Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Madi Eymard

5/12/2023

Madi Eymard – Louisiana
Nomination and Photography by Glenn Eymard Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Madi Eymard is my oldest daughter and will be a senior, graduating in the class of '24. She is an exemplary student and amazing daughter. She is a member of the Chic-Fil-A Leadership Academy, Walker High School Student Government, has maintained a 4.0 through three years of high school and has taken five AP courses. Madi is an officer on the Walker High School Dance Team and has also been in the talented art program for 9 years. She is an amazing young lady and I could not be more proud to be her father.

Photography by Glenn Eymard Photography

What do you love about being in student government?
I am honored to have the opportunity to serve my school and community for a second year with Walker High School’s Student Government Association. What I love most about being a member of this amazing program is the opportunities given to us. With this program, I have had the chance to speak at a conference for the International Association for Truancy and Dropout Prevention and testify in front of the Ways and Means Committee at the Louisiana State Capital. My favorite part of this experience has been getting to speak about important issues in my community!

What is your favorite AP class this year and why?
I love both my AP United States History class and my AP English Language class! Both teachers are so dedicated and hardworking and have made my junior year so enjoyable! Being in an AP class allows me to challenge myself academically by taking college level courses as a high school student!

Photography by Glenn Eymard Photography

Tell us about your dance career. When did you get started and where are you with it now?
I began my dance career when I was three years old and danced at a studio for eleven years. After I finished my season at my studio, I made my high school dance team, the Walker High School Golden Wildcats! This will be my fourth year as a member of this team and I’m proud to announce that I was chosen as captain for my senior year. It is such an honor to be trusted with the responsibilities that come along with this position and I can’t wait to spend my senior year leading my girls! I have dedicated fifteen years of my life to this art and have cherished every second spent doing it! It has truly shaped who I am as a leader and a person!

What is your favorite memory with your dance team?
My favorite memory with my dance team was the time we played football! After a long football season, filled with practices, pep rallies, and performances, we decided to spend the day having fun as a team!

Photography by Glenn Eymard Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One thing inspiring about me that my interview does not cover is my work ethic, dedication, and passion. Many of my peers and teammates used these words to describe my character and that is such an honor. Throughout my life, I’ve had to continuously work to achieve my goals because I was taught at a young age that success won’t be handed to you. One of the most valuable life skills I’ve learned is how to overcome obstacles with a positive mindset and keep pushing through life’s most difficult challenges. I feel that my drive and ethic truly define my character and sum up my personality.

What else would you like to talk about?
One thing I would love to talk about is the importance of mindset. If it weren’t for a strong support system and a deeply rooted faith, I wouldn’t have had the strength to overcome some of the challenges life has thrown at me. It is no secret that high school can be one of the most difficult times in a student’s life. The pressure to maintain exemplary grades, strong friendships, and a healthy lifestyle may be overwhelming to a teen, but with God and family those worries can be put to ease. It is only with faith and trust that can elevate your mindset and help you achieve happiness throughout difficult moments.

I have been a member of the Livingston Parish Talented Arts Program for the past 10 years. This is an image of my first place, acrylic painting. The piece is titled “Elegance.”

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
If I were to present a topic to a group of my peers, I would discuss the impact social media has on teenagers. This topic is so in depth and has varying effects, which can either help or hurt a person’s mental health. I would love to be able to share how to positively use social media to better one’s life!

Why do you love having your dad for your photographer?
I love having my dad as my photographer because I get to watch his dedication and hard work pay off. He has grown so much as a photographer and I’m so proud of him for pushing himself to perfect his passion!

Look for Madi in issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Olivia Mabee

5/12/2023

Olivia Mabee – Indiana
Nomination & Photography by April Moore Creations LLC
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Olivia Mabee is inspiring because she has been dancing since three years old and has been in dance troupe for three years. She has been a dance class assistant for younger students for two years. In addition to dancing she enjoys cheering with the Varsity Cheer team on Friday nights. She has been cheering for 7 years. This year she was nominated for NHS and will be inducted in May. She started in the culinary program last year at WCHS but has started her own baking business this year, baking specialty cookies, cupcakes, pies, and desserts to order for friends and family. She enjoys making seasonal treats for holidays and events. I just placed a cookie order and my clients loved them!!!
She loves her older sisters, and spending time with her nieces and nephews and cousins. She also is a huge pet lover and treats her cat like a person!

