Nomination: Paige Klosterman is an inspiration for many reasons. From volunteering at church and in her community, using multiple sports as a vehicle to promote positivity, to living out her dream of modeling, Paige has that “special something” it takes to inspire everyone she encounters. Paige’s encouraging, kindness has led her to work, educating children at her job. Working at the beach teaching children about sea creatures, paddle boarding, surfing, fishing, beach safety and finding joy with children through learning new experiences. For all these reasons, I believe Paige will inspire so many more, just being herself.
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Tell us more about how you volunteer at church. What do you do there and why do you love it?
At my church I volunteer at the cafe/welcome team, and I also volunteer with teaching kids. I help teach kids on Sunday’s and I also help with vacation bible school in the summer. Vacation bible school is my favorite because it helps to bring kids who normally don’t to church often. Last year’s VBS, we had tons of kids who accepted Christ for the first time. I also love working at the cafe to serve others and put a smile on their face.

What have you learned about yourself while volunteering?
While volunteering I have learned that serving others is not only beneficial to them but also to myself. Through serving others with love in turn makes me feel loved and happy as well.

What have you learned about others in the process?
In the process of volunteering I have learned that no matter how successful someone is, they will never really feel satisfied without the true love of giving to other. I have also learned that volunteering is something I want to continue throughout the rest of my life, because volunteering shows the same love that has been given.

​How did you find and why did you choose Bellamore Photography for your photographer? 
Annabelle Dedmore found me though my older sister’s senior photo shoot. I love working with her because of all the positive energy she radiates. She will always put a smile on your face and make you laugh.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Every experience is extremely thrilling and exciting. With every shoot comes new and fun challenges, from making the right face to holding a pose, everyone is different and exciting. I love learning and exploring new things throughout the shoots the most.

What have your modeling experiences been like and which is your favorite?
While my modeling experience has been very limited, modeling with Annabelle Dedmore has definitely been my favorite. My favorite shoot that I have done with her has to be the in the studio prom dress, soccer, and ballet shoot. Annabelle Dedmore is so creative with all her ideas, especially with the inspiration she brought to that shoot, making so fun!

Why do you love working with children?
I love working with children because I love to give them a safe space free of judgment. Giving them this, helps them to dive into adventure while exploring the ocean. I also try to reciprocate this not only at my work but also at the time I spend with them at church. Being able to give them comfort and unconditional love gives them a friend by their side.

How would you describe your leadership style with them?
I would describe my leadership style with kids as being a kid myself. Getting down on a kid’s level gives them a friend and a person they can relate to, but also a person that can teach them at the same time. In the class on the beach, you can catch me many times jumping off paddle boards and touching gross sea animals to show kids they have nothing to fear.

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What has been a favorite memory this last summer?
My favorite memory this summer has been all of them. From waking up for 6am weightlifting with the team, to hanging out with my sister and best friends, to going to the beach to work. I really wish I could narrow it down to just one, but I don’t think I will ever forget this past summer. Although eating the End Flatline hot sauce with all my friends and not feeling anything in my mouth for a week and drinking ranch to try and sooth it; is definitely at the top of my favorite’s list.

What are you looking forward to most this school year?
This year I look forward to Christmas break the most. I look forward to Christmas the most because that’s when all my friends and my sister will come back from college to visit for a month. I also look forward to it because that’s when I’ll be able to go to Ohio to visit my family. Also, Christmas is when soccer season starts picking up the most.

What sports do you play, and which do you prefer? Why?
I play soccer and flag-football this year, but through high school I have played track, weightlifting, and dance also. My favorite and most beneficial so far has been dance. Dance relates to every sport in some way, whether I’m in goal reaching for a ball or in weightlifting exploding through my feet for a clean, my techniques from dance are though all of my movements. Dance has taught me so much and helped me improve in every sport.

How do you use sports as a vehicle to promote positivity?
I promote positivity in sports by communicating to my teammates kindly and encouraging them. I do this because a lot of people and coaches can react with a lot of anger when others make mistakes, and I want to counter that negative energy brought to the field. I also use sports to promote positivity in myself, because sports are like a form of meditation for me. They help me leave the stress of my day behind.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One thing that the nomination doesn’t cover that is a big part of me is my junior year of soccer. While that may seem pretty ordinary, it is very far from it. My junior year of soccer was my first year ever. And though my amazing coaches help, they were able to transform a player with zero experience to a varsity goalie. It was pretty rocky at the start, but I was determined to become the player my coach believed I could be. So, I sought through all the times of doubt and kept pushing and working hard. Then when all the hard work started paying off our starting goalie had to leave for playoffs, so I stepped up. With the support of my coaches and teammates we were able advance to regional play.

Look for Paige in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Myra Thompson is passionate about Irish dance and music. She currently dances for Hughes Farrelly Irish Dance. Myra trains 4-5 days a week and is currently preparing for the Great Britain Championships and the Mid America Regionals where she hopes to qualify for the next World Championship in Montreal, Quebec. She’s been a world qualifier 4 times and has traveled to Scotland, Ireland, Canada, and many states within the US.
Myra loves music and plays several instruments including the guitar, Irish fiddle, ukulele, and piano and she also sings. She is an avid animal lover and volunteers at a local children’s farm. She is very interested in teaching and has received an internship in teaching for Spring 2023. 

​Tell us about Irish Dance.
I started dancing when I was just 3 years old! My parents would take me to a local Irish cultural center and I saw the dancers and really wanted to try it.

What was it like getting to travel for a competition the very first time vs now?
I started traveling locally and my first major competition was in Michigan. But now I’ve gotten to travel around the country and world. The furthest I’ve traveled to is Scotland and I am traveling to England for the first time in October. It is crazy to think about how I started locally and now have traveled around the world.

Which has been your favorite competition and why?
I had the most fun on my first trip to Ireland! It was the first major competition with my new dance school and we went with other families from our school. It was a different feeling to travel with friends and get to spend some time and have fun with them in another country. After the competition in Killarney my parents rented a car and we drove to county Mayo to visit family that we have in Kiltimagh, County Mayo. I got to meet some cousins and see where my great great grandmother was born.

What has dancing in this capacity taught you?
It has taught me that winning isn’t everything and the experience is worth more than any trophies I receive. These competitions are so hard with the top 1% of dancers attending. I’ve had a few successes at the National level but for the most part the overseas competitions have been about the experience, seeing new places, and meeting new people from all over the world! Irish dance is a very subjective sport, so it has taught me a lot about self-worth and how to lose a competition with grace.

What is a favorite memory and/or accomplishment with Irish Dance?
In 2019 I placed 3rd in the Midwest, qualified for the World Championships, and finally got to stand on the podium and bring home a perpetual trophy and regional sash. Unfortunately, due to the pandemic I was not able to attend the Worlds in 2020 or 2021 as they were canceled but my World Qualification status was carried over to Belfast 2022. In 2021 our Nationals went ahead in Phoenix, and I placed my highest ever at a Nationals by getting 13th place and double qualifying for the Worlds. At our regional competition in in November 2021 I placed 7th and World Qualified for a 3rd time for Worlds 2022!! It was the first time in my dance career that I qualified multiple times for the same event.

​​When did you start playing musical instruments, which is your favorite and why?
When I was 7, I started taking Irish fiddle lessons. I did that for a few years and then one Christmas I got a ukulele. I taught myself to play the ukulele and then wanted to go bigger with a guitar! My favorite is guitar because it feels the most natural to me and I can play a variety of music on the guitar. I still like Irish music and just recently went back to taking fiddle lessons.

What genre do you generally play? Do you have a favorite go-to song and if so what is it?
I mostly lean towards classic rock music. I play everything and know some older songs to sing to relatives.

Who do you play for and where?
I play for myself mostly. I have played for family, and I’ve done a few solo performances with my school choir.

Tell us more about your love for animals and your experiences with them.
I have always been an animal lover. I’ve always grown up with a dog in the house and have constantly begged my mom to get more animals. I started volunteering at a farm and it has been one of the best experiences. Just being around animals helps with my anxiety.

What do you do at the local children's farm?
I normally work with the animals and let kids in and out of the animal areas. I teach the kids information about the animals and their names. I also teach them how to pet the animals and to be kind to them.

Why did you choose this particular place to spend your volunteer time?
I absolutely love working with kids and animals.

What have you learned about yourself volunteering here?
I’ve learned that in the future I want to have many animals. I’ve also learned that I really want to work with kids in the future.

Where will you be interning next summer and what are you most excited to get to do there?
I will be interning on work release during my second semester of my senior year. I’m most excited that I will get to work in the classroom with some of my former junior high teachers.

How did you find and why did you choose Michael Sullivan Photography for your photographer?
My mom found Michael because she saw a friend’s pictures on social media that Michael had taken. He was local and his pictures were amazing! He also does a lot of dance photos and I’m hoping to have another shoot with him when I get my new Irish dance dress!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Michael made it really easy! I was a little shy at first and not sure what to do but Michael coached me through. We had to move fast the day of my shoot as a thunderstorm was rolling in. We managed to squeeze in some amazing photos in just an hour!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am a very caring and loving person. I am always willing to help those in need. I love my family deeply and love having conversations with my oldest Aunt who is 93 years old! She was a teacher and I look up to her.

What are some of your favorite things?
Some of my favorite things: binge watching The Office and Stranger Things, classic rock, musical theatre, traveling, and hanging out with my friends

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would talk to my peers about being kind and understanding of others. You never know what other people are going through in their lives. I have anxiety and it’s very hard for me when others aren't understanding of my situation. I have worked very hard to break out of my anxiety issues and would like others to know that they aren't alone in dealing with mental health problems. I've had a lot of people help me through my anxiety and I am always happy to help others work through similar issues.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
My junior year of high school was very hard for me due to my anxiety. I thankfully have great friends and family around me that helped me through it, but I had to tell myself every day that I can get through this!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up and listen to the advice you give others. Every day is a new day and you have a chance to make yourself better.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I hope to be out of college and starting my future career. I also hope to be looking for my own place to live.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I really love crocheting and making pottery. I am taking a pottery class in school and hope to continue to do it as a hobby in the future.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
You can show me a short clip from The Office and I can explain what happens in the whole episode.

3 Things on your bucket list
1.) Travel more
2.) Live on a farm
3.) Graduate from college

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my friends inspiring! One of my best friends Kate always inspires me to push myself to accomplish my goals.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I like to think that I inspire others by being kind. I always try to be nice to everyone I meet and do acts of kindness for others.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
When I was in Belfast Northern Ireland, I wrote an inspiring quote on the peace wall.

Look for Myra in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Nomination: Shreya has blossomed in 10 years from a precocious child to an inspiring teenager. As a passionate dancer and activist for mental health and student belonging, she exhibits kindness, loyalty, and tenacity. With an immigrant family who have different cultural values, she challenges our viewpoints, showing us the struggles of all people, regardless of age or background helping us grow with her. Despite her recent struggles with fitting in and staying on track, she is committed to the journey ahead to becoming the best version of herself. She hopes to pursue psychology, a career choice well suited for her strengths.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
When I was in 6th grade, I had a concussion that caused me to forget even the most basic things, such as multiplication and reading. I have always been an academically inspired person, and this setback was devastating, However, through this experience I learned how to be more grateful for even the smallest things in life that we often take for granted, which allows me to look at everything with a fresh perspective.

What would you most like to talk about in your interview?
I am an avid advocate for all things relating to inequality, whether it be racism, homophobia etc. I believe it is crucial to understand that everyone is in a different place on their own journey, something I hope to emulate with the way I approach situations and new people. I would like to talk about how this allows me to be a better person, and hopefully inspire others as well.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would talk about the myth of perfection. While I know that this is a well versed topic for many, I think there is a gap between how teenagers perceive each other and what the reality truly is. To me, it is unattainable to be everything depicted across social media, yet I often am plagued by the pressure to be "perfect", as I am sure many others are. I hope to talk about this topic in particular because I believe it crucial to create spaces for honesty and vulnerability, two things this subject encapsulates quite well.

Look for Shreya in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Natalie has worked very hard in school. Natalie has maintained straight A’s and was accepted into Delaware Technical Community College for Math and English. Natalie works hard every day and is always helping others.
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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I care for my family and my friends.

What would you most like to talk about in your interview?
I would like to talk about the challenges of school as a teenager.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would talk about what they like to do in their time off.

