from the embarrassment of not having products on hand, to help them with this emergency.  Most of the time, if our clothes got "soiled," we would have to call our parents and they would have to come pick us up or bring a change of clothes to school.  It was with this in mind, I (in conjunction with my parents and the school administration) developed this program.  So, I worked with my high school nurse on how to keep girls in the classroom, i.e. without having to call their parents.  I did a lot of fundraisers and received donations from local stores.  I kept our nurse’s office stocked with feminine hygiene products, i.e., leggings, new packs of underwear, deodorants, and more! We even made care packages for the girls "in need," at our home, who couldn’t afford to pay for products themselves.  The "Teens Girls Rise" Project was a huge success!  Girls were able to get back into the classroom, feeling good about themselves, and were able to concentrate on schoolwork and not be disrupted because of an emergency where they were required to call their parents and go home.    

Tell us about your family. Where do you fit in, and where do you stand out?
My mom and dad are cool. They are both retired Disabled Military Veterans.  My dad served over 20 years in the United States Air Force, and my mom served over 20 years in the United States Navy.   I am just me; I have an older stepbrother who is about 12 years older than I am.   My parents and I travel a lot. Usually for recreation/vacations.  I have a Miniature Poodle (Penny) that we adopted from the shelter.  Unfortunately, like so many other animals, she was horribly abused. We helped her get better and we gave her lots of love.

What is a favorite family memory?
My favorite family memory is when we went to the Grand Canyon.  We boated down the canal and flew over the canyon in a helicopter.    Oh, one of my favorite vacations was when we went to Paris.  We have been lucky enough to have visited it 3 times on our travels out of the country. 

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Photography by Diana Giammarco Photography

​How did you find and why did you choose Diana Giammarco Photography for your photographer? 
A friend of my mom's recommended Mrs. Giammarco.   They told my mom that she would be a good fit (because of her patience) for my disability and some of the challenges I face.  Mrs. Diana is so kind, understanding and very patient with me.  She takes the best pictures ever! 

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it? 
Mrs. Dana is kind; she knows about Asperger's and can easily see when I start to get frustrated/upset.  Sometimes, she would just put the camera down, and we would just have a fun chat.  Then we would re-engage the photo shoot and go back to taking pictures.  She showed me how to have fun in front of the camera.  Mrs. Diana made me feel relaxed and very comfortable. 

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I suffer from Asperger's disorder. However, I am determined to move forward with my life, and will not allow anything or anyone, hold me back from achieving my goals. Even though I suffer from this disease; it does not limit my aspirations, nor does it define me.  I am currently attending Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA). I am enrolled in General Studies and will graduate next year. I have been accepted to attend George Mason University’s (Advance Program) where I will be Majoring in Tourism. I currently have a 3.6 G.P.A. and was on the Dean's List last semester.

What else would you like to talk about? 
I would most likely talk about my Asperger's disorder, and how it impacts me. Not many people are aware of this disorder. I would like to bring this to the attention of those who are not aware of its existence and shed light on how and why those suffering with this disorder may act a little differently than others, but we are just like everyone else. We have hopes, dreams, and aspirations; and want to achieve success in life. Everyone that suffers from this malady is affected differently. Nevertheless, we too, strive for greatness. Even Mariah Carey suffers from this disorder. I use her as an inspiration. There are many others that suffer in silence from this disease. My goal is to bring Asperger's to light; so that it benefits others. In doing so, everyone will have a better understanding of who we are and accept us for ourselves.

My goal is to become a print/runway model.  My parents have taken me to New York City, and I have walked the runways in several shows.  I really enjoy this industry.  However, my disability comes to light, and agents just don't understand how to work with me to get the best possible results for their medium.  I hope that one day I will find a good agent that understands Asperger's and how they can capitalize on my skills and abilities to bring me into the modeling industry.   

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
The topic that I would present is how to stay safe from COVID during this pandemic. As we all know this pandemic has been tough on all of us. It's not something that we've ever seen during our lifetime. We have all been impacted, in one way or another by having to modify our lifestyles. Whether it be school, work, or any other aspect of daily life, our lives have changed dramatically. In would simply encourage my peers to remain vigilant, observant, and steadfast in following the protocols recommended by the CDC. Because of the ever-changing dynamics involved in virulent strains of the virus mutating, we cannot be sure how it will impact our friends, colleges, families, or us personally. My plea to everyone is not to take this virus for granted and to take appropriate precautions to remain safe, healthy, and happy.
 