Photography by April Moore Creations LLC

When I was younger I did not take that many dance classes. Now I take eleven classes a week. I have gotten so much stronger since I have started troupe.
I love that dance can let you feel free and express however I am feeling. I love my friends there as they are the most best friends I’ve ever.
My favorite accomplishment from dance is finally learning how to do a second position turn and learning how to do them correctly. And I am hoping that soon I make the senior troupe.
I wish others knew that it’s like a full time job. It takes so much time of my week I don’t have time to do much else. I’m there almost everyday all night. It’s a lot harder than it looks and is a big commitment. I have been cheering for almost 7 years and I love supporting my school. Especially in football season. I love flying and that’s my favorite. I chose April because I love the locations she chooses they are all so unique and are specific to a certain person and the outfit. I loved being in the flower shop because I love flowers and I thought it looked great with my pink dress. It was very chaotic though trying to change very quickly in the car from one place to another. I just signed up to help out with an elementary schools field day on the last day of school and I’m really excited and looking forward to that. I have always loved to bake. My sister inspired me to start my own business as she has her own small bakery business and I thought her cookies looked really good. I love baking the s’mores cookies or salted caramel cheesecake cookies. The one that gets ordered the most is probably Forster sugar cookies or s’mores cookies. I have learned how quickly somethings take vs what the recipe says. I have also gained more technique to frosting cookies without it running all together and off the edge. My family is really outgoing. My mom is really loud and my dad is really quiet. And then there’s me who is both. I’m loud with my friends and quiet around people I don’t know. And I always feel to be loud and laugh at the wrong time. I hope that every year we go on a vacation together. I love travelling especially to Chicago and Florida. Those are my two favorite places and I love shopping with my mom.

Look for Olivia in issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Maggie Leighton

5/6/2023

Maggie Leighton – Massachusetts
Nomination by Connor Leighton
Photography by Portraits by Frank
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Maggie Leighton is my big sister and inspires me, and everyone around her, to work hard, try new things and always be kind. She excels at school, earning a 4.0 and being invited into the NHS sophomore year. Maggie is always on the move, playing volleyball and tennis for school, studying piano, voice and organ, taking dance lessons and modeling. She has a part-time job and finds time each week for charity, working with our Mayor’s Youth Council in the community and making meals for those in need with Lasagna Love. In your magazine, Maggie can inspire even more people.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am so excited that my brother nominated me! I want to be a good role model at home but I am definitely not perfect! Lately I’ve been really trying to inspire my family and friends to try new things. This past year I entered my first pageant, got a job and tried out for my school’s tennis team (even though I’d never even held a racket!). It can be scary to try something new, especially if you don’t know if you’ll like it or be any good at it. But you'll never know if you don’t try!

What else would you like to talk about?
I love talking about the pageant I was in this year. I’d never been in a pageant before but saw the casting call advertisement and it looked like fun, so I convinced my mom to take me. I had four months to get ready and learned so much about how to present on stage, answer interview questions, pick out wardrobe and manage my time. In the end I placed in the top five and am so happy I took the opportunity to try something new to me!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would want to talk about why music education is so important in schools. I’m part of my school’s chorus and show choir and used to play saxophone in our school band. I am also one of two students on a committee presenting for a grant to fund our music program. The community and creativity found in the music department is a positive experience that helps shape students’ lives both in school and outside school. It is important that music education be accessible to each student no matter their situation.

Look for Maggie in issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Julian Vidaurrazaga

5/6/2023

Julian Vidaurrazaga – California
Nomination by Yessica Martinez
Photography by Robin Lorraine Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens magazine

Nomination: Julian Vidaurrazaga was born from immigrant parents who taught him that dreams are achievable through hard work. He was first inspired to be a Latino actor at age 5 when he saw his first Spider-Man movie. He wanted to be a superhero so he could save the day. He pursued his acting career until age 11, facing challenges in the industry but continued hard to make his dreams a reality. You can now see him in many Films/TV Shows like Dhar Mann, Mani, Reasonable Doubt, Murder In The Heartland, Mystery Box, Americas Family & many more.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I developed my acting by taking time to analyze peoples behavior within movies and outside of them as well. I self taught myself a variety of skills such as playing the guitar and further improving my Spanish speaking skills to help benefit me in booking roles. Therefore placing me closer to my dream of impacting the audience with my acting skills.