Look for Natalie in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Nomination: Marcus is unselfish and understands who he is/what he wants to be. Marcus has a passion for serving others while placing their needs above his own. Marcus is a leader of others on and off the athletic fields. Marcus loves people based on his strong Christian beliefs. Marcus led his church youth group the past four years starting with three attendees and has grown to over twenty. Marcus led several devotional messages with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, assisted with Special Olympics and youth camps. Marcus set a goal from an early age to play college baseball and achieved that dream with a baseball scholarship offer this summer.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I help with sport camps for kids in my city. Every team that I play on has some sort of camp for the kids in our town. I get the opportunity to work with little kids as they improve in athletics and as a person. Every camp is normally once a year for a week. I get to help kids learn fundamentals of the game. I have built relationships with the kids and every chance I get to watch them play I attend. The kids also come to the pool, where I work, they love to hang by my side as I teach them techniques on the slides.

What would you most like to talk about in your interview?
I would most likely talk about my family and I, it would probably be what the future holds and how my family has impacted my life. My parents have spent a lot of their hard earned income on my sports. It has always been my dream to play professional baseball, and my parents have done everything they could to make my dream into a reality. All I want to do now is give back to them, for they have given me their all and it is time that they get my all.

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 my peers it would be sports and faith. I am just so passionate about athletics that it is my life. I would talk about how sports has impacted my family life. I would also talk about faith in the Lord, because this has changed my life forever. I would tie both of these together because that is my life. Faith, family and sports, that is who I am.

Look for Marcus in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Nomination: Emma Smith is bright, bold and beautiful. Emma is a senior at Shelbyville High School. She is driven and outgoing. Emma goes to school full time, works part time at Wal-Mart where she always greets you with a smile!
Emma wants to continue her education at Ball State University and study Zoology.
I have watched Emma grow up just a few doors down from my parents and she is just an absolute joy to be around.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I always strive to make everyone feel special. Treating people with love and kindness is what I’m powers me to continue to make my impact. Putting a smile on someone’s face is always my proudest moments.

What would you most like to talk about in your interview?
I would like to talk about my trip in Costa Rica earlier this year. This trip inspired me in so many ways but most importantly, it encouraged me to really want to go to college and pursue my dreams.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Something I could talk about forever is my love for animals and marine life. It’s something I’ve been passionate about ever since I was a little girl. I feel very grateful to to have a love for such a beautiful world.

Look for Emma in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Drake Carlson was born with Spina Bifida. He is the first wheelchair athlete at Marathon School in Wisconsin. He inspires all athletes and the community. Drake is also active with Boy Scouts and is currently working on his Eagle. In Boy Scouts Drake has done community service through multiple projects and events. Drake donates his time to Empowered Dream Hunts. Empowered Dream Hunts is a nonprofit organization that helps disabled Veterans and youth enjoy the outdoors. Drake plans to further his education in welding or auto mechanic.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I was a guest speaker at a Technical College to teach adult students about disabilities for four years. I shared my experiences with medical issues, school and personal life. Through Empowered Dream Hunts I have had the opportunity to be on a public radio talk show to share my experiences and promote helping veterans. I assisted in the process of nominating two other youths with disabilities. Both youths have been awarded a dream hunt. I donated my time at a local town Chamber of Commerce golf outing to raise money for a benefit.

What would you most like to talk about in your interview?
The opportunities that I’m able to help with Empowered Dream Hunt.  It is such a great origination and really has made an impact on myself and others.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I feel that I would talk a lot about being outside and getting to do exciting things like hunt and fish.  I was able to experience fun activities through Scouting such as camping, team building and life skills.

Look for Drake in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Audrey Withrow is such an inspiring teen! I have taught Audrey dance since she was 4 years old. She is hard working, responsible, compassionate, and most importantly kind! She has been a wonderful role model to the younger students who all look up to her. Audrey is also very involved at school. She is the student body president, an aide for her school counselors and enjoys playing tennis. She also placed 4th in her state BPA competition! Audrey is a beautiful person inside and out and is the definition of an inspiring teen!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I'm an inducted member of the National Honor's Society. I work hard for my academics and take many college level classes at my school. I attend a Catholic school where I get to grow and deepen my faith everyday. I have had several jobs teaching tennis to young kids and working on a local, family-owned farm. I value my family and do everything I can to be a person who people can come to. I also enjoy simple things like running, reading and baking.

What would you most like to talk about in your interview?
I would most like to talk about my academics and family commitments. I work hard everyday to obtain good grades and knowledge that can be used in real-life scenarios. I try to be a well rounded student, learning more and more about each subject. I also value my family over everything in my life. I believe family is the best support system you can ask for. My family is close-knit and communicative. We rely on each other and do as much as we can for the others.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would talk about mental health. I have witnessed our world suffer from the pandemic and take set-backs we never knew we would face. During that time, I spent a lot of my time finding ways to cope with the anxieties that came my way. I found new loves for running and for reading. I journaled everyday and was able to clear my head and become stronger from all of the things I encountered. The pandemic really brought fear into our world and I saw it happen to me and so many around me that I feel I could talk about it forever.

Look for Audrey in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: KylieJo’s inspiring because of her determination and goal getter attitude! Kylie sets goals for herself and crushes each one. Once she has it in her mind, there is no stopping her. She aims to set her standards high and won’t accept anything less than perfection. Whether this is in school (getting those A’s) or on the cheer mat! Modeling has been a dream of hers and I would love nothing more than to see her achieve and excel, while having the opportunity to shine bright on the cover of your magazine.

​How did you get into the modeling business and what do you love most about it?
I got in the modeling business through Stewart. He really set me up and got me connected to inspiring teens. I’m happy to get a taste of what the modeling world is like and I hope to explore more.

What has been your favorite modeling experience so far?
Probably the support, people are very supportive and aren’t criticizing what so ever. I was scared to put myself out there but honestly it’s not as scary as I originally thought.

What is the hardest part about modeling?
The hardest thing thus far is keeping up with all the emails and opportunities. It’s hard to balance school, cheer, work, and now modeling.

What is the best part?
The best part about modeling getting recognition and taking steps to build my dream career!

What do you wish people understood about modeling?
I wish people new that modeling is more than size, height, or beauty. There are no restrictions, however, it’s not as easy as it seems. You really have to put the work in to get recognized.

How has it changed and what is your thought process on this?
Now that I have stepped into modeling I want to take it slow and explore the different possibilities. I’m still young and I still have time to create a career.

​How did you find and why did you choose Stewart Smith Photography for your photographer? 
He was photographing at my friends sweet 16 party. A few days later she sent me a screenshot of him taking interest in us creating a modeling portfolio. Since modeling is my dream I decided to try it out. He was a great photographed and he really is here for me every step of the way.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I was nervous at first but as I was swaying in front of the camera I realized I didn’t have to be so serious and I could kind of move freely.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover? 
Some inspiring things about me include how accepting I am of people and how I’m not afraid to share my struggles. You will never catch me making fun of any minority and I am always kind and nonjudgmental towards people. I am also not afraid to share my struggles and relate to others over them. Nobody is perfect and that’s okay.

What have been your struggles and how have you overcome them?
A struggle I have is self esteem. I am still working on it but I try not to put myself down too much and I take in any compliments I get. A person can really turn your day around.

What do you feel is the biggest struggle among teens today and what can they do about it?
I think today teens are struggling heavily on mental health. I believe it needs to be talked about more and resources should always be offered. All anybody wants is to be understood.

How would you encourage others to be more accepting?
I would tell people to think through the other’s perspective. People can’t judge without knowing the full story.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I just want to explore the educational system and get an idea of what I want to do with my life and what are my interests.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would probably find me by the ocean either alone or with friends. The ocean is very calming to me and just seems like a safe place.

What was your favorite memory from last summer?
My favorite memories are the ones with my friends. I love being around people I could talk to for hours.

What is your family like and where do you fit in? 
Since I have separated parents, I’ve noticed major differences between the two. However, both are very welcoming to anyone and care about my brother and I.

How do you stand out?
I think I’m somewhat different from others. I’m quiet but I don’t like to be silenced. I’m very caring towards others and I’ll never be the “mean girl” to anyone.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why? 
I could talk forever about fear of rejection. It appears in many situations, school, love, modeling. We are all afraid of the “what ifs” and especially in modeling, when the business is so competitive.

 Look for KylieJo in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens!

​Nomination: To find a teen who gives 100% to what they love is rare. To find one balancing commitments to sports, school and job is a diamond in the rough. Maggie Page, 16, is one of those teens. With a love for singing, theatre, tennis, golf, and strength & conditioning, while maintaining a 4.1 GPA shows dedication. Most adults can't even fathom that much responsibility. Maggie’s a true inspiration, proving if you love something and desire to achieve it, hard work, dedication, and passion need to collide. Her next step is playing collegiate D2 tennis and majoring in sports management.

​Tell us about your time singing and in theatre. Do the two go hand in hand?
By the time I was 5, I wanted to be in a Broadway show. Croswell Opera House, advertised for people to audition for their upcoming production of Miracle on 34th Street. We saw it the last day of open auditions. I was only 6, and I didn’t have a song prepared, but they let me try. I sang “Tomorrow” from Annie for my audition. I ended up landing the part of Hendrika, the little Dutch Girl in Miracle on 34th Street. I had to learn and perform a song in Dutch to sing a duet with Santa (Sinterklass in Dutch.)

What is your favorite genre to sing? Do you have a go-to song? If so, what is it?
I love to sing all genres, but my 2 favorites would have to be Alternative Pop and Country. I have done on YouTube was Scars to your Beautiful by Alessia Cara. I liked the song because every person should feel beautiful and not have it based on society’s norms. After I put it on YouTube, I had many private comments from people that said how moving it was and why it meant so much to them. Another song that means a lot to me is When I Meet My Maker by Tenille Townes. It brings my faith into my music.

What has been your favorite theater production you've participated in and why?
That is a tough one! I have loved working with all of the different Directors and Cast and Crew on every single show I was in, but I guess I would have to say my favorite was my first, Miracle on 34th Street, just because that is the one that introduced me to what it was like to be a part of that life. I met some amazing people along the way that act and sing professionally and I will always treasure the memories of those experiences. I, at one time, even considered going into it professionally, as well.

What have you learned about yourself on stage?
As many productions and performances as I have been in and done, every single time on stage was an adrenaline rush. It was scary, but exhilarating all at the same time.

What has been the most memorable character you've ever played?
I think my favorite has to be Annie. I played the role of Annie in 2 different productions, one when I was 9 and again when I was 12. I first saw it in New York City and knew I wanted to be in it someday. Every production was so much work, but so fun. I had many late nights of doing homework, eating dinner and sleeping in the car on the way to rehearsals. Annie was special to me because it was the last production I was able to be in due to getting into tennis more seriously.

Tell us about your golf career.
I never golfed until 9th grade. Even though I was golfing with girls that have golfed for many years, I didn’t get discouraged. I play my own game and only compete with myself. In 9th grade I was getting 140’s and 150’s on 18 holes. This year, as a Senior, I am getting into the low 90’s. Still not great compared to some, but I am very pleased with my progress. My coaches are always so patient and helpful with picking up on little changes that really made a difference.

What is one of your favorite earliest memories on the golf course?
My favorite memory is probably actually from this year, when I finally was able to get into the 90’s for my golf score.

If you could golf anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
I would probably have to say the St. Andrews Golf Club in Scotland. I have seen pictures of it and it looks absolutely unbelievable!

When did you take up tennis and what do you love most about it?
I first started tennis the summer before 7th grade when I found out my new school had a tennis program for middle school. I knew, immediately, I was in love with the sport. I preferred playing Singles rather than Doubles because if I made a mistake, I didn’t want it to upset my Doubles partner. Playing Singles…it’s all on me. But in order to play Singles, it was going to require a lot of hard work to move up the lineup. I was more than willing to do the work and loved the challenge.

What is your favorite accomplishment with tennis?
My favorite accomplishment with tennis was actually this summer. I had a long-term goal of winning the Annual Fred Sidmore Memorial Tournament. The defending champion has won the tournament 26 times over the years and it was a major battle, but I ended up winning first place in the tournament this last August. I trained and worked very hard to accomplish that goal.

What are you looking forward to most in playing college tennis?
I am most looking forward to the team camaraderie of playing college tennis for Belmont Abbey. I have been down there twice to talk to the coaches and was able to meet the team on my official visit down there in August. They were so incredibly welcoming that I could immediately feel a sense of belonging. I can’t wait to be part of that atmosphere of helping to build each other up with encouragement and positive energy.

How do you find time to do everything you do and still maintain such a high gpa?
It may seem like a sacrifice to decline some invitations for lunch or shopping due to homework, practice or working out, but to me, it isn’t. I spend time with friends at school and while watching athletic events, but during the week, I’m occupied from 7 a.m. until sometimes 9 pm with practice, homework and working out. Tennis also ties in with a degree in Sports Management. My choices, although unconventional to most high schoolers, are not an obligation…it’s what I love. I’ve met some amazing people through tennis that have helped me along the way. I’m so incredibly grateful.