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Image by Marie Bailey

​What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it? 
The hardest thing I have ever accomplished is understanding the complications involved with the Asperger's disorder that I have; and just how do I move forward pragmatically.  I am currently trying my best to live an uncomplicated lifestyle by coming up with systematic strategies on how to understand myself better; to be truly successful in life.  

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? 
My advice would be to keep working hard at whatever your passion may be, and to keep moving forward, no matter how hard things get.  (1). Never stop chasing your dreams, until you achieve them; (2). Make your dreams a reality; and (3). Finally, don't let anybody, and I mean anyone, attempt to take advantage of you -- it's your life and you need to be responsible (and in control) for choosing your own path to your dreams.  If you want to chart your pathway to your dreams, listen to those you love and really trust. But never give up your morals or values to obtain tangible rewards. Don't let anyone control you or stop you from pursuing your dreams!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans? 
I think I see myself as a model in a magazine or entertaining people in some capacity.  
What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination? I like to cosplay and act out my own characters that I've made and put them on TikTok.
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it? I can draw and paint; but I don’t have a specific hidden talent. However, I'm always working to develop one.  

3 Things on your bucket list? 
1- Graduate from George Mason University,  
2-Become a Fashion model 
3-Entertain people on a broad stage; or by cosplaying some of the characters that I have created. 

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my dad inspiring because he is always there for me when I need him, and he helps me when something doesn’t make sense. I’m very proud to call him my dad, he is the best thing that I have ever had in my life.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think that I am inspiring to others because I struggle; but I aspire to overcome any and all challenges or obstacles that life may throw my way. 

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am very proud to have been nominated to participate in this process.  I hope that I can be a positive inspiration to others who suffer from sometimes misunderstood and hidden disabilities in our society.   

Look for Brianna in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Cheyene Durheim

11/3/2022

 
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Cheyene Durheim – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Cheyene has an inspiring work ethic. Cheyene used to spend between 15-30 hours a week in a dance studio perfecting her love of tap dancing. More recently Cheyene has become involved with FFA, and started her own cattle operation 3 years ago. If she isn’t at her barn working her 3 heifers, 3 bulls and steer seven days a week twice a day, you will find her at school making sure she has the grades to meet the high standards she sets for herself. In what little free time she does have, she’s working at the baseball fields to fund her cattle operation. Cheyene does an amazing job juggling her busy life!
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Photography by Angie Read Photography

​Tell us about your show cattle.
My cattle are my pride and joy, they are my best friends. Someone once told me if you have a day, talk to your cattle, if you have a secret, you must tell someone tell your cattle, they won’t ever tell anyone what you say. If I had to pick a favorite, it would be my bull Joker.  Joker is a very picky bull when it comes people being around him and touching him a lot like me. Every morning I go out into the pasture to feed him, and he always gives me loving and kisses. This bull has been my best friend through his show career, and his personality and mine are a lot alike. 

What does it entail on your end to get one of your show cattle ready for show? 
Positive attitude and effort are what I have to have daily. Cattle are a lot like people, they can sense when you are having bad day and in a bad mood, they know when you are happy, and they respond accordingly.  On a daily basis I get up at 5am before school and head to the barn to feed all 10 of my show cattle and the 3 pasture cows we have. I must clean their pens every morning, fill water buckets, and fill feeders with feed and hay. After school I get to do it all over again, with the addition of walking each one of them, then washing them and blow drying and working their hair, so it stays in show ready condition every day. On show days I get up usually about 4 am wash every one of them, get their feed pans ready so that while they are eating, I can get their hair show ready. Usually, it takes me about 5 hours to have all my cattle ready to go into the show ring and show. After each show, they get washed and blown out again before they get tied out for the night. Most weekends we show we have 2 shows, one on Saturday and again on Sunday.

What is it like the day of the show? Walk us through a typical show.
A typical show day for me requires an early morning arrival to the show barn to start washing animals. I then will allow them to eat there morning feed while blow drying their hair and making sure everything is clean. I will allow one bucket of water the morning of a show, and as much as they would like before they go show. Gluing and fitting the cattle is the best part of all of this since I get to play and get their hair ready for show. Blowing them out a few more times after working on the hair always adds to the finishing touch. Show halters are ready to be put on and its show time!

