Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Brook Ellyn Brown

7/8/2023

Brook Ellyn Brown – North Carolina
Nomination & Photography by Paula Kotula Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Brook Ellyn Brown is an inspiration because she is dedicated to her faith, continuously working towards her goals and is kind and considerate to all of those around her. She has always been motivated and determined to make her dreams a reality. Brook Ellyn helps herself stay focused and inspired by placing sticky notes with phrases and scripture on her mirror as a daily reminder that God is always by her side and in Him all things are possible. It is through her faith that she has overcome adversity and stress to reach her daily and long term goals.

Photography by Paula Kotula Photography

Why are you passionate about your faith?
I am passionate about my faith because I have learned to put God first in all of my problems and situations. I have learned to pray over my different predicaments, and I have truly learned that I get an answer from God. Sometimes the answers are not what I want nor what I expect but I do get my answers.

What is one of your biggest accomplishments with a past goal?
My greatest goal was to be accepted into Meredith College. After I was accepted into Meredith I applied for the Honors Program and was accepted. I was extremely excited because I felt like all my hard work with grades and extracurricular activities paid off.

What is one of your biggest goals coming up?
My biggest goal is to graduate with a degree in biology so that I can apply to medical school to be a pediatrician. My end goal is to build my own pediatric office in my county where there is a lack of medical resources.

What is one of your favorite sticky note phrases or scripture?
My favorite sticky note scripture is Philippians 4:13. “For I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.” My mom recently gave me a bracelet with this verse on it that I wear every day as a reminder that when I am feeling low that I can face whatever I am fearing.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have been a student-athlete in high school, playing softball, volleyball, and basketball. I have learned how to participate in sports but still maintain A's and B's throughout my high school career. Sports are not the only extracurricular activities I have participated in. I have been in Student Government since my freshman year, on the yearbook staff since my sophomore year, and this year I was the Co-Founder and Co-President of the Fellowship Of Christian Athletes. The Summer before my junior year I was able to participate in the Hugh O’Brian Youth Leadership Conference. These opportunities have taught me leadership.

Photography by Paula Kotula Photography

Tell us about your softball career.
I started playing softball in the fourth grade in a recreational league. I then started playing softball on my school team in the sixth grade where I played right field. Since then, I have been awarded Most Improved in my sophomore and junior year. I ended softball this year, but it has brought me lots of friends and great memories.

What is a favorite memory of volleyball?
My favorite volleyball memory was when a teammate and I’s picture was put in the newspaper, during my freshmen year. We were returning a serve against a very intense game. We ended up losing the game after having to play all five matches, but it made me feel great that I was acknowledged for my hard work and dedication to my team.

What is your basketball team like? Where do you fit in and where do you stand out?
I played basketball from sixth grade to this year, my senior year. I have always loved to play basketball, but being athletic has never been my strong suit. I have always been a leader on my team by constantly cheering on my teammates. This year my basketball coach acknowledged my leadership on the team and awarded me the Coaches Award.

What was something you created or helped create in Student Government?
At my high school, we have a Christmas dance every year called Snowball. Every year since my freshman year, I have helped decorate, coordinated a DJ or music, and cleaned up for this event.

What did you love best about being on the yearbook staff?
What I loved most about being on the yearbook staff was coming up with a theme for the yearbook. This has always been the hardest task we’ve had to do because there are so many great ideas that coming together and agreeing on the same one is not always easy. This year our theme was watercolors so throughout the yearbook each page was a different watercolor. I picked the cover of the yearbook which was a warrior head (our mascot) that had lots of different colors.

Tell us more about the Fellowship of Christian Athletes and why this was an important organization for you to help start in your area.
Fellowship of Christian Athletes is an international nonprofit organization that was founded in 1954. Since then FCA has reached thousands of middle school, high school, and college athletes by helping them grow in their faith as well as a team. Last summer my school guidance counselor asked me to go to FCA’s Leadership Camp in Black Mountain, NC, and to lead our school’s FCA. This school year a friend and I started the club back up after not having it for several years. This was an important organization to start back up because it helped students learn more about God.