Why did you choose sports management for college?
I was first interested in a Sports Management Degree because I want to Coach Tennis someday. Between my private coach, high school coach and soon to be college coach, I see the difference they can make in a player’s life. They are more than a coach, they lead by example and I feel very blessed to have them in my life.
I also like the fact that as life situations change, there is so much I can do with that degree as life changes.

​How did you find and why did you choose Freeland Photography for your photographer? 
I’ve known since 9th grade that I wanted Carrie Stadleman from Freeland Photography for my Senior Pictures after years of seeing her work pop up from upper classmen. I could always spot her work before I even saw the name in the corner. She is absolutely amazing! She loves her work and it shows. She has a way of bringing out all the things about the person she is photographing and immediately had me comfortable working with her as we got the shots we both wanted. Not only is she a great photographer, a great person all the way around.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I journal in and read my Bible every single day. I have read the entire Bible through more than twice now. I use it in every part of my daily life. My faith is everything to me.

What else would you like to talk about?
My faith and the path it has led me down in my life. I believe that every single thing that happens, happens for a reason. There was a crazy chain of events that led me to going to school at Lumen Christi and therefore the people and coaches that have come into my life because of my tennis connections.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be? 
It would be expressing the importance of being your own person and not another cookie cutter teen. Do your own thing, do what you love, and do it well! Don’t ever let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough to achieve your dreams or that your dreams are stupid.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever accomplished was probably reaching the level of tennis play to get onto a D2 college tennis team. I train every single day, whether it’s weight training, performance training, tennis lessons, tennis tournaments and even my job helped to get me where I am. Last summer, I was asked to be a Co-Pro for Tennis at the local Country Club. It was the absolute perfect job, allowing me to play/work 3 days per week all summer long. It helped me to reach my goals and solidified my decision to pursue a Sports Management Degree.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
If you truly love it, it doesn’t seem like work. When I added in weight lifting and performance athletic training to my tennis lessons and tournament play, it added another level to my game. It gave me the strength to hit harder and the speed and agility to move faster. There is always work to be done, but if you’re willing to put in the time and skip a shopping trip here and there, anything is possible.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
 In 5 years, I will likely be pursuing my Master’s Degree and hopefully doing an internship as an Assistant Tennis Coach until I can reach my goal of being a Head Coach.
What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
When I am not playing tennis or golf, I love to be out on the lake or playing and singing music. I sit down and play piano and sing 2-3 songs every morning before I even leave for school. If I have time on the weekends, I also have a YouTube channel that I like to record videos of songs that either are requested by friends or family or songs that mean something to me.

DO YOU HAVE A HIDDEN TALENT? WHAT IS IT?
Even though I don’t have time to perform musically anymore, I am told that I should never stop singing, and I definitely won’t. It is a big part of me. I have also been writing my own songs and music for the past 2 years and would love to have them professionally recorded and someday perform them.

3 Things on your bucket list
I would have to say, first, I want to be a Tennis Coach, in order to make a difference in someone’s life like my coaches have made a difference in mine. Second, I would say I would like to publically perform again. Whether it’s coffee shop singing or maybe Nashville, I would love to do it someday. Third, I would love to find the time to go to the Wimbledon some year and watch the tennis greats!

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my parents inspiring because I am blessed to say they have always put me first. Whether it was nightly, late night, long distance theater rehearsals, never missing one of my tennis matches, or taking me to lessons and tournaments. I hope to be the same kind of parent that they’ve been to me. My coaches are also so inspiring. From the youngest, my high school coach, to the oldest, my Strength and Conditioning Coach, they all lead by example. They’re all amazing people and believe hard work pays off and have helped me to reach my goals.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I never considered myself a person that inspires others until people said to me that they admire my dedication or the fact that I’m not afraid to sing or speak publicly or even the fact that as a girl, working out in a gym full of guys and not to be intimidated, but to just look at it as we are all there to help reach our own personal goals. When I leave the gym, sweaty and exhausted, I like knowing that I’m not only helping myself achieve my goals, but hopefully giving others courage to do the same.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Yes! Thank you so much to everyone involved in this! From all of you that put this magazine and interviews together and to Freeland Photography for nominating me! This has been a fun experience to put my thoughts down about everything I am trying to accomplish and hoping I can inspire others to remember that anything is possible with hard work and dedication.

Look for Maggie in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Tell us about your music career? When did you get started and where are you with it now?
My passion for music has always been a safe space for me, even when I was a child. I was able to sing before I could actually form words. Music, the words I would learn just by listening to it and then I was able to sing before I could form actual sentences. I was in many plays and extracurriculars regarding music. I would audition and normally get big roles, even at a young age. Around the age of 8, my grandpa was reading the newspaper and saw a byline that said, “Singing Angels, reaching out for auditions”. My grandpa thought I should audition, so I did. I made the Singing Angels and continued to train with the Littlest Angels. Around 1st grade, I upgraded to the Reserve chorus, then around 6th grade I was part of the highest level of training which was the Performing Chorus. Fifth grade is when I found my vocal coach, Allan Licht. I was balancing Singing Angels everyday from 5-9 and voice lessons once a week, while having school 5 days a week, but I loved it. I went to YellowStone and Ireland with the Singing Angels around the grades of 6-8th grade. During my freshman year, I quit the Singing Angels because my favorite director was no longer there, and I wanted to pursue my music solo. I had all the training, I have access to a recording studio, and I was still going to voice lessons 1-2 times a week. I started competing in competitions that were hosted in my area, sang at restaurants, and overall just kept on pursuing my passion. There is no greater feeling than getting up on stage and performing. Right now, I’m still recording, going to voice lessons, auditioning for competitions, and working on singing live again. Because of covid it’s been difficult to sing at restaurants again, but my voice coach and I are looking into getting started again.

What genre of music do you most like to play? Do you have a song to go to? What is it?
There is no specific genre that I would prefer to listen to. I enjoy all genres of music including rap, pop, classical, slow tempoed, and many more. It kind of just depends on the way I’m feeling and that is the type of music I will play so I can heighten those emotions and get lost in the music. My go to song changes, but anything that is by Bruno Mars or Adele I could play over and over again and not get bored.

What position do you play in lacrosse and what do you love most about it?
The position I play in lacrosse is attack, which is offense. The thing I love most about it is working with your team, to score a goal. It is not about who scores the goal, but how the team as a whole scores as a team. Whether they pass the ball, assist the goal, or just overall block the other defenders from getting in your teammates' way. The sport of lacrosse is all about teamwork and not one singular player can be the only good component, the entire team needs to be committed.

What is your favorite memory with your team?
My favorite memory with my team is how we all work together to get to one final goal. Which is to win. We always work our very hardest, as a team, to do the best we can, whether or not we win or lose.

What do you love the most about working at Oscar Giovanni Salon and Spa?
The thing I love most about working at Oscar’s is the environment there. The people were so nice and welcoming, when I first started to work there. Plus, my dad is best friends with the boss so he and I had a good relationship before I started working there. Plus, working there means I get discounts on the products and the services provided, so overall a win a win in my book.

What is being a Certified Peer educator and what does it mean to you?
Being a certified peer educator means to guide the school and new students in the right direction. Making sure that they are not lost, while going through the constant changes that freshman year will provide. We help with retreats, orientation, tailgates, and other events to make them feel more welcomed and a part of our community. This program means to me that I can provide change and earn respect from my peers by guiding them and helping them in their journey. I wish I had someone to look up to freshman year because I struggled a lot with change and would've been nice to have that resource at my fingertips.

How did you find and why did you choose Sharon Holy as your photographer?
I chose Sharon Holy because I truly believe she is one of the best photographers in northeastern Ohio. She is so involved with her work, and the model team she created shows that. With the fun styled shoots, and all of her ideas incorporated in her pictures you can truly see that she has a passion for what she does. I found Sharon because many of the alumni and friends from my school used her as a photographer and some were even on the model team and told me to try it out. So, when my senior year came, that’s exactly what I did. I applied and was accepted and the experience so far has been so fun.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My first experience with Sharon was so fun, she was so nice and made me feel super confident when posing in front of the camera. I would do a pose that she told me not to do and she would tell me to stay there and hold it because she loved that I was stepping outside of the box and doing my own thing. Every experience with Sharon has always been fun, I love hearing her ideas and letting me also incorporate my own ideas in our shoots. The thing I love most about Sharon is she goes very well with the flow type of person. When it was my senior session we had a change of location due to meeting someone who had a great place to shoot, and she didn’t panic, she just went with it and we ended up getting beautiful pictures because of it. Overall, Sharon is a great photographer and person to be around and can’t wait for the next year of shoots to come.

​What do you want to tell us about Senior Year?
Senior year is a fresh start for your grade. My personal experience so far is that none of us want to waste another moment over petty grudges, we are all going to be moving on next year. There is no point to hold a grudge, let it go, move on, and live your life.

Tell us about your family and where you fit in?
Let me start off and say that I’m extremely blessed to have the family that has been given to me. My mom, dad, brother, and sister are my rocks. I would not be the person I am today without them. I am very different from my two older siblings, which is not a bad thing. Being different is good, which took me a while to accept. My older sister is very successful and is going into a career with medicine and my brother is studying to be a mechanical engineer. I, on the other hand, am a very artistic person. I am not that good at math and I would prefer to do anything other than school. I have always wanted to be as smart as them, but I have realized that I have other talents that make me unique, and they have talents that make them unique as well, and together we are all one big happy family. We all have our talents that we share with each other and help each other when we need it most. My family is great and I love them all unconditionally.

What is your favorite tradition with your family?
My favorite tradition with my family is our annual Christmas party. We always have my dad’s side of the family come over and we celebrate Christmas as a family. My family lives all over so when we all can come together and see each other, in my eyes it’s a very memorable time for me. I will never take it for granted because we only see each other every so often and we need to make the most of our time together. I always think that you should spend your moments with people like it’s your last because you never know if you will see them again.

How would your friends describe you?
I asked my friends how they would describe me as a person and they said that I’m one of the most compassionate people they have ever met. They believe that I would do anything for them and treat them like they are family. One of my closest friends said, “I would put people before myself any day, no matter the circumstance”. They also said that I treat people the way that I would want to be treated. “Carley always knows how to have a good time, and is one of the most energetic people I’ve ever met”. “She is full of life, loyal, kind, and such a great person”. My friends also said that even in tough times she knows how to be there for you and put a smile on your face. I’m extremely grateful to have some amazing friends, and I thank God everyday for being blessed.

What is something you will miss the most with your friends after you graduate?
The things I will miss the most with my friends are all the spontaneous and fun adventures that we go on. Normally the activities we do are not planned, but rather spur of the moment, and that rush of adrenaline I will miss the most because it won’t be the same after we graduate.

Look for Carley in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Nomination: Mya-Faye Griffith is an inspiring teen, but to me this is not a surprise, she has always been a reliable and loving child and it shows to all those who know her because of her drive to excel, her abundance of kindness, her love for God and her unique sense of humor. Mya has always set personal goals and achievements every chance she gets and works hard to obtain them; she is willing to try different things for an appropriate fit. Her many activities have me in awe. I am looking forward to seeing the amazing woman she becomes. - Launette Chan

What would you like to talk about?
I would like to talk about things that another teen can relate to, whether it be something serious, such as being mentally tired and ways to deal with it or something simple, like, not liking a certain ice cream flavor. I would also like to introduce myself and talk a little bit about my achievements and why I would be a great pick for Inspiring Teens.

Tell us more about topics teens can relate to.
Most teens would be able to relate to getting up early in the morning to go to school and trying their best to make it through the day. We can also relate to the pressures of wanting to succeed especially getting closer to graduation.

Why do you feel teens are mentally tired?
There are a lot of expectations for teens especially when they are good at something. Not only do you have to keep up with your regular schoolwork and home life, but you also have the commitment of an extracurricular activity.

What is a way to deal with that?
I believe the most effective way to deal with this problem is to work on time management and prioritize things in the order that they should be getting done. Working on that should help make the day to day easier. Also, remembering you can always ask for help.

Tell us a little more about you.
I have been dancing for four years, three of which I was on my high-school drill team and served as an officer for my last year but now I am focusing on teaching dance and getting a clear path towards my career. I would like to study Criminal Justice and Forensic Science, so that will be my concentration for the next few years.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
You would most likely find me in the kitchen and in my room. I enjoy binge watching shows when I have time and cooking, so I like to combine the two. I am usually watching Criminal Minds or Attack on Titans while making a random recipe that I found on Instagram.

What do you like to do with your peers?
Honestly, I just like to spend time with my friends. I do not really have anything specific because it usually changes every time, we hangout. Being around them is enough.

What are you most looking forward to doing your senior year?
I look forward to prom as well as graduation preparation. I would like to savor those memories while I reflect on my time in high school and what life was like prior to freshman year. I want to be able to compare my old self to my new more mature self.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
That people will be able to look at me and see respect, grace, and to ultimately respect me as a person. When my name comes up in a conversation, I’d like for it to be all good things and if there are any bad, I hope that my name will be defended.