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Photography by Angie Read Photography

​What has been a favorite accomplishment showing cattle?
My favorite accomplishment while showing cattle has been winning with my bull, Joker. He started off bad and just didn’t want to work with me while showing him. I worked countless hours with him and made sure he was better prepared each show he went to. All this leading up to winning Reserve Grand Champion at one of the largest livestock shows in the world The Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo. I also won the Grand Champion Bull at State Fair of Texas this year. 
 
What has been a favorite memory showing cattle?
This may sound strange, but my best memories are the times I get to spend with my parents. My parents get up every morning with me and drive me to the barn, help me get all my chores done so that I can get home and get ready for school or my job. The amount of time I have spent in the truck with my dad, making countless memories. The songs that he and I sing, the dancing he and I do while driving, the conversations we have about life, the naps I take while he drives and takes pictures of me sleeping, are memories I will have for life. Not every kid gets the opportunity to spend the amount of time I do with my parents, doing what I love.   
 
What influence does showing cattle and agriculture have on your life?
Showing cattle has changed my future. From the time I was started dancing at 7, I couldn’t imagine my life without being involved in dance. I wanted nothing more than to be a Rockette, tap dancing on Broadway. When I was picking my classes for my freshman year of high school I needed an elective, and my dad who was in FFA as kid encouraged me to take freshman ag class. That class and my teachers changed my life, I wanted to start raising show animals, while still dancing. At the end of my freshman year, I decided I wanted to try showing cattle, and the rest is history. From one heifer to another, to now 12 in my barn! While I still have a love for dance, my passion for working with cattle has changed my future. I now plan on going to Texas Tech University and getting a degree in Animal Science with focus on production, with hopes of working for a cattle breeding operation. Showing cattle have shown me what I want to spend my rest of life doing. 

​How did you find and why did you choose Angie Read Photography for your photographer? 
I found Angie Read Photography through several friends of mine that were on your Power Team last year. Her photos have always caught my eye and when Angie reached out to me, I was extremely excited and took the opportunity to be on her Power Team this year.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience with Angie has been amazing and continues to be every photoshoot we have. She is so fun and makes everything the best it could possibly be. The thing I love most about it, is Angie is so open to doing everything when it comes to pictures. She helps in every way she can to make everything look amazing.
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Image taken at home

What do you do for work in the baseball fields? 
The work I do at the baseball fields is manage the concession stands and clean around the park. It’s not as much fun as working in the cattle barn with my cattle, but I have to have a job to pay for my passion. My parents help me with my cattle costs, but my dad says there is no free rides in life, and while this isn’t the easiest job, it helps pay for feed for my animals and help pay for show entries and vet fees.

Why is getting good grades important to you?
Getting good grades is very important to me because I wanted to prove my school that, just because I’m not at school every time and have the best attendance, that I am still getting an education outside of the school. I have learned so many life lessons and improved my work ethic from just being in a cattle barn working hard and putting in all that I got. This is also helps me get into my dream college, Texas Tech University, and after 5 days of submitting my application, I was accepted and received a scholarship. My parents told me when I started showing cattle, grades come first, cattle come second. If I don’t have the grades my parents expect, and the grades I expect for myself, then my cattle suffer.

What are you most looking forward to during your senior year?
I am looking forward to all the fun senior activities and events that we will have. I also look forward to making as many memories as possible with my best friends before I leave for college next year and start a new chapter in my life. 

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
When I think about the kind of legacy I want to leave behind, it’s a little intimidating. I feel like legacies are for people like my grandparents or people I read about in history books. People who have big dreams and want to do big things. Although if I’m being, I want to do big things and have big dreams. Over the past few years, I’ve discovered a passion for cattle and the International Brangus Breeders Association. It all started freshman year when I joined the FFA chapter at my high school. I’ve always been around farms and livestock, but I fell in love with Red Brangus after I started working with them. I’ve taken on a leadership role within the association, and I’m amazed at the difference I’m making. I’ve been so blessed to have these opportunities. I hope that one day I will be able to influence a young person to take a leap of faith and reach for their passions. I hope to be an encouragement to others around me in the future. 

Where would we find you if you had nothing to do and all day to do it?

You could find me in the barn working on my animals I could spend countless hours in the barn with my animals just working, playing, washing, walking and many more things with them. 
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?

It’s all about attitude and effort. The attitude you give will reflect on any actions that may happen, and the effort put in will allow you to push and do bigger and better things.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?