What else would you like to talk about?
There were multiple times where I felt like my career was frozen, which devastated me allowing the feeling of rejection to flood in. Luckily my parents inspired me to keep going as they also felt the touch of rejection from being immigrants themselves but overcame it. Now with a reinforced mindset I continued to work hard towards my goal, to impact and inspire a huge audience.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
If I were to present a topic to a group of my peers I would present a hobby I'm really passionate about, gaming. The reason being on why I could talk about this with my peers is because gaming has been a part of my life ever since I was a kid. This hobby allows me to use my imagination more openly and even helped me with my acting when a role required for me to play it with more range.

Look for Julian in issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Delaney Grant

5/6/2023

Delaney Grant – Ohio
Nomination & Photography by Memories by Tawnya Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Delaney is an inspiring Sophomore at Fairview High School. She is active on the cheerleading squad, student council, school newspaper, yearbook, and the musical. Delaney enjoys hanging out with friends, she loves old movies, music, and reading. Most of all she loves cooking with her mom.
While photographing her I learned of her passion for fashion. She aspires to study Fashion Merchandising. Delaney joined the Teen Model program for Memories by Tawnya Photography. This is a great way for her to get a glimpse of the fashion industry by putting her in the spotlight and letting her personality shine through.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I aspire every day to simply just be kind. Being a teenager today is tough, especially with social media so prominent. Plato once said, "Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle." I believe that to be true. My hope is that I can help someone who is having a rough day with a kind word, a smile, or a simple acknowledgement. I want to be the reason that someone believes that there are good people in this world with the hopes they will be kind too.

What else would you like to talk about?
My love for fashion has inspired my future career. I would like to go into fashion merchandising when I go off to college. I find fashion to be my artistic outlet. I love to put things together and mix and match. One of my favorite things to do is thrifting because I can bring something that was once old and make it new again.

If you were to present a topic to a group of peers, what would it be and why?
My faith is a very important part of my identity. At one of the toughest times in my life I was struggling mentally. Nothing seem to matter, constantly angry, and had a hard time finding joy in the things I used to. One night, I went to the Lord, and prayed. I laid all the built-up anger, sadness, and other emotions that left me feeling empty at his feet and freed me. Never have I felt better than I do now. The good Lord saved me from reaching rock bottom and without him I wouldn't be where I am today.

How did you find your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I found Memories by Tawnya through a Facebook add to join a teen model boot camp. I had never done anything like that before and I am so glad I did. I had an amazing time. I made friends with a bunch of cool girls, learned about modeling and posing, had fun with fashion and learned to become more comfortable in front of a camera. Tawnya is the best! She made the experience memorable. The best part for me was making new friendships!

Look for Delaney in issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kendell Knotts

5/5/2023

Kendell Knotts – West Virginia
Nomination by Roxie Robertson
Photography by Karen Morgan Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Kendell Knotts is such a hard worker. She does whatever she can to help anyone out. She is so selfless and tries to uplift everyone no matter what she's going through. Modeling and photography are two of her biggest goals on life. I couldn't think of nominating anyone other than my granddaughter. She doesn't mind stepping out of her comfort zone. I would love to watch her succeed in something that she truly loves.

Photography by Kendell Knotts

What has been your favorite activity this school year and why?
My favorite activity this year has been running for athletic queen.

What are you most looking forward to this summer?
This summer i am looking forward to hanging out with friends.

How did you find and why did you choose Karen Morgan Photography for your photographer?
I found Karen through Instagram and seen the amazing work she does and decided to start working with her.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I love the at home feeling I have working with her and the rest of the girls who are apart of the KMP Teen Crew.

Photography by Karen Morgan Photography

What do you love most about modeling?
What I love most about modeling is stepping out of my comfort zone and experiencing new things.

What have you learned about yourself while modeling?
I have learned from modeling that stepping out of your comfort zone isn’t always as scary as it may seem.

What interests you about photography?
Photography interests me so much because I love the idea of being able to capture moments in real time for people to have forever to look back on.

What do you like taking pictures of?
I love taking pictures of other people and capturing their natural beauty.

