Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Yazmean Inman

7/20/2021

Yazmean Inman – Alaska
Nomination and Photography by Bee Bold Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Yazmean is very passionate about dance. She has been dancing since she was 3. She was on the Alaskan Pride dance team with Sonja's Studio in Palmer, Alaska and has won awards from it too. She is a very driven young women who not only inspires me, but those around her. She loves to help people when they are going through a rough time, and always puts smiles on people’s faces.

Photography by Bee Bold Photography

Tell us about your dance career. How did you get started, how old were you and what types of dance do you study now?
I have been dancing since I was 2 years old so around 17 years now. My older sister danced so my parents decided to start me out in dance too and it became my favorite thing to do. I have studied countless styles of dance including ballet, pointe, jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, hip hop, tap, acro dance, and jazz funk. Hip hop and contemporary are my two favorites for sure.

What is a favorite memory from dance?
One of my favorite dance memories is from a competition my sophomore year of high school. My team had just gone through some major changes and a little rough patch and right before we went on stage we gave each other a big pep talk and decided to hold hands while walking on. This moment we all felt so connected and it was the most amazing feeling I’ve ever felt.

Photography by Bee Bold Photography

Explain cancel culture in your own words as if to someone who has never heard of it.
Cancel culture is a very toxic presence that has made it into our society mainly through social media. People will bring up something, sometimes completely irrelevant, and use this harmful thing to make someone look bad or “cancel” them. This happens so much on media platforms especially tik tok and it can be extremely harmful to the people it affects. It causes people to be scared to post anything online in fear that they will be ridiculed. People can be cancelled over the strangest things like sun tanning or even just dancing and the outfits they wear. It’s very unnecessary and toxic and something I greatly wish didn’t exist.

How can teens get around feeling the weight of it?
I think this is one thing that’s really hard to get around if you’re active on social media because words hurt even if you pretend they don’t. The biggest advice I can give is to remain sure of yourself and your values, have respect for yourself and others, and although it’s cheesy… treat others how you wish to be treated.

Photography by Bee Bold Photography

Tell us about your photoshoot with Hailee Howard. What did you love most about it?
Hailee is such a compassionate and kindhearted person. I have had a few shoots with her and I have left all of them feeling amazing about the pictures that were taken and more confident in my own skin then when the shoot began. My favorite thing about my shoot with Hailee was how insanely motivating she is and basically how much she hypes me up. She knows how to make her models feel comfortable and confident and that’s super important.

Photography by Bee Bold Photography

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I see myself either still in graduates school or just starting my physical therapy career. I hope to still have some involvement in dance whether it’s coaching or participating.

3 Things on your bucket list?
I have always wanted to go to Greece and learn about all the history there is in that area, go to the Galápagos Islands, and go parasailing.

Look for Yazmean in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Sarah Christensen

7/20/2021

Sarah Christensen – Pennsylvania
Nomination and Photography by Linda James Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Sarah is one of the most joyful people I have ever met. She puts a smile on everyone's face and is so welcoming to all. I first met Sarah in our church's youth group where she is a strong leader, a good friend, and committed attender. She also serves on the Connections Team, where she greets everyone with her contagious smile. She's quick to help and she's inspiring to her peers.

Photography by Linda James Photography

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would most like to be interviewed about my plans with the youth community. My goal is to serve as a director of youth ministries reaching the next generation for the Gospel of Christ. To reach this goal I'm currently working as an intern for our Church in the Student Ministry. My desire is for all youth to feel welcome, engaged, and cared for.

What are your plans with the youth community?
My plans within the youth community are to create a welcoming environment to spread God’s truth. I really wall all students to know they belong, and they are made in the image of God with a purpose. It is important to me that young people know that even mistakes or unfortunate circumstances can be used for good!

What does the role of Director of Youth Ministries do and what would this mean to you?
A Director of Youth Ministries is a unique job because the basis of the job is to form relationships students, spend time together, and have a positive influence on their lives. Part of the job is to plan outreach events to encourage growth within the youth ministry. This means so much to me because it was one of those outreach events that I attended and formed some awesome relationships with God, students, and leaders. These relationships kept me coming back!