I hope to have graduated from Texas Tech University, with a degree in Animal Science and working my dream job of cattle operations in a breeding and genetic program. 

3 Things on your bucket list
I would like to go skydiving with my father, win Grand Champion at Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo and International Brangus Breeders show, and be invited to show Red Brangus in a foreign countries stock show.

Who do you find inspiring?
Dr. Wilkes, President of the International Brangus Breeders Association. His passion for the breed and most importantly his love for the junior that show in this breed is truly inspiring. To quote Dr. Wilkes “The juniors are this breeds future.”


Look for Cheyene in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brooklyn Hughes

11/3/2022

 
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Brooklyn Hughes – Texas
Nomination by Brye Rutledge
Photography by Chris Shabay Photography
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Brooklyn has been nominated because of her positivity and happiness that she shines unto others that makes them feel like they are important. Brooklyn, beyond being smart, has been a leader in academics, cheer, and enjoys being surrounded by friends and family. Brooklyn is excited to embark on her next chapter as a university freshman. Brooklyn is a determined young lady that will continue to inspire all those around her and continue to be a positive role model.
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Photography by Chris Shabay Photography

​Tell us about your experiences as a leader.
My favorite leadership position was leading Freshman Retreat at my school. One of my best friends Olivia Pearson and I took 10 other seniors to Bowie, Texas, along with the entire freshman class of 83 students. During this Olivia and I had to plan cooking, sleeping arrangements, theme nights, people speaking, worship, and all activities. This experience had a big impact on me, and I learned many things such as how many chicken nuggets a freshman boy can eat, which is a lot more than you would expect. Along with how many chicken nuggets a freshman boy can eat, I also learned how difficult it can be to lead a group that large. We had many downs from not having chicken for our chicken dinner, not enough places for luggage to go, and the freezing cold weather. Along with the downs we had many ups such as building many relationships with the underclassmen, getting to worship and lead with my fellow seniors and teach the freshmen about our high school experiences, and the amazing slip-n-slide we had on the last day of camp. Another leadership experience was being a camp counselor at Allaso Ranch. I led a group of ten, fifth grade girls, for a week of camp. I loved having this experience because although I led the freshman retreat, I got to actually bond with the girls and do everything with them because I was not running around leading camp. I got to see the goods and the bads of both leadership roles and I am very blessed to have had the opportunity to experience both.

What is your most prominent leadership quality?
My most prominent leadership quality is my boldness. I love being a leader and taking charge to get things done. This is one of my favorite qualities because I was not always as bold as I am today. When I first came to my new school in sixth grade, I was terrified and all I wanted was to fit in. Throughout middle school I started to discover who I wanted to be as an overall person and how to love myself for who I am. After I started to know and love my personality, I began to act more and more like myself and stand out. I learned that it is okay to be yourself because you don't want to be exactly like everyone else that you are around. It's okay to branch out and make new friends, be who you want to be, and make decisions for yourself because it is your own life and your friends and the people around you can't live it for you. Being bold has given me many opportunities such as taking leadership positions, meeting new people outside of my school, not being afraid to perform in front of my peers, and not being afraid to be myself. Being bold has given me the courage to be who I am and that is why I believe it is my favorite and most prominent leadership quality.

What do you love about being in a leadership position?
The thing I love most about being in a leadership position is getting to help those around me come to a common goal of success. I love getting to know the groups that I am working with and just overall reaching out and working together with people that I most likely wouldn't have met or have met in the past.
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Photography by Chris Shabay Photography

What has your cheer career been like?
My cheer career has had many ups and downs. When I first started cheer, not going to lie, I was pretty bad. I had been in gymnastics prior and decided to switch so that I could make new friends at my new school Grapevine Faith Christian School in Grapevine, Texas. I started in 7th grade and have been cheering ever since. I love everything about cheerleading and have met some of my best friends through the sport. I not only love it because of the Friday night football games, competitions, or dances. I love it because I don't know where I would be today without my team. My team is filled with some of the best people I have ever met, who are not only beautiful on the outside but are gorgeous on the inside. My team has made me the person I am today. In my cheerleading career today, I am still loving every second of it. I love the pep- rallies to get my school fired up, the routines we perform at halftime, and showing a good example of who the school is through our amazing routines and attitudes.

