Averie Carpenter

Averie Carpenter – Indiana
Nomination & Photography by @mitbykimberly / Kimberly Krueger
Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: With a quiet strength that steadies a room, Averie Carpenter embodies inspiring leadership. A member of the Martinsville High School dance team, football manager, and supporter of the unified track team, she meets every call with readiness and heart. At Elite Dance and Acrobatics, she gently guides younger dancers, helping the littles feel at ease. As my longest running influencer since fifth grade, Class of 2029, I’ve watched her confidence bloom. Averie leads behind the scenes, lifting others into connection, courage, and voice with effortless grace.

Photography by @mitbykimberly / Kimberly Krueger
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​What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?

I am currently a member of FFA (Future Farmers of America).

What has participating in FFA taught you about leadership, responsibility, or teamwork?
FFA pushes me to step up even when I’m not fully comfortable. FFA also has taught me that leadership, responsibility, and teamwork aren’t separate skills—they’re connected. You can’t lead well without being responsible, and you can’t succeed without working effectively with others.

How do your different roles—dance team, football manager, and unified track supporter—shape who you are as a person?
I’ve been involved in dance team, football management, and unified track, and each has shaped me differently. Dance taught me discipline and confidence, football management built my responsibility and work ethic, and unified track helped me develop empathy and a strong sense of inclusion. Together, these experiences have made me a team-oriented and adaptable person.”

What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?

My dream is to be an Ultrasound Tech after college.

What inspired you to pursue a career as an Ultrasound Tech, and what excites you most about that path?
I’ve always been interested in healthcare and helping people, and becoming an ultrasound tech stood out to me because it combines patient care with technology. I like that it’s a hands-on role where you can make patients feel comfortable while also playing an important part in diagnosing and monitoring their health. What excites me most is being able to directly impact someone’s experience in a medical setting and contribute to their care in a meaningful way.

Where is your ideal dream job located if it were offered to you today?
My ideal job location would be working in a children’s hospital but ultimately what matters most to me is working in a supportive environment where I can make a difference for patients and continue developing my skills.

How do you plan to prepare yourself now for success in your future career?
Right now, I’m preparing for a future career as an ultrasound technician by focusing on my education. I’m also looking into taking medical related classes through Hoosier Hills Career Center to build strong communication skills, attention to detail, and professionalism so I can provide accurate imaging and quality patient care in the future.”

What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?

Family, especially my grandpa who just passed away and my nephew who is currently fighting Neuroblastoma, a form of childhood cancer.

How has your family shaped your perspective on strength, love, and resilience?
My family has shaped my perspective by teaching me the importance of staying strong during challenges, showing support for one another, and not giving up when things get difficult. Through them, I’ve learned that resilience means adapting to obstacles and continuing to move forward, while love means being dependable, compassionate, and present for others. These values have influenced how I approach both my personal life and my future career.

What is something your grandpa taught you that you will carry with you for the rest of your life?
My grandpa taught me that you can work hard, be kind, stay patient, and still keep a sense of humor. He made people feel loved and always found a way to make others laugh. That’s something I’ll always carry with me.

In what ways has your nephew’s journey impacted how you view challenges and gratitude?
My 4-year-old nephew’s cancer journey has taught me not to take life or health for granted. Watching him face something so difficult at such a young age has given me a new perspective on challenges and made me more grateful for everyday moments, family, and simply having another day together.

What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?

I have learned that I am a stronger person than I previously thought I was. I have overcome fears of public speaking by writing my own speech and giving a eulogy at my grandfathers funeral.

What did that moment of giving your grandfather’s eulogy teach you about courage and your own voice?
Giving my grandfather’s eulogy taught me that courage is showing up and speaking from the heart, even when it’s hard. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and helped me find confidence in my own voice during one of the most emotional moments of my life

How do you continue to push yourself outside of your comfort zone after overcoming something so personal?
Giving my grandfather’s eulogy showed me that I’m capable of more than I sometimes give myself credit for, especially in difficult or emotional situations. Since then, I try to challenge myself by saying yes to opportunities that make me nervous, speaking up more confidently, and trusting myself even when I don’t feel fully ready. That experience reminded me that discomfort is often temporary, but the growth and confidence that come from pushing through it can stay with you long after.”

What does leading “behind the scenes” mean to you, and why is it an important kind of leadership?
Leading behind the scenes means making an impact without always needing recognition or being at the center of attention. To me, it’s about supporting others through preparation and encouragement. It’s an important kind of leadership because not all leaders are the loudest in the room—sometimes the strongest leaders are the ones creating stability, solving problems quietly, and helping others succeed.”