Photography by Linda James Photography

What do you do as an intern for your church and what do you love most about it?
Being an intern is a great experience. My internship duties vary day to day. One of the projects I’ve been part of is, planning the Junior High and Senior High Mission Trip. I have been able to observe and help out in the process. I’m impressed by how much thought and strategy goes into this outreach event. I will also be given the opportunity to teach our 5th – 8th grade students. It will be a great learning experience to learn what goes into creating a message and communicating God’s truth.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I'm part of the National Honors Society, Executive Board for Student Council, and am 1 of 4 people chosen out of a group of 60+ peers to serve as a Super Mentor at Upper St. Clair High School. I also work part-time and play on the Varsity Field Hockey Team for my High School.

Fun fact - I've had the pleasure of suiting up as our High School Mascot for the past 2 years.

Photography by Linda James Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I feel most passionate about the need for accountability, having a mentor, then being a mentor for someone else. Including others and letting them know how loved, important, and how unique they are. The utmost importance of engaging youth and developing relationships.

Tell us about your experience with Linda James Photography. What do you love most about your photoshoots with her?
I loved my experience with Linda! We had planning meetings prior to the photoshoot where we discussed what type of photos I would like, the locations available and what type of landscapes/hardscapes I desired. Linda helped with attire for the location. I personally felt awkward about how to pose and where to put my hands. She coached me through the whole process. Linda was lighthearted and fun during the portrait session even when it started to downpour. Linda patiently waited and even took some fun photos in the rain.

Look for Sarah in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brianna Jones

7/19/2021

Brianna Jones - Texas
Nomination by Angie Read Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Brianna lives life to the fullest. One of her favorite quotes is, “You have one chance, one life. And what you do with it is up to you” (One Tree Hill). She loves photography and capturing memories as the editor-in-chief of her high school yearbook, an assistant wedding photographer, and has started her own business taking individual, family, and senior portraits. Her other passion is her love of animals, especially dogs. She works at a doggie daycare and boarding resort and comes home covered in pawprints with stories of the furry friends she cared for. She makes every moment count!

Nomination by Angie Read Photography

What should we definitely know about you?
I have a HUGE love for dogs! I currently work at a pet resort/doggie daycare and every day I am surrounded by the cutest pups. That is the fun part, but I have also learned about working really hard. I scrub down floors and walls, clean up after dogs who get sick, and get soaked bathing dogs that don’t like water! Regardless of the hard work, all the dogs make it so worth it! I have been an avid animal lover since I was a young girl and someday wish to foster and adopt many dogs!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One area I aspire to educate myself more in is psychology. After taking and falling in love with the class, I became interested in studying teen mental health and behavior. Also, I’ve seen how teens struggle with things like anxiety, eating disorders, and self-image, and am considering a career as a child and teenage mental health therapist.

What would you say is the hardest thing about being a teen today coming out of a pandemic? What encouraging words or advice do you have for teens going through this?
I think one of the hardest things about being a teenager in this pandemic has been being comfortable with being alone. Growing up I loved to go out and constantly be surrounded by people, and never spent too much time by myself. When the pandemic was at its peak and it became hard to go out and see friends as much, I learned the value in spending time with myself and finding things that made me happy. Whether it be self-care or picking up new creative hobbies, I learned how to not completely depend on other people to be happy! My advice to other teenagers would be to spend some time with yourself every now and then and learn what makes YOU happy.

Nomination by Angie Read Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I could go on about photography for ages! I enjoy setting a scene and capturing a raw moment in time. Then, editing the image can take a photo to the next level! I love maximizing the impact and artistry of a photo, and many of my friends send me photos to edit for them. I have put together several before/after examples of editing and share on social media to help people learn how to make their photos pop! I love seeing how happy people are when they see an amazing photo and remember the moment it captures!

What does your job as editor-in-chief of your high school yearbook entail?
As editor-in-chief of my high school yearbook, I oversee helping the production of the yearbook stay consistent! I get to go out and photograph school-related activities, whether it be sporting games, academic events, club practices or even just group photos! I help to get these pictures into a spread, along with formatting it and turning it into a finished yearbook spread! This job comes with a lot of responsibility, which I personally love as I am a very organization-oriented person! I also get to interview and talk to people about their passions and their school involvements, which has also led me to make some new friendships as well!