What is a favorite accomplishment with cheer?
My favorite accomplishment would have to be when my team decided a month before the Taaps State Competition that we wanted to compete. We put together a routine, practiced multiple times a week, got uniforms, and went to the arena. The best part is that the team did not actually know that we were competing for state until we got there and saw it on a banner. This was our first competition ever! We ended up doing really well and left as state runner ups, which was amazing for our first year of competition. That was my favorite accomplishment because my team worked together, did something great, made amazing memories, and ended up doing way better than we expected.
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What is a favorite memory with your cheer team?
My favorite memory with my team was the bus ride on the way to round two of the state competition. The final round that we knew we needed to do our best in to get our score up. On the bus the team sat and talked about our experiences so far during competition and how we could grow in places and how we did well in places. My team has never been so close. We made so many memories such as following the wrong bus all the way home that ended up being a “Groom on the Go” truck for dogs, dancing to the fantastic Taylor Swift right before competition, and just getting to know each other better than we did before.

What is your cheer team like? Where do you fit in and where do you stand out?
My cheer team is filled with many different amazing personalities that come together and make a great team. I firmly believe that we can do anything we put our minds to. We use our differences to make us better, and it makes it better that they are my best friends on and off the mat. I love these girls with all my whole heart. It is not just a cheer team it is a family, and I am so blessed to have them in my life. On the cheer team, I love to get things done as smoothly as possible. I stand out by trying to keep an upright attitude and bring a smile with me to practice every day. Although sometimes we run, condition, or do things we may not like to do my team still finds a way to make every minute count. With this being my last year on the team due to me being a senior I have been striving to make the most out of it. I would do anything for this team, and I can't wait to see what we accomplish in the future.

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Photography by Chris Shabay Photography

​What do you love doing most with your family?
The thing I love doing most with my family is going to look at Christmas lights. This may seem very generic but the way we do it is anything but ordinary. My family might have to be one of the busiest families I know. My sister is a junior in college at Texas Tech University where I plan to attend next fall, and my mom and dad both have jobs keeping the family very busy. Once a year around Christmas time of course, when everyone is home, my family goes out to eat and looks at Christmas lights. I love everything about Christmas, the lights, the songs, the Starbucks drinks, and most importantly the memories. My family always starts out looking at lights and then somehow ends up searching for the nearest Starbucks for hot cocoa. The reason I love looking at the lights so much is because we are all together doing something we enjoy, and of course the hot chocolate!

What is a favorite family memory?
My favorite memory with my family would have to be when we took a trip to the Bahamas the summer of my eight grade. My family is not very big on traveling and up until we got there the most I knew about the Bahamas is that Bahama Bucks the snow cone stand was named after it. My favorite part of the trip was the excursion day. We got on a boat, played with iguanas, pigs, and spent all day together as a family. My favorite part was pig island. My mom failed to mention to me that there were sharks in the water. I was terrified of sharks. I got in and looked down because I felt something swim by me. Sure enough it was indeed a shark. I remember screaming so loud my sister could hear it on the opposite side of the beach, and running out of the water as fast as I could.

Where would we find you and your friends if you had nothing to do and all day to do it?
My friends and I love getting ready and just driving around, taking pictures, having picnics, and making memories with each other. Our favorite part is just driving and seeing the places we end up. I have made so many memories and seen so many of the areas that I live in that I wouldn't have seen if I just stayed in my room all day. I love my friends and everything about them. I believe every person that I am friends with is in my life for a reason and I am so blessed to have them as a part of my life.

How did you find and why did you choose Chris Shabay for your photographer?
In the past my sister, Brianna Hughes, chose Chris Shabay for her senior picture photographer. I love his pictures and the way he captures our personalities, makes every picture different, and overall looks to get the best out of every picture and make everyone get a picture they love. This is why I chose Mr. Shabay for my pictures.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience was fantastic. Mr. Shabay made all my ideas come together in a great way. I love how parts of my personality are shown in the pictures through my poses, outfits, and just overall. Mr. Shabay took ideas that I was brainstorming from and made them come to life. He made sure that my pictures were made individually for me and that I would love everything about them. It's not just the pictures, Mr. Shabay is an amazing person overall and makes it so much fun. I have gotten a chance to know Mr. Shabay through being on his senior modeling team the “Shabay Squad” Which has also given me the opportunity to step outside of my comfort zone, get to meet other girls that I most likely wouldn't have gotten to meet that also love taking pictures, and get to know Mr. Shabay and see all of his ideas come to light.