How do you help others feel seen, supported, and confident in the environments you’re a part of?
I try to listen genuinely, offer encouragement, and create an environment where people feel comfortable being themselves and sharing their ideas. I also believe in recognizing others’ strengths and contributions, because sometimes a little reassurance or acknowledgment can make a big difference in someone’s confidence and sense of belonging.

What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?

My favorite memories with Kim is how we always take a selfie after every photoshoot. Kim has brought out a different person in me and has really helped my open up and become a better model and influencer.

Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
When I joined the team I was the youngest influencer that she had so far but she treated me like one of the older girls and taught me that age is just a number and beauty is more than what you see in the camera.

Tell us more about the Influencer team and what makes you come back year after year.

The Influencer team has been such a meaningful experience for me. What keeps me coming back year after year is the opportunity to connect with people and be part of a team that values creativity, collaboration, and genuine impact. I’ve also grown a lot through this experience, both personally and professionally, and each year brings new opportunities to challenge myself, build relationships, and contribute in different ways.

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?

I first heard about Inspiring Team Magazine when my photographer surprised me and told me I was being published. It was such an inspiring and exciting moment for me.


How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?

Winning a scholarship would help me by getting a head start on my future education.

What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?
I said yes to the Inspiring Teens challenge because I wanted to be part of something that encourages growth, confidence, and connection. It felt like an opportunity to challenge myself in a new way while also inspiring others through my own experiences. When I first started, I was definitely nervous and unsure of what to expect, but I was also excited. Over time, that initial nervousness turned into confidence as I realized how much I was learning and how rewarding it was to be involved.

What is one moment during the challenge so far that has made you feel proud or realize you were growing - in confidence, mindset, or taking action?
One moment during the challenge that made me feel proud was realizing how much I’ve grown in confidence. I’ve become more comfortable putting myself out there, trusting my voice, and saying yes to opportunities that challenge me. It made me recognize that growth doesn’t happen all at once, but through small moments where you keep choosing to show up, push yourself, and keep going even when it feels uncomfortable.

Now that you have your interview, which leaderboard level are you most looking forward to and why?
Now that I’ve made it to the interview stage, I’m most looking forward to reaching the Icon Distinction level because it represents continued growth and progress. For me, it’s not just about the ranking itself, but about challenging myself to stay consistent, keep improving, and see how far I can push myself. Each level feels like a reflection of the work, dedication, and personal growth that has come with this experience.”

If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?
I would tell them to go for it. Growth rarely happens when you stay comfortable, and this challenge is such a great opportunity to build confidence, develop leadership skills, and connect with inspiring people. It can feel intimidating at first, but that uncertainty is often where the most growth happens. You never know what you’re capable of until you give yourself the chance to try.

Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end?
Beyond votes or placements, I’m hoping to gain personal growth, stronger confidence, and valuable connections through this experience. For me, success isn’t just about the final outcome, but about how much I’ve challenged myself and grown along the way. I would feel truly successful knowing I gave my best effort and stayed authentic to who I am throughout the process.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
I’m incredibly grateful to my mom who has supported and encouraged me throughout my journey. Her strength has inspired me in so many ways. Watching her fight breast cancer while continuing to support, encourage, and show up for me taught me so much about resilience, selflessness, and perseverance. Her example of never giving up has motivated me to keep pushing myself and pursuing new opportunities.

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I’m really grateful for this opportunity and everything this experience has already taught me. It has helped me grow in confidence, and reminded me to trust myself more. No matter the outcome, I’m proud of how far I’ve come and excited to keep growing, both personally and as a leader.

If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
If I had a full day with nothing planned, you’d probably find me spending time with family or friends, enjoying good food, relaxing with my cats, and just appreciating the little moments

What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I’m am extremely excited to be doing something I am very passionate about. I will be competing in a National competitive dance competition that will be taking place in Pigeon Forge.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice to someone who wants to be where I am today would be to believe in yourself, stay consistent, and not be afraid to try new things. Growth comes from taking chances, staying open to new opportunities, and trusting the process even when things feel uncertain.

3 Things on your bucket list.
Go skydiving
Visit Scotland
Ride an elephant

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my mom the most inspiring. As a single parent, she has always worked hard to provide for and support our family while continuing to encourage me in everything I do. Throughout her illness she never gave up and lost hope. I can only hope one day to be the kind of person she is.

Look for Averie in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

click here for more information on issue 102

click here to nominate an inspiring teen