Tell us about your friend group. Where do you fit in, and where do you stand out?
My friend group is amazing. I love them so much. I fit in with interest but I stand out with my sports achievements.

What do you and your friends like to do together?
My friends and I typically go a drive around while playing our favorite songs or stay home and watch movies together.

Photography by Karen Morgan Photography

What is a favorite family tradition you hope never ends?
A family tradition I hope never ends is our summer vacations or our holiday family dinners.

What about you do you wish everyone knew?
I wish everyone knew that sometimes I’m not as strong as I may seem.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would most definitely find me drawing or practicing volleyball by myself.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
Up next for me is raising money all summer and going to several volleyball practices and camps.

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 mental health and how important it is because I feel it is super overlooked.

Look for Kendell in issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more info on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Nicholas LaRocco

5/4/2023

Nicholas LaRocco – New Jersey
Nomination by Christa LaRocco
Photography by Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Nicholas is a straight-A student taking honors classes at his high school and is on the JV wrestling team. He works as an assistant instructor at a Brazilian Jiu Jitsu academy and is a volunteer helping kids with special needs play baseball. Nick also works as a model and actor. He is a competitive Jiu Jitsu athlete and runner and has traveled across the country to compete. Traveling is a passion, whether for work or pleasure.

Photography by Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography

What is your favorite class this year and what is the most interesting thing you've learned?
My favorite class this year is Psychology. The most interesting thing we’ve learned about so far is mental disorders like schizophrenia.

What honors class are you most interested in and why?
I think the one I am most interested in is Chemistry. I like science and I have learned a lot in Chemistry this year. Science classes, in general, are my favorite.

Tell us about your wrestling career.
I started wrestling in 6th grade and wrestled for my middle school team. I took the next 3 years off and started wrestling again in 10th grade. I still have so much to learn. Even though it is a grappling sport like Brazilian Jiu Jitsu, they are not the same sport.

What is your favorite accomplishment from wrestling?
I think my favorite accomplishment so far in wrestling was representing my team at a JV tournament and winning my first match of the day.

How did you get started volunteering with special needs kids to play baseball?
My older sister has Autism and was unable to participate in sports with her peers. My parents found this amazing organization, RallyCap Sports of Central New Jersey, and signed her up for baseball and she loved it. She has played multiple sports through RallyCap including football, soccer, beach volleyball, baseball, basketball, and tennis. I started volunteering to assist with baseball a couple years ago, first as a bat boy and later coordinating batting order and keeping the benches moving.

Photography by Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography

What distances are your favorite to run and why?
I like to run shorter distances, typically 5K or 10K.

Tell us about a memorable competition you traveled to.
In 2019, I traveled to Long Beach, California with 5 other athletes from my Jiu Jitsu school and 2 coaches to compete at the International Brazilian Jiu Jitsu Federation (IBJJF) PAN Kids competition, and that was a lot of fun. While I didn’t win a medal, I still had an amazing time bonding with my coaches and team. I’ve competed in multiple states, including NJ, PA, FL, CA, NY and NV.

What else would you most like to talk about?
I would like to talk about traveling and the places that I have visited as well as the places I would like to visit in the future.
Where is your favorite place you've traveled to and why?
So far, my favorite place that I’ve visited is Italy. We went to Rome, Naples, Florence, Messina and Taormina. There is such a rich history in Italy, and each city was so beautiful. I would love to go back someday.

How did you find and why did you choose Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography for your photographer?
My family and I were on a cruise last year, and so was Angie. She was looking for people to photograph in exotic locations and I agreed to let her take my pictures – we decided to do the shots in Valletta, Malta. I am so glad I trusted my instincts and said yes.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Shooting with Angie was amazing. She had some great ideas for where we would shoot, and we were done in no time. Angie and I have a similar sense of humor and we were laughing hysterically a couple times during the shoot. I would definitely work with her again.