Photography by Paula Kotula Photography

What are your strongest leadership qualities?
My strongest leadership quality is my willingness to help and serve others. I love to help others no matter if it is helping my family, friends, teammates, or neighbors, it has always been a true passion of mine. Being a big sister, you learn to help and teach your younger sibling so I guess you can say helping others has always been an instinct of mine.

What else would you like to talk about?
I will be going to college in the fall. I am very excited about starting my college journey. I know that the first couple of weeks is probably going to be a little difficult trying to live on my own and away from my family and pets. But I know I am going to have the best time and will meet some really great friends.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
What I feel passionate about or that I could talk about forever is helping others, specifically helping children. I have been a babysitter all four years of high school, babysitting during the summer, sometimes after school, and on the weekends. I love to take care of children. It brings me great joy. I have even developed great relationships with these children and their families. Babysitting made me realize that I wanted to extend my love and care for children by becoming a pediatrician after I graduate from college.

How did you find your photographer, Paula Kotula Photography? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My photographer is my aunt. She has photographed me since I was a baby. I have always loved for her to photograph me, sometimes I would even get dressed up just for her to photograph me. She is always so happy to photograph me and we always have so much fun trying to find the right spots or poses. Being my senior year this year, she was able to capture special moments like my cap and gown and college decision. Those moments were definitely my favorite and what I loved most.

Look for Brook Ellyn in issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 69

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Ella Barnett

7/8/2023

Ella Barnett – Tennessee
Nomination & Photography by Shannon Cox
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Ella Barnett is my inspiring teen nominee because of her kind ways, big heart, and unrelenting drive to remain true to who she is. Ella has a heart for children and a passion for fun and physical activity, but her superpower lies in making everyone in the room feel accepted and valued. Engaging with friends, family, and her dance students, Ella is always the calming force in the room encouraging others. Ella is going to pursue a Doctorate in Physical Therapy with a focus on pediatrics so that she can continue to inspire others to overcome challenges they face.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Throughout my dance career (eleven years), I overcame numerous injuries. These experiences made me realize how much I want to help others overcome their injuries and challenges as well. After graduating from East Tennessee State University with a bachelor's degree in Exercise Science, I want to continue my education and receive a Doctorate in Physical Therapy. Because of my experiences working with children and seeing their needs from injuries or sickness, I want to specialize in pediatric physical therapy.

What else would you like to talk about?
I love to talk about my dance students. I had so much fun teaching dance to younger children. They made me laugh and love dance on a whole new level. I don't know who learned more them or me.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I come from a long line of story tellers. My Papaw was and English teacher and loved entertaining his students and all of us with stories. Like him, I love to perform and hold the attention of a group of children through story telling.
Getting ready for college has set the stage for my other current love. I am currently spending lots of time dreaming and planning for my future.

How did you find your photographer, Shannon Cox? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My photographer, Shannon Cox, is a family friend. She is the best at making others feel comfortable and making the experience fun. I loved laughing with her, trying different poses, and just having a good time.

Look for Ella in issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 69

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Juliana Ryan

7/8/2023

Juliana Ryan – Pennsylvania
Nomination & Photography by Natalie Ryan
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Juliana Ryan is truly an inspiration. Despite being diagnosed with type 1 Diabetes at a young age, she refused to let it defeat her. Through her creative talents in writing poetry and photography, she has brought attention to social and emotional issues that affect teenagers today. Her poem, Stranger in The Mirror, is a powerful piece that sheds light on the struggles of those battling with eating disorders. Juliana's strength and determination serve as a reminder to all of us to never give up in the face of adversity.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My poem was inspired by my close friend's struggle with an eating disorder. I enjoy expressing my emotions through writing, especially regarding topics that affect teens like me. Teenagers experience many emotions, and navigating through them can be challenging. As I approach my Senior year, I'm beginning to realize how daunting it can be to face the unknown. Photography is another passion, and I enjoy capturing people's true essence in my pictures. It's incredible how we can surprise ourselves by trying new things! When I took it as an elective, I discovered my hidden talent for photography.