How did you get the job and what do you love most about it?
My family has been taking my dog to the doggie boarding resort for about 10 years now, and from my very first visit I fell in love with all the dogs there! Every time we would take her, I would insist on tagging along just to see all the puppies she would be staying with. Over time, I got to know the owner and in my early elementary days, I was talking about this being my dream job when I became a teen! I have now been there for a little over a year and still love every single day of it! Seeing cute puppy faces every day is my absolute favorite part of each week!

Photography by a friend

Sounds like you have quite the business going with both assisting and running the show. What do you love taking pictures of the most?
In photography, my favorite subject would have to be people (as in portrait photography). I have made a big effort to become more creative with my pictures, and have recently been very interested in editorial-styled pictures. I love the look of photos with what might be an unconventional background, a unique style of clothes, and I especially love pictures that carry a theme! Although I love portrait photography the most, I think two of my favorite pictures would have to be ones that don’t even feature people!

Photography by Brianna Jones

What is the hardest thing about having your own photography business and how are you getting past it?
Although running a photography business is a dream come true, there are most certainly hardships I have faced that have come with the job. I think one of my biggest struggles has been getting word out to people. A couple years ago, I created a very informal website to display my work and give people an outlet to sign up for a photoshoot. I found it hard to continue to keep the website up to date, so I began to advocate on social media and ask my friends to spread the word as well! I found that word-by-mouth brought in more business, as friends of my friends began to reach out and I began to establish more connections! Although I am still working on efficient ways to get my name out more, I still am continuing to get great business!

Tell us about your experience with Angie Read Photography. What do you love most about your photoshoots and being on her team?
It has been such a joy to be on Angie’s rep team in these past few months. Angie has provided a group of girls an outlet to express ourselves creatively, to feel comfortable in who we are as young women, and through her I have made new friendships with other amazing girls my age! Angie’s team is centered around more than just a camera: it’s focused on woman empowerment and feeling strong in who you are! I’ve grown so much in these past few months, and I give my Power Team so much credit for that!

Look for Brianna in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Taylor Spivey

7/19/2021

Taylor Spivey – Georgia
Nomination by Cayden Spivey
Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Taylor Spivey is inspiring because she always makes sure everyone else is taken care of before she takes care of herself. She has a huge heart and an amazing personality.

What should we definitely know about you?
There is the country side of me. I love getting all dolled up, but most days you can find me in the yard working or hunting. My papa passed away a few months ago and I want to make sure I make him proud my senior year.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
It does but cover my love for animals. I have a bunch of pets myself, but they are more like family to me. It also doesn’t cover plan to teach after I graduate, so I can help kids like my favorite teacher did me.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
The Alzheimer’s association is the topic I would want to present. My papa passed away from dementia a few months ago, so this is very near and dear to my heart. This is a association that I would really like to help and spread the word about.

Look for Taylor in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Emma Wilcher

7/19/2021

Emma Wilcher – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Lisa Cox Photography, LLC
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Emma is an amazing young woman. She is beyond kind, but very determined as well. This will carry Emma far as she is enlisting to serve in the United States Army after high school. I know her parents are extremely proud of her for making this selfless and brave decision. As her brother is currently serving in the United States Army, You can tell she is ready to contribute to our country. It is a family trait!

What should we definitely know about you?
I love to talk about swimming and joining the military. Swimming has been a part of my life since I was 12. Being on a team has taught me leadership skills that I can use in the future.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I inspire every day to be a better person and better my community.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
What can we do as teens to better our communities. I feel it is important for all of us to work together to better our community. We all have to work together.

Look for Emma in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Chloe Cardinal

7/16/2021

Chloe Cardinal – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Chloe is one of the most kindhearted seniors I’ve had a pleasure to work with. She has one of those smiles that lights up the room when she enters. She is an exceptional teen, who is both beautiful inside and out. Chloe is also an incredibly dedicated and hard-working student athlete. She always gives 100% and she is a true leader. I have enjoyed following her basketball and softball career over the last 3 years, and I look forward to what her senior year will bring.

Tell us about your careers in both basketball and softball.
In basketball and softball the girls are not only my team, but my family. The friendships I have gained over the years from sports are like no other friendships. My freshman year we were able to gain a sectional title in basketball, and we plan to gain new accomplishments in both softball and basketball this year! Not only were we successful, but we were also making memories.