Photography by Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I would most likely talk about wrestling because it is a sport that I love that I recently came back to after 2 years away. People who are great wrestlers not only have good technical skills and strength, they are also able to use strategy to plan out what skills they plan to use during the match. While most people think of it as an individual sport, it is also a team sport because each wrestler’s individual match results contribute to the team score. The friendships that I have made through wrestling and like no other friendships that I have.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I organized an online food drive in 2020 for people in my community who were not able to feed their families and donated close to 2 tons of food. A link to an Amazon wish list for food items was added to my social media profiles and I raised awareness via Instagram. Food from my wish list came from all over the United States and Canada.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
One of two places: 1) in bed, watching videos or gaming; or 2) relaxing by a pool and getting some sun.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Making it through wrestling season without quitting!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Don’t give up. Set your goal and keep working toward it, a little bit every day.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years, I will be in college, hopefully at University of Florida.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Hanging out with my friends.

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel the world
Get a job with a stable income
Own lots of cats

Look for Nicholas in issue 67 of inspiring teens magazine!

more information on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

McKenzie Scherzinger

5/3/2023

McKenzie Scherzinger – Tennessee
Nomination & Photography by Mark H Herron Photoartistry
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: McKenzie is the perfect example of inspiration, focus, and determination. A beautiful kid that is grounded in her goals and values. She's the humble girl that all the kids watch rodeo and want to be like.

Photography by Mark H Herron Photoartistry

How did you get started in rodeo and where are you at with it now?
I was on a horse before I would walk. I started rodeoing on a little paint pony called Oreo. He was a mean pony, but he taught me a lot. Now I’m competing in the National High School Rodeo Association, the National Little Britches Rodeo Association, the occasional jackpots, and I’ve started getting my feet wet in pro rodeo this past summer.

What do you love most about the sport?
The thing I love most about the sport of rodeo is the bond I have with my equine athletes. They take care of me every time we are going into the arena, I take care of them out of the arena. In my opinion, the long hours I spend every day caring for my horses and learning all their habits plays a large role in the reason I am where I am with them today.

What events are you involved in with rodeo?
I’m involved in multiple rodeo events. I compete in barrel racing, pole bending, goat tying, breakaway roping, ribbon roping, trail course, and even some bull riding. I’m so grateful to have a team of horses and a great support system that allow me to do all the events I love.

What is your favorite memory from rodeo?
My favorite rodeo memory would be when I ran my first 19 second pole bending run. It’s been a dream of mine since I was a little girl and reaching that goal on a horse i finished training was so rewarding.

What is your best accomplishment from the sport?
My best accomplishment was my rodeo 2022 rodeo season. I reached so many goals and learned so many lessons. I was blessed to win three trophy saddles and nine gold buckles throughout the year. Yes, the buckles are amazing, but the real accomplishments were making new friends and gaining a rodeo family that has impacted my life in so many positive ways.

Photography by Mark H Herron Photoartistry

How did you find and why did you choose Mark H Herron Photoartistry for your photographer?
Mark H Herron is a photographer for many of the rodeos I compete at. I have always admired his work in and out of the arena. I knew he could do an outstanding photo shoot!!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience with Mark was absolutely amazing! He is so patient to make sure every detail of every picture is right. I love the sense of humor Mark has. He always keeps me laughing and never lets a shoot get boring!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I love teaching the kids coming up behind me, while also supporting all of my fellow competitors.

What else would you like to talk about?
I would be happy to tell you about my future career plans to become a flight nurse out west, while still pursuing my goals on the rodeo road.

What inspired you to become a flight nurse?
A good friend of mine that I used to barrel race with was an EMT. She talked all about it and I knew I wanted to do something in the emergency medical field. In 2020 I got into a bull riding accident. I had multiple life threatening injuries and was life flighted. With all the craziness going on, I took it all in and knew this was something I wanted to do for the rest of my life.

What are your plans as a flight nurse?
My plans as a flight nurse are to give others the same second chance that I was given when I needed help. I will have to complete two years of nursing school for my associates degree in nursing followed by two years of online classes for my bachelors. I must have at least 3 years of experience in a hospital before applying to become a flight nurse, so I plan to be a travel nurse while chasing rodeo dreams.

What are your future goals in rodeo?
Shooting for the moon has always been my thing. I want to college rodeo and qualify for the College National Finals and also travel to pro rodeos and one day qualify for the International Finals Rodeo. With grit, determination, and a lot of hard work I’ll do whatever it take to get there!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Rodeo is my passion, it takes an incredible amount of hard work and dedication but is so rewarding in the end.

