Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Kylee Castillo

2/8/2023

Kylee Castillo – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Ali Rinehart photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Kylee is a role model to so many overcoming some hard challenges along the way through high school and still coming out with a smile on her face she is also a wonderful big sister and told model to her three younger sisters. Kylee is a hard worker and gives back to the community.

Photography by Ali Rinehart photography

What do you love about being a role model?
Something I love about being a role model is knowing that I’m inspiring people around me of all ages to be the best versions of themselves.

What do you love most about being a senior this year, and what are you most looking forward to next?
Being a senior means that I made it through the basics of school and now my education is truly in my hands.

How did you find and why did you choose Ali Rinehart Photography for your senior photographer?
Mrs. Ali lives in my neighborhood; I trust her and her judgment. She is teaching me to love myself and that I am in fact worthy of love and appreciation. She is also bringing me out of my comfort zone while having fun in the process.

Photography by Ali Rinehart photography

How do you give back to your community?
My favorite way to give back is by volunteering. My favorite volunteering events would have to be when I was little I always volunteered for Elves N More bicycle build, for the kids with contracted bikes for good grades/behavior; also volunteering for the firefighter event at big Texas; as well as helping teachers in the summer get their new rooms set up.

What leadership roles have you had and how would you describe yourself as a leader?
My past leadership roles include being a team member on Strutters (my school dance team)

What do you think is the biggest weight on a teen's shoulders these days, and what is a helpful solution to lighten the load?
These days I think the biggest weight on teens shoulder’s would be trying to balance out our time between school, work, family, and friends, while planning our future and still making time for ourselves and our mental health.

What do you love doing most with your three sisters?
My favorite things to do with my sisters would be singing and dancing in the kitchen.

What is a family tradition you will never forget?
In my family we have always done an annual Christmas party which is my favorite since I get to see family I don't always get to see.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Stay humble and kind, try not to let others get to you and set smaller goals to get you to big goal.

Photography by Ali Rinehart photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Ever since I was little I always looked on the good side of things and always just wanted to make others smile. I am in fact the oldest of four, all girls, so I do have multiple little eyes looking up to me for help on how to live life. No matter what I try to stay positive for myself, friends, coworkers, and family.

What else would you like to talk about?
I would like to talk about never giving up. Mistakes were meant to be made; you can’t just walk through life being perfect. Always remember you always miss all of the shots you don’t take and if you know that you can do better then what you’re doing right now, don’t let your thoughts and doubts get in the way of that.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
Something I'm passionate about is psychology. Psychology is the study of mental prostheses, behavior, and the relationship between those two. In other words it’s trying to understand the mind by figuring out how our biology and society and environment affect the way we think and act.

Look for Kylee in issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more info on issue 64

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Katie Earley

2/2/2023

Katie Earley – Illinois
Nomination & Photography by Rachel Ray Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Katie is someone that if someone spoke badly about her no one would believe it. Her kind, mature, fun loving and caring personality are things that everyone could learn from. Katie trained in gymnastics before switching to dance after an injury. Naturally a quiet girl but when the spotlight comes on, she lets herself go! She has kept her GPA at 3.6 over all the hard work. She also still enjoys working at her old gym with kids for summer camp. Katie is beautiful on the outside but most importantly even more beautiful in the way she lives her life.

Photography by Rachel Ray Photography

Tell us about your gymnastics career and what you loved most about it.
I was a competitive gymnast for around 5 years. Gymnastics taught me hard work, time management, mental and physical strength. I competed on the Junior Olympics team through level 7. I trained around 30 hours a week year-round. Gymnastics helped me face fear and gain confidence that I can do anything if I set my mind to it. A lot of the skills are very mentally and physically challenging. It is the overcoming that is the best part!

Why did you feel like the transition to dance would be a good one?
Injuries eventually forced me to give gymnastics up. This is when I started competitive dance and it is my love and true passion. It is through the art of dance that I discovered the ability to express myself in a way I wasn’t able to before. I was already physically trained and had a lot of the technical aspects, so it seemed like a good fit. I always had an interest in it and wanted to stay active competitively doing something. I currently dance on my high school team and for a dance company in my hometown.

What dances do you study and which do you love the most?
For my senior year, I am in 8 dances at my studio. I will be competing in a duo contemporary dance with one of my best friends who also switched from gymnastics to dance. I have several contemporary dances as well as jazz and hip-hop, My favorite style of dance is Contemporary because I am able to express my feelings through movement.

Photography by Rachel Ray Photography

What do you wish everyone knew about dancing/dancers?
I wish people knew that dancers commit a lot of time working on technique and learning routines. It is a big commitment. I wish everyone knew or could feel the feeling of walking out on the stage, the magic of the lights coming on, the music starting and you just doing what you have been trained and love to do!