What else would you like to talk about?
I absolutely love writing poetry and capturing raw emotions through my photography. As a rising senior, I can't help but think about the future and what I want to do for a living. Choosing a career that you're passionate about is the key to never feeling like work is a chore. That's why I plan on studying communications and public relations in college. My ultimate goal is to write poetry that speaks to everyone and reminds them that they're never truly alone.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I am passionate about giving back to the community. As a youth ambassador for the Travis Manion 9/11 Heroes Run, I support veterans' mental health and well-being by helping them transition back into civilian life through a mentor program called Character Does Matter. This program empowers veterans to become youth mentors and make a positive impact on the younger generation. The foundation was created in honor of Travis Manion, a courageous marine who lived each day to the fullest and believed in the mantra, "If not me...Then who?" I strive to uphold this same inspirational mantra in my daily life.

Look for Juliana in issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 69

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Maddison Parkhurst

7/8/2023

Maddison Parkhurst - Indiana
Nomination by Colleen Bergman
Photography by Metcalf Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Maddison Parkhurst is a loving, caring young lady. Maddi is easy going and will do anything for anybody. She gives 100% in all she does. Maddison has overcome some struggles in her life and never let them conquer her. Maddison is a great role model for her brothers and her peers. Despite having a learning disability, she never gave up. Maddi worked twice as hard and is graduating a year early.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am a child of divorced parents. My Bio dad was on drugs, so I didn’t really get the chance to fully know him. My mom remarried and my stepdad adopted me when I was 10. He treats me just like his own. We were never rich until someone told me. My parents always let us do what we wanted with sports and gave us the best opportunities in life. I wish I could tell the person who said we were poor that they were wrong because you don’t need money to be rich your just need love.

What else would you like to talk about?
I’ve recently stepped out of my comfort zone and started becoming socially active. I’ve always had low esteem issues due to my learning disability. I’ve recently learned there’s no need to be embarrassed of it because in the long run it has given me so many opportunities and friendships. I am nowhere near the smartest student, but I am the best I can be.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Something I feel passionate about is definitely my mother. She has taught me so much and how to overcome different obstacles.

How did you find your photographer, Metcalf Photography? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I found my photographer through Facebook and seeing all her work with students from my school. I loved how comfortable she made me feel. It was really fun and adventurous she definitely helped me overcome my fear of being alone with people, and making me feel comfortable.

Look for Maddison in issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 69

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Madison Taylor

7/8/2023

Madison Taylor – Georgia
Nomination by Jasmin Woodall
Photography by JL Farmer Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Madison Taylor is such an inspiration to everyone around her. She exudes kindness, maturity, and patience in every situation. She never fails to help others or include all those around her. She's learning to be confident in herself as a cheerleader, young lady, sister, daughter, and aunt. She is a beautiful person both inside and out. She is someone who works diligently to accomplish her goals and never gives up. Her smile lights up a room, and her presence always brings joy to the occasion. She is someone who inspires goodness everywhere she goes.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have worked through countless challenges with my anxiety and am teaching myself, and others, new ways to help cope when anxiety says “something’s not good enough, it’s too hard, i’m not good enough”,etc. I have pushed myself and others out of our comfort zones and fought anxiety head on.

What else would you like to talk about?
Silence on issues greater than ourselves is never the answer. Speaking out or acting out on something, even if it does not personally affect us is how change is made within a community. Silence is what causes relapse in events or actions considered “wrong” in society. Change can be made, but only by action.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I feel very passionate about my dog, Dallas. Dallas is my miniature saving grace. He is a chihuahua and mini pinscher mix, so he is very small. Although he may be small, he has completely changed my life. Dallas is the reason I chose to keep moving on the hard days, and helps calm my anxiety in stressful situations.

How did you find your photographer, JL Farmer Photography? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I found my photographer through my aunt, who found her on Facebook. My experience had been amazing. It’s encouraging to me to see myself in a new light, and helps me find confidence within myself. The part I love the most is the encouragement from my other friends who model, my photographer, my family, and friends. It has helped build new, long lasting relationships for me.

Look for Madison in issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 69

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Riley Wade

7/8/2023

Riley Wade – Georgia
Nomination & Photography by
Beautiful Memories Photography By Aurora
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Riley Wade is the embodiment of what an inspiring teen is. Riley was a military brat during her childhood and a veteran's daughter during her teen years. She has faced things in her life that most other kids wouldn't even dream of. Military life can be hard on kids and through it all she has maintained a 3.5 GPA and received several academic awards over the years. She has also been involved with student council and the International Thespian Society. Riley is kind and caring and extremely deserving of this nomination.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
In the last year I have struggled with a lot of family things. However I maintained a positive attitude and kept my head up.