Photography by Mark H Herron Photoartistry

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would find me giving lessons to the next rodeo up and comers. Helping kids to reach their goals and dreams is so heartwarming and a way I can give back to my rodeo community. You may also find me training young horses. Working with young horses is one of the most humbling things a person can do. One day you could make the best barrel racing run and the next day that same horse will try to buck you off. It just shows how truly blessed I am to not only have young horses, but to have finished ones who do their job every time.

What's up next for you that you are most excited about?
My next big move will be out west on my own. I’m so excited to live out in the warm flat lands on a ranch. It will take a few years of getting through college, working, and saving money. In the end it will be completely worth it and will all pay off.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I’ve accomplish is getting where I am today. It’s taken so many early mornings and late night, but I wouldn’t change a thing!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Dream big, start with what you, have where you’re at! Never settle for less and never let anyone talk you out of your dreams!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I plan to have my own small ranch in south Texas. I also plan to be working as a flight nurse and chasing my rodeo dreams when I’m not working as a nurse.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
One of my favorite things to do that isn’t rodeo is hanging out with my friends! They play such are my support system when it come to this thing called life, and I can’t thank them enough for everything they do.

3 Things on your bucket list
Three things that are on my bucket list are riding down the Grand Canyon, going to watch the NFR, and to one day compete at the Pendleton Round Up.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find Haley Kinsel one of the most inspirational women in pro rodeo. She is so positive and so grateful for everything she has been given.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I inspire other because I never let setbacks keep me down. I have very strong faith in God, and I leave everything in his hands.

Look for McKenzie in issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Hope Garten

5/3/2023

Hope Garten – California
Nomination & Photography by Heather Wetzel
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Hope is one of the most selfless and hardworking teens you can find. She is a Galt High School, Varsity Captain for golf, soccer, and track. She is involved with FFA and is part of the competitive floral team. She has a 4.0 GPA and works part time. You can find her on the fields not only helping her teammates, but often high-fiving or helping students on the other teams too. During breaks, she volunteers in her mom's 5th grade classroom and helps her grandpa with his business. She is always positive and thoughtful of others!

Photography by Heather Wetzel

Tell us about your golf career.
My freshman year of high school one of my friends asked me to join the golf team. I had never played golf in my life, but the coach said he was willing to teach me how to golf. I just recently finished my third year of golf for Galt High School. Over the years I have improved a lot and was one point away from All League this year. I plan to play my senior year with the goal of making All League.

What is your team like and what do you love most about it?
My teammates and coach are all awesome. We are more like a family than a team. We support each other on the course, academically, and emotionally. I love how all of us joke around and have fun, no matter the outcome of the match.

What position do you play in soccer?
In soccer, I play left or right midfielder and sometimes defender.

What is a favorite memory from soccer?
My favorite memory was from my freshman year. Due to Covid the soccer season was in the spring, and I played both Jv and Varsity that season. One game, we played the cross-town rival. Since our town is really small, I had played soccer with most of the other girls since I was six. My team didn't stand a chance and the coaches and refs let us just have fun. Part of the game I even was skipping and holding hands with my friend from the other team, while all the moms in the stands were busting up laughing.

Photography by Heather Wetzel

What are your favorite distances to run in track?
My favorite distances in track are the 400-meter, 200- meter, and 100-meter races.

What is a favorite accomplishment from track?
My sophomore year of track was my first year participating in track. During league finals, my coach asked me to run the 400-meter race for the first time ever. I ended up finishing first in the race and ranking first in the league for the event. In addition, I finished second for the 200-meter event and third in the 100-meter event.

What are your roles and responsibilities as a captain for all three of these sports?
Some of my roles and responsibilities as a captain are to help facilitate drills, practices, and fundraising. I am also responsible for helping to keep up team morale, while being a positive role model at my school. In track, I also coach the newer teammates for sprinting events.

What do you love about being on the competitive floral team?
I love being creative with designs and spending time with my floral team. I love learning about flowers and how creating floral designs brings happiness to others.

What is your favorite subject in school, and what is the most fascinating thing you've learned so far this year?
My favorite subject in school is Power Mechanics. This class teaches me how to fix and repair small engines. At this school I have completely taken apart an engine and put it back together successfully. I have been able to integrate my skills from the class at home by changing my own oil and replacing my brakes on my car.

What do you do while volunteering in your mom's classroom?
I volunteer at mom's school to help teachers get ready over the summer and tutor students during breaks.