What do you do with the kids at your old gym and what have you learned about yourself going back to the gym to work?
I work the with kids doing summer camps. Each week it is a new set of kids with a new theme. Working back in the gymnastics gym brings back a lot of memories. I grew up there. It reminds me of times I struggled, wept many tears, worked the hardest physically in my life and sometimes felt defeat. With that, it also brings back pride of what I overcame, learned and conquered. There is no success without struggle and it’s a journey to get there. It takes a lot of mental strength to be a gymnast and I am very proud of what I accomplished there.

What do you love most about school and what are you looking forward to next?
I like that school creates structure and love learning about things that I am interested in. I am looking forward to the things that come with the end of your senior year. Finishing my last competitive year of dance, prom, and graduation. After that, I am so excited to start college where every day I will be learning about things I am interested in. Going into healthcare has always been an interest of mine and I can't wait to provide great patient care to my surrounding communities.

As a senior, what advice do you have to younger teens?
I would tell them to always stay true to themselves. Treat everyone around you with kindness no matter the energy they give you. Do what you want to do for you and no one else. Be confident. Be the girl who lifts others up. Be the person that would rather sit alone at a table then with the wrong people.

Photography by Rachel Ray Photography

How did you find and why did you choose Rachel Ray Photography for your senior photographer?
I have known Rachel all of my life. I have always followed her work and thought she has done some great photos, so it was a perfect fit for me. She is very involved in her community and works with many of the local communities and families.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Rachel was so fun to be with. She is fun, funny and makes the whole process an experience not just photos. She brings out the best in you! I was honored she would view me as an inspiring teen because I am as equally inspired by her work and her love for making everyone feel great about themselves.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am part of Fellowship of Christian Athletes through my high school. I take pride in being a Christian, I love my family and would do anything for them. I moved at the beginning of my Junior Year from the only town I had known to start a new high school so that my brother was able to get a better education. I sacrificed my whole world to put his needs first and I would do it again. We made a lot of sacrifices as a family to make this all happen and it all ended up for the best. These things at the end of the day are the real inspiring details of a person.

Tell us about Fellowship of Christian Athletes & what you do with them?
We are a group of peers who get together before school. We have a lot of fun and use prayer in a lot of ways. We take bible verses and try to figure out how we can apply that to our sport or everyday life.

Photography by Rachel Ray Photography

What else would you like to talk about?
I worked in a dental office checking insurance claims and medical histories during covid when the world was shut down. I love to read, go to the gym, Target Starbucks, and have fun with my friends and family.
After graduation I plan on attending college to become a surgical technologist.

How would your friends describe you and what do you love doing most with them?
My friends would say that I am fun loving, very kind and loyal. I am quiet until I'm comfortable but then let loose. We love getting dressed up and going out to eat, going on Target and Starbucks runs! I am so blessed to be able to dance with my best friends!

What is your favorite memory with your family?
My favorite family memories are Christmas. I love the traditions that my parents have created for me and my brother at our own house on Christmas morning. My most favorite and what I will never forget is going to my Grandma and Papas house before they passed away. It was always so fun hanging out with my cousins, playing games, and everyone just being together. Lots of fun and laughs!

3 Things on your bucket list
Go to Greece
Go see the Rockettes perform
Go mountain climbing

Who do you find inspiring?
My Mom. She is the most selfless and caring person to everyone. I am lucky enough to have her as a Mom. She is a hard worker and everything she does is at 100%. She makes everything special and fun. I am so blessed to have such a great relationship with her.

Look for Katie in issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 64

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Sydnie Hansen

2/1/2023

Sydnie Hansen – Utah
Nomination by Jen Hansen
Photography by Jamie Broadrick Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Sydnie Hansen, is my hero. Sydnie was diagnosed at birth with VACTERL association. She has endured 30+ surgeries, thousands of procedures and will endure lifetime medical cares. With all she has endured she smiles and runs on. She started running track in 7th grade and has never stopped. During her high school years, she has continued to run track. She runs the 200 meters, 400 meters and the 4x400 relay. She has ran herself to the state track meet every year with exception of 2019 Covid. She doesn’t classify herself as disabled and is a silent hero. She is my hero.
“There isn’t anything we cannot do; we may just have to work a little harder”.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I may have been born with several birth defects, which most people don’t know, about me. However, those challenges I was born with do not define who I am, nor do they stop my journey.
I have always been told by my parents, that things may be easy for me, or I may have to work a little harder. No matter what hold my head up and keep running on.

What else would you like to talk about?
Sydnie, has been such an amazing young lady. She has overcome and endured in her life more than myself or many grown adults have. She has an incredible amount of inner strength and determination. When I look at her, I am beyond proud to have seen her persevere.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Track, I love to run and track is a passion of mine. I love the thrill of challenging myself. I love the ability to push myself a little harder and a little further each time I run.

