Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Jordan Cunningham

2/4/2021

Jordan Cunningham – West Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Jordan Cunningham is a Senior at John Marshall High School. She is a 4 year honor student with a 4.5 GPA. She is a proud member of the Drug Free Club, Spirit Club, National Honor Society, and President of the Student Council, she is also a 4 year member of the Medical Project Lead the Way Program.She has happily been involved with I Believe Foundation for the past 3 years. She has played JM volleyball for 4 years. She is a member of the Apache 4-H Club for 9 years and shows California Rabbits, achieving many awards. She will be going on to attend West Liberty State College with a Major in Pre-Med.

Photography by Life Photography

You are in a lot of clubs and organizations. Pick one to tell us more about - One that means a lot to you. What is it, what do you do in it as a group?
I believe that every one of the clubs and organizations that I am proudly a part of are majorly important to my community and the well-being of others, so I definitely have to make a hard decision with this one.
If I were to choose just one, I think I would choose to tell you about my 4-H club/group The Apaches (and the goat & rabbit club which is associated)! I’ve been a member of 4-H for almost 9 years now and it’s been one of the most influential experience of my life. Not only do I present and sell my rabbits to which is the reason I am apart of 4-H, but I’ve spent most of my time absorbing the lessons surrounding it. 4-H has brought me so much closer to my community and the people within it. There’s not a single person in that group that I do not look up to, they are constantly helping those around them and teaching them at the same time, for example my club donates money to a different charity each month such as soup kitchen, animal shelters, and the veterans etc. I’ve learned how important it is to do the same as my mentors like helping those around us and teaching the importance of hard work and putting forth dedication to everything that you do. These are the most important lessons that have helped me grow as a person, it’s NEVER too late to join 4-H! If you ever have the opportunity take it!

Photography by Life Photography

What are your goals?
I think primarily one of the most important goals in my life is to keep learning, not just about what I’m going to do in the future such as my career path but rather learning about myself. I think before I am able to move smoothly towards my future, I have to learn more about the things that I love as a person and with learning those things about myself I can use them to build a better understanding of what I’m good at, and even more importantly what I love which will help me pick what I’ll be best at to hopefully impact the people around me and the world.

Photography by Life Photography

What would you like to do to change the world?
Easier said than done, I would love to change the world by exhibiting the importance of understanding the differences. Although this may sound wordy and confusing, I so simply mean I wish that everyone around each other could get along despite opinions. We all know especially with most recent circumstances that a lot of the world is surrounded by disagreement and hate. I so much wish that I could use my social media platforms, even if they aren’t big, to promote how easy it is to get along with others even if they have different opinions. It’s okay to not think the same way as others, the only thing you should do similarly is care about one another, no matter who they are. Just be kind :-)!

Look for Jordan in issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 43

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Natalie Kotecki

1/11/2021

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Natalie Kotecki – Michigan
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Cynthia Kotecki
Photography by Natalia Mae Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Natalie is a hardworking, talented young lady who strives to be a leader among her peers and fellow athletes. Natalie is a level 9 gymnast at Kids Gym, Inc. where she has worked hard maintaining her skills during the Pandemic for an unpredictable season. She strives to maintain an A/B average in school as well as owning her own graphic design company, Natalia Mae Designs.

Photography by Natalia Mae Photography

Tell us about your gymnastics career. When did you start, what are your favorite exercises, what do you do extremely well, and why do you love it so much?
I started gymnastics in 2014 as a Xcel silver at the age of 10. After competing my Xcel gold season, I decided to compete in a more advanced level. I moved over to the JO (Junior Olympic) where I tested out of levels 4 & 5 and began my JO career as a level 6. I currently am a level 9 gymnast. My favorite event is the floor exercise where I do a 2 1/2 twist. I love this event because I get to tumble. I also like vault where I currently compete a Tsukahara layout.

What is a favorite memory or accomplishment with gymnastics?
A favorite memory I have had was getting a 37.000 All Around at our regional meet and placing 4th AA. I have received over 150 medals in the 6 years I have been competing as well as have been MVP for our gym 3 of those years. Our last year was cut short due to the Pandemic.

Photography by Natalia Mae Photography

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Gymnastics has been the hardest thing I have accomplished as it takes a lot of time and motivation to achieve the skills needed at the level I am at. I train in the gym an average of 20hrs a week while also going to school, working my design business, and also working at Michaels Crafts part time. I have learned time management, organization, and leadership skills with the schedule that I have.