How did you find and why did you choose Angie Read Photography for your photographer?
On the dance team at school while speaking with one of the seniors, Angie Read Photography came up in the conversation. I chose Angie Read because of the values she stands for and how helping the community is important to her, as it is the same for me.

What was your first experience like?
I was excited to be a part of something new but also very nervous because I did not really have experience with “modeling”, but Angie really made me feel comfortable and confident.

What did you love most about being on her power team?
I love being able to meet girls from other schools and even some that I did not know who attended my school. Getting to know each other and volunteering together are awesome.

What is your family like and where do you fit in?
My family is relatively quiet, and I am the complete opposite. I do not really fit in per se because I like to stand out and participate in lots of opportunities, so I guess I could say I stand out.

What is a favorite memory with your family?
A favorite memory I have with my family was when I was younger, and we still lived in New Jersey. We had a barbecue at the house, and everyone was having a great time cracking jokes and just spending time with each other.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination does not cover?
I am a very determined, hardworking, and dedicated person. I use all these traits when doing something no matter what it may be. It is important that I model these qualities daily so that others are inspired by my attitude rather than feeling diminished by it.

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 my peers, it would be all about forensic investigations. There are a few people I know who feel as strongly as I do about forensics, but not too many. I have always been fascinated by the process of problem solving, especially when it came to closing a final chapter that needed to be solved for justice to prevail. It has always been a dream of mine to work in the investigation field so now that I am getting closer to that opportunity, I am beyond anxious and thrilled to get started.

Look for Mya-Faye in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​What would you most like to talk about?
I would like to talk about how I have been dancing since I was 3 years old and what it has taught me in life as well as riding horses and how working and becoming a riding partner with my horse has helped me become a dedicated person to the things I love and how to work as a team.

What did you love about it when you were little vs what you love about it now?
In dance as I started, I loved being part of a group and making new friends. I loved the challenge of learning new dance moves and progressing my love for dance. Now that I’m in my senior year of dance I still love the challenge of learning new dance moves. I enjoy learning and showing how I can use my body to express emotions and feelings. I also enjoy working with my team to create a beautiful piece of art on the stage.

What types of dances do you study? Which is your favorite and why?
For dance I study Ballet, Pointe, Tap, Jazz, lyrical, modern, contemporary, musical theater, and for my senior year I added Pom. I have a few favorites. First tap, I love the sounds that come from my feet and making music with it to match the music we dance too. Tap is always so fun and upbeat. My next favorite is contemporary, because with this type of dance and music you express emotion through body movement. Finally, pointe ballet because it is so beautiful and takes a lot of strength in your feet to stay up on your toes.

What is the hardest thing about dance that people may not realize?
The hardest part about dance I would say is dancing to the emotion of the music when you are not feeling the emotion. It’s hard sometimes to step away from your real emotions you are feeling and step into the emotions of the dance and music. It can be challenging to let go and be part of the dance.

When did you start riding and what is your first memory of it?
My first memory was being excited and scared at the same time. For a long time, I did not want to canter on a horse because it was fast, and I was afraid I would fall off. Finally, after a couple months of lessons I just went for it and cantered and it was so freeing and I was so proud of myself for moving past the fear of falling of trusting my horse to take care of me.

Tell us about your horse and your relationship.
My horse Ivy and myself I feel are the same. We have the same anxieties about going into the show ring even though we have done it 100s of times together and performing well. We feed off each other’s emotions, and I trust her with my life and well-being. She is my partner. It is hard to explain the bond you build with a horse. There is so much trust that these animals put in you and same goes for me as well, I trust her. Ivy has taught me to be the rider I am today and continues to build my passion for the sport. She tries me at times and makes me work hard as well, but I love her just the way she is.

What has riding horses taught you?
Horse-back riding in the beginning taught me so much about challenging myself to step out of my comfort zone and trust this animal with everything I have. This type of teamwork with this animal takes time, patience, and trust. It can take up to year to build a good relationship with horses. I still love having this amazing animal trust me to guide her and this relationship we have built over the past 4 years. When riding I feel free to let go and become one with my horse. There is no love and trust like you have with a horse I feel.
Tell us about your horse and your relationship.

What has it taught you about them?
Riding horses has taught me that they are animals firsts and they do not have to listen to you. They have taught me to step out of my comfort zone and try new things. They have taught me to trust as well, because you never know when a horse will not “BLOW UP”. Horses have taught me to communicate with body language since they can not tell us how they feel. Horse have taught me patience, how to control my emotions, how to be responsible, and finally the value of working hard.

What is your favorite accomplishment on horseback?
My favorite accomplishment in horseback riding happened this year. I’m part of a western riding team that prepares the riders for riding in college called IEA. With this type of riding, you do not have to have a horse or bring a horse and it is draw type riding and you don’t know what horse you will ride until a couple hours before you ride. The riders get a little paragraph on the horse and you do not ride until you are about to go in a show. With type of showing I made it to nationals and placed 5th in the nation in western horsemanship. It was one of the highlights of my riding career!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I inspire my teammates to work hard for the things they love and cherish and that will make your passion for it all worth it. I inspire my teammates that even on the hardest days of trainings and practices that you still can come out on top because you have learned how to push through it.

How did you find and why did you choose Mary Kerkes Photography for your senior photographer?
Many of my dance teammates have done their pictures with Mary and she does such an amazing job and the first time I saw her pictures I wanted to have her do mine!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Mary is so fun to do pictures with. With went to many different places and Mary was excited to do pictures with my horse. I loved that I felt very comfortable with her and she is able to capture the real me.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I would present leaning on your friends and family when times get hard and that talking things out is better than holding things in. That reaching out to others for help is not a bad thing. That many things can be solved by having someone to talk to.

What will you miss most about your friend group when you graduate?
I will miss being with them almost every day! We spend so much time together at the dance studio and the barn and not seeing them every day will be hard. This will be a big change as they literally are my family. They know so much about me.

What is one memory this year you cannot wait to make?
I cannot wait to walk across the stage at graduation!

What is a favorite tradition in your family?
Our favorite family tradition would have to be the yearly spring break trips we take together to be just the family. Between dancing and horses many of our weekends are spent at dance or horse competitions. For 1 week can just be a family together and not rush to be somewhere.

What is your family like and where do you fit in?
I am an only child. My dad and mom have been together since 1997 when they were teenagers. I was lucky to also be raised with my grandparents all in the same house since I was 4 months old. They are my 2nd set of parents and do a lot for me. My mom and myself show horses together which has been fun to do together. My family is my biggest support system, from my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents. Their support for my passions helps me accomplish my goals. My parents do so much for me, working long hours behind the scenes at dance and horse competitions to help me be more successful. I know it is hard at times but I could not do this without them.

Look for Caelan in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Jared Baraja is not your typical teenager. Jared is a sweet, kind, athletic, goal-chasing, helpful, mindful, loving & respectful young man. He is a true go-getter & the first to lend a hand when someone needs help. This bright young man also has an act for cooking. He cooks along side his wonderful Gramdmother & takes his cooking lessons from her, to heart. Truly, Jared is a genuine & beautiful soul with an enormous heart. He sets the standards high for your everyday, typical teenager.
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Tell us about your friendship with Astrid Gonzalez.
Overall, my friendship between me and Astrid is really nice, she is very kind and supportive to me and my family. She also is a person I think I could talk to if something big is happening in my life, and I think she would give the best advice towards it.

What is something fun you like to do together?
Watching movies on Netflix with her and my dad is fun.

When did you start cooking and what do you like to cook the most?
I started cooking with my grandma when I was around 8 years old, I liked cooking Lengua the most. It's an Ecuadorian dish. That's my favorite, it's beef tongue with Peanut Butter sauce.

Tell us about your grandmother and what you like cooking together.
My grandmother is a very kind and loving, she helps us a lot around the house, and cares for me and my family. She cooks food for us, she taught me a bit of art and she introduced me to cooking. My grandma is also very generous with her love and cares for a lot of people.

How did you find and why did you choose Haywood Hogan for your photographer?
I found Haywood through my dad's girlfriend, Astrid, I chose him because I thought it was interesting and I gave it a try and it was a really good decision. He is a really cool guy. He likes to joke around. He is really fun to be around.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I was nervous at first, I felt like I was talking to a friend the more I got into it and in the end, it was really fun. We were planning out the spots where we were going to shoot at. I understood what he was saying and what he meant, he made things simple. I really liked talking to him. He cracks jokes once in a while and it felt really welcoming since I first started modeling.

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I keep a good mood around people and motivate my friends to be active so they can show their best version of themselves.
An inspiring thing about me is working out and how I think it could help others get through things and be well and self-disciplined.

Tell us about your workout schedule. What is a typical day / week like?
I start off the day with waking up and performing 3-4 sets of 15 knuckle pushups. Then I go about my day of being a teenager like going to school. In the morning, I pack myself a bag of crackers because I need to eat something after I get up. When I get home from school, I make myself a meal to eat, maybe like rice and eggs, or some leftovers that I could find from the previous day. When I'm bored, I randomly do dips for a while until I get tired. My actual weightlifting workout starts at 10pm where it can last 2-3 hours. Once I finish, I end off with a protein shake around 40 minutes after my workout to help with my recovery. My weekly schedule is separated into parts that I want to target that day. Monday is Biceps and triceps, Tuesday is chest and back, Wednesday is a rest day, Thursday is forearms and abs, Friday is legs and calves, Saturday is chest and Sunday is a rest day.

What have you learned about yourself while working out?
I've learned that you could find joy in things other than being on a phone all day. I've also learned that there is always room for improvement in myself and others. The desire for improvement is what always keeps me motivated.

What are you most looking forward to this school year?
I am looking forward to meeting new people and making more friends and swim competitions that are coming up in the Spring semester.

If we asked your friends, what is the first story about you they'd tell us?
Maybe they would talk about me just spamming weights at the school gym.

What is your family like and where do you fit in?
My family likes to travel, I enjoy traveling. We share the same love for exploring. That is where I fit in.

What is your favorite family memory?
My favorite family memory is when I was in Hawaii, and I was jumping off an edge of a boulder into the ocean with my dad and my brother.

​What else would you like to talk about?
I would like to talk about how to encourage others to help themselves so they could help others.
I would also like to talk about self-improvement.

How do you encourage others to help themselves so they can help others?
By telling them that they all have a potential to be the best version of themselves and that they should chase the best version of themselves.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I would talk about weightlifting because it feels good doing it. The more you do it, you will start to see self- improvement, not just physically but also mentally and doing that, will push you forward through life's obstacles.
I would like to add ways to help them with schoolwork and such.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I'd say the hardest was getting a Red Perlon, a rank in rock climbing. It took me a very long time figuring out ways to climb better, learn the knots, belay people and help them get up, in addition, completing challenges like climbing a 150-foot rock climb.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Keep pushing forward even if you aren't seeing any progress or if it seems impossible.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Attending law school (family law) and modeling on the side.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends after school and going on walks.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I do not know if I have a hidden talent, it might be so hidden that I have not recognized it.

3 Things on your bucket list
Go to Greece. Have a big, happy family. Achieve success.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find bodybuilders that I see online inspiring because I want to be like them one day.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think my personality inspires others because I like to Lift their spirits up.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Not at this time. Thank You!

Look for Jared in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Kyleigh is such an inspiring teen, who I have had the honor to get to know and celebrate her successes with. She came to me for her Senior Portraits last winter with the hope of getting some beautiful images of our local River Arts District in Asheville, NC. Learning about her life during our sessions was absolutely uplifting. A long-term dancer, she served as choreographer for her high school dance team at East Henderson High School. She showed natural leadership in this role, working hard to mentor the younger dancers on the team to bring out their absolute best!

How did you find and why did you choose BlueRidgeExpressions.com for your photographer?
Pat Shrader is a Senior and sports photographer here in Western North Carolina. I met Pat while he was photographing one of our local high school sport events. Pat is so passionate and kind. Finding the right photographer can be tricky sometimes. Connection and trust are both really important when choosing a photographer to work with. Pat was so great and a please to work with.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I had a very laid back and fun experience. I loved that Pat chose the River Arts district of Asheville, NC to take my Senior pictures. As a dancer I love details in the pictures. He took me to several different locations that were amazing. He is so talented.

When did you start dancing and what makes it special for you?
I started dancing at the age of 19 months old, so about 17 years. I was always twirling around the living room in my princess gowns and loved dancing. I was a very shy child with two older brothers, so my mom thought dance would help me come out of my shell and also be around others who loved dance too. Dance is very therapeutic. I love telling a story through my dance movements. It is special to me when I make others feel things from watching me dance.