What else would you like to talk about?
Positivity and mental health are really important to me. I have a dream of working in a field that allows me to explore mental health. I want to understand why people do the things that they do.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Theatre and the fine arts. The fine arts are so incredibly important to many teens but, are so underfunded. I could talk about the impact of being a fine arts student for a lifetime.

How did you find your photographer, Beautiful Memories Photography By Aurora? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My photographer was my neighbor once upon a time. Shooting with her is always a breeze and is such a wonderful experience. She's kind and explains things and always makes sure that the shot is the best it can possibly be. I love most that she takes in ideas from the models and does her best to incorporate them into the shoot.

Look for Riley in issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 69

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Marisa Cothren

7/6/2023

Marisa Cothren – Alabama
Nomination by Brandy Cothren
Photography by Shane Hunter-Couture Photo Art
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Marisa is such a sweet girl. When Marisa started homeschooling she also went to a co-op school and did so good, they had her teach a class. She's a full time nanny along with doing home schooling and helping her sisters with their schooling. She’s amazing at helping her parents with her younger sister (who is on the spectrum). She’s so patient, kind, and great with kids. She’s been through a lot and continues to hold her head up high. She’s also a model for several different companies and excelling at that as well.

Photography by Shane Hunter-Couture Photo Art

What is the difference between homeschooling and going to a co-op school?
A co-op allows you to meet with a small group of people a few times a week, instead of always working at home. You get to meet with friends and take elective classes.

What class did you teach and what did you love the most about it?
I taught "DIY Crafts" for ages 4-8. It helped shape my love for teaching. Every time I did a project with my class, they would surprise me with their creativity. What they made would always be better than the examples I showed them! I loved that the most, I also loved how excited they would get when I brought out the glitter!

What was your favorite class and what was the most interesting thing you learned last year?
My favorite class I've ever taken was Robotics. It's what really made me get into the idea of coding and software engineering. It's hard to pick the most interesting thing I learned in that class, I for sure learned a lot of tricks when it came to the robots.

Tell us about your sisters and what you love doing together.
I have 3 sisters, they're all a lot of fun. Two are twins, who are funnily enough, complete opposites. We love playing video games together. But what we love most is swimming together on the weekends.

What is a favorite family memory you will never forget?
A favorite family memory was when we celebrated my 14th birthday together a long while back. All of my family got together. We went all over town, to outdoor malls, and best of all, to McDonalds.

What has been your favorite experience modeling?
My favorite modeling experience is from a photoshoot I did with Shane Hunter. We took pictures in a beautiful lake which was a lot of fun, but also pretty cold. We got to work together all day, and my mom got to be there this time. All my sisters even surprised me at the end. Shane made the whole thing a lot of fun.

If you could do a photoshoot anywhere, where would it be, what you would wear, what would the "style" be, - all the details!
This is a fun question. I've always wanted to do an "Old Hollywood" photoshoot. It'd be so much fun to dress in fancy clothes, with older styled makeup and hair.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have been teaching and working with kids in many ways since middle school. I taught crafts to young kids when I was in 8th grade. After, I assisted again at different schools, for toddlers to 3rd grade aged kids. I also currently homeschool two kids who I nanny for. I love being able to leave a positive impact on kids and love creating happy memories for them to look back on.

What surprised you most when you became a full-time nanny?
It surprised me how comfortable the kids got with me so quick. It only took less than an hour before they were wanting hugs and having a bunch of fun playing with me. It made my day.

What activities do you love most doing with the kids you are a full-time nanny for?
My favorite activity to do with the kids is when we hunt for pretty rocks. After we get the rocks, we go inside and wash them off and add them to the collection. I also just love anytime we play outside.

What else would you like to talk about?
I am planning to study to work in software engineering. I've always taken a liking to coding, computers and robotics. I've been doing that along with nannying and teaching since I was little.

What is the hardest part about coding, computers, and robotics?
I haven't gotten too far into the hard stuff quite yet, but memorizing any kind of coding is difficult for sure.