Share with us about your graphic design business.
I started Natalia Mae Designs by putting one of my designs on redbubble.com. After getting enough sales I was able to buy the supplies to start my own Etsy shop where I have successfully grown my company while maintaining a 5 star rating.
All of my designs are different based on client needs or requests. But I typically focus on themes that are popular within my age group.

What has been most surprising to you about running your own business?
Finding out that running a business has its’ challenges, especially when it comes to marketing and creating pricing that is profitable. You must be aware of what is trending currently and how to promote your products to your target audience.

Photography by Natalia Mae Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Work hard and stay focused on your goals. You will have some bumps along the way but work through those and try to stay positive.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I see myself running my own business, graduating from college with a business degree

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
Watch Netflix

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
My dedication to a hard sport and the challenges we face as gymnasts while juggling school and other extracurriculars.

Look for Natalie in issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 42

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Aleyah Mattern

11/17/2020

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Aleyah Mattern - Florida
Nomination by Fremon Williams
Photography by Jhowdy Photography LLC
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: I have known Aleyah Mattern from a Youth Pastor’s perspective. She is active and consistent in everything that our youth ministry does.
She has a tireless work ethic, and her loving, positive attitude is infectious to anyone she with. She has shown herself to be honorable, humble, steadfast, and obedient to all that she has set forth to accomplish.
I am excited to see what God will do through Aleyah’s life. I can earnestly say that she is mature and intelligent beyond her years and is prepared for what the future holds. I can confidently nominate Aleyah without any reservation.

Photography by Jhowdy Photography LLC

My adoption process was great, I had a beautiful family in America overjoyed to meet their new baby girl (me). I was 8 months old when I came home from Guatemala, I was adopted, and I had a caring family to come home to. I am thankful that my birthmother chose life for me.

God has helped me to never give up, to always hope. Life will try to throw you down, without God it is hard to keep going, but with God by my side I can keep going. You got to fight for what you want, work hard and most of all trust God during the process! Having a relationship with God, living to please Him and not people makes everything better.

I see myself opening up my own beauty salon in the city. I will work hard and achieve my goals by having many clients and be successful in my work after cosmetology school. A good work ethic is important to reach goals, taking one step at a time.

Photography by Jhowdy Photography LLC

A typical day is going to school, dance team, studying, being active at school, youth group and helping my parents around our farm.

Peer pressure and stress is a big struggle for teens, I love to workout. Working out/exercising helps me relieve stress and makes me feel good about myself.

A hidden talent would be singing, I am very shy, so I sing for myself.

Photography by Jhowdy Photography LLC

It would be on how not to be like everyone else. I would choose this topic because its so important to be original so that you can do bigger things than everyone else, be a role model and change lives.
Bucket list-1) Go to Guatemala 2) Go to a tropical island 3) Go on a mission trip

I find my mother inspiring. She is the hardest working, dream chasing and God loving woman that I know. She has molded me into the person I am today, and I look up to her.

Photography by Jhowdy Photography LLC

My drive and love for Jesus. I think I am inspiring because I do not want to fit in. I want to be different; I want to be kind; I want to be strong and I want to do all of this while pleasing the Lord.

I write all the stuff I need to get done down on paper and prioritize certain tasks so I make sure i get things done.

I am thankful for this opportunity to share.

Look for Aleyah in Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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AnnMarie Brumley

8/29/2020

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AnnMarie Brumley – Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath.
Nomination by Mindy Rose.
Photography by Luckett Portrait Studios.
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

The Nomination: AnnMarie Brumley is a teen dancer with multiple rare disabilities. Some are visible; some invisible she hasn’t let this get in the way of her reaching her dreams, and she keeps dancing to the best of her abilities. Even after having spinal surgery it truly amazing that she has the passion for it.

Photography by Luckett Portrait Studios

What do you love most about dance, and how has it impacted your daily life?
What I love most about dance is that we are all a big family. We all take care of one another, and I think that is an essential part of being a team. When I first started back with dance, I ended up in the hospital, and the girls visited me, then I had surgery a few months later. They have all been there to help me and get through my battles. Dance has also taught me how to be part of a team and sew a little bit.

How have you overcome having multiple rare disabilities by keeping a positive outlook and continuing to pursue your passion in dance?
Overcoming rare disabilities by keeping a positive outlook and pursuing my passion for dance hasn't been easy, but I keep a goal in mind and reached for the stars. What I learned through dealing with everything I have gone through is all you need is a little patience and some chocolate cake.

Photography by Luckett Portrait Studios

How has dance become an outlet for you to express yourself in a different way?
It's indeed become my way to take whatever is going on that day and put it into my dancing. It can make it fun, and it can make it serious, make it sad, and think of it as Disney's Inside Out but dancing style.