What have you learned about running a business with your grandpa?
While helping my grandpa at his business, I have learned the family history of the Champion Juicer that my great great grandfather invented. I have learned how to do monthly accounting, keep detailed records, maintain our website, process orders, and ship out completed orders.

Photography by Heather Wetzel

What do you love most about having your mom as your photographer?
My mom is a goofball and always makes me laugh/smile. She knows how to use nature in beautiful settings.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My mom is really patient and helps me pose in natural ways that are flattering. Since she is always happy and loves to take pictures, it makes the experience very fun and laid back.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
For the past 7 years, I have organized an "Adopt a Grandparent" community service project where I collect sponsorships to provide Christmas presents for all of the residents of our local convalescent home. We take about 90 wrapped gifts for the residents in memory of my Uncle Kevin. I also fill-in at my church when ushers are needed.

What else would you like to talk about?
I was recently elected Senior Class Secretary and ASB officer. I help run rallies, pep-up the student section at the football games, and help students feel welcome on campus. I am active in FFA with Advanced Floral, Small Engines, and Advanced Interdisciplinary AG Science.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I believe in staying positive and having a growth mindset. I would share with my peers how to set and modify goals, while helping them to understand that making mistakes is part of how we learn and grow.

Look for Hope in issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 67

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Madi Eymard

Madi Eymard – Louisiana
Nomination and Photography by Glenn Eymard Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Olivia Mabee

Olivia Mabee – Indiana
Nomination & Photography by April Moore Creations LLC
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Maggie Leighton

Maggie Leighton – Massachusetts
Nomination by Connor Leighton
Photography by Portraits by Frank
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Julian Vidaurrazaga

Julian Vidaurrazaga – California
Nomination by Yessica Martinez
Photography by Robin Lorraine Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens magazine

Delaney Grant

Delaney Grant – Ohio
Nomination & Photography by Memories by Tawnya Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kendell Knotts

Kendell Knotts – West Virginia
Nomination by Roxie Robertson
Photography by Karen Morgan Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nicholas LaRocco

Nicholas LaRocco – New Jersey
Nomination by Christa LaRocco
Photography by Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

McKenzie Scherzinger

McKenzie Scherzinger – Tennessee
Nomination & Photography by Mark H Herron Photoartistry
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Hope Garten

Hope Garten – California
Nomination & Photography by Heather Wetzel
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Madi Eymard – LouisianaNomination and Photography by Glenn Eymard PhotographyIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Olivia Mabee – IndianaNomination & Photography by April Moore Creations LLCIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Maggie Leighton – MassachusettsNomination by Connor LeightonPhotography by Portraits by FrankIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Julian Vidaurrazaga – CaliforniaNomination by Yessica MartinezPhotography by Robin Lorraine PhotographyIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens magazine​

Delaney Grant – OhioNomination & Photography by Memories by Tawnya PhotographyIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Kendell Knotts – West VirginiaNomination by Roxie RobertsonPhotography by Karen Morgan PhotographyIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Nicholas LaRocco – New JerseyNomination by Christa LaRoccoPhotography by Angie Whitten - Harmony PhotographyIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

McKenzie Scherzinger – TennesseeNomination & Photography by Mark H Herron PhotoartistryIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Hope Garten – CaliforniaNomination & Photography by Heather WetzelIssue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Madi Eymard – Louisiana
Nomination and Photography by Glenn Eymard Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Olivia Mabee – Indiana
Nomination & Photography by April Moore Creations LLC
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Maggie Leighton – Massachusetts
Nomination by Connor Leighton
Photography by Portraits by Frank
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Julian Vidaurrazaga – California
Nomination by Yessica Martinez
Photography by Robin Lorraine Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens magazine

Delaney Grant – Ohio
Nomination & Photography by Memories by Tawnya Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kendell Knotts – West Virginia
Nomination by Roxie Robertson
Photography by Karen Morgan Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nicholas LaRocco – New Jersey
Nomination by Christa LaRocco
Photography by Angie Whitten - Harmony Photography
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

McKenzie Scherzinger – Tennessee
Nomination & Photography by Mark H Herron Photoartistry
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Hope Garten – California
Nomination & Photography by Heather Wetzel
Issue 67 of Inspiring Teens Magazine