What types of dances do you study and which is your favorite? Why?
I study hip hop, ballet, Jazz, tap, and contemporary/lyrical. I am also a tumbler. I would have to say Lyrical and hip hop are equally my favorites. With lyrical it’s all about the emotion and the story. It’s soft and the movements are controlled and meaningful. Whether it is an uplifting dance or a sad dance, it makes people feel all those feelings through watching me. With hip hop, it’s fun and fast paced. It’s explosive and intense. It can be aggressive and expressive. I love just getting down and dirty with hip hop

What has dance taught you?
Dance has taught me so many things. It would be hard to name them all. Here are some of them.
1. Ability to be creative and expressive
2. Teamwork and accountability
3. Love and acceptance
4. Adapt to changes and overcoming fears
5. Determination
6. Accountability
7. Discipline
8. Dedication
9. Perseverance

What is your favorite memory with dance?
At nationals the crew hosted a dance battle after competing all day. I didn't make it very far in the battle, I went against someone who had really amazing tricks. Even though I got out, I stayed the whole time. I’m not really someone who likes to stay at social events like that, but staying was the best thing I had done. We were all just dancing. It wasn't stressful, nobody got mad if you lost, everyone cheered for everyone. There weren't any sides. Hearing people I had never met before, cheering me on like I was one of their own. That's my favorite memory.

What is a favorite accomplishment with dance?
Other than winning the Grand National Championship this summer. I would have to say, placing in overalls at Nationals with my solos. With my torn ACL/Meniscus, going into Nationals week, I thought I might not perform my solos. When I placed 9th overall out of 33 dancers in the Senior Elite Division with my Jazz routine and 4th runner-up in the Miss Senior Elite Title Division with my lyrical routine, I have never been more proud of myself. I was so glad I decided to perform those dances one last time.

What do you wish everyone knew about dancers/dancing?
I would want everyone to know that we are dedicated and passionate individuals that want to share our talent with the world. We push ourselves outside our comfort zone because we know we will grow from it and become a better human because of it. We are hard workers and put a great deal of effort into everything we do.

What was it like being a choreographer for your high school dance team?
When I was asked to choreograph a routine for my high school dance team I was overjoyed. I felt a huge sense of responsibility and was ready for the challenge. I was honored that the dance team coach chose me and I was determined not to let her or the team down. The night they performed my routine, I was so nervous. They made me so proud and danced the routine wonderfully.

What did you learn about leadership and yourself as a leader in this role?
I definitely learned to give myself grace. I did not want to let down the dancers or the coaches. I believed in myself but felt a huge sense of responsibility. I had a vision and I learned very quickly to trust in myself. I also learned that communication to the dancers was key. All dancers have a different way of learning and I needed to adjust accordingly when teaching my routine.

What else would you like to talk about dance?
Being an advanced dancer that is looked up to, and a teacher assistant, I used that platform to mentor the littles at the studio. Talking about how being different is your best quality. Being passionate about something can give you purpose. Being determined can free you from any uncertainty or doubt that you are having. Having courage does not mean that you can't be afraid. That strength comes in all forms such as knowledge, compassion, forgiveness and love. As a very shy and introverted child, I want everyone to feel important and valued.

What style of dance/s do you teach younger students and what do you love most about teaching them?
I have assisted younger dancers in all styles of dance. Being one of the advanced dancers, they look up to me. When I teach them, they listen. They are all the little brother/sisters I never had. I love them all! One of my favorite things about teaching them is when their lightbulb goes off and they get the tumbling trick they have been working on or they get a dance move they have been struggling with. Their eyes get so big and they are so proud of themselves.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
In March of 2022, I tore my ACL/Meniscus. Being a dancer for 16 years, I was devastated. Even though the orthopedic surgeon advised me otherwise, I knew pushing through the pain and finishing the season was something I needed to do for myself and my team. The year was a huge success, I became a Grand National Champion. Post surgery I learned from the surgeon that due to the condition of my ACL, I should have never been able to walk without difficulty, let alone complete the season. My strength, determination, passion and resilience are what carried me through.

How are you now with your tear?
After finishing my dance year, on August 9th, I had ACL and Meniscus reconstruction surgery and I am recovering very well. I am a great patient and doing my physical therapy as instructed. Recovery is a minimum of 6 months. The hope is that I can start conditioning and training at the beginning of 2023 and get back to dancing.

What is going to a competition like?
It's all very stressful but we make it fun in our own way. Learning the dances, helping out, getting costumes, costume malfunctions, getting props late, last minute changes. It doesn't matter what it is, it matters how you take care of it. A couple days before we leave I am going through my duffle bag to make sure I have EVERY piece, and all make-up. Spray tan the day before is a must. The “big day” so to say, is more exciting than it is stressful. You're finally getting the chance to perform, you get to wear the costume, wear the makeup, have the hair just right, and then at the end of the day you finally get to find out if all the work you've done all year paid off. It does.

What was the dance and winning the Grand National Champion like?
It was a beautifully choreographed contemporary ballet dance. Our song/dance, “In This Shirt” was nothing less than the feeling of freedom, with both dancing and watching it. We wore a white button-up shirt, a long black skirt, a black corset, and our hair in a slick back bun so that it wouldn't distract from movement. When we won I was so excited and proud that I couldn't help but cry.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
Your health, specifically diabetic management is something that I would speak about. My dad has been a diabetic since he was 18 years old. Due to poor education and miss management he is now in End Stage Renal Failure and is waiting for a kidney transplant. He is currently being treated with Dialysis from home 4 times a week, that is bridging the gap until his transplant takes place. Watching my dad suffer has been very difficult and not something I would want anyone to suffer through. He has taught me to never give up and keep pushing through.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Dancing competitively with 12-14 routines with a torn ACL is definitely the hardest thing I have ever done.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
You are worth it and keep pushing towards your goal. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
My plans are to go to college, continue dancing and inspire others. I would love to own my own photography studio specializing in dance photography.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Hanging out with my family. They are my biggest supporters and I wouldn’t be where I am today without each of them.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can sing a little. It's not like most people but, others tell me all the time that I have a good voice and should've done something with it.

3 Things on your bucket list
Go to the Grand Canyon, own a photography business, and going to a Harry Styles concert.

Who do you find inspiring?
Martha Graham

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I am not the typical size 2 dancer and I am 5 feet tall. I hope that when people watch me they are inspired to go outside their comfort zone.

Look for Kyleigh in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Mckenna Esper is a senior at Legend High School and a member of the senior ballet company at her dance studio. She was awarded the lead role of Mouse King in her ballet company for this year's Nutcracker! She works part-time while finishing her high school career, volunteers twice a week as a teaching assistant for younger dancers at her dance school, and lettered in academics for her outstanding GPA. She is kind, intelligent, hard-working, creative, and not afraid to go to the beat of her own drum. She is an inspiring teen!
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What would you most like to talk about in your interview?
I'd love to talk about my dance career and how much it has had a positive effect on my life. Dance is a way of telling stories, whether it be mine or someone else's. Being on stage and really being myself for others to see is an irreplaceable feeling. Dance has also taught me discipline and respect, towards myself and others. Dancing is a way for me to forget about the chaotic world around me and just live in the moment.

When did you start dancing and where are you with it now?
I started dancing when I was 4 years old. When I was just starting out in dance, I was not a natural. I never had the ideal physique, especially when it comes to exterior rotation in my hips. I’ve always been naturally turned in. After years of hard work, I’m confident to say that I’ve made a great deal of progress. I had to put in a lot of extra work outside of the studio to get to where I am now, which is pre-college level.

What types of dances do you study? Which is your favorite and why?
I primarily study ballet. I have taken tap and jazz before, but I always go back to ballet. I also study contemporary, which allows me to express myself more than I can in ballet. However, ballet will always be my favorite. Ballet is the core style of dance; everything branches out from there. I love how ballet has been around since the 15th century, and how the most classic ballets like Sleeping Beauty are still well known. The history of ballet fascinates me and it shows how the best stories will always live on.

Tell us about your role as the Mouse King. Why are you so excited about dancing this particular character?
The role of the Mouse King comes from the classical ballet The Nutcracker. The Mouse King is the antagonist of the story, battling the Nutcracker Prince in the middle of Act 1. The Mouse King role has been a goal of mine for many years. Most girls want the role of Clara or the Sugar Plum Fairy, but I’ve always loved the Mouse King’s story. I love the personality this character has, and I’m so excited to add to it and make this role my own.

What do you think people who don't dance don't realize about dancing/dancers?
It’s a lot of hard work, that's for sure. As well as expensive. Some professional dancers go through multiple pairs of pointe shoes a month. But I think the most overlooked aspect of dance is the dancer's ability to overcome self-criticism in a sport that expects perfectionism. It can be hard to overcome those expectations in order to enjoy dancing.

What has been a favorite accomplishment and/or memory with dance?
When I was 12 years old, I finally advanced to pointe shoes. It was a goal of mine ever since I could make goals. It was the first main goal I had in my life. I would watch the older dancers practicing in their pointe shoes and I imagined myself in those shoes. Reaching that goal was thrilling, and I was so proud of myself for getting to that point.

What have you learned about teaching younger dancers?
As a dancer, you don’t always see your own progress. But when you’re working with younger kids on a weekly basis, you can see that progress in their technique. It’s rewarding to see them advance and get better in class each week.

Where do you work and what do you love about your job?
I work at a local dance apparel store as a sales associate. There are so many things I love about my job. My coworkers are such amazing and supportive people, we are always there for each other. I also love being able to help customers, whether they are just starting in dance, or they have been dancing their whole life. The best thing is fitting little girls in their first pair of tiny ballet shoes. They are so excited to wear the shoes and they started running around and dancing. It’s absolutely priceless.
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How do you maintain a balance between your high grades and extracurriculars?
Time management. It took me a while to learn, but this skill allows me to maintain school, work, dance, and even social time with my friends.

What is it like having your own personal photographer? Do you help plan the shoots?
I am very fortunate to have my mom as a photographer. We always exchange ideas for photoshoot locations, props, lighting, etc. It also helps me be more comfortable in front of the camera and be more myself. When it comes to planning photoshoots, we just pick a day and go for it.
What was your experience like for your senior pictures? What did you love most about it?
I have had 2 sessions for senior photos. One on a hiking trail with old abandoned buildings, and one in downtown Denver. I loved that it was just me and my mom. When we took pictures on the trail, it was a lot of fun to explore the trail to find brightly lit areas. It was a lot of fun downtown as well, finding abstract and unique backgrounds.

What are you most excited for in your senior year?
Knowing that I’ve finally made it to my senior year and being able to experience all of the senior traditions. For example, senior sunrise, painting our senior pants, senior ditch day, and most of all, graduation.

What will you miss most after you graduate?
I’ll miss the connections and school spirit the most. Engaging in school activities and events is such an important value that my school holds, as I do as well.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have a passion for ceramics! I have been taking ceramic classes at Legend High School since freshman year, and I am now in Honors Ceramics. It was difficult learning how to correctly make pieces of work from clay through zoom classes during Covid, but I demonstrated resilience and I'm proud of how far I've come with my ceramic skills. I plan to continue building my skills after high school!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I could talk about singer and songwriter Nick Cave for hours. Though not well known in the U.S., his music has moved so many people, including me. I have listened to his music for as long as I can remember; my dad is a huge fan as well. I may not have understood the meaning of his songs when I was younger, but I think there's something special about listening to an artist for your entire life. You interpret the songs differently in each stage of your life, and I think that adds to a person's character.

Look for Mckenna in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Madyson is a determined, hard working, loving, and positive young lady. She recently landed the role of Fantine in her school production of Les Miserables. She has the voice of an angel! What I love most about her is that she loves unconditionally and will be your biggest cheerleader. Her faith is most important to her and she isn’t afraid to share the positive impact it has had on her.

Tell us about your role as Fantine. What do you love most about playing this character? Fantine is one of the dramatic lead female roles in Les Miserables with beautiful songs, the most popular one being “I Dreamed A Dream.” I love being able to act out her character and truly portray to the audience the pain that she feels. It challenges me and it has been my favorite role that I’ve had in high school!

What do you love about acting and when did this start?
I love being able to tell a story and entertain the audience. It allows me to take my emotions and use my character as an outlet for those emotions. I started acting when I was 8 and I completely fell in love with being on stage and working hard for the roles I want! I can’t imagine going through my day to day without being able to sing/act.

What is a favorite memory of being on stage?
My favorite memory being on stage was when I was in The Lion King and played Nala! Elementary students came to our highschool to watch our musical and as we were performing we could hear the kids getting extremely excited when watching us. They were clapping and singing along to the songs that they recognized. It was the sweetest thing and my heart was so full.