How have you managed being involved in many different activities while also dedicating your time to dance?
I've managed to be involved in different activities while dedicating my time to dance because I attend a virtual public school. So, I do all my schoolwork from home. As soon as my work is done for the day I get to go to dance or do anything else I need to get done.

Photography by Luckett Portrait Studios

Tell me about the program 2020 class of the St. Jude Leadership society you are a part of and being State Officer for Louisiana DECA. What responsibilities does it come with?
St. Jude Leadership Society is a leadership experience for high school students who like to give back to their community by promoting and supporting the mission of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. DECA prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in high schools and colleges around the world. As a State Officer, my position makes me responsible for initial member recruitment, branding, promotions, correspondence, and social media.

Photography by Luckett Portrait Studios

What advice would you give to other teens to encourage them to stay true to who they are and to never be afraid to show the real them?
The one thing I could say is, don’t copy anyone. We always want to look like the popular kids at school, but we do not realize that there is someone out there wanting to be like us. Be yourself, don't be someone else, don't be someone you're not. You're beautiful or handsome, just the way you are!

AnnMarie will be published in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Isabella Daspit

8/20/2020

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Isabella Daspit - Louisiana
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Lasting Impressions by Josette
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Isabella lives in Erath, Louisiana and is a senior this year at Christian Home School. She has maintained a 4.0 GPA throughout her high school years. She is active in 4-H. This will be her 9th year as a member. She has also been active in the National Beta Club for the past three years. She is active in her on campus Student Ministries Team. She is a member of The National Society of High School Scholars. She was chosen by her peers as the Captain for her cheer squad. This is her 4th year cheering with Acadiana Christian Athletics. Isabella holds a state title and is continuing her reign through 2021 as the 2019 Teen Alligator Festival Queen. The Alligator Festival is based out of St. Charles Parish in Luling, LA. Jesus is at the center of Isabella’s life! Her favorite thing to do is spend time with her family and her pet chicken!

Photography by Lasting Impressions by Josette

How did you get involved in cheer? What is your favorite memory you have made with your team?
Someone told my mom about an athletics program that offers athletics to students whose schools don’t offer it. So, my mom signed me up and the rest is history! My favorite memory is when I was given the opportunity to go with my team and compete at FCC Nationals. We ended up winning! The entire weekend is one I will never forget! It was the opportunity of a life time, and I am so grateful to have been given such an opportunity!!

How do you balance your various clubs, dance, cheer, softball and your schoolwork?
Time management!! When I am at school, I use all of the time I have to finish my work and study for any tests coming up! It also requires me to be organized and prepared ahead of time!

Photography by Ashley Hanks

Tell me about the Alligator festival? What is the process like to be chosen as the Alligator Queen?
The Alligator Festival is put on by the Rotary Club of St. Charles Parish to raise money for scholarships. The scholarships are given out to local students. To be chosen as the 2019 Teen Alligator Queen, I had to compete in a pageant. The pageant included: an interview, a themed outfit, and a formal dress.

Photography by Lasting Impressions by Josette

What does it mean to you that you get to continue your 2019 Alligator Queen reign into 2021 and that so many young people look up to you?
When I was asked to reign another year because of COVID-19, I was so excited! Being able to reign another whole year, representing something I love, I took that opportunity in a heartbeat! When a little girl notices your crown and banner at a queen event, their eyes light up, and it is the absolute best feeling in the world! It means the world to me that so many young people look up to me! I try my hardest to set the best example I can for young girls!

Photography by Isabella

What are some goals that you have for your future?
I would like to finish high school, then graduate from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette with a degree in international business. After that my future is wide open to do anything I set my mind to!

Isabella will be featured in issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more info on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Abigail Strickland

6/6/2019

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Abigail Strickland - Colorado
Interview by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination and Photography by Carol Dunnigan Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: I consider Abigail Strickland to be an inspiring teen for all the amazing things that she does for her community. Besides being the Varsity Co-Captain of her school's cheerleading team, she's part of the National Honor Society, the A-team which is a tutoring program and part of 4-H. Outside of school she fundraises for Honor Flight Veterans and makes Valentines for local teachers, bus drivers and doctors. She's helped with canned food drives and donating supplies to shelters. Now, she is starting a job as a program aide at the YMCA! I'm proud to have such an amazing young woman on my model rep team!

How long have you been involved in cheer and what do you love most about it?
I have been involved in cheer since I was a freshman so about 4 years. I love tumbling and cheering at football games under the Friday night lights!