Look for Sydnie in issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 64

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Holly Swiglo

2/1/2023

Holly Swiglo – Minnesota
Nomination & Photography by Erinn Letts Photos
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: From the moment I met Holly, I was in awe. Behind this graceful pose is a young lady who is making a real difference in our world. Holly was chosen to be a fellow in the Friends of the Mississippi River’s Environmental Stewardship Institute, protested with Greta Thunberg, and is encouraging our school board to apply for the EPA Clean School Bus Grant. She also led a climate walkout with almost 600 participants, founded our high school’s environmental club, and was invited to present at the MN State Fair and a youth climate summit. She is truly an inspiring teen.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
A lot of hard work goes into activism that often isn’t apparent. You can put all your time and energy into an initiative, and it still won’t work out. I've always dreamed of making a difference in the world, and activism can get discouraging because it's hard to measure the impact one has as an activist. To pursue my passion, I've had to take these risks and have overcome many barriers along the way. As for dancing, I’ve worked hard over the years to eventually make my school’s varsity team, despite starting late and having little natural talent.

What else would you like to talk about?
I’d like to talk more about my journey with environmental activism, including how I got involved, the challenges I’ve faced, and where I’m at now. I’d also like to discuss the importance of environmental action and what others can do to make an impact. Additionally, it would be great to talk about how dance has played a role in my life.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I’d talk about the importance of political action in the environmental movement. Most people think that being an environmentalist means doing things like recycling and driving less when in reality these actions don’t have much of an impact. Just 100 companies are responsible for over 70% of greenhouse gas emissions, but industries popularized recycling and the term “carbon footprint” in order to blame consumers for environmental issues. People need to know that the most effective way to protect the environment is to advocate for better policies, not make changes in their lifestyles.

Look for Holly in issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 64

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brady Watson

2/1/2023

Brady Watson – Rhode Island
Nomination & Photography by Framed Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Brady started his love for photography and oceanography in high school. To foster this interest, he started working at a dive shop and photographed for the HS yearbook. He graduated in 2022 with a 4.2 GPA, his divemaster license, and enough AP credits to skip a semester in college. He was selected as the 2023 Boston Sea Rovers Intern where he'll be learning from dive professionals and taking advanced dive courses. Brady enjoys documenting his dives with his underwater camera. He currently attends the University of RI where he studies geological oceanography. He is on the Fall 2022 Dean's List.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
The only thing my interview does not include would be my love for helping people! Through both school and work as a scuba professional I have found the most enjoyment being able to support people and provide them the tools to succeed. In high school I was a tutor in any of the maths and sciences, and I loved seeing people’s eyes light up when they begin to understand.

What else would you like to talk about in your interview?
I would love to talk about how photography has had an incredible impact on my life! Not only has it provided me tools to meet incredible people but it has allowed me to school people what the underwater world looks like in an artistic ways

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I could talk about the ocean and its importance endlessly! Through the lens of marine biology, oceanography, or pure enjoyment it is absolutely incredible. Photography has provided me with incredible tools for showing people the ocean and it’s beauty through a camera lens!

Look for Brady in issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 64

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kylee Castillo

Kylee Castillo – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Ali Rinehart photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Katie Earley

Katie Earley – Illinois
Nomination & Photography by Rachel Ray Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sydnie Hansen

Sydnie Hansen – Utah
Nomination by Jen Hansen
Photography by Jamie Broadrick Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Holly Swiglo

Holly Swiglo – Minnesota
Nomination & Photography by Erinn Letts Photos
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brady Watson

Brady Watson – Rhode Island
Nomination & Photography by Framed Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Kylee Castillo

Kylee Castillo – TexasNomination & Photography by Ali Rinehart photographyIssue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Katie Earley

Katie Earley – IllinoisNomination & Photography by Rachel Ray PhotographyIssue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Sydnie Hansen

Sydnie Hansen – UtahNomination by Jen HansenPhotography by Jamie Broadrick PhotographyIssue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Holly Swiglo

Holly Swiglo – MinnesotaNomination & Photography by Erinn Letts PhotosIssue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Brady Watson

Brady Watson – Rhode IslandNomination & Photography by Framed PhotographyIssue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Kylee Castillo – Texas
Nomination & Photography by Ali Rinehart photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Katie Earley – Illinois
Nomination & Photography by Rachel Ray Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sydnie Hansen – Utah
Nomination by Jen Hansen
Photography by Jamie Broadrick Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Holly Swiglo – Minnesota
Nomination & Photography by Erinn Letts Photos
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brady Watson – Rhode Island
Nomination & Photography by Framed Photography
Issue 64 of Inspiring Teens Magazine