Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Kaymin Magier

1/6/2021

Kaymin Magier - Florida
Interview by Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination & Photography
by Erin Hansen Images
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: “I'm a freshman at Niceville High School and on the State Champion cheer team and a level 5 all-star cheerleader at zero gravity athletics. I'm currently Miss Panhandle 2020-2021. I'm an honor student. State Ambassador for the Be Kind Program that focuses on anti-bullying and the prevention of teen suicide. I'm very passionate in bringing awareness to the prevention of Anti-Bullying. I'm a member of the NHS track and field team. I'm a member of the NHS Leadership team” - Kaymin

Photography by Erin Hansen Images

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I'm very passionate about the Anti-Bullying campaign and the awareness that it brings. I want those who bully to know that it's not ok and those who are bullied to know that there are resources and people they can speak to and that they don't have to struggle alone or in silence.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
I would focus on bullying and the emotional scars that it can leave a child with. I would also speak as to the different types of bullying letting others not it's just not verbal. I would encourage others to take a stand and be the change.

What else do you want us to know about your stand against Bullying?
Your voice matters, you matter and can make a difference. If you see someone being bullied, step in and stand up. Your voice could make a difference in someone's life. Words hurt and can leave lasting marks on someone's self-esteem.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I want to make a difference in the world. Our youth today think that their voice doesn't matter or can't be heard. We are the future and the choices we make today will dictate that future. It all starts with a single action that can turn into something significant. My mom has always told me to "be a leader not a follower" and that's what I plan on doing.

What attributes do you have that make you a strong leader & What do you think are characteristics of every strong leader?
I'm compassionate and a very good listener. I want to be the best and I want those around me to be the best as well.
Compassion, kindness, good listening skills, strong work ethic and also being able to take criticism.

Photography by Melissa Magier

What leadership roles have you had and what have you learned from them?
I have been the President of Fellow of Christian Athletes which provided me the opportunity to be around like-minded people. It also allowed me the opportunity to speak about my passions and help others.
I have held several pageant titles to include Teen Miss Panhandle, Teen Miss Choctawhatchee, Teen Miss Emerald Coast Perfect. All these titles put you in a position where you can give back to the community and mentor young girls who want to follow in your footsteps

What does it mean to you to be Miss Panhandle 2020-2021? What roles and responsibilities do you have as a result?
I will be representing the Panhandle of Florida through community service events as well as speaking to others about what makes the Panhandle a great place to live an attend school.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Becoming a level 5 athlete on my all-start cheer team and making my high school cheer team which are the current State Champions. I have been blessed to have amazing coaches, Tanya Herndon and Mel Young have always pushed me to be the best, work hard and never give up.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Find what you are passionate about and go for it. Surround yourself with good people. Make goals and achieve them.

Photography by Melissa Magier

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
I will have graduated high school with honors as well as my AA. I will be finishing up my undergraduate at FSU and hopefully attending one of my top 3 choices for graduate school where I will attend for Law degree.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I'm a very social person so I love to be around my family and friends making memories.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I love to sing and will sing just about any song as I listen to all types of music.

3 Things on your bucket list
Attend an Ivy League Law School
Visit Italy
Become a Sports Agent

Who do you find inspiring?
My brother Kyle is my hero in so many ways. He has taught me to always stand up for myself and others and to respect yourself and not settle for less.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I've always been an outgoing person and made a point to be nice to everyone including those not in my direct friend group. I work hard for my goals and I strive to be the best as well as encourage my friends to do the same.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
Don't ever settle in life when you deserve so much more. Change starts with you and your voice matters and can be heard. Go do great things!!

Look for Kaymin in issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 42

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Aubrey Stewart

10/1/2020

Aubrey Stewart - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Tyler Lyons Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The nomination: I am nominating Aubrey because I have watched her grow as a dancer and a person over the last year and a half. She never stops growing in her skills and she is an inspiration to all the younger dancers at her studio. They look up to her as an example of who they want to be when they grow up.