Tell us about Carol Dunnigan's Model Rep Team and your involvement.

I recently joined Carol Dunnigan’s Model Rep Team. So far, I have done two photography sessions. We will be doing more sessions and completing community service. I love taking pictures with some of my classmates and making new friends who are also a part of the team!

Image by Corina Strickland

How did you learn about 4-H? Why did you decide to join?

I learned about 4-H from my mom. She was actively involved in her 4-H club when she was young. A student that my mom had in her 5th grade class was part of the local club. He had told us about the cloverbud program for the younger kids.

Once we found out about a club that was located near us, I joined it to follow my mom’s footsteps. I was seven years old when my 4-H journey started in cloverbuds.

Image by Corina Strickland

What have you learned as being a member of 4-H?

I have learned a lot from being a 4-H member. I have learned about citizenship and government, how to be a leader, how to help my community, and how to become a better person. Through one of the projects that I did over a three-year period, I learned about citizenship and government. At the end of the project, I traveled to Washington D.C. to experience these things in person. The workshops there focused on being a better citizen and leader. Government was exhibited by a mock trial to create new laws and bills. I have learned how to be a better leader by the multiple leadership conferences that I have attended. Also, with being a previous president for my club and the current vice president, I have been able to lead meetings and manage large groups of people. I have learned how to help my community by all the community service that 4-H is involved with. Whether it be donating to shelters or just making someone’s life a little easier. All of these have helped shape me into the person that I am today.

Image by Abigail Strickland

Do you think other people should join 4-H?
Of course, other people should join 4-H! It offers so many amazing opportunities and teaches so many applicable life skills. It makes people become their best versions of themselves. And though, most people believe you need livestock to be a 4-H member, this is not true. All my projects have been without livestock. My first 4-H project was baking. In addition to baking I entered the scrapbooking project for several years. In more recent years, I have added painting and sketching for visual arts. There are hundreds of different types of projects to choose from. These are just a few of my favorites.

What do you plan to do with 4-H in the future?
Even though my 4-H experience will be done when I turn nineteen, I can apply my leadership skills that I have learned to a future career. In these last couple of years, I plan on being even more involved in 4-H by becoming a district representative. It is the next level from my current county club, and it is more state focused. I’m excited to see where these last few years take me!

Abigail will be featured in Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Jordan Cunningham

Jordan Cunningham – West Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Natalie Kotecki

Natalie Kotecki – Michigan
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Cynthia Kotecki
Photography by Natalia Mae Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Aleyah Mattern

Aleyah Mattern - Florida
Nomination by Fremon Williams
Photography by Jhowdy Photography LLC
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

AnnMarie Brumley

AnnMarie Brumley – Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath.
Nomination by Mindy Rose.
Photography by Luckett Portrait Studios.
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

Isabella Daspit

Isabella Daspit - Louisiana
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Lasting Impressions by Josette
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Abigail Strickland

Abigail Strickland - Colorado
Interview by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination and Photography by Carol Dunnigan Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

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Jordan Cunningham

Jordan Cunningham – West VirginiaNomination and Photography by Life PhotographyIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Natalie Kotecki

Natalie Kotecki – MichiganInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Cynthia KoteckiPhotography by Natalia Mae PhotographyIssue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Aleyah Mattern

Aleyah Mattern - FloridaNomination by Fremon WilliamsPhotography by Jhowdy Photography LLCIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

AnnMarie Brumley

AnnMarie Brumley – LouisianaInterview by Claire Plath.Nomination by Mindy Rose.Photography by Luckett Portrait Studios.Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

Isabella Daspit

Isabella Daspit - LouisianaInterview by Olivia BushNomination and Photography by Lasting Impressions by JosetteIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Abigail Strickland

Abigail Strickland - ColoradoInterview by Shaina ZaccagninoNomination and Photography by Carol Dunnigan PhotographyIssue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Jordan Cunningham – West Virginia
Nomination and Photography by Life Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Natalie Kotecki – Michigan
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Cynthia Kotecki
Photography by Natalia Mae Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Aleyah Mattern - Florida
Nomination by Fremon Williams
Photography by Jhowdy Photography LLC
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

AnnMarie Brumley – Louisiana
Interview by Claire Plath.
Nomination by Mindy Rose.
Photography by Luckett Portrait Studios.
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine.

Isabella Daspit - Louisiana
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Lasting Impressions by Josette
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Abigail Strickland - Colorado
Interview by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination and Photography by Carol Dunnigan Photography
Issue 22 of Inspiring Teens Magazine