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Photography by Chris Shabay Photography

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My nomination failed to point out my passion for pouring into the lives of the youth around me. This year I have led two school retreats to encourage youth to follow their passions. The upper class men get an opportunity to share high school experiences with younger students. I have also worked with them by babysitting, cheerleading and gymnastic camps. During retreats and camps, the younger students get to bond with the upper class men and their peers. It has been rewarding for me to receive positive feedback from the students and parents. I remind them they are not alone.

What else would you like to talk about?
I have a desire to give back to the community. I always strive to put others before myself and make their life better.
My career goal is to be a physical therapist. I want to help people get back on their feet after an injury. I want to help people get back into their sport or normal activity.

I have grown up being in gymnastics and cheerleading. I have always enjoyed being involved in athletics. By becoming a physical therapist, I hope I can encourage people to have optimal health and hope.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I would talk about how it is OK to be different. Rather than just fitting into a mold and being like everyone else, we should be who we are. We shouldn't be afraid to have our own ideas and thoughts. We shouldn't worry about what people think of us. Those differences are the very things that make us unique. I believe that everyone is loved and should be loved. The question seems to be, do you want to follow the crowd or be your own self?
How about being a light that shines out to those around

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I see myself graduating from Texas Tech University and becoming a physical therapist. I hope to be a physical therapist because I love everything about sports, so to get to help someone back up on their feet and get back to the sport they love is huge to me. I love helping people, so this is one way that I would get to serve others and learn to help in a different way than I would normally or am used to.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
One of my favorite activities is taking pictures. Yes, I love being in the pictures, but I love capturing little moments with my friends that one day hopefully I can share with my kids and new family. I love getting to look back on all the laughs and smiles that I have made during my memories with my friends and family and that is why I love capturing them in images.

3 Things on your bucket list
Three things on my bucket list are 1. Staying in Europe and Traveling for a long period of time. I have always wanted to travel and see places such as Rhome, Paris, and London. Their landscaping is so beautiful, and I want to get a chance to experience it through my own perspective. 2. Go on a photography trip. Sophomore year of high school I was supposed to attend a trip to Iceland for photography, but due to Covid the trip was canceled. Ever since that has been something I have wanted to experience and hope I can one day. 3. This one is a bit more common, but when I turn 18, I would like to skydive. I have always been interested in the experience, the view, and things leading up to the jump. The idea of free falling has always been absolutely terrifying, so I have always wanted to do this to get over my fear and have some fun while doing it.

Look for Brooklyn in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Amarina Simoni

11/3/2022

 
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Amarina Simoni – Pennsylvania
Nomination & Photography by Photography by Alessa
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Amarina has been dancing for 14 years.
She is captain of the volleyball team, student council president and part of The Beaver County Youth Ambassador Program. She’s also active in her church, serving as a lector and altar server.
She has taken a stance on many forms of social injustice by participating in 30 Hour famines to raise awareness to world hunger and walking in the March for Life.
Amarina is a high honors student currently attending CCBC Health Academy to help her prepare for her future academic plans. She plans to attend college to major in athletic training.

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Photography by Photography by Alessa

​How old were you when you started dancing and what do you love most about it?
I have been dancing at Paula Scriva Dance Studio since I was three years old. I love that dance allows me to be expressive and have fun at the same time.

What types of dances do you study and which is your favorite? Why?
I study Ballet, Tap, Jazz, Lyrical and Pointe. Lyrical is definitely my favorite, it's all about control and precision while also telling a story.

What has been a favorite accomplishment in dance?
My favorite accomplishment in my dance career was when I won first place overall in my division at a competition.

What is your dance team like and where do you fit in? Where do you stand out?

My dance team is like my family. We've been in the studio three days a week with each other for as long as I can remember. I stand out being one of the very few girls that actually like doing barre during ballet class.

Tell us about your volleyball career. When did you get started and where are you at with it now?
I have been playing volleyball since seventh grade. I am now a two year letterman and this year's team captain. I have also been named to the 2022 WPIAL Class 1A Section 1 All-Stars list.

What is a favorite memory with your volleyball team?
My favorite memories with my volleyball team are summer conditioning sessions and camps at the start of the season.

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Photography by Photography by Alessa

​What does being student council president entail on your end?
Being student council president means I am in charge of communicating students ideas with our teachers, keeping members, as well as non-members, involved in school wide activities and just being an overall leader to my classmates.