What do you love most about being an athlete?
I love the support from the community and families. Being in a gym full of people knowing that they are cheering for you is a feeling like no other. You can look up and see familiar faces or maybe even faces you don’t know. You know that you will always have a support system.

What is a favorite memory &/or accomplishment from playing sports?
My favorite memory would be winning sectionals. After the game, we drove through town in a police escort. It was like nothing else mattered in the town, other than that we had won the game!

Going into your senior year, what do you hope to pass along to younger athletes?
I hope to pass on that it is very important to keep up on your schoolwork. It is much easier to maintain good grades. This will allow more free time, and at practice you are able to focus more rather than being stressed.

Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN

We see you have done a photoshoot with Photography by Leslie ANN. Tell us more about that experience and what you loved most about it.
Photoshoots with Leslie are so much fun! She is so patient and gets the perfect shots always! From laying down, to hanging out the sunroof of her car she is sure to get the perfect photo. The time we spend together may be long, but she never gets down. Her imagination allows us to find many unique spots and poses. Overall, the experience has been wonderful.

Look for Chloe in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Caitlyn Stringfellow

7/15/2021

Caitlyn Stringfellow - Florida
Nomination by Julieanne Stringfellow
Photography by Bellamore Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination - Caitlyn always dreamed her path to college would be as a D1 track and field athlete. She is a state medalist and received offers to attend college to be a Thrower. Sadly, she suffered a severe back injury that required surgery. She was determined to throw again. She indeed threw the shot put and discus for a few meets but had to stop for fear of another surgery. She was crushed but no defeated. She never ceases to set goals and make them happen. She is attending Florida State University in London in the Fall. She inspires me daily because she is FEARLESS.

Photography by Bellamore Photography

Tell us about your track and field career. How did you get started, what do you compete in now and what do you love so much about it?
I started my track and field career as a sprinter in the 7th grade. I realized quickly I didn’t enjoy running that much. In 8th grade I started throwing discus and shot put and I found my niche. My freshman year I made it to the State Championship. I medaled in discus in 6th place. My sophomore year at “States” in discus I finished and medaled in 8th place.
Covid19 hit my junior year and my senior year I was only able to compete in a few meets since I was injured.
I love this sport quite simply because the toughest competition was competing against myself.

What is a favorite memory and/or accomplishment in track?
My favorite memory in track is the SENSE of ACCOMPLISHMENT. After my back surgery at the start of my senior year I was just thankful I could walk again without dragging my foot. After months of PT, I was able to return to throwing. Half way through the spring season my back just couldn’t handle it anymore and I had to step away. I did not want to experience another back surgery. Top on my list to accomplish my senior year was to throw again. I did exactly that and I feel very accomplished.

Photography by Bellamore Photography

What are your plans for the sport in the future with your injury?
During my years in high school, I had dreamed of going to college and being a Track and Field athlete. It almost came true. I received several offers with athletic scholarships. I am not sure what my future is with throwing. I know I won’t be able to actually throw again. I do hope I can mentor young female athletes and share the knowledge I have learned. It cannot all be taught. It’s more of a feeling. For now, I am going to attend college and just see where I am led.

Share more about your upcoming London education through FSU. What made you decide to do this right away in college and what are you looking forward to most about it?
I applied to 25 colleges and universities. I was accepted into all of them but three. I was so excited to get into Florida State University. FSU has a program called the Pathways Program. Studying abroad is an option of the program and I picked London. I have never traveled abroad much less traveled by myself. After everything I had been through my senior year, I decided to take a leap of faith. Since I am from a small town, I am most excited to meet new people, eat new foods, and tour new places especially the Harry Potter Studios.