Photography by Shane Hunter-Couture Photo Art

What has been your biggest achievement in this field?
I once finished my work early in class, and had the option to go up against the winning team in a coding competition. They had prepared their work for a couple weeks and I had the last 30 minutes of class, and I won.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Definitely modeling. I started modeling on a Senior Team for Couture Photo Art, but I enjoyed it so much that I've branched out since then. I've applied to agencies and I've modeled for several people as well. It's a lot of fun!

How did you find your photographer, Shane Hunter-Couture photo art? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I found Shane Hunter through a friend, and he was amazing and certainly made my senior year more memorable. He inspired me to get more into modeling. He always made taking pictures fun and would work with you to figure out what look everyone was going for. I loved how creative he was and how the outcome of the pictures always surprised me.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
Honestly, I would probably end up at the mall somehow.

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
Very soon I will start working towards my future in engineering, and will be working even more hours as a nanny. I am super excited to start the next chapter of my life.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years, I see myself being successful as an engineer, living in the apartments I'm saving for, and maybe still modeling some.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love going to hockey games with my boyfriend. I've been going to hockey games with my family since I was 6. I go to every game I can!

3 Things on your bucket list
Going on a trip out of country to see some beautiful sights.
Forcing myself to ride a roller coaster.
Going to a Taylor Swift concert.

Photography by Marisa

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my mom inspiring. She's a teacher, and has been for several years. She has exceeded at every career she's done. It's never taken her long to make it to the top. My dad too, he never gives up no matter what. Both when it comes to his career, or just in life in general. He inspires me to keep going.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I've been told from a lot of people I'm close to that I am good at listening and understanding people. That makes me happy, because I love being there for people I love.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
I am so glad to be featured in Inspiring Teens Magazine, it means a lot to me!

Look for Marisa in issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 69

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Meadow Kavalauskas

7/5/2023

Meadow Kavalauskas – Ohio
Nomination by Sarah Kavalauskas
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Meadow Kavalauskas is thirteen years old and in the 8th grade. She is on the Butler Kickline, Junior Expressions Elite dance team, and a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Meadow is inspiring because she is amazingly kind and her passion for dance is incredible. She is also very responsible and is good at balancing her dance life with her school life. This can be especially hard for her due to her ADHD but she powers through it wonderfully! All around, Meadow is a kind and determined dancer and student who can definitely be seen as an inspiration.

Photography by 12.9 Dance

Tell us about your dance career.
My dance career started when I was around three, taking my first ballet class at Dance Expressions Dance Studio. I fell in love with dance and joined their competition teams in 2nd grade. I have now been a part of the Tiny, Mini, and Junior Elite teams. Now, I am a soloist and a team member.

What dances do you study, which is your favorite? Why?
I study almost every style of dance, including contemporary, modern, ballet, jazz, lyrical, hip-hop, and others. My favorite style, though, has to be contemporary. I like the contemporary style the most because I feel the most like myself in that style, and it really helps me express my emotions.

What do you love most about dancing?
What I love most about dance is that it is freeing. As soon as the music turns on, everything disappears. I become entirely focused on the choreo or the storytelling. It gives me a place to let my mind run free, and dance gives my ADHD something to focus on.

What do you wish others knew about dancing?
Something I wish people knew about dance is that it is more challenging than it may seem. People who don't dance may not know that it is more than jumps and twirls. Dance is made up of many things, including intense physical movement, lots of memory, and training.

Where has been your favorite place to compete and why?
My favorite place to compete is probably ShowStopper. One reason would be that they change the background to fit your dance. Another reason would be that their judge's comments are very easy to understand and are super helpful. My last reason would be that their awards ceremony is entertaining and always fun!

How did you find your photographer, Maria Kirkland or 12.9 Dance? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I found Maria Kirkland’s company “12.9 dance photography” when a few of my dance friends started posting photos taken by her. I decided to apply and was accepted as an ambassador. At first, I was nervous and felt like I didn’t know what I was doing but Maria made me feel comfortable and gave me fun tips. My favorite part about working with her is the amazing people you meet and the memories you make.

Photography by 12.9 Dance

What is a favorite accomplishment with dance?
My favorite accomplishment would be anytime I placed in the top twenty out of over one hundred people. I accomplished this after a rough year of adjusting to life with ADHD and anxiety. Not only was it hard to place against so many amazing dancers, but I felt redeemed after such a challenging year. I also feel very proud of myself any time that I place.