What made you choose athletic training as a career?
I have always been athletic and an overall lover of sports. I knew some majors I definitely didn’t want to pursue, but athletic training seemingly checked all the boxes. If it was possible to stay connected with the sport of dance, I was all for it. Hence, I chose to make a future career in the field of athletic training.

How did you find and why did you choose Photography by Alessa for your photographer?
A friend of mine used Alessa for her dance photos, I absolutely loved them! I knew right then and there I wanted her to take my senior pictures as well.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience was amazing! Alessa is so fun and talented, and she makes you feel so confident. I loved how excited she was after each photo she took, it was almost like I was famous!

What are you most looking forward to in your senior year?
Since it was canceled last year, I am most looking forward to going on a field trip with my fellow peers to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it - where would we find you?
You would find me in my kayak on the river, all day!

Look for Amarina in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Anghelo Chavira

11/3/2022

 
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Anghelo Chavira - Massachusetts
Nomination by Norma Barrera
Photography by Anghelo Chavira
Issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Anghelo will be the first international Mexican-raised student to graduate from Concord Academy. Anghelo has been deeply involved in Social Justice and advocacy of the Latinx and Immigrant communities throughout high school. Anghelo has served as president and representative of his class. As a freshman, Anghelo hosted a 400+ event at CA alongside The Leadership Conference on Civil and Human rights. Anghelo is the head of the Men of Color Alliance at school and is an honorary board member of a Mexican Non-profit, Brali I.A.P, which has helped 200+ low-income families with preschool education for their children.
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Tell us about your school in Massachusetts and why you wanted to go there.
When I applied to Concord Academy, I did not even have the chance to visit the school. Yet, somehow I had the gut feeling that it was the school where I belonged. I was in love with the academics, and I was in love with the vision of the school. Concord is a school that wants students to explore their interests, explore their passions, and mostly become social leaders that create transcendental legacies. Without ever stepping foot on campus, I knew this was where I belonged.

What did getting in/enrollment entail on your end?
Coming to the United States meant leaving home, my family, and all-time friends behind. It meant an entirely new lifestyle with new people, new culture, and a new language. It meant a new chapter in my life. It meant a lot of tough goodbyes, but it also meant new opportunities. It meant new challenges, new experiences, a new life. Coming here has meant for me to make my family proud. It has meant a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be transcendental and use the tools I gain here to provide the same opportunities for those who weren’t as lucky as me.

What does it mean to you to be the first international Mexican student to graduate from there?
Being the first international student raised in Mexico to graduate from CA means continuing my grandfather's transgenerational project. When he migrated to the US, he envisioned a better life for his children and grandchildren. Ending up in a school like Concord Academy and being the only international student raised in Mexico is even poetic to me. It means continuing my family's legacy and representing who I am and where I come from with pride and honor. However, it also means a big responsibility to ensure that, although the first Mexican, definitely not the last one. It carries a unique weight to represent an entire nation and not let anyone from my home country down.

What has your involvement been in the advocacy of the Latinx and Immigrant communities so far?
I have become an active voice among students and faculty in my school for the rights and advocacy of the Latinx and Immigrant communities. I have participated in several conferences on social justice and advocacy for student leaders. I was also selected to attend the Student Diversity Leadership Conference in November 2022, hosted in San Antonio, Texas. I have shared my experiences and started to raise my voice in favor of the Latinx and immigrant communities with leaders of organizations like “Latinos Unidos en Massachusetts” and the US-Mexico Foundation. Finally, I am currently in charge of the financial development and international relations of the Mexican Non-profit Brali IAP.

What type of involvement do you hope to have in the future?
I want to become a referent in favor of more communities in Mexico and the US. I want to amplify my voice to more extensive panels and substantially impact the country's decision-making regarding the rights and equality of the Latinx and Immigrant communities. I want to grow and reach out to more people and integrate more allies that support our cause and provide these communities with opportunities that will impact their lives.

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​What was your event in Concord Academy that ran alongside the Leadership Conference?
During my freshman student presidency, I knew I wanted to do something meaningful for the community, especially regarding social justice and equality. I contacted the Leadership Conference, founded by Roy Wilkins during the Civil Rights Movement, one of the most prominent organizations that promote civil and human rights through court action. After almost six months of planning, we developed the annual Conference at CA for Black History Month. The conference mainly focused on the relevance of teenagers to become active voices in their communities.

What made you choose to host an event, what was it like in the planning, who helped you, what was the event about, how did it go - all the details.