What is your favorite genre of music to sing? Do you have a go-to song? What is it?
I love ALL types of music, but my favorite songs to sing are slow and dramatic ballads.

What is a favorite accomplishment from singing and/or acting?
My favorite accomplishment from singing and acting is not necessarily an award I’ve won or a role I’ve received. Acting and singing pushed me outside of my comfort zone and helped me to find confidence in myself, my abilities, and who I am as a whole. It takes a lot of courage to go up on stage in front of hundreds of people, and I found that courage through theatre. That accomplishment is more important to me than any award I could win.

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How did you find and why did you choose Vanessa Hendrickson for your photographer?
Vanessa saw me in the Lion King and reached out to me a couple months later asking me to be her Senior Rep Model! I was super excited as I looked at her previous pictures and saw how talented she was. She was everything I could’ve asked for; Vanessa is extremely talented in her photography abilities and is such a sweet person! She made me feel extremely comfortable and confident during sessions and I’m so grateful she reached out to me!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover? 
Had you told the 15 year old version of me that I pushed through the hard times and found joy, confidence, and hope for my future, I wouldn’t have believed you. I struggled with depression, anxiety, and feeling invisible through my worst experiences. Breaking through these issues and finding my self-worth is something I’ll never stop being grateful for! I went from invisible to undeniable. I strive to inspire others to just keep fighting; it’s truly worth it in the end. This has motivated me to pursue psychology and become a therapist to be that support system for others!

What else would you like to talk about? 
I would love to talk about my faith testimony and my mental health journey, and passion/achievements for theatre/singing!

Please tell us more about your faith testimony?
I went from being Mormon at a young age, atheist for many years, and I am now Christian as of a year ago. It was the best decision I’ve ever made and by far the most important experience in my life that has made me who I am today. God will always be the center of my life and I can never fully express the dramatic change that happened in my life, from being atheist to Christian. I didn’t think I’d be here today, and now I’m so grateful He didn’t give up on me.

​What has your mental health journey been like?
Had you met me at any point from middle school- sophomore year of high school, you wouldn’t recognize me now. I was at a really low point mentally where I believed I wouldn’t be here today. I felt invisible, unwanted, and unworthy of love. I thought I was stuck and I’d never feel any differently. I struggled with S.H. and saw it as my only outlet. But with support from my friends, chosen family, and building my relationship with God, I am so grateful to say I am at a completely different place now. Of course I still have my struggles, but I also know that no matter what happens I will be okay and make it through. I’m excited and hopeful for my future, and I am ready to use my experiences to help others with theirs through being a therapist!

What is your favorite thing to do when you have nothing to do and all day to do it?
My favorites things to do are hanging out with my friends, having Bible study dates, working out, and practicing songs!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I could talk about how I found my faith for hours on end! From being Mormon, atheist, and now Christian, my journey and my love for God is the most meaningful part of my life. No matter who it’s with, I love having God conversations and learning about other people’s stories. The outlet it’s given me, the hope I now have, and the lessons I’ve learned have been the stepping stones that have made me the woman I am today!
  

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
As cliche as it is, I would tell them that no matter what happens, they are going to make it. That as hard as it can be to believe when you’re struggling, it all really will work out in the end.
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I see myself graduated from college as a therapist, helping others with the circumstances and struggles that they’re going through. I want to specialize in depression, anxiety, self harm, S.A, and eating disorders.
 
Look for Madyson in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Theo Rettke is a remarkable young man. His smile can change a room in an instant. He is empathetic beyond his years, noticing everything with an emotional maturity that is rare in a person his age. He is charming, sensitive, and deeply loyal. He fills people's hearts with his generous and kind nature, dishing out compliments and spreading laughter with his fun-loving sense of humor. What the world would be if there were more people like him. Our community is blessed to have him.
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Tell us about your baseball career.
My baseball career isn't so much a career, it's more of a love to play. The game itself has taught me a lot both physically and mentally. I've learned from baseball that you can only control the things you have control over. You can't control the calls the umpire makes just like you can't control why certain things happen to you. Things happen and you have to move forward with your best attitude and mindset and keep working hard even if the situation sucks. I am now a pitcher for my high school team. I have made lots of friends from playing baseball and I love being able to enjoy the sport with them.

What is a favorite accomplishment and/or memory from baseball?
I think my favorite memory from baseball was when I hit my first home run at Acorn Park, the field I grew up playing on. It is a moment I will never forget.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
To be honest, I have never thought about myself this way. Although, one quality that I have never noticed until recently is that I can talk to anyone without it being awkward or uncomfortable. I can have an enjoyable conversation with everybody, no matter who. I also love being able to talk to new people and connecting with them.

What else would you like to talk about?
I would like to talk about this past year and everything that I’ve learned and gone through including the death of a friend and some recent difficult family times. Plus starting my senior year in school.

What has this last year been like?
This last year I've gone through a lot. We had a family friend that passed away and I was really close with him. He was like another father to me. I've also gone through some difficult family things that I feel made me step up more around the house. I had to take more responsibility at home and help out with more than I was used to.

What have you learned?
Our family friend’s name was Eric and I learned a lot from being with him and around him. I sort of modeled my personality to be like his because he was always making everyone smile and filled a room with laughter. His passing was a really hard time for me because I didn't have that person I could just talk to about whatever was on my mind anymore. I learned that there are things you can do that will still help you feel that comfort even if one of those ways is gone. Then with things at home I really learned a lot about providing for myself. It helped me grow and mature more because I had more responsibility at home and was taking care of myself because my parents were focused on the things happening with our family.
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​Tell us about your family and where you fit in.
I am the youngest member of my family. I have an older brother, mom, and dad. I was born in Guatemala and joined my family through adoption. I came to Minnesota when I was 5 months old. I love my family and all they do for me, and they have shaped me into who I am. We also have a wonderful doggo whose name is Emi, and she really helps the family love each other unconditionally.

How would your family describe you?
My family would describe me as a pretty good kid. They would say I am fun to be around, respectful, responsible, fun loving, good humored, easy going, considerate of others, and a kid who loves to watch The Office and Anime. My Grandpa calls me “Ray” because he says I am a ray of sunshine.

What are you most looking forward to in your senior year?
I am looking forward to graduation day for sure, but I'm also looking forward to taking the next step in my life and seeing where it takes me.

What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
The sort of legacy that I want to leave behind is that you don't have to be anyone but yourself. I want people to see that you can be successful and not have to change yourself for anyone. You should be confident in who you are.

What is one memory you cannot wait to make?
One memory I cannot wait to make is graduating college. That will be a big day for me and I will feel proud of myself for making it through college.

How did you find and why did you choose Erinn Letts Photos for your photographer?
I found Erinn because her son is a friend of mine. I used to play basketball with him so our families have known each other for years. I chose her because she has always had a fun and kind personality. I really wanted someone who I could joke around with and it was perfect because I was able to do that with her.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
It was a great photo shoot with Erinn. Our other family friend Lysa came along to help because my parents were out of town. We had such a great time joking around. We all know each other very well and it created an environment of humor and fun. The thing I loved the most about the shoot was how funny and amazing Erinn was while taking pictures.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
Something I could talk about to a group of people would be how everyone has something going on in their life and share some ways to deal or cope with it. Teens may not have the best ability to be able to deal with things and I’d just want to talk to them about ways to deal with whatever is going on with them. There have been some stressful and tough times in my life and I would be able to share my experiences in how I dealt with these moments.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite activity that was not mentioned in the nominations is that I love to snowboard. I love the feel of the wind blowing on your face with a slight chill. The vibe at night when the snow is falling and you are going down the slopes with music in your ear is amazing to experience.

3 Things on your bucket list
Backcountry snowboarding is something that I really want to do and I will do it as soon as I can. I also want to go to Switzerland and go on a hiking/backpacking trip there. One more thing I want to do is go skydiving. I feel like it would be such a cool and amazing experience and it looks incredibly fun.

Look for Theo in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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​What is your Poms/Dance team like and where do you fit in?
My Poms/dance team is like a second family. We are all close and hangout even outside of practice. I am one of the returning members to the team and I help a lot of the dancers with questions on dances, sidelines, and I am also on the competition team. Meaning 9 of us, including me, go to competitions including league and state.

What do you love most about being on the team?
What I love most about being on poms is the spirit. We get to perform at assemblies, varsity football, and varsity basketball. I love getting the student section excited and pumped up. I also love being able to express myself through dance whether it’s jazz, hip hop, Pom, lyrical, etc. It helps me become a more rounded dancer.

When did you start dancing and what is the hardest thing about it that people may not understand?
The first time I ever danced was when I was 4. It didn’t last for very long but it introduced me to dance. Then, when I was 8 I started Irish dancing. I stuck with it for two years and did really well. I stopped when I moved because I could no longer continue the program. I tried a lot of different activities between then and now. Last year I started dancing again. Getting the strength and technique that is needed to dance well is a lot harder than most people think. It takes lots of time,practice, and instruction.

What is your leadership position on the Student Council?
I am the co-chair for a committee called Bear Leadership. Bear leadership focuses on thank you cards for volunteers at dances, games, concessions, etc. We also plan birthday parties for our fellow members. We also throw student council dinners where all of us can bond and loosen some stress with all the activities. Finally we also buy build-a-bears for the graduating seniors to look back on their high school years.

What is your strongest leadership quality?
My strongest leadership ability is the ability to listen and make connections. Whenever someone tells me a suggestion, critique, or whatever they want to, I listen to them to my fullest abilities. I really try to engage with whoever I’m talking to to show them I care. I also make connections very well. I tend to be the kind of friend that everyone can go to for advice or to get something off their chest. This makes me a great leader because I would be seen as a leader not a dictator.

What have you learned about yourself in this leadership role?
I have learned that the more I can be involved the better. By being involved in more activities I can meet new people and experience new things. This will help me become a more rounded person and make more connections. Being a more rounded person is important because then I see different perspectives and can connect through those experiences. I also tend to have more fun when going to more activities because it distracts me from stress from school.

What women issues are most important to you to advocate?
I want to bring to attention that women’s appearances don’t determine who they are. Just because someone wears baggy or tight clothes, pants, skirts, dresses, and so much more, doesn’t define who they are. It’s the same with makeup. In today's society women are expected to put on makeup to “look better” but then they’re called fake. Some women wear makeup to cover insecurities, gain confidence, for fun, and many other reasons. We should wear what we want to express ourselves and not be bullied, taken advantage of, or looked down upon just because we’re wearing something someone doesn’t approve of.

How did you find and why did you choose Everyday Moments Photography for your photographer?
 I found Everyday Moments Photography through my friend Ava. Her mom is starting up Everyday Moments Photography and I thought it would be fun to have a photo shoot. I chose it because I knew the family and I took advantage of a mini photo shoot she was doing.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
 The whole photo shoot was a blast. I got to be around flowers and try new poses. I felt very confident and the photographer gave lots of compliments. I also got to bond with my friend Ava a little more because she was assisting her mom. I loved all of the creative photo ideas I got to do.
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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Throughout my life living as a kid of someone in the Air Force, I moved a lot. Everywhere I went I had to remake connections with people and make something of myself. In each place I was able to become immersed with my surroundings and make the most out of the time I had there. It was hard as first but I kept working at it and didn't give up. I adapted to the different teaching styles, cultures, living spaces, and types of people.

Where has been a favorite place you've lived, and what is a favorite memory there?
My favorite place I have lived in is either Germany or Colorado. My favorite memory in Germany was definitely the “the epic snowball fight”. The families on my road on base all got up pretty early one morning when it was snowing. We all went outside and started a huge snowball fight with snowball makers, sleds used at shields, and someone made a little igloo. My favorite memory in Colorado so far is when my two best friends came over and we baked Christmas cookies. We listened to Christmas music, danced, and baked. Unfortunately they turned out really bad, the cookies that is.

What have you learned about people in general living in so many different areas?
I learned that people are generally the same wherever I went. The cultures fluctuated but the people pretty much stayed the same.

What will you miss most about the area you are in now when you leave?
I will miss my friends, family, and community. I have made so many friends and memories here that I will never forget. I’m hoping I won’t leave until college but who knows if there is something waiting to happen to change my life.

What else would you like to talk about?
I like to look to the future. I set myself up to where I can have options to choose from when a decision comes. Currently I'm doing my best in school and get good grades so I have more options with colleges. I also like to try different activities so I can be as well-rounded as possible. What I do to set myself up like this is talk to people around me who have already done, or are also trying to do, what I'm doing. They can give me advice and help me along my journey.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I have lived in six very different places; Texas, Poland, Nevada, Germany, Virginia, and Colorado. Each of these places were very different from the others. I got to see different architecture, food, people, and landscapes. I loved seeing all the differences because it exposed me to how diverse our world is. I believe all of these places shaped me in some shape, way, or form. Each time I moved I was scared I wouldn't be accepted but once I found the right people, I had so much fun.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
When I was younger I gained the courage to sing a solo in my school's talent show. I was able to do this because my friends and family encouraged me.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Take risks, have fun, and focus on what is important to you

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years I see myself in college, majoring in forensic science or psychology

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
 really like snowboarding with my dad.