If you could be on any dance TV show, which one would you choose?
If I could be on any dance TV show, I would be on World of Dance. I would compete in a contemporary dance to "Never Felt So Alone" by Labrinth. I would probably wear a navy or darker-colored costume that matched the song's vibe.

What is your dance team like? Where do you fit in and where do you stand out?
My dance team is a unique group of athletes. Each of us have different interests but come together for our common love for dance. In dance, the team must perform together. One missing team member impacts the entire performance. As a team, we help each other improve and hold each other accountable. The team celebrates small wins, such as when someone learns a new skill. The team may laugh and goof around, but when the music starts, we focus on winning the next competition.

What does NJHS entail on your end, and why do you love being a part of this organization?
Being on NJHS contributes to Shoes For the Shoeless, where we fit and give free shoes to those without them, fundraisers for the school, penny wars, where the school saves up coins to help the children in the hospital, and so much more. I love being a part of this organization because it helps others in need; I get to collaborate with others to post on their social media, help with fundraisers, and run fun activities for the school.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One thing my nomination did not cover is that I love being a leader. I was given the opportunity to be a W.E.B leader which means I get to help new 6th graders adjust, grow, and succeed in middle school. My love for the Earth was also something. I enjoy putting in my support whenever I can whether it's recycling, picking up trash, or donating to organizations that help save the Earth!

What is your best leadership quality?
My best leadership quality is my ability to easily collaborate with others. I am always open to new ideas and can easily create bonds with others.

Photography by 12.9 Dance

Tell us more about your love for the Earth and efforts to save it.
Lately, my love for the Earth has been growing, and I plan for it to keep growing. I have always loved helping on Earth Day or picking up trash that I saw, but now I have completely realized the extent of how bad the Earth has gotten. So, I've done my best to help wherever I can, and I've even downloaded an app that plants a tree every 10,000 steps I take to help with deforestation.

How can others help?
Other people can help the Earth by simply doing their research and doing their best to recycle, pick up trash, and reuse resources that are reusable.

What do you have coming up that are planning in this endeavor?
Something that I am planning in this endeavor would be to promote upcycling, recycling, or awareness for mental health.

What else would you like to talk about?
Something else I would like to talk about would probably be mental health awareness. I struggled for more than 5 years before realizing I had a mental health issue. My mom was the first to realize and took me to see a doctor. Turns out that I had ADHD. Although it took time to work through, I did my best with the support of my friends and family. If I hadn’t had their support and knowledge I wouldn’t be the person I am today.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Something I could talk about forever would be dance. I started dancing when I was three and fell in love. As I got older I started to find peace in it. It became my own personal way to express my emotions or feelings. I love the stage, the costumes, the music, the routines, classes, and even the long practices that feel like they will never end. Dance is like my second home and I have a ton of fun memories from it.

Photography by 12.9 Dance

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
If I had nothing to do all day, you would probably find me in my basement working on dance skills or watching Grey's Anatomy with my dog because we all need a break sometimes to chill out with our pets.

What is up next for you and you're super excited about?
Something coming up that I am super excited about is my next photoshoot with 12.9 Photography or my intensive with Dayton Dance Conservatory because I love learning new things with new people!

What is the hardest thing you were able to accomplish, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever accomplished is helping my team win grand champions. This was hard for me because I was new to the team, and I felt super pressured because the team had already won two times in the past. Plus, with the added pressure of starting my ADHD and anxiety medications. Yet, I was able to pull through and help the team achieve one of their biggest goals.

What advice would you give someone who wants to be where you are today?
The advice I would give someone who wants to be where I am today would be to consistently work hard and not to care what anyone else thinks. If I had taken criticism from every person who didn't like what I was doing, I would not be where I am today. I also try my best to live by my favorite quote, which is, "Don't take criticism from someone you wouldn't take advice from." This quote has helped me so much and has helped me realize the more essential things in life to think about.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/ what are your plans?
In five years, I will be finishing up my senior year of high school and then hopefully be headed off to a good college. Then I will work hard to achieve my dream job, which is to be an anesthesiologist.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite activity to pass the time is practicing the flute, color relaxing coloring pages, or trying to learn new skills I find on Instagram/ tik tok.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I'm not sure if this is a hidden talent but a hidden talent I have is that I am incredibly flexible. For example, I can bend my legs over my head, I can turn myself into a pretzel, and I can pretty much extend my leg all the way over. Another hidden talent I have is that I have a photographic memory of words. This means I can remember what page, which book, and what that sentence said precisely. My photographic memory only works for school, though, sadly.