I wanted to make an impact as a class president, so my team and I reached out to many organizations and influential people regarding Social Justice and advocacy to come to CA. After weeks of reaching out and planning, we received a response from the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights, and we started the planning from there. Looking back, it was a great experience because I learned a lot about organizational skills and how projects come to life from just an idea. I was pleased to be surrounded by a fantastic team of class leaders and faculty that helped us bring this project to life. We ended up having the responsibility of planning the annual event at school for Black History Month, which was a total success. With over 400 attendees, we were the event with the most participation in the school's recent history. The organization shared its advocacy work and history with the community during the event. I even gave a speech to the entire audience regarding the organization's history!

What does being the head of the Men of Color Alliance at your school entail on your end?
Ever since my first year, I’ve tried to have an active role in my community as a leader. I was elected class president in my first year and class representative in my sophomore year. After two years in student government, I realized my interest in social justice and advocacy. Becoming the head of the Men of Color Alliance has meant a great responsibility to favor the causes I have pursued. Being the head of MoCA means to me the responsibility to advocate for all students of color at school. MoCA head represents the leadership I aspire for and the need to give a voice to all the underrepresented minorities at this institution.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
I learned once that the best way to be immortal is through your legacy. Our probability of being right here right now is minuscule. Therefore, we all are responsible for getting the best out of it. I want my legacy to inspire people to raise their voices and stand up for the things that matter to them. I want to leave behind a story that pushes people to become a better version of themselves in favor of their ideals every day. I want to leave a legacy that resonates with the future leaders of our society.

How did you find out about Brali I.A.P, and what is your biggest accomplishment working with them?
Since I was a little kid, my family has been strongly connected with philanthropy. I have always been taught to give as much as I receive, and that charitable work is a must. My first interaction with Brali was in 2017, when an earthquake struck Mexico City and the surrounding cities. After most of the facilities were damaged, we brought new desks and materials for the children of this institution. As I came to the US and grew as a leader, I wanted to be more involved in helping the organization to accomplish its mission and became involved in its daily funding endeavors. Last summer, I was elected by the board to become their new member. During my first three months, I collaborated with multiple peers at school, and we developed the internet presence of Brali. We have redesigned the web page and social media and translated it into English. I’ve also linked Brali with three international NGOs, one of them being the biggest educational non-profit in Mexico.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My grandfather was an illegal immigrant from Mexico who crossed the border through the desert several times. He raised my dad and his family in a low-income community in a border town. When I had the opportunity to come to the United States, I realized the enormous responsibility I had to advocate for the Immigrant communities. I want to grow as a leader and make an impact on the society where I live and the one I left behind. I want to motivate other Latinx to advocate for equal opportunities at home and abroad, inspiring passion and activism.

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What else would you like to talk about in your interview?
We live in a world that faces many social problems. Our generation has the moral responsibility to utilize wisely the resources we have been provided. We need to use our knowledge to revise the current power structures and promote more equitable societal systems that allow equal opportunities regardless of race, ethnicity, and gender. People should not have to risk their lives to seek a better life at home or abroad.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I want to talk about the economy's current role in helping close the inequality gap and how we can propose tax laws that build social mobility. We need to discuss whether it is more crucial to promote taxation that generates more revenue or to suggest a more conscious tax-revenue spending on programs that will build bridges between social strata. Government spending in programs that create social mobility, regardless of the nation, will create a better society over time.

Thank you so much for answering the above questions specific to you!
Here are some EXTRA QUESTIONS if you have time to answer some extras not included above: (These answers should be one -two sentences as the most as they may or may not be used in the magazine but will be used on the blog. They should be added in with your Q&As above if you decide to add them to the end of your interview.)

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
“Diligence is the mother of good fortune”- Cervantes Saavedra. The strongest people are the ones that are not afraid to fail until they succeed; resilience is key.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself having a broader understanding of the value drivers to reach a more equitable life for Latinx and immigrants and possibly leverage that understanding in their favor.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I have been playing the drums for the past 4 years, and I am the current drummer for the Vocal Jazz and Pop Ensemble at school. I Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?

3 Things on your bucket list:
Get invited to the White House
Visit the 7 wonders of the world before turning 30
Bring my mom to the US

Who do you find inspiring?
Martín Luther King Jr. because of his ability to unite an entire community to fight for the same ideals.

Look for Anghelo in issue 61 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 61
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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