3 Things on your bucket list.
Ride in a hot air balloon, sky dive, ride in a helicopter

Who do you find inspiring?
Zendaya or Emma Watson

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I have always been determined and have balanced my social, active, and academic life.
Is there anything else you would like to tell us? I really appreciate this whole opportunity and recognition. I never thought something like this would happen.

Look for Kenna in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Gianna Biondolillo: (written by Teresa Biondolillo)
Gianna is an inspiration to me, as her mother, for 3 simple reasons! Her love for her family is apparent at all times. She loves family gatherings and she is always smiling when with her cousins and grandparents. Secondly, she is true to herself! She has values and morals that make her an honest and good person and she doesn't let peer pressure distract her from her true beliefs. Lastly, she has a very strong work ethic! She interviewed for her first job at 15 years old in the heart of the pandemic, and nailed it!

Tell us about your family and where you fit in. I am the oldest of 2 children.
How would your cousins describe you? My cousins would describe me as organized, responsible, and funny.

What is a favorite memory with your grandparents?
My favorite memory with my grandparents is going to Naples, Florida with my grandma on spring break. I remember spending time with her on the beach, shopping, and looking for seashells. Her favorite place to shop was the store that allowed cats inside.

What is a tradition with your family that you hope never ends?
 A tradition that I hope never ends is on Christmas Eve my entire extended family goes to my great grandmas house and she prepares Italian food for us all to enjoy and we sing and dance. We have a white elephant gift exchange that always brings a lot of laughter.

How do you use your morals and honesty in everyday life?
I use my morals at school by treating my friends the way that I would like to be treated. I stay true to myself by not giving into peer pressure and not participating in gossip.

Tell us about your job. What do you do and what do you love most about it?
 I am a Barista at Starbucks. What I love most about my job is having meaningful conversations with my coworkers. We share a lot of family stories and we laugh a lot.

How did you find and why did you choose Vanessa Purdef of Vanessa Purdef Photography, LLC for your photographer?
 Vanessa is a friend and client of my moms. We chose her because she is very talented and she was super easy to work with.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
Vanessa made this experience so much fun! She had great ideas of how to use nature in my photos and we spent a lot of time laughing about certain nature calls, i.e. bees! She had never photographed anyone at the 2 locations we chose so it was fun for her too, to experience a new scene.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
In addition to the items mentioned in my nomination letter I think 2 more things that I am inspirational for, is that I am nonjudgemental and I genuinely care for others. I accept everyone for the way that they are even if they are different than me. I care for others especially those that are less fortunate than me. It's important to me that others are not left out and that they always feel included.

What else would you like to talk about?
I would love to talk about volleyball and my pets. I enjoy spending time with my friends, ice skating, and shopping!

Tell us about your volleyball career.
 I started playing volleyball when I was 8 years old for my school team. I enjoyed being a part of a team. My team was very good and we won a lot of games.

What do you love most about volleyball and being on your volleyball team?
I love meeting new girls on the opposing teams. I love being active and keeping my body healthy and strong.

Tell us about your pets.
I have 3 cats. 1 lives outside and we inherited him from my sick grandfather. The other 2 cats live inside and my one cat sleeps on my bed every night. I have always loved animals. I have also had guinea pigs, goldfish, turtles, and hamsters.

What will you miss most about your friends once you all graduate?
I will miss being able to talk to my friends throughout the day. I will miss going to football games, dances, and having lunch together.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
I would talk about how important it is to be yourself and not give into peer pressure. I have learned through my time spent in school that remaining true to myself and not becoming distracted by negative things, has proven to be most beneficial for me.

Look for Gianna in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

 
What do you wish others knew about having a parent with breast cancer that you think they may not?
It takes a toll on the entire family. Although it wasn’t me who had cancer, her treatments definitely took a large mental toll on my sisters and I, overall it is very draining and depressing.

What have you learned about yourself while taking care of your mother?
I like helping people. I always knew that I wanted to do something in the medical field; but by helping her it really instilled in me that I would feel “successful” if I was able to consistently help others in some manner.

What is a favorite memory with your mother?
My favorite memory with my mother is most likely when our dogs had puppies and we gave them each temporary names. It was really wholesome and even though it was a few years ago it’s still prominent in my memory.

What steps did you use to pursue the basket idea for women with breast cancer?
I designed the bags all on my own based on things my mother had used during her treatments. I made a gofundme to raise money for the bags and ended up exceeding the initial amount, allowing me to increase the number of bags made to 30. I have communicated with the hospital and am planning on having them delivered sometime in October, in recognition of breast cancer awareness month.

What do you put in them, and where do you take them?
The baskets are taken to the Hillman Cancer Center, part of the Williamsport UPMC facility. They have things to help with nausea, wooden silverware because chemo makes it so you can’t use metal utensils, coloring books for treatments, port pillows for seat belts, and a bunch of other convenient items.

What are you most looking forward to in your senior year?
Spending time with my friends, because of Covid I didn’t have the most normal high school experience. I hope that this year brings a lot of fun memories and experiences with my peers.

How did you find and why did you choose Tish O’Connor Photography for your senior photographer?
I chose Tish because she’s a family friend and lot of my friends that graduated in previous years had their photos taken by her.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I loved my experience; Tish made me feel very at ease and comfortable. She was adamant about making sure I was okay with the different poses and the angles she was shooting from.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I do my best to give back to my community not just by helping my mother; but by helping the children that I work with advance their learning for school.

Tell us more about the children you help. How did you get started and what do you do with them?
For as long as I can remember, I’ve loved working with kids. I mainly work with the families I babysit/nanny for. I try to help them with reading, writing, and basic math skills. I hope that by building up their foundations with these skills will pay off in the future.

What is your best leadership quality in this endeavor?
My best leadership quality is the patience I have with kids. I feel like a lot of people get impatient and aren’t able to help teach them without talking down to them.

What else would you like to talk about?
My family and the importance they have in my life. They mean the world to me and I don’t know who I would be without them.

Tell us about your family and where you fit in.
I am the middle child of three girls. My older sister is a Junior at Penn State and my younger sister is a sophomore in high school.

How would they describe you?
They would probably describe me as assertive, I know what is right and wrong and am adamant about speaking up on things I don’t believe are just.

What is a tradition with your family that you hope never ends?
Almost every winter we go to New York City and spend the weekend there. This is a core piece of my childhood and is something that I hope continues even when I’m in college.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
The importance of helping others. I feel that most people of this generation tend to look out more for themselves than others. Although I feel it is important to put yourself first, one shouldn’t forget the importance of helping others in their community.

Look for Amelia in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: As a great volleyball athlete, Teagan Byquist continues to amaze me with her congeniality both on and off the court. She has built life-long friendships with athletes from all over the country and supports them whether she is playing alongside them or simply cheering from the sidelines. Teagan’s personality is one of kindness, humility, and eagerness to learn. Her smile lights up any environment and is highly contagious. Teagan’s love for others, God, and America is far more mature than I’ve seen in most students her age. All-around, she’s an amazing young lady who deserves recognition.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am a student athlete who just won junior class princess on homecoming court for my grade. I play volleyball for KBeach also known as Kahiau volleyball club. Kahiau stands for family and give without expecting anything in return. I believe the best way to success as a team is playing together and being like a family on and off the court. When I am not playing volleyball you will see me at the gym, helping with kids at church, and spending time with family and friends.

Tell us about your volleyball career. When did you get started and where are you with it now?
Volleyball is a huge part of my life. One of my passions. My volleyball career began 5 years ago. I have played 5 years of beach volleyball, 4 years of indoor club volleyball, and this is my 3rd year participating in high school volleyball. In indoor volleyball, I am an outside hitter and in beach volleyball I am a spit blocker. Currently, I am playing indoor and scheduling time in the future to travel for beach volleyball to participate in tournaments in various states.
With playing volleyball year-round brings a busy schedule. We train all year and travel for tournaments. In the future, I want to play beach volleyball in college.

What is your favorite thing about the sport?
Volleyball has brought many meaningful friendships into my life and allowed me to travel to places in the world I never thought of going to without tournaments. The thing I love about beach volleyball is how the players are in charge of all aspects and the coaches only coach on time outs. In high school volleyball, I love the celebration and student cheering section. The hype from the student section is always a lot of fun.

What is your team like and where do you fit in?
My high school team and club teams are super close like a family. We spend a lot of time together on and off the courts. We are always having fun, trying to laugh, while continuing to compete at a high level and take things seriously. I am a very competitive athlete and try to be the best teammate by always cheering them on and sharing in their successes. Being part of our travel elite beach team is a huge commitment and I love it!

What is a favorite memory and/or accomplishment from volleyball?
One of my favorite memories is from this past beach volleyball season. I am part of our elite beach team in Chelan, Washington and we had all finished our games expect for one pair. The rest of us went on the sidelines and cheered for them as they continued to compete and afterwards took photos in the Ocean. It was an amazing experience!

How did you find and why did you choose Dan Duren for your photographer? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
I first met my photographer Dan Duren at a Get Noticed Volleyball tournament in Arizona. I love the pictures he captures, his contagious positive attitude, and dedication to helping others. He is a ton of fun to be around. The first time we met we did a hilarious TikTok together.
At the first tournament, he captured some amazing action shots of me playing volleyball. After that, I saw him at several other tournaments. He travels all over too. This past summer, I was chosen to be one of his Under the Boardwalk models. The journey doing photo shoots with Dan is incredible. I chose Dan Duren for my photographer because he is funny, fun to be around, and takes the absolute best photographs. Dan captures beauty in action sports and when we do modeling photos. My experience with Dan Duren has been the best! I’m thankful for his leadership, friendship, and sense of humor. Our conversations outside of volleyball mean a lot to me. Doing photo shoots with Dan is an incredible experience. He is the best!

What did it mean to you to be chosen as junior class princess for homecoming court?
I have wanted to be Homecoming princess since I was a little girl. Being able to be princess means a lot to me and I was so excited to be chosen to represent my junior class this year. One of my good friends who is like a sister to me got to be princess her junior year as well and I love feeling like I’m following in her footsteps. I look up to her and she has been a great friend and role model to me for many years.

​What is your favorite thing/s to do at the gym?
During my spare time, I enjoy going to the gym. I am a very active person and love the benefits from training at the gym. One thing I enjoy doing is definitely squats. Squats have always been my favorite since the beginning. Another one is deadlift. I enjoy doing these two lifts and enjoy tracing my progress as I work out and train at the gym.

How do you like spending your time with the kids at church?
Sundays are one of my favorite days. I enjoy spending time with the kids at church and being with them is a lot of fun. I spend some of my time in the Nursery room with children from 1 month -1 year. They are a joy to be with and run to me with big smiles and open arms. These kids are so cute. Working with them in the Nursery area at church is always a good time.

What is a favorite memory with your family?
My favorite memory with my family is going to PBR in Las Vegas. We went to PBR (Professional Bull Riding) in Vegas a year ago and spent time together at the event and exploring Las Vegas. The trip was only a few days, but we made a lot of memories together. Las Vegas was a lot of fun, especially because it was just my me and my parents. I am thankful for my family and all our adventures and time spent together.

Where would we most likely find you and your friends?
If I’m not on a beach volleyball court, the place my friends and I hangout a lot is the local park. The park is located on Lake Chelan. We enjoy hanging out because of the beach volleyball courts, large grass area to play sports or sit and visit, basketball courts, playground, and the beautiful lake.

​What else would you like to talk about?
I would love to talk about the mission trips that I have been on to New Orleans and Alaska.

Tell us about these mission trips.
My first Missions Trip was to New Orleans. I went with 40 other teens from my church. This trip was life changing for me. It opened my eye to the conditions of the world around me and my love for service. After seeing how little other have, it really puts things into perspective and makes me even more grateful for all I have. We spent the week cleaning around the city, cleaning out and repainting a house, having lunch and visiting with the homeless and spending time worshiping. I found that this trip allowed me to connect with Jesus on a deeper level, step out of my comfort zone, and truly focus on the needs of others while strengthening my faith.