3 things on your bucket list?
Three things on my bucket list would be to be in a horror movie, to be a Taylor Swift backup dancer, and to ride the scariest roller coaster in the world.

Who do you find inspiring?
Someone I find inspiring is Anne Sullivan. She is famous for being Hellen Keller's teacher. She taught a blind and deaf child how to read and talk. Basically, she did what others told her was impossible. She also did that while partly blind due to an eye disease she developed as a little girl. I could go on and on about how she did the impossible and helped a little girl that everyone else saw as a "lost cause," but I'm going to say Anne is very inspiring and do what others see as impossible.

What about you inspires others/ why do you think you are inspiring?
What others find inspiring about me is that I am talented, intelligent, kind, and a fighter. I'm talented due to the fact that I am a dancer who dances all styles, a flute player, and a tumbler. I can be seen as intelligent because of my grades and scores. I am kind because of my ability to make friends and love for helping others. Last, but not least, I am a fighter because of my fight with ADHD and anxiety, and I will fight for what I believe is right.

Look for Meadow in issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 69

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Brook Ellyn Brown

Brook Ellyn Brown – North Carolina
Nomination & Photography by Paula Kotula Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ella Barnett

Ella Barnett – Tennessee
Nomination & Photography by Shannon Cox
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Juliana Ryan

Juliana Ryan – Pennsylvania
Nomination & Photography by Natalie Ryan
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Maddison Parkhurst

Maddison Parkhurst - Indiana
Nomination by Colleen Bergman
Photography by Metcalf Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madison Taylor

Madison Taylor – Georgia
Nomination by Jasmin Woodall
Photography by JL Farmer Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Riley Wade

Riley Wade – Georgia
Nomination & Photography by
Beautiful Memories Photography By Aurora
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Marisa Cothren

Marisa Cothren – Alabama
Nomination by Brandy Cothren
Photography by Shane Hunter-Couture Photo Art
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Meadow Kavalauskas

Meadow Kavalauskas – Ohio
Nomination by Sarah Kavalauskas
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Brook Ellyn Brown – North CarolinaNomination & Photography by Paula Kotula PhotographyIssue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ella Barnett – TennesseeNomination & Photography by Shannon CoxIssue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Juliana Ryan – PennsylvaniaNomination & Photography by Natalie RyanIssue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Maddison Parkhurst - IndianaNomination by Colleen BergmanPhotography by Metcalf PhotographyIssue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Madison Taylor – GeorgiaNomination by Jasmin WoodallPhotography by JL Farmer PhotographyIssue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Riley Wade – GeorgiaNomination & Photography byBeautiful Memories Photography By AuroraIssue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Marisa Cothren – AlabamaNomination by Brandy CothrenPhotography by Shane Hunter-Couture Photo ArtIssue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

​Meadow Kavalauskas – OhioNomination by Sarah KavalauskasPhotography by 12.9 DanceIssue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Brook Ellyn Brown – North Carolina
Nomination & Photography by Paula Kotula Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ella Barnett – Tennessee
Nomination & Photography by Shannon Cox
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Juliana Ryan – Pennsylvania
Nomination & Photography by Natalie Ryan
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Maddison Parkhurst - Indiana
Nomination by Colleen Bergman
Photography by Metcalf Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madison Taylor – Georgia
Nomination by Jasmin Woodall
Photography by JL Farmer Photography
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Riley Wade – Georgia
Nomination & Photography by
Beautiful Memories Photography By Aurora
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Marisa Cothren – Alabama
Nomination by Brandy Cothren
Photography by Shane Hunter-Couture Photo Art
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Meadow Kavalauskas – Ohio
Nomination by Sarah Kavalauskas
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 69 of Inspiring Teens Magazine