Photography by Tyler Lyons Photography

My mom was working as a tumbling teacher at United Performing Arts Company, and she wanted me to work on my coordination. She enrolled me into pre-school tap/ballet and tumbling, and I have been tumbling and dancing ever since. My aunt and grandmother were dancers, so I have it in my blood. My cousin is also a dancer and now one of the choreographers at my studio. She works for many local studios in the Metroplex. I believe my passion comes from inside. I have a hard time expressing myself with words, so this is how I can express what I am feeling. I love how dance makes you feel free. Free to move and get out anything that you need to get out. When I was younger we used to shake out our nerves by jumping and shaking, kind of like that with dance. If you are sad, you can dance sad; mad, find song and let that anger out.

I still attend a public fine arts school, so my daily routine revolves around education and dance. The last period of my school day is dance, so I have an 1.5 of dance at school before I head to the studio. I am up at the studio 4-5 days a week, from 3-4 hours a day. Stretching is the most important, and I try to fit that in at some point during the day. I like to attend different master classes, conventions, and intensives to improve my skills. It is always good to learn from different instructors and receive different insights on how to improve your skills. It is a lot of fun too!

Performing a solo called “One Beautiful Evening”. It was the first time I worked with my cousin, and she choreographed my solo. It was a breakthrough year for me in my performance and growing as a dancer.

I don’t really talk and express myself verbally very well, so using movement through dance helps me express myself.

I love working with the younger dancers to show them where they can go with their dreams, and that they can accomplish anything when they put their mind to it.

My cousin Jayci inspires me because she has had some struggles through injuries but keeps on pushing herself and has stayed strong to this day.

Something that you don't know about me, When I was 5 years old, I had eye surgery. I was diagnosed with strabismus in both eyes. This basically means, to put it simply, that I had two lazy eyes. It was actually one of my dance instructors that suggested to my parents that I might need to go get my eyes check out. I was referred to an ophthalmologist, and was then diagnosed. Since, I was about to be 5 and enter Kindergarten, the doctor and my parents wanted me to have surgery as soon as possible. So, I had surgery the day after my 5th birthday party. Many people do not even know that I have this issue, and sometimes I have to let new teachers know, or remind old teachers or instructors. Even though I can now focus both eyes on objects and see 20/20, I don’t see depth perception as well as others. I also have some problems with 3D and color scale. I have to go to the ophthalmologist twice a year for checkups. My doctor says I’m his best patient. He believes that the reason my eyes have done so well is because of dance. I am exercising my eyes every day, building up the eye muscles and keeping them strong through dance. I want other young people to know that if you have disability, you can do anything you put your mind to, push through it and get stronger. Dance has helped me in so many ways, emotionally and physically, and I love it with my whole heart.

Click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Lexie Lane

7/28/2020

Lexie Lane - Georgia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Kandis Hayes
Photography by BluMoon Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Lexie is a 2021 Senior of Bacon County High School. She is currently enrolled in Coastal Pines Technical College and South Georgia State College. During this time away from high school due to Covid-19 she has taken on many online college classes to continue her education. One of her online classes being a college class to finish out her classes to graduate high school this coming 2021 year. Lexie works at Shepard Therapy Center trying to learn as much as possible, being she is going to college to become a Dr of Physical Therapy. She was a competition cheerleader for 7 years and has much passion for all of physical therapy fields. Lexie is also a BMP Senior Model for @blumoonphotography at this time. Thank you for considering Lexie as one of your inspiring teens.

Photography by BluMoon Photography

What goals do you have for your future and what careers are you interested in pursuing?
One major goal of mine is to go to college and pursue a career in being a Physical Therapist. Another goal of mine is to keep my relationship with my current boyfriend as healthy as possible during the whole process.

What is it like working at Shepard Therapy? What do you do there?
I love working there and seeing the sweet, loving, and kind people that need our help every day. I mostly clean and help get the PT what he needs when he is not able to do it himself.

Photography by BluMoon Photography

Why did you decide to want to pursue a career as a physical therapist?
Well I have always wanted to be in the medical field but never know what to do because I wanted to be in the Therapy part of it. But I just didn’t know whether to do kids therapy or elderly therapy or brain therapy, so I just decided to do all of it and become a Doctor Physical Therapist.