Photography by Bellamore Photography

What else should we definitely know about you?
Nothing has ever come easy to me in school.
A simple memorization of counting by 5’s was a real task for me every day in the 1st grade.
When I was in the 3rd grade I was retained for an additional year and I was diagnosed with ADD and short-term memory issues.
Being retained made me question if I wasn’t as smart as the rest of the class. I didn’t understand why I couldn’t learn just like everyone else.
  All I have ever wanted to do is read something about any particular subject and actually remember it.
Sadly, this just isn’t the case for me.
I have had to work twice as hard as the average student because of my short-term memory deficiency. This has taught me to work hard in everything I do.   I have learned to self-advocate for myself, ask more questions, and to be able to say "I do not know" and "I need help".
This is a life lesson many people have a hard time processing and I have become really good at it.
I have used this life lesson to continue to push myself every day.
I am proud to say I graduated in the top 20% of my class as the Class President, with a 4.2 GPA, a 4-year athletic scholar as well as a 4-year member of the marching band.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Serving others is very important to me. Throughout high school, I would help my local church and their mission group called Supper on Saturdays. They distribute hot meals to our community on Saturdays. This experience has humbled me. We delivered not only meals but basic necessities. Many of the families we serve wait anxiously for 7-10 diapers to be distributed and that should last 2 days and they make them last until the following Saturday. This is sadly a reality for some. My hope is along the way that I have inspired at least one little girl to grow up and serve like I do because it comes with the greatest reward.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Acknowledgement for girls’ athletics especially at the middle school and high school levels, is something I am very passionate about. Basketball, Cheerleading, Cross Country, the Dance Team, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swim, Tennis, Track and Field, Weightlifting, Volleyball and Twirlers count too. These teams deserve just as much recognition as the boys’ teams. I live in the South and I am sure there are more sports to list. So many girls’ athletics get overlooked and or hardly recognized. How do we bring more attention to girls’ sports? By speaking up and raising awareness. I have been an athlete all my life and I am very proud of it.

Photography by Bellamore Photography

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Hands down the hardest thing was to score high enough on the ACT to receive the Florida Bright Futures Medallion Scholars award. I accomplished this with a lot of tutoring and multiple test taking.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up. Stay focused and BUSY. Ask yourself daily "what is my super power?"

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
That is a really good question. Honestly, I just don't know. In a few weeks or months after college starts, I am sure I will have a better answer. I am just thankful for today and looking forward to tomorrow.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
One of my favorite things to do is a good road trip. When my parents, brothers and I depart for an adventure this is when I am the happiest. I know we are going to have a blast just because we are all together. For the record, a trip to Buc-ees totally counts.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am really good at singing but I chose playing the euphonium instead in the marching band in middle school and high school.

3 Things on your bucket list
Disneyland in California, NYC 911 Memorial, and parasailing.

Who do you find inspiring?
My Great Grandma Mary Margaret. I called her MM. She died at the age of 95. She was the 1st person, besides my parents, to hold me after I was born. She was a true matriarch. I hope I am half the woman she was some day.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
My hard work ethic. I have proven time and again my resilience for overcoming ADD and short-term memory deficiencies. I can self-advocate as well as set goals and I make them happen.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I have two of the most supportive great aunts that live nearby. They are alumni of FSU and I am proud to say I already bleed Garnet and Gold and GO 'NOLES!

Look for Caitlyn in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Alex Dmitruk

7/15/2021

Alex Dmitruk - Ohio
Nomination by Jennifer Dmitruk
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Alex Dmitruk is inspiring because she beats to the tune of her own drum and is not afraid to be her authentic self. Alex puts her heart and soul into everything she does. She is a loyal caring person and thrives learning new things and having new experiences. She has a passion for the arts and works to develop her talent in dance. She is a creator and I love watching her grow.

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I am a dedicated dancer and consider my studio my dance family. I’ve been dancing since I was two years old, and was initially placed in dance class because I was very shy. I’m so thankful for everything dance has done for me. I am very appreciative of the arts and dance is only one of my interests. I also love drawing, painting, design, and fashion. I love being creative!

What types of dances do you study and which do you love the most? Why?
I study ballet, contemporary, tap, jazz, Hawaiian, kickline, and modern. I love to mix contemporary and modern together through improvisation as I feel I can fully express myself because I can experiment with combining new moves, my mood, and some cool music.

What is a favorite memory and/or accomplishment from dance?
My favorite memories from dance are ones that created the bonds I have with my dance family. My favorite accomplishment from dance is beginning pointe classes and achieving both regional and national champions with my team!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Even though I was shy when I was younger, I have grown into an independent person that is not afraid to be me. I do not partake in gossip and I’m on with not being mainstream. I am assertive and will stand up for what I believe in while still being compassionate towards others and their opinions. I have two younger brothers that look up to me. I love my family. I’ve also started to teach dance to young girls in my neighborhood. Their studio closed during covid and what started as a garage class of two has grown to 4 or 5 girls weekly. It is so fun, and I love teaching an art that I love myself.