This past summer, I traveled to Kenai/Soldotna Alaska with a group of 40 people from my church. When I was there, I was able to spend time with local families helping around their homes. During this week, I also spent cutting down trees, deliming trees, helping put on a sports camp and teach various sports to kids, teaching volleyball and many more things. I learned a lot and got closer to God. In the evenings, we participated in amazing worship nights that allowed a lot of us to open up, it was truly amazing! During these trips I not only have become closer to God but have built lasting friendships and incredible memories. I am grateful for my relationship with Jesus and the opportunities of these Missions Trips.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
If I were to do a presentation in front of my peers, I would present on the feelings through a mission's trip. I would discuss what all we do that people don't see along with the friendships made with others, the spiritual connection made with God and how close we can get to him in just a week by serving others, reading, and worship.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
As a Christian, the most important thing in my life is my faith. Trust God. He has a plan for you and is always by your side. Seek a relationship with God. Even at times you don’t see it or don’t understand why things are happening, God knows why and all you must do is trust him and trust the process. He is waiting for the right moment and preparing you for greater things.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Most definitely snow skiing! I enjoy being outside and love all seasons, but during the winter I love to go skiing when time allows.

3 Things on your bucket list
Three things on my bucket list are to travel and see the world, ride horses on the beach, and shark viewing from a helicopter.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
No matter what I don’t give up on what I love. I believe I inspire others with my positivity and perseverance. I am a loyal friend, positive, confident, extremely organized, and sometimes over prepared.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Coaching younger athletes is one of my favorite things to do. I get to coach the littles in our volleyball club during the beach season and indoor club season. I take pride in inspiring and coaching younger athletes.

Look for Teagan in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Gianna Sambolin does it all! She is a gymnast, elite cheerleader and dancer. She plays the saxophone, volunteers to help tutor kids in her school and volunteers her time to organize fundraisers that help those less fortunate. She works as a Model and is signed with WSM Talent Agency. She does all this while maintaining high honors in school and she is a member of the National Junior Honor Society. Her work ethic as an athlete and as a scholar as well as her desire to give back to her community is what makes her such an inspiring young lady.

Tell us more about your gymnastics career.
I started gymnastics when I was 7 years old. I'm on an Xcel team which is a USA gymnastics competitive team, but it allows a more flexible schedule for me to participate in other sports. I'm currently on an Xcel Gold team.

What is your best event?
Floor is my best and favorite event! Tumbling is one of my favorites parts of being a gymnast. Also on floor, I love learning the choreography to a routine and performing it in front if an audience.

What is a favorite accomplishment from gymnastics?
My third year of gymnastics I won 1st place all around at my State competition!
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When did you start cheering and what is the best part of being a cheerleader?
I started cheering when I was 7 years old and the best part of being a cheerleader is performing at the competitions and bonding with my teammates.

Tell us about your cheer team and where you fit in?
I'm currently on two teams. I cheer for my town team and also for my State Elite team.
On my town team I am one of the main tumblers.
For the State Elite team I am a base as well as a tumbler.

What is a favorite memory from cheer?
One of my favorite memories from cheer is last year is when my team wasn’t doing that great all season and we made a huge comeback and placed 2nd place in Regionals. It was the best feeling to put so much hard work in and finish the season placing 2nd at Regionals.

How did you find and why did you choose Stewart Smith Photography for your photographer? 
My Mom knew of Stewart and scheduled a photoshoot as a birthday present for me. I had been asking her to start modeling and I wanted to get a portfolio started. Stewart is the best photographer and an awesome person!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
It was the best! We shot two full days, one in his studio and one on the beach and some other outside locations. I loved the whole experience. Stewart gives great direction and makes you feel so comfortable like you're just hanging out taking pictures with a friend. I can’t wait to go back and shoot with him again, it was so fun!
 
If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be? 
I could talk about traveling forever. I love to visit new places, learn how people in that country live and learn about their cultures.

Where are some of the places you've visited? 
I've traveled a lot for a 13 year old. We take a family vacation every year to Aruba which I look forward to. I've been to the Bahamas, Grand Cayman Island, Cozumel, Belize, Honduras, I've also been to many different states in the USA.

Which is your favorite destination and why?
So far my favorite places are Aruba and New York

What is the most interesting thing you've learned in someone else's culture?
It amazes me when other countries drive on the other side of the road.

What have you learned about people in general in your travels?
Peoples personalities are really different in different parts of the world. For example, when I am in New York everyone seems so serious and is fast paced and in a rush. In Aruba, everyone is happy, more relaxed and not so much in a rush.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I think that hardest thing I've ever accomplished is getting through quarantine. I am always so busy and had a hard time slowing down. Not seeing anyone or going anywhere was very difficult.
I was able to get through this time by having a schedule of activities that I did every day. I did lots of workouts to stay conditioned for sports and facetimed my friends and family to stay connected. I just tried to stay positive through this time and tried to remember it was going to get better soon.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Have good time management, and always put in your best effort. I feel like I am successful in school and sports because I try to do my best every day, and with a busy schedule, having good time management has helped me reach my goals.
 
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I hope to be still modeling, I would love to be a high fashion runway model.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite thing to do is go to the beach. It makes me feel relaxed and peaceful to be at the ocean.
 
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I'm super flexible, I could definitely see myself being a contortionist.
 
3 Things on your bucket list
1.Become a runway model
2.Finish the rest of my schooling with all A's
3.Go to Paris

Who do you find inspiring?
My Mom is inspiring to me because she keeps our family so close and connected and takes care of us all. She's gone through a lot of difficult times but always stays so strong and positive.
 
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
Other people inspire me when they are confident and sure of themselves.
I think I am inspiring because I try to always have a positive outlook on things. I am a nice person, and I treat people as I would like to be treated.

Look for Gianna in issue 60 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Isabella “Bella” Hustic is a teen with remarkable strength and courage. August of 2021, Bella was in so much pain, that she no longer wanted to be alive. Thankfully, Bella bravely reached out for help and was diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder. Bella continues to work towards wellness and is aware the journey will be lifelong. Bella documents her journey using poetry. She complied her poems, independently found and paid for her own editor, and then published her first book, Prison Trapped Mind, at age 17. She is an inspiration and the face of hope to all who know her.

How did you find and why did you choose April G Photography for your photographer?
We knew her from when she took my brothers senior pictures a few years back and we were very impressed!
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​Tell us about your book. What inspired you to write it?
My book is a collection of poetry that is real and raw. It tells a story that many teens go through daily, whether it be depression, anxiety, an eating disorder, bullying or even just the everyday stress of being a teen and figuring new things out. Growing up is not easy for anyone. There are so many obstacles when it comes to figuring yourself out and evolving into an adult, so it is my wish that my book becomes a platform and safe space for anyone who feels alone.

What did it entail getting all the poems together? How long did it take?
Throughout the years, I have written hundreds of poems. They are all spread out throughout school binders, word documents, the notes app on my phone and old notebooks under my bed. Every time, I have an idea I stop what I am doing and write it down. So, when I decided to write the book, I rounded up everything, laid it on my bedroom floor and decided on my theme for each section and the order of the poems. Deciding the order took me about 3 weeks.

What are the poems about? Which is your favorite? Why?
The poems are about hardship and healing. I would say that the emotional vibe of the book goes in waves, just like human emotion. Some days are insanely hard for my mental and physical health and other days I feel just fine. So, that would be the main message of the poems. But other than that, I cover my personal experience with depression, suicidal thoughts, anxiety, anorexia, abandonment, OCD, heartbreak, losing friends and self-love. Most importantly, I talk about healing. My favorite poem is the last one in my book, titled “More to Come”.

​What was the hardest part about finding a publisher? What was the process like - how/where did you look and where did you find one?
The hardest part for me was deciding if I wanted to self-publish or submit my work to publishers. I went back and forth for about 6 months, then I ultimately decided to self-publish so I would be able to keep all credit and makes all decisions with my work. I did a lot of research and weighed the pros and cons of each self-publishing company, then I went with what I thought would work best for me.

How long did it take to get a final copy and what did you do with the first books you received?
I am a perfectionist, so it took me 3 months to get the book I wanted. I have 6 first draft books on my shelf that are all different. My original book had a different cover and about 20 more poems that I decided to cut.

What was your purpose that drove you to make sure this book got published and in the hands of others?
My only goal I have ever had in life is to help people. I may have changed as a person and I will continue to for my entire life, but my love for others will never cease. If someone where to give me this book on the day I wanted to end my life, I would have probably fallen apart crying. I know what its like to feel meaningless and alone, and I want to empower those would feel like the world would be better off without them to keep living. I will never get to the point where I don’t deal with thoughts or feeling meaningless, but I CAN continue to keep trying and hold onto what is beautiful in life.

Are you planning any future books?
Yes! I am currently writing my next book!

​Tell us about your mission trips. Where did you go and what did you do there?
First, I went to the Dominican Republic summer of 2016. I went with a group of about 15 people. When I was there, I worked with little kids the most. We went to schools to do some fun activities and I remember there was one day where a group of little kids from an orphanage came to the place we were staying at (the missionaries house) and hung out for the day.
The summer after, I went to South Dakota. This trip was more lifechanging for me, because it opened my eyes to the living conditions Native Americans are living in, right here in the U.S. It was very sad, because the truth of reservations is not something that is advertised. We built houses, cleaned up the roads/pollution and held a summer camp for the kids there.

What did you learn about the world and people in general on these trips?
I learned that I am very fortunate to live the way I do. Many people in America say that they are not rich, but in my eyes, if you have a roof over your head, clean drinking water and more than one pair of shoes, you are rich. I learned that materials items are fleeting and do not lead to happiness. The happiest people I’ve ever met are people who did not have anything materialistic.

What did you learn about yourself?
I learned that I had taken my privilege for granted and I need to keep trying to make the world a better place. I might not have a lot of money to put gas in my car, but I have a car. That is the mindset I have had since going on the mission trips. Nothing changes you like seeing a hungry mom holding a hungry baby with no roof over their head. Although very sad, I wish that more Americans were able to see how most of the rest of the world lives, because it humbles you like nothing else.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I have ever done was deciding to live. If you have never been suicidal, you do not understand what it is like. It doesn’t matter how much people love you if you are thinking about ending your life. I think that is something most people do not understand. When one is in a suicidal mindset, they are not even thinking like a “normal person”. Their thinking is impaired. I learned in the hospital that your brain physically changes with trauma. If you want to save a life, listen, and stay with the person. Be patient and don’t try to understand, just be with them.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Keep breathing. I know it’s impossible to believe, but things will get better. You will one day feel lighter, I promise.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I have no idea, wherever life takes me!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
My favorite past time is running! I’ve never felt as free as I do when I run. It is a tool I use to feel human and to better myself.

3 Things on your bucket list
Three things on my bucket list would be: to travel to Alaska, to skydive in Hawaii and to be on the Jimmy Fallon Show.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find many people inspiring. I see inspiring attributes in everyone I meet. Although, I would say that I am most inspired by hard workers and artistic people. Some people that most inspire me are: my mom, my friends, other writers, Taylor Swift and Jimmy Fallon.

Look for Bella in issue 59 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Makenna is a senior in high school this year and continues to display grace and positivity in everything she does. She is highly involved in her school activities and community. She stays connected to her school and peers through her participation in music, theater, sports and clubs. Music and theater have been important parts of Makenna’s life. She learned how to play the French Horn in band before transitioning to the Clarinet. During the high school theater productions, Makenna can be found in the pit during the musical productions and working with the stage crew and lighting during plays.

Photography by Shelia Harris

What Clubs are you involved in at school?
I’m a part of book club, interact, and National Honors Society

Which is your favorite and why?
My favorite is book club cause it’s a time to hang out with all my friends and talk about books. Sounds Like a win win to me.

What leadership roles have you had?
I’m the President of book club and now my friend rylee and I handle uniforms for marching band.

What have you learned about yourself as a leader?
I’ve learned that I try to be a soft leader. I don’t like to be mean and demanding.

What do you love about music?
I love how beautiful it is. Music can be gorgeous if you play it right.

What is your favorite genre to play? Do you have a favorite go-to song? What is it?
My favorite genre of music to play is pop music. My favorite go to song is Hallucinate by Dua Lipa.

What is your favorite memory in your role in theater?
My favorite memory was my first ever show freshman year. At my school, we do these little games before the show to get everyone pumped up. All the positive energy is so uplifting and makes me so excited for every show.

Tell us about one of your volleyball career.
I don’t anymore but for a long time I played volleyball for my school. I only stopped because I wanted to focus more on school and theater.
I’ve been playing volleyball since 5th grade. All the way to my senior year of high school, volleyball was a huge part of my life. I always played volleyball because it was fun, not because I wanted to win.

What was your favorite accomplishment in sports?
My favorite accomplishment from volleyball was going to regionals my junior year. It was an amazing experience for everyone on the team.

How did you find and why did you choose Sheila Harris for your senior photographer?
I’d known Sheila for a while before my photo shoot. I’d seen some of her previous work and knew that it would be amazing.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience was amazing. Sheila is an amazing photographer and is able to have fun while she does it. There were so many jokes and I couldn’t ask for a better photographer.

Look for Makenna in issue 59 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!