Photography by Photography by BluMoon Photography

What was it like being a competition cheerleader for 7 years? What are some of your favorite memories from it?
It was hard at some times because they would push you to your limits but my favorite memories from it would have to be spending time with all of my friends that I made. And all the fun trips that we had going to competition and having to stay in hotels.

Photography by Lexie

With taking extra credits to finish high school early on top of working how do you stay balanced?
I have my planner that has everything in it that I need to do every day and I check that all the time. If I didn’t have that I would not remember anything that I had to do.

Lexie will be featured in issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 36

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Grace Hendrickson

8/8/2019

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Grace Hendrickson - Oklahoma
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Traci Hendrickson
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Two years ago, as Grace Hendrickson was starting 6th grade, she was given the student mentor class as an elective. Being a student mentor involved helping and guiding the special needs students at the school. Grace fell in LOVE with the kids. They became her friends and even-though she is the mentor, I believe they have made an even greater impact in her life. She loves spending her day with the students and helping them with schoolwork and day to day activities. During her 7th grade year, she continued as a mentor and formed even closer bonds with the kids.
Grace chose to eat lunch everyday with one of her best friends, Shawn, who she has now mentored for 2 years. They bring a joy to her life like I've never seen before. She attended special Olympics with them and had a wonderful time. She has now started volunteering at our church with the special needs class as well. Grace inspires me and those around her. I have even seen her younger siblings take an interest in the special needs kids because of her example. She will continue mentoring in 8th grade and has decided she would like to pursue a future working with them through teaching or occupational therapy. She truly has a gift and I've loved watching her use it. Thank you for the opportunity to recognize how amazing Grace is!

What did you love about being a mentor for the special needs students?
I love mentoring special needs kids because I love helping them work through their everyday challenges that they face. Their courage inspires me to confront my own fears and challenges. I have so much fun hanging out with them. These kids are always there for me and don’t care what you look like or what you wear. They love you for who you are.

How did mentoring these students impact your life for the better?
Mentoring the special needs students has definitely made a huge impact on my life. They have taught me so many life lessons and have showed me what a good friend is. These kids have led me closer to God by showing me his love. By nature, I am a very cautious person. However, as a mentor, these kids need me to be a leader and push them beyond their comfort zones. In order to do that, I have learned to push myself out of my own comfort zone.

Tell me a little bit about the Special Olympics, and what it meant to you and the kids you mentor.
Special Olympics is where people with special needs from all around Oklahoma come together to compete in different sports. I was able to compete with the kids I mentor in basketball and bocce ball. My partner, Diego, and I earned the gold medal in bocce ball. Winning or losing didn’t matter to the kids. Either way they were the happiest kids in the world and seeing them so happy put a huge smile on my face.

Going to the Special Olympics was a life changing experience for me that I will never forget. As a mentor, I had to opportunity to stay in a dorm with a student who has down syndrome, named Kayley. She has such a fun personality and is always a great friend to me. Kayley and I have hung out outside of school several times and our friendship continues to grow stronger.

As a mentor, what have the kids taught you over the years?
Over the past few years, special needs kids have been amazing friends to me and have taught me to be a better friend. They have taught me to be myself and not worry about what others think of me. These students have shown me to see people for who they are on the inside and not by the way they look.

Image by Grace

Do you plan to continue to work with special needs kids as you get older?
I plan to continue being a student mentor in the Owasso school system. As I get older, there will be opportunities to volunteer that involve working with special needs students outside of school. My dream is to have a career working with children who have disabilities. I plan to become a special education teacher or an occupational therapist. I know that working with special needs students is my passion.

Grace will be featured in Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

click here to purchase inspiring teens magazine

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Abbey Burnett

2/11/2019

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Interviewed by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination by Tara Burnett
Photography by Simplicity Photography Art by Kristen Lyn
Oklahoma

The Nomination: Abbey Burnett- Abbey is my oldest daughter and this is her senior year of High School. Abbey mentored in a program at our local Elementary Schools, Highland Park, every Monday morning, this past year for a third grade at risk student. She served as a role model and encouraged the female student to "Dream Big" and follow her dreams of being an attorney someday. Towards the end of the school year, Abbey's mentee moved to live back with her real mom. Abbey continues to keep in touch with her mentee through social media.....she will take on a new at risk student this year to continue to inspire at risk girls to "Dream Big" and "self-love" in a vulnerable world.