What types of dances are you teaching in your garage?
I am currently teaching the basics of tap and jazz, while encouraging a good balance of both having fun and improving my students’ technique. We love playing games that I secretly infuse with developmental coordination both mentally and physically!

What do you both love and find challenging with this type of leadership?
Although it can be challenging to accommodate to the different ages I teach with challenge level, I love spreading my love and joy of dance to another generation of kids. Sometimes it can be difficult to control the little munchkins, but I know they enjoy and that is what matters to me! Plus, I’ve learned teaching tips throughout my life from my mom, and my lovely dance teacher Joyce Dalton who sprouted and nurtured my love for dance.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Honestly, it would probably be symbolism in art or literature, although I’m not sure how many of my peers would be interested. Art mimics life, and there's so much to discover.

Look for Alex in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Madison Insolia

7/14/2021

Madison Insolia – North Carolina
Nomination by Anna Insolia
Photography by Leah Custer Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Madison is inspiring in every way! She is bright, funny, loving, athletic, faithful and an extremely talented young lady. With her dedication to dance and music, as well as incredible artistic abilities in drawing, she captivates everyone around her. Madison's positive outlook has helped her family get through the most difficult of times. Her smile is infectious, and her personality is grand. She even won Miss Jr. Preteen Atlanta, GA when she was 8 years old! There is no challenge that she can't face with grace and determination. Madison inspires to be a sports journalist in the future.

Leah Custer Photography

Tell us about your dance career. How did you get started, what dances are you studying now and what do you love most about it?
My dance career actually started due to an end of a cheer career! I was the tiniest girl at the time, so that made me the flyer, although my dad did not like that. He walked onto the gym floor, told me to get down, and that was it! Off to try dance it was…and I fell in love with it! I started off with just the basic classes like Ballet, Tap, Jazz, and Modern. My favorite was Hip Hop when I was able to take those classes! I was the youngest one to make it into the Pre-Professional Company at my dance studio in Georgia, so that made me fall in love with dance even more, knowing hard work can pay off! Then, when my family had moved to North Carolina, I came to competitive dance studio and I LOVE it. The studio is my second home, as it is often where you’ll find me most, day in and day out. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I do pretty much every style here, Ballet, Jazz, Tap, Lyrical, Contemporary, Hip Hop, Ballroom, Pointe, and even technical classes for conditioning and strengthening. I could write a book about what I love about dance, but the biggest thing would be the way I can become a different person when I am on stage or in the studio. I can leave all my worries behind and dance my heart out without a care in the world because it’s a way to express something I may not be able in a verbal way. I also love the bond it creates. My team are my best friends, even more so than school friends, and I know that they will ALWAYS have my back and I have theirs.

What is a favorite memory and/or accomplishment from dance?
I have so many favorite memories and accomplishments from dance! Although I would have to say a personal favorite is one that just recently happened at this past seasons’ nationals! I performed the best I think I ever have, placing first for a duo with another teammate of mine, 11th overall with my solo out of almost 300 Senior solos, and winning the final championship with a dance that is probably the most near and dear to our team’s heart. It tells a story of women empowerment and the feeling of knowing we performed our absolute best, AND was able to get that Victory Cup, is the best feeling in the world!

Leah Custer Photography

What type of music are you involved in? We'd love to hear more about it.
With dance comes my love for music.. all types! Dance allows me to have such a variety of music taste, whether it be from pop, all the way to classical violin or jazz music. Additionally, music runs in my family. Both of my brothers were in the marching band playing percussion, drumline, and saxophone. I grew up going to their band competitions or just hearing them at football games and I fell in love with that too! So, I started hanging around my brother as he was at home practicing percussion, specifically piano, and I began to teach myself and learn from him! Once I hit middle school, I was able to have the opportunity to be in the band so I did! I played the Oboe for about 3 years and that allowed me to really grow my knowledge in reading and understanding music. Music is something I hope to never lose!