How did you become interested in mentoring at risk students and how did you start?
My Mother is an Elementary Principal and works at a High Poverty school in my hometown. She started the mentoring program to "Break the cycle" for these students many years ago. I always heard her come home and talk about how inspirational and meaningful the program was to her and to her students. Last year, I came up with the idea of mentoring and to be involved during my late start Monday mornings. I also recruited several of my classmates and High School friends to mentor as well and help make the difference in a young student's life.

Why do you think helping at risk students is important?
Education is the key to living your life to the fullest and following your dreams. Many at risk students do not have that role model at home telling them that they can do this if they continue their education and do well in school. Like my Mom stated at home, it’s important to "Break the cycle" and show at risk students that the world is their oyster, so to speak. With a positive influence and role modeling, they will see this and develop self-confidence to become anyone they wish to become!

Tell me a little bit about the at-risk program at Highland Park Elementary.
According to my Mom, the Elementary Principal, Highland Park is 70% free/reduced lunch. A lot of their students are high mobility, moving in and out with their families, going where work is located. Highland Park feeds into many apartment complexes. Currently, Highland Park has over 40 adults from our local community that mentor students weekly. We visit with the students for about twenty minutes, eat lunch, play academic games, or help with homework and studies.

What do you think is the most important part about teaching at risk students to “Dream Big”?
Life is about what you give to others...time is irreplaceable. I was fortunate enough to have a family that values education and has encouraged me to go to college. Not every student has this situation at home. So, we need to inspire others. I tell my mentee that if they don't dream big, and have a vision, they lose sight of their goal and wander around carelessly. Shoot for the moon, because you will always land among the stars.

What do you plan on doing after high school?
When I graduate in May, I will be attending Oklahoma State University with a degree in speech pathology or Agribusiness. My roots run deep in agriculture and I am very active in the FFA chapter in my hometown where I hone my leadership skills. I am planning to run for a State FFA Office next spring and hopefully follow in my Mom's footsteps. She was State FFA Reporter in 1991 and Served over 20,000 Oklahoma FFA Members by inspiring them to "Dream Big." I want to do just that.....I am putting myself out there...

Abby was published in Issue 15.

Click here to buy Issue 15

click here to nominate an inspiring teen you know

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Kaymin Magier

Kaymin Magier - Florida
Interview by Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination & Photography
by Erin Hansen Images
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Aubrey Stewart

Aubrey Stewart - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Tyler Lyons Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lexie Lane

Lexie Lane - Georgia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Kandis Hayes
Photography by BluMoon Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Grace Hendrickson

Grace Hendrickson - Oklahoma
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Traci Hendrickson
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Abbey Burnett

Interviewed by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination by Tara Burnett
Photography by Simplicity Photography Art by Kristen Lyn
Oklahoma

Featured

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Kaymin Magier

Kaymin Magier - FloridaInterview by Inspiring Teens MagazineNomination & Photography​by Erin Hansen ImagesIssue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Aubrey Stewart

​Aubrey Stewart - TexasInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Tyler Lyons PhotographyIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lexie Lane

Lexie Lane - GeorgiaInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Kandis HayesPhotography by BluMoon PhotographyIssue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Grace Hendrickson

​Grace Hendrickson - OklahomaInterview by Larissa CheliusNomination & Photography by Traci HendricksonIssue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Abbey Burnett

Interviewed by Shaina ZaccagninoNomination by Tara Burnett Photography by Simplicity Photography Art by Kristen LynOklahoma

Featured

Archives

Categories

Kaymin Magier - Florida
Interview by Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination & Photography
by Erin Hansen Images
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Aubrey Stewart - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Tyler Lyons Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lexie Lane - Georgia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Kandis Hayes
Photography by BluMoon Photography
Issue 36 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Grace Hendrickson - Oklahoma
Interview by Larissa Chelius
Nomination & Photography by Traci Hendrickson
Issue 25 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Interviewed by Shaina Zaccagnino
Nomination by Tara Burnett
Photography by Simplicity Photography Art by Kristen Lyn
Oklahoma