Please share an artic creation you love with us.
The images I have shared with you are a yearbook I designed for my middle school when I was in 8th grade, and various murals I drew and painted in my brothers’ office building! Art is a way I can express myself, much like music and dance. I love the endless possibilities I can create with every art piece and I know that will never change. I always have the urge to be creating something new. I find it so enjoyable, and even relaxing!

What should we definitely know about you in 100 words or less?
You should definitely know about my personality. I am humble to admit that I have a very positive, bubbly, and resilient personality. Through any situation that comes across my path, I always remain thinking about the positive outcomes of the situation and how it could potentially better myself and others! This comes from a saying I very much value, “Everything happens for a reason.” My family, friends, and even coaches/mentors always say I am such a light to be around! A smile can say a thousand words, as I always show my positivity by lighting up a room with a smile! It is something I know can encourage other’s day to become better, as well as for my own day!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Something that my nomination does not cover is my high desire to always lead others down the right pathway in life! Often my friends and family tell me how amazing I am at giving advice, and I take this into heart. I strive for always wanting to help others with whatever the situation may be, as I feel it is so heartwarming to know there is someone they can go to when in need of help. I love listening to others and taking in every detail so I can give the best advice possible! Leading anyone and everyone down the right path brings me so much joy, and knowing I can help, even if it is in the slightest way possible, I know I have done the right thing. That’s what makes me the most filled with joy.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
If I were to present a topic to a group of my peers, it would most definitely be on the topic of commitment. I am a competitive dancer and I am strongly committed to it! I feel that commitment in life is highly valued and will lead a person to great success! I would explain to my peers that being committed to something whether it be a hobby, sport, etc., can lead a person to be a great leader and often lead to success in finding something that they might pursue in the future. Being committed to dance has taught me how to grow as a human being, how to become a leader, how to work hard for what is deserved, to stand up for myself, and to even learn to never give up.

Look for Madison in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Yazmean Inman

Yazmean Inman – Alaska
Nomination and Photography by Bee Bold Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sarah Christensen

Sarah Christensen – Pennsylvania
Nomination and Photography by Linda James Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Jones

Brianna Jones - Texas
Nomination by Angie Read Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Taylor Spivey

Taylor Spivey – Georgia
Nomination by Cayden Spivey
Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Emma Wilcher

Emma Wilcher – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Lisa Cox Photography, LLC
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Chloe Cardinal

Chloe Cardinal – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Caitlyn Stringfellow

Caitlyn Stringfellow - Florida
Nomination by Julieanne Stringfellow
Photography by Bellamore Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alex Dmitruk

Alex Dmitruk - Ohio
Nomination by Jennifer Dmitruk
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madison Insolia

Madison Insolia – North Carolina
Nomination by Anna Insolia
Photography by Leah Custer Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Yazmean Inman – AlaskaNomination and Photography by Bee Bold PhotographyIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sarah Christensen – PennsylvaniaNomination and Photography by Linda James PhotographyIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Brianna Jones - TexasNomination by Angie Read PhotographyIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Taylor Spivey – GeorgiaNomination by Cayden SpiveyPhotography by Amber Bounds PhotographyIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Emma Wilcher – IndianaNomination and Photography by Lisa Cox Photography, LLCIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Chloe Cardinal – IndianaNomination and Photography by Photography by Leslie ANNIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Caitlyn Stringfellow - FloridaNomination by Julieanne StringfellowPhotography by Bellamore PhotographyIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Alex Dmitruk - OhioNomination by Jennifer DmitrukPhotography by 12.9 DanceIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Madison Insolia – North CarolinaNomination by Anna InsoliaPhotography by Leah Custer PhotographyIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Yazmean Inman – Alaska
Nomination and Photography by Bee Bold Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Sarah Christensen – Pennsylvania
Nomination and Photography by Linda James Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Brianna Jones - Texas
Nomination by Angie Read Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Taylor Spivey – Georgia
Nomination by Cayden Spivey
Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Emma Wilcher – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Lisa Cox Photography, LLC
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Chloe Cardinal – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Caitlyn Stringfellow - Florida
Nomination by Julieanne Stringfellow
Photography by Bellamore Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alex Dmitruk - Ohio
Nomination by Jennifer Dmitruk
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madison Insolia – North Carolina
Nomination by Anna Insolia
Photography by Leah Custer Photography
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine