​The Nomination: Allie Rae Hamby is a senior at Ouachita Christian School. She exudes school spirit and she is a loyal friend to all. Not only is she an excellent athlete, she is also an honor student. Her peers also elected her Homecoming Queen.

​Tell us about your athletic life with cheerleading. 
Being a cheerleader has had an extremely huge impact on my life for more than 6 years now. Cheerleading takes a major role in my life when it comes down to commitment, time, hard-work, and dedication. It is one of my main passions I have in life. There is something about the Friday night lights that give me chills. Cheering on the sidelines while my friends play football gives me so much joy, and I would not change it for the world.

If you had the opportunity to coach a cheerleading team in the future, would you take it?
I would love to coach a cheer team if I had the opportunity. Sharing my passion for cheer and the excitement it brings me would be easy to share with others.

​If you had to pick out of the 4 sports you play, cheerleading, basketball, track and softball, which would you be your favorite and why? If you cannot pick one, tell us one special thing you love about each sport!
Even though I go to a small private school in Monroe, La, you would think everyone would play every sport, but in this case, they do not. I am the only female athlete at my school that goes season to season always playing a sport. People ask me all the time what my favorite sport is, but I do not have one. I love the Friday night lights and the atmosphere of the crowd when I am cheering. In basketball I love the sisterhood and the fun we have at not only at practice but at the games also. In track, being a part of a State Champion 4x1 team really shows how teamwork, hard-work, and compassion really comes into play when your team has the same goal, win. Playing softball is generally fun to me. I have experienced playing travel ball and being on my middle school and high school team. The energy softball brings when you are running out onto the field just makes you feel like everyone is there to watch you, and everyone feels that way.

​What was it like being elected Homecoming Queen by your peers?
It was truly a humbling honor to be elected as Homecoming Queen by the entire high school student body. Being elected showed many things people see and admire about me that I might not see about myself. Earning the title really showed how much the students wanted me to represent my school, Ouachita Christian. This honor truly changed my life.

​What does it mean to be a loyal friend?
Being a loyal friend is always being there for someone when they need you. A loyal friend is one who you can always trust and will never turn their back on you. Having a loyal friend/friends is a really important tool to get you through the ups and downs in life.

Allie Rae will be featured in issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Angel Payne is an amazing young lady who deserves so much recognition. She is one of those girls that makes you realize that God has big plans for her life. She does not let the ways of the world compromise her morals or who she is trying to be. She has grown up in the outdoor amusement industry and has been working since she was old enough to walk. She always has that beautiful smile on her face and brings positivity to everyone she meets. Angel is a strong-willed, shy young lady who is always willing to step out of her comfort zone to accomplish her dreams. She is a member of the National Honor Society, volunteers where needed, and just finished a semester of Reading Mentorship with kindergarten students. She plans on becoming an Early Education Teacher, all while continuing with her family roots in the outdoor amusement industry. I cannot wait to see what God’s plans are for her future.

​Tell us about your relationship with God.
I believe that having a relationship with God helps me to be a better person and I want to honor Him in all areas of my life. I turn toward God through prayer, listening to K-Love, reading the Bible/ devotionals, chatting with my mom, and remembering that no matter what life throws at me God is always by my side. My favorite Bible verse is Philippians 4:13 and my favorite song is Lauren Daigle - You Say.

​What was it like growing up in the outdoor amusement industry?
This kind of sounds cliché but growing up in the outdoor amusement business has been an absolute roller coaster ride. My great grandpa started his business in 1954 with a pony ride. My parents do a great job at balancing our lifestyle while allowing us to follow our dreams. I enjoy traveling and being able to spend time with my family doing what I love.
People sometimes call me a “carny” and it used to bother me. Now when I hear the term, I often laugh and think, “We are showmen and we are in the outdoor amusement business.” We are people who work hard at bringing fun to different towns and watching families laughing and making memories. I am very lucky to have grown up in this business and I love exploring all the towns we travel to.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell others to never give up. Love yourself and Love God. Don’t focus on negative things in life and don’t let people bring you down. Find positive things through the negative situations. Life may not go the way you want it to, but remember God has bigger plans than what our eyes can see. Have faith and turn to Him.

How can someone not be afraid of standing out and being themselves while maintaining a positive attitude?
Everyone has a story that has made them who they are today. People come to me saying, “How are you always so happy?” or “You’re so strong.” I have watched my older brother struggle with addiction for the past 11 years. I am not afraid to be who I am because I have watched him try to “fit” in with trials like drugs, alcohol, sex, and vaping. I have watched how these things have impacted his life and how it also had a negative impact on my family’s life. I have days where I feel like I get left out or I am not invited to “hang out” because of my beliefs on these subjects. That is when I lean on God, my mom, and my church family. My mom reminds me that I am “not” missing out on life when it comes to hanging out with people who are making bad choices.
I am thankful for those everyday blessings in life including the struggles, they have made me who I am. I love who I am becoming, and I love being a great role model for my little sister. Life is too short to be anything but happy so don’t let anyone dull your sparkle.

Angel will be featured in issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Aubrey Julian is one of the most amazing girls you will ever meet! Her Dad is a career navy man and their family have moved a lot throughout the years (she is attending her 11th school) which can be very difficult. No matter what she has kept her upbeat charismatic personality, making friends wherever she goes.
Aubrey has been a scholar athlete all four years of high school. She is a captain of varsity lacrosse, varsity golf, as well as a member of the bowling team. And she doesn't stop there! Aubrey is an active member of the Key Club & Community of Chair of FCCLA. Her non-school activities include volunteering at the Humane Society, hunting (including bow hunting) and fishing!
Aubrey has so much ambition and a really great role model to her peers and younger sisters!
Aubrey has such a bright future ahead and we know that she will do amazing at Sam Houston State University in Huntsville, Texas next year!

​What it is like going to 11 different schools?
I think that it’s really unique to be able to say I’ve gone to 11 different schools. Every area is different, so being able to adapt to different places has been a fun challenge. I believe that since I started moving at such an early age, it had gotten to be a norm. As I got older, it became more difficult, and even now I envy people who have been in one place all their lives. It’s always a struggle leaving people who I’ve gotten to know and love.

What kind of experiences do you have with the Community of Chair of FCCLA?
Being the Community Chair in FCCLA has been an awesome experience. I always try to get involved with my community, no matter where we move. Overseeing finding ways to have my peers get involved and give back to their community as well as doing it myself, has been really fulfilling.

​What are the benefits of being a military child?
Being a military child has been a life changing experience. I have gotten to see more places at 18, than most people do in an entire lifetime. My Navy Dad has taught me to be punctual, diligent, and responsible. He’s learned these traits are essential from seeing it affect him and people in his workplace. I have also learned how to adapt to new places and their atmospheres, which are really going to help me in the future. Being a military child has given me the opportunity to prepare for the rest of my life.

How has being a military child impacted you and your sisters?
I believe that being a part of the military has brought my sisters and I closer. Every time we move, we only have each other for the first few weeks. We depend on each other and can go to each other for anything. My sisters and I are each other’s one constant; we know we aren’t going to be separated or have to move away from each other. We have created a bond that I genuinely think is unbreakable.

​Congratulations on getting accepted into Sam Houston State University! What do you want to study and why?
I plan to major in Kinesiology and minor in Family and Consumer Sciences. I plan to pursue a career as a Physical Therapist, and getting a degree in Kinesiology is a beginning step toward this goal. I also would like to be able to help families be smarter with their money as a financial planner; a degree in Family and Consumer Sciences with help me get there.


What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing that I have accomplished, was finding who I am. I have grown up seeing so many different personality types, all with flaws and beauties of their own. I would find myself trying to be who people wanted me to be. The girl I was becoming wasn’t someone I liked, so I decided to allow myself to like the things that weren’t considered “cool”. I allowed myself to be who I wanted to be, instead of the girl that would be accepted by my peers.


What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them to keep their head up. A lot of people get discouraged when something difficult comes their way, but I think it’s very important for them to realize they are so much stronger than they can imagine. Life can be full of setbacks, but you have to push through them for a better outcome.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
Five years from now, I want my life to be officially started. By then I will have finished college and have a steady job somewhere in Texas. I want to be giving back to my community through my work, as well as still being an avid volunteer.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
Unlike most girls my age, I love to hunt and fish. My dad, uncles, and grandpa have been taking me since I was 8. I love the feeling of being able to help provide for my family, while also spending quality time with the people who have impacted me.

3 Things on your bucket list
Adopt a rescue animal
Wake up to see the sunrise for a week
Hunt in Alaska

Who do you find inspiring?
I find Sadie Robertson very inspiring. She has been a role model since I was 10 years old. She has always stayed true to who she is and to her roots. Sadie also is very close to God. She has always been so faithful both to God and her family. She continues to spread the word of the gospel and shares her journey with her fans.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think that my ability to overcome obstacles makes me inspiring. When I’m forced to move, I hold my head up, and look for the positives that come with it. I have excelled in school despite being taught differently at each school. I believe I have a drive that keeps me pushing myself to be strong, no matter what life throws at me.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am extremely excited to be a part of the magazine. I really went outside my comfort zone, by accepting Meagan’s offer to model for her. I’m so glad that I did though, because I never would have thought that an average girl, like me, would ever be able to get the opportunity to be in a magazine.

If you have an idea for a teen who is inspiring enough to be interviewed, please list them here and tell us why you think they would be perfect for the next issue of our magazine. (They wouldn't be contacted until your issue is closed):
Meili Tanzillo
Meili was adopted from China at a very young age. She has many siblings, who she helps care for. She plays varsity lacrosse and is set to be a Captain in the 2021 season. Her sister, Aubrey, Died from cancer during 2019. Meili has been through so much and she has an amazing story to share.

Aubrey will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: Amber Rosa is inspiring because after suffering a very serious injury she has not let that stop her from pursuing her dream of being a dancer. Three weeks after coming home from auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance in Los Angeles, she was involved in a very serious car accident which fractured a very important bone in her ankle. She did not walk for three months. After eight months since the accident, she is dancing and teaching again. While still in recovery she is being an inspiration to her fellow dancers to never give up!
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​What was auditioning for So You Think You Can Dance like?
Three weeks prior to my injury I was chosen for the opportunity of a lifetime and go to Los Angeles, CA to audition for So You Think You Can Dance. It was the most thrilling eye-opening experiences. I was five years old when the show first aired, and I would watch it with my mom all the time. Crazy thing is I didn’t even want to take dance lessons at that time I just truly remember enjoying the show! I did not start dancing until I was around 14 years old which is considered late in the dancing world to start. After I dived head on into the dancing world all I ever wanted was to try out for the show. I could not wait to turn 18! In February of 2019 my mom saw the open submission call to put in applications to audition. After I submitted my application, I was called within two days to come to audition in New York and then I had to wait for all the auditions in other cities to finish before they made a final cut. I got the call early to mid-March stating I was chosen to perform my solo in front of the judges, and I would be leaving for Los Angeles for a week. From the plane ride, to the shuttle, to the hotel I was nervous, excited and scared. It was my first time ever being so far away from home in a strange city. It was a week full of interviews with Cat Deeley and pictures and practices and it gave me a real taste of what a dancer’s life was all about…and I loved every minute of it. I made some incredible lifelong friend along the way. Getting to be in front of the judges and on that stage makes you realize everything you worked so hard for is for this moment right now. Unfortunately, I did not get chosen to move further along in the competition, however the critique given to me was not about my dancing but more of how powerful I am and felt like it was the wrong music choice. This type of critique makes you realized how important it is to make sure you pick the correct choreography, correct music and even the correct outfit so you can tell your story in its entirety. Once the show aired, my solo was not chosen to be shown on television however they did pick snippets of my solo for their promo and other fillers during the show and I felt proud that somehow someway I still made it.

​Please tell us about your serious injury.
Three weeks later, on April 19, 1019, I was a passenger in the front seat of a very serious car accident my friend lost control of her car and hit a tree head on. The fact that I had my seatbelt on, and I was sleeping was the reason I was not more significantly hurt. As I tried to get out of the car, I realized I could not step down and a good Samaritan came over to me to tell me not to move because my ankle was dislocated. I was then transported in an ambulance to the hospital to asses my injuries. After a full body scan it showed I had a fracture to my talus bone. Talus neck fractures can be devastating injuries that can occur from forcing the foot up into the leg. It can occur in motor vehicle accidents when somebody pushes their foot down on a break or pushes their foot down on the floorboard at impact. This bone acts to connect the foot to the ankle and is the pivot point for motion and I was going to require surgery for it to be repaired. This was the most devastating news a dancer could receive since it is one of the most important bones in the ankle. After the surgery, the orthopedic surgeon stated he had to put three screws and K wire to keep my bone in place and I would not be able to walk at all for approximately 8-12 weeks. I knew from that point on this was going to be one of the hardest journeys of my life so far. I did not know what my future was going to look like from that point on I just knew I had to do everything possible to dance again.

What was the recovery process like?
The recovery process is long and hard. I had no idea a little bone in your ankle could be so debilitating. After my surgery, I was not able to put any weight on my ankle for twelve weeks. During this time of not walking I started my physical therapy. I was very lucky to find a therapist whose office just happened to be right above the dance studio I go to and worked with the dancers who work for cruise line companies. I did not know what to expect with my first session so naturally I was nervous. I could not flex or extend my foot at all. In two weeks, I lost almost all my calf muscle and had no strength in my leg or foot. The therapist literally had to manually move my ankle up and down to start getting everything loose again to be able to start walking when the time came. It was painful. I cried a lot, I screamed, I begged to stop. I screamed one time so badly someone called the police because they thought a woman was being harmed...I felt terrible about that incident however the police were very understanding and one of the officers was very sympathetic with me because she too had a bad ankle fracture and she knew what I was dealing with. I started getting anxious two hours before my appointments because I knew the pain I was going to be going thru. I never gave up though, no matter how much I screamed and cried he never stopped helping me get to where I needed to be. At my eight-week appointment with my surgeon, I was so nervous. I wasn’t sure if I was doing enough with my therapy or if I was progressing as I should be. I started moving my foot and ankle for him and he could not contain his happiness. He told me he has never seen someone move their ankle so well after eight weeks and was extremely happy with my progress which in turn made me ecstatic and gave me an extra boost to keep going. After the twelve weeks were up, I started walking again and felt like a baby trying to learn how to walk again. It’s been a very trying 9 months of healing and therapy. I am not fully recovered yet, however I am getting stronger and stronger by the day. I did compete a solo for the first time since my injury in October and even though I could not do all the things I usually do; I was able to walk away with some recognition and scholarship awards. My goal is to be strong enough to try and audition again for So You Think You Can Dance this season

​Before finding dance, what were some of your interests?
Before dancing, I loved anything which dealt with the arts. I wanted to be a singer and play the piano like Alicia Keys lol. I was part of my chorus in elementary school and then part of the GLEE club in my middle school. I took private piano lessons and would practice with my own piano at home. I loved to draw and any chance I had I would be painting. My aunt would always buy me paint and canvas so I could paint her something she could hang in her house. I have an artistic mind which helps me be creative as far as choreographing dances, to decorating my room, to putting together outfits, and overall planning of events or ideas.

Why do you want to be a fashion designer?
The reason I’ve always wanted to be a fashion designer is because ever since I was little, I was always this little fashionista. I remember keeping a journal and just drawing a bunch of different outfits that would come into my head, from bathing suits to Halloween costumes to anything you can ever imagine. The best thing is that I had an awesome mom giving me all the freedom in the world to wear whatever I want, wherever we go. I made sure that I would always dress myself from head to toe, from headbands, jewelry, shoes, socks, basically everything. I’ve always like to be the best dressed for any event. Like I always say it’s better to be overdressed than underdressed. Currently I am slowly pursuing that fashion designing dream by working at a boutique. Helping people pick out outfits and choosing their clothes for certain events is something I love to do. Seeing the smile on people’s faces when they adore an outfit, I put together for them just makes my whole day. Even though dance is my number one passion, I’ve always had such a variety of love for many things and fashion designing is one of them.
What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest things I ever had to accomplish besides recovering from my injury is proving myself as a dancer. I started dancing when I was almost 14 years old which is considered a late age for dance. When I started going to a dance studio I felt so out of place because all these girls and boys were doing so many moves and tricks that I knew nothing about. I felt intimidated and it made me push myself more. I just kept thinking I want to do that; I want to look like that. The biggest obstacle though was finding the right person who wanted to invest their time in me to teach me all the things I needed to know. I felt like I was not getting the help I needed because I wasn’t good at all until, I found someone who did see my potential. I worked very hard that summer learning everything I could from my dance teacher at the studio. Once I started the dance program in school after that summer my teacher was shocked at the progress I was making. I still felt though like I was being pushed aside a little. In high school I joined the dance team and had the opportunity to do a solo. I did not place very well that first year. I wanted to prove to my school dance teacher that I could be just as good as those girls she would always comment on how good they were. My second year doing a solo would be my last year in the Junior Varsity category and I wanted to win first place to prove to her and the school that I was good enough. The biggest competition of our year and I had a third-degree sprain on my ankle. I didn’t know how I was going to dance. It was going to be the longest two minutes of my life. I did my solo and after I was done, I crawled off stage to the arms of the athletic trainers on the side. I felt defeated. I felt like I gave up on myself. During the awards ceremony, they started calling from tenth to first place. I waited nervously and out of approximately 80 solos in the junior category I got first place. I had finally proven myself, or so I thought. The next year was my senior year and already I was hearing how this is the toughest competition and I might not even get top ten. I worked the hardest ever that year on my music, on the choreography, and made sure my costume was perfect. My senior year ended up being the best year I ever had on the dance team. I came in first place out of 117 varsity solos! I had finally proven myself to my teacher and to the school. Finally, after so many years, I proved to be worthy and I never gave up to the negativity. It fueled me to try harder and to never give up.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice would be to never give up. Don’t listen to the negativity. Don’t let anyone tell you that you are not good enough. Like they say turn the negative into a positive. A lot of the things we do in the arts is subjective, it’s other people’s opinion. Some will love it while other will hate it, just if you trust the process and you love what you are putting out there and believe in yourself that is all that truly matters.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In five years, I see myself on tour dancing for a choreographer/company or entertainer. I plan on finishing my degree in arts. I also want to teach my craft to less than fortunate children for free. Dance can be an expensive sport and there are not many programs out there where kids can take a few classes for free and learn. I want to be able to let others the experience the joy dancing gives.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
My favorite pastime is making silly videos, playing video/board games, and watching Netflix or Disney+ with my two younger sisters. I try to be a good role model for them and spend as much time as I can with them. I like being goofy with them and laughing as much as possible.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I keep myself organized the old school method which is writing everything down on dry erase wall calendar. We have two in the house; one my mom makes and one that I make. I need a constant reminder of things that are coming up and what needs to be done. There is so much going on with work, school and dance you need to have it in your face, so you don’t get overwhelmed.

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Meet Justin Bieber lol 2. Dance with Jennifer Lopez 3. Travel, no specific place.

Who do you find inspiring?
The person that inspires me the most would be my dance teacher Natalia Canovas. This woman has been with me from the beginning. I remember the first time me ever taking her contemporary/technique class I was honestly such a hot mess and knew nothing about dance. However, she saw something in me that I couldn’t even see in myself. She would still help me even though I was the only one in the room who knew nothing. After taking her class I instantly fell in love, so I kept going every week just for her. Then all of a sudden I go one day and I see it’s a different teacher and they end up telling me they fired Natalia and I tried it out with the new dance teacher and I was not learning anything and I felt like I was doing so much better with Natalia. I stopped going to those classes with the new teacher and I found out Natalia was opening her own dance studio and decided to go to her grand opening. I signed up for classes right on the spot and I joined her studio. In the beginning I wasn’t the best dancer and yes Natalia did pay attention to me but not as much as the other hard-working flexible girls and I knew I wanted to be like that. I knew I wanted Natalia’s attention the most lol. I worked hard every day, I was in Natalia’s face every day, I would always show her my new tricks even if she didn’t acknowledge it I would still annoy her and believe it or not that worked because when she saw me working hard she instantly focused her attention to my growth. She saw how much I wanted it and she pushed me to become the dancer I am today. From making it on to So You Think You Can Dance, to getting first place overall in almost every single competition. I must give my thanks and all my gratitude to Natalia Canovas she’s not only my dance teacher but also like a big sister to me and I will always have a place in my heart for her.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
For sure my drive and determination are what inspires others. There are many times I could have given up and didn’t. Teaching at the dance studio and the little girls and boys see my scars and start asking questions about what happened to me and them seeing that I am still dancing and taking classes as well shows them to not give up because things get hard. I know I am doing something right when moms and dads come to me and tell me how their child is always talking about me and how they want to be like me. Dance overall is not easy, and I want to show these girls and boys what hard work and determination can get you. So many scholarship opportunities, recognition, appreciation, and overall be an inspiration for your generation.

Amber will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Kati Reese Hoerig is an inspiring teen. Kati is the currently the only runner on the duPont Manual Cross Country team to be on the championship podium all four years. Kati was a scorer for the back-to-back first place Kentucky State CC Championship team. Kati qualified and was a scorer at Nike Nationals with team, Louisville Rams. Kati has maintained All State Academics all four years with a current GPA of 3.9 and an ACT of 31. All of this while also being Kati an accomplished flute player for YPAS band magnet.

Kati has overcome many physical obstacles over the past four years that most are not aware of. Kati has a form of Spina Bifida that has resulted in small stature, back pain, kidney defect and a host of other health issues. She is all of 5’ tall and 80lbs. That never seems to deter her.

Kati wants to be a Pediatric Neurosurgeon because she wants to help other children born with birth defects such as this. She has been shadowing Dr. Mahan Ghiassi, Vascular Neurosurgeon. She has been able to be in the operating room to learn firsthand about amazing new procedures during many surgeries such as a removal of a rare brain tumor.

Kati has recently committed to run Cross Country and Track at the University of Southern Indiana, at division 2. She turned down division 1 offers because she didn’t want to be distracted from her educational goals.

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​What is it like being on the back-to-back first place Kentucky State CC Championship Team?
The first win, we hoped for but didn’t expect. We all had a great day that day and were just so surprised. The next year we knew we were going in stronger than ever. If we had done it once, we could do it again; we just had to continue to work together, and it paid off.

What are some ways that you prepare yourself for races?
Our coach prepares us so much during practices, that I really feel calm and ready on race days. Mentally I focus more on supporting my team and less on myself. I also have my lucky socks!

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
My team was entered into Nike Cross Regionals with a chance to go to NXN (Nike Cross Nationals). NXN is a dream for most high school cross country runners. We all had to run our best race that day to qualify and it would be close. Just after the start of the race, someone stepped on my heel and my shoe came off. This course was full of sharp rocks, gravel, hills. I had 3 miles to run and only one shoe and my lucky socks. I knew my team was counting on me, so I just refused to stop. I ran that entire race. I thought my foot would be a mess by the finish line, but those lucky socks saved the day and my foot. We qualified to go to Portland and run NXN!
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If you never started running, what sport do you think you would be doing?
Well, being just barely 5 feet tall, I think gymnastics probably would have been a good choice for me.

​Tell us how you overcame physical obstacles over the past four years.
I have had to keep myself focused on the goals set before me. I don’t think about why I can’t physically do something; I just find another way to do what I need to do. Rather than feel defeated and give up, I learned to look at physical obstacles as a challenge for myself. It really is a matter of determination. We are all faced with limitations physically, but our minds are truly limitless.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Set goals for yourself every day. Small goals and big goals. Be determined and look at obstacles as a challenge rather than something you can’t overcome. Most important is to give 110%, work hard and stay focused. No excuses!

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I keep focused and I don’t allow myself to get caught up in distractions that would take me away from my goals. I prefer to get to work and move mountains instead of just talking about moving mountains.

Who do you find inspiring?
Dr. Mahan Ghiassi, the Vascular Neurosurgeon that I have had the amazing opportunity to shadow. He came from impossible odds to do amazing, groundbreaking work. He is humble and he is always willing to help others.
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When did you know you wanted to be a Pediatric Neurosurgeon? Have you always loved science?
My older brother and I have the same birth defects. In first grade my brother had to have Neurosurgery to repair part of his spinal cord. To know that surgeon help my brother as much as he did, really made a big impression on me. From there on I knew it’s what I wanted to do.

Yes, I have always loved science. I was the girl digging in the yard looking for things to examine in my toy microscope, instead of playing with dolls.
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Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years I will be in my first year of med school. I would eventually want to live in Colorado and work at the Children’s Hospital Neuroscience Institute. I plan to do research and find a way to prevent further spinal cord and brain birth defects.

​What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I like jigsaw puzzles. I can spend hours on them, and it is actually a great way to relax.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am a pretty decent tap dancer, but don’t tell anyone.

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
I carry an agenda everywhere I go and I have white board calendar in my room. Each week I write down what I have to get done and I cross things off as I complete them.

3 Things on your bucket list
Move to Colorado with my best friend Luke.
Go snorkeling with sea turtles. (I’ve got a thing for sea turtles)
Visit Europe with Luke.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t do something. Don’t talk yourself out of something you really want to do. Just find a way to do it.

Kati will be featured in issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
 

​The Nomination: Ty Watkins works hard at school & out of school. He has a great passion for football. He has loved football since he first started school. He works hard for anyone & wants to do the job right. He has great respect for his elders and helps his grandparents anytime they need it. Ty is a very respectful young man & a very hard worker. He strives to do it right & the best at anything he is asked to do or puts his mind towards to accomplish.

What got you interested in playing football?
I heard my dad talk about playing football & it peaked my interest when I was little. I’ve been playing since I was old enough to play for ysa & I loved it so once I started, I didn’t want to stop playing.

How has your life changed positively because of football?
In football you have discipline & it takes hard work. Also, teamwork teaches you to work with others.
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How has football had a significant impact on your everyday life?
I work hard & stay focused daily. On anything I start, I want to finish & make sure it’s done right. 

​What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I like to hunt, fish go mudding & also play with my aussie Athena. She’s my buddy.

What has your hard work helped you to accomplish?
I believe there’s accomplishments in daily life, there’s always something you can work hard at.

What types of things keep you motivated?
The thought of what the future may hold keeps me working hard.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
 I want to play college football & also my back up plan would be to weld with my dad. 

How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
My family is a big help. We help each other with everything. My parents, grandparents & sister are always there for me.

3 Things on your bucket list?
To go skydiving, go to France, & to give back to those who helped me get where I am.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I like to push & encourage people around me, and to show them they can do it - just keep trying and don’t give up. I stay strong & stay focused & keep pushing even when it seems everything is against my goal.

Ty will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination:  Riley Hamilton is a very hard working and eager young woman. She works very hard in her academics as well as her golf game. Riley loves and cherishes her family. She always demonstrates a positive attitude whether she wins or loses. Riley deserves to be nominated and win this award for all her focus, dedication and hard work.

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​What do you love most about golfing, and what has been your most memorable experience so far while playing the game?
I started playing golf at the age of 3. My dad initially got me into the game for bonding purposes in the future, but it just stuck with me. My favorite part of the game would most definitely be the mental toughness, and the many challenges that are faced. Playing this game, I have learned so many life lessons, and I have learned so much about myself along the way.
Over my years of playing competitively I have traveled to so many cool places and have met a lot of friends from a variety of different countries. Throughout my high school career, I have been a part of 2 state championship teams and have won an individual title.
My most memorable experience in golf so far is the individual state championship win. I was just a sophomore and played on the varsity boys’ team. I remember walking on the 18th hole knowing I was in the lead. I had a 12-foot putt to win for the team and individually. With hundreds of people crowded around, I made the putt and won. That was most definitely the best feeling throughout my high school career.

What accomplishments have you achieved from your involvement in athletics?
I currently have over 100 trophies, and I plan on gaining more in the future. I have achieved many accomplishments through early morning workouts, and long hours spent improving my game. Through my years of competition, I have played in anything from the top junior tournaments, to playing in the U.S Open qualifier to get the coolest experience and absolute best competition. I am beyond thankful to have the opportunities that I have had so far. Though, my main source of success would be through my faith in God. I am a big Christian, and I believe that with faith you can achieve anything.

​How have you been able to balance your time management while being actively involved in both academics and sports?
Balancing time between athletics and academics is very hard. I’ve always taken AP classes, and have been involved in other school activities while making sure I had at least an hour of free time to work on my studies. As a future student athlete in college, I’ve learned its very important to be disciplined enough to balance practice with homework. Being well organized and having set goals has really helped me balance my time.

What are you looking forward to most about attending East Carolina University and committing to playing golf there?
I am beyond excited to play golf at ECU this coming fall. It has always been my dream to play at a top D1 school, and now it is finally happening. Through the 6 a.m. workouts will not be my favorite thing ever; I can’t wait to spend time with my team and travel. Both my assistant and head coach are absolutely amazing. Being on a team that is sponsored by Adidas is a dream because that always has been my favorite brand. I cannot wait to get started, and I really think ECU will help achieve my dreams of becoming a professional golfer after college.

How have you managed to keep a positive attitude whether you win or lose in the game?
I am extremely competitive in anything I do, therefore losing is not fun for me. Though winning/ losing is a part of life. I have lost many tournaments, but I have learned from them and it has made me grow as a person and as a golfer. Any loss is a minor setback, and a major comeback. I used to really hate to lose and get down on myself when I was younger. I always saw losing as a bad thing. Now that I have gotten older, I realized the best sports leave with a smile on their face no matter what the outcome was.

​How has your determination and commitment inspired others?
Everyone has a story and an inspiration that has helped them get to where they are today. My inspirations are my parents, and a few professional athletes. I only hope that whoever I have or will inspire will become very successful and never let failure stop them from achieving their goals. I believe if you haven’t been put down or laughed at for your goals, you're not dreaming big enough. I only aspire to be a good inspiration for young golfers, especially girls. Being a girl in a male dominated sport is cool, especially when you can compete with them.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In five years I plan on going professional alongside of modeling. I currently model now, and I only hope that continues in the future. I would love to eventually be sponsored by adidas since it is my favorite brand. Playing professional golf, and traveling would be amazing. Through my faith in God, I believe this is where I'm going to be with hard work in five years.

Riley will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Tori Tseng is an inspiring teen because she challenges and pushes herself to be her best possible self. She managed to balance both her schoolwork and dance, all while setting aside time for volunteering in the community and her friends and family. While it’s a lot on her plate, her passion and dedication shine through in all aspects of her life. She does what she loves and puts all of herself into it. But she doesn’t sacrifice her friends and family in the process, keeping them a priority in her life.

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​What do you love most about your passion for dance, and what are some current obstacles that dancers often face today?

I spent 11 years at Chamberlain Ballet, so dance was the one constant love in my life even though I did not choose to do it as a career. I think it's because there was always something new to accomplish; a never-ending puzzle I loved solving. It also made for a great escape from life when it got too hectic for me. Dancers have an admirable drive for perfection, but if taken too far, it can lead to self-doubt, self-hate, or even dancers endangering their physical health. To make it worse, dancers are constantly comparing each other, putting them in worse mindsets. It's important to remember the beauty in dance is the originality of each dancer, which shouldn’t be lost for the sake of being “perfect”.

How have you managed to commit yourself to dance while also balancing your schoolwork, and all while volunteering in your community?

The short answer: a lot of planning and dedication. Each day had its own schedule I had to create and track so that I'd maximize my time as much as possible. Sticking to the plan was definitely the hardest part though, as there were days I'd want to do absolutely nothing. I'd have to tell myself that by skipping a day, there would be consequences, like falling behind in classes, missing new choreography, or breaking my promise to help. It definitely helped that I enjoyed everything I did, so motivation wasn't always hard to find.

What does it mean to be an IB student, and how has graduating as an IB student opened up new accomplishments in your life?

Firstly, it means being able to deal with a heavy workload and I don't say that lightly; it’s college-level work in high school. Having so much work forced me and other IB students to develop better writing, studying, and presenting skills to efficiently finish assignments. The IB curriculum was difficult too, as it required you not just memorize information, but also analyze and apply it. While the program was stressful at times, I'm grateful for it, because so much of what I learned from IB I still use in college today. I don't think I'd be as successful in college as I am now if I didn’t go through the program.

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​What would you say has been your most unforgettable high school memory?

Definitely my last spring recital as a graduating senior, partially because the fire alarm went off in the middle of it (don't worry, it was a technical malfunction). It was my last time to be onstage at home while dancing with my friends on stage and for other loved ones in the audience. I also performed a solo that I choreographed myself, which I’d never done before. It felt like the best possible ending to high school, though there were a lot of tears at the end of the night.

Tell me a little bit about your current major in biology and what you enjoy most about attending Texas A&M University.

I'm having fun delving deeper into science and working in biology lab. I'm hoping that in my sophomore year, I'll be able to work in a research lab to get more hands-on experience. Although, one of my favorite things about A&M are all the opportunities to connect on campus, from the residential hall movie nights to the crazy football games (even though I’m not a football fan!). What’s also great is that despite coming to school with not many old friends, I’ve managed to find new friends I can hang with regularly.

How have your own personal experiences helped you become a role model to many others?

My mom said roughly 10 years ago; “You were given so much in life; use what you got to make the world better.” I always wanted to help others, but that memorable statement made me realize why it’s important to do so. I should do something with it and not waste it on someone who doesn’t use the gifts to make a difference. So, I help those in need, and hopefully set a good example to others.

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What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?

A bit cliché, but take the path less travelled. When I was deciding to enter the IB program, a lot of my friends said no because it'd be too difficult, and they didn't want to leave their comfort zone. Many even doubted that I could keep up with both the IB program and the long dance rehearsals. I took it all as a challenge and I don't regret any of it. If anything, I don't think I would've been as happy if I stayed on my original path.

What are your plans for the future?

It's not set in stone, but I plan to work in sports medicine as a physician specialized for dancers and other performers. I hope that with my dance experience, I can help better treat dancers' injuries, as there aren't many physicians dedicated to dance. The medical field for the performing arts has been growing, and I'd love to join the movement.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?

I love completing cross-stitch designs or fixing some clothing if I don’t already have a design. It's a relaxing task to do mindlessly, which I normally do while listening to music or watching movies.


Tori will be featured in issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: Sara Elu-Veeninga has risen above a variety of personal challenges and is now excelling in school and as a top 4-H poultry competitor after just 2 short years. Sara was inspired when she connected with a sickly hen 3 years ago - she made a connection and found her passion, which has led to Sara building her own flock, excelling at poultry husbandry, and sharing her knowledge to positively promote the poultry industry. Sara's a State Gold Medal winner with her Oral Presentation “What’s Everybody Clucking About” and was awarded the 2019 Sonoma County Fair Poultry Exhibitor of the Year.

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​What draws you to showing poultry?
What draws me into showing poultry is learning more about my specific breeds of chickens and perfecting my showmanship knowledge and skills.
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What have you gotten out of your 4-H experience?
What I've gotten out of my 4-H experience is in addition to gaining more knowledge about poultry, I have gained leadership and public speaking skills.

​Could you talk about any achievements/ awards you’ve gotten?
I have received Gold at County, Area, and State Presentation Day competitions, 2x First place Senior team poultry judging, Best First Year Poultry Project, First Place Avian Bowl, First Place Presentation at Sonoma County Fair and Sonoma County Poultry Exhibitor of the Year.

How have your efforts in public speaking payed off?
My efforts in public speaking have really paid off in terms of my confidence levels skyrocketing. I am no longer nervous speaking in front of crowds. I have a large amount of confidence speaking about a topic I am passionate about or something I have a vast amount of knowledge in.

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​How has perseverance helped you become who you are today?
“If at first you don’t succeed, try try again.” Even when I didn’t win a first-place ribbon during my first year of showmanship, it inspired me to keep trying and keep learning to hopefully work my way up to earning a higher title.

Sara will be featured in issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Kennedy Cott joined the Power Team '20, my model rep team, late in the year, and got plugged in immediately. I love that she is such an active participant on my team. I've learned that anything that Kennedy does, she gives it 110%! She has been in FFA, doing floral design for several years, and she also raises and shows her lamb, Snow Flake.

When I met Kennedy, one of her interests that most impressed me was her involvement in politics. Kennedy is involved with Turning Point USA. The organization’s mission is to identify, educate, train, and organize students to promote the principles of freedom, free markets, and limited government. She has traveled to Dallas, Washington DC, & West Palm Beach, FL to attend 3 TPUSA leadership summits this year. She is also a member of Congressman Dan Crenshaw's High School Ambassador team. She attended the Congressman's student leadership summit in Houston this year and was recently invited to attend his Christmas party to interact with donors and other guests. She is attending Sam Houston State University where she will major in political science. At SHSU, she will be an active member of the campus's TPUSA chapter and be involved in student government. After graduation from SHSU, she will apply for law school and pursue a career in politics.

Kennedy is a smart and very driven young lady. I'm so proud to know her and wait to see how her promising future unfolds!

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Tell us about your involvement with Turning Point USA.
My involvement with Turning Point USA consists of attending conferences and summits across the country. President Trump, as well as many other great speakers are always a treat to hear from, and it’s definitely a great experience every time I get to see my turning point friends in a new city!

Where has been your favorite place you have traveled? Why?
My favorite place I have traveled has to be Washington DC. Whether I’m there for a summit or just with my family, it’s my favorite place to be. It just feels like that’s where I belong and I imagine myself one day living there.

​How did you get involved with politics?
I got involved with politics entirely on my own, and that’s a question I get frequently. Most people assume my parents pushed me into it but really, they have nothing to do with it. I just started by watching the news and forming my own opinions and it’s just taken off from there.

Tell us about your modeling program. What is it like?
My power team modeling for Angie Read Photography is so much fun! She really cares about how we act and what kind of people we are, rather than only superficial things. She’s taken some amazing images of me and It’s been a very good experience.

​If you were not majoring in political science, what would you be majoring in and why?
If I didn’t major in political science or pre-law, I’d probably choose nutrition science. Nutrition has always been a topic I am interested in and I really enjoy learning about it. If wasn’t going into the political science or law field, I would love to be a nutritionist.

Kennedy will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Chase Friend is a kind young man who has conquered many issues starting from birth. His biggest achievement was overcoming a coordination disorder when he was young. Chase has grown to play in almost every sport. He works hard to be at the same level as fellow teammates and goes out of his way to support them in any way he can. Chase is a Senior and Antwerp, High School in Antwerp, Ohio. He has lettered in golf and baseball, a member of the Student Council, two-time Homecoming attendant and plans to go to Bowling Green to major in Criminal Justice. Chase is also a Member of the MBT-419SENIOR Model team. He and the team will be traveling to Vegas in February 2020 to model at the WPPI Conference and also with the Model Network.
Many see Chase as a person with a kind heart who will go out of his way to help out a friend or even a perfect stranger.

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​Could you elaborate on the challenges you’ve faced?
The challenges I have faced started all the way back to when I was born. When I was born, I had pneumonia and had to spend time in the hospital. Some years later I got the flu very bad, and it left me shaky and unbalanced. It turned out that I ended up having a coordination disorder. It was caused by slower development of my cerebellum, which is the part of the brain that controls coordination and motor functions. This set me way behind all the other kids. I had trouble doing things that came normal to other people, writing, walking, running, all of these things were very difficult to me.

What motivates you to challenge yourself within the sports field?
Despite all the things that had hindered me in the athletic aspect, I have still always been really into sports. Up until high school I was still a good distance behind everyone else. Going up to the next level and playing with older kids opened my eyes that I would have to be better if I wanted the chance to continue to play sports. Starting the winter season of freshman year, I started working harder. It was a challenge; I would work harder than everyone else and never amount to any of them. At some points it got very difficult and I would get down on myself and think about giving up. I stuck with it because I never had anything else to do and I kept working hard and eventually got to where I am today.

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​Can you list some of your achievements?
Throughout my life I have achieved many things, some of which may not be considered "achievements" by others. When I got this disorder, I could barely take a couple steps without losing my balance. I only had a few friends, and as time went on, they became the "cool" kids. It was very hard to fit in since I wasn't like everyone else. This is why I consider having the friends and people surrounding me today an achievement. Another thing I look at as being an achievement is who I have become. I went from this shy, scrawny, un-athletic kid, to an outgoing, athletic teenager. I am also part of the Student Council and the baseball team at my school. Our baseball team has made big achievements in the last year. We went from being sub .500 team my freshman year, to a top ten ranked team that made it to state semifinals my junior year. Keep your eye out for the Antwerp Archer baseball team this year - we're going to do big things!

​How have the difficulties you’re faced with changed you for the better?
Looking back at everything, everything I have been through has changed my perspective on a lot of things. For one, it has made me feel a lot prouder of the things that I have accomplished because I have worked very hard for them. I also feel a lot more confident in moving on with my life after high school. I know that I will be able to overcome whatever comes at me if I work hard enough and that is something that I feel like a lot of people lose hope in. Another thing is just trying to be happy. I've gotten made fun of and picked on as a kid for not being as good as everyone and things like that, but I've learned to take it lightheartedly, even if they're trying to be mean. It can be difficult and annoying sometimes, but I think that dealing with it has made me more caring for the "little" people, and made me a lot more happy. Growing up and being kind of disconnected from everyone else really showed me how important having people that care about you in your life actually is. In ways it's showed me many useful things that I will carry on and remember throughout my life.

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What advice would you give to someone in your situation?
My advice to anyone in a situation like mine would be to just work hard and try to have a good attitude. I went from stumbling around the gym in elementary, to playing varsity baseball in high school, and the only reason I got here is from working hard and trying to keep my head up. Positivity is one of the most important things to have, whether it is in school, sports, or anything else in life. Keeping a positive attitude makes everything feel better and easier, along with being happy. Also, surround yourself with the people you love and will push you to be better. Having people you care about, and wanting to be a better person for and because of them, is the best driving force in the universe. Almost anything can be achieved if you're willing to do it.

Chase will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Grace is inspiring because she is incredibly self-disciplined and dedicated to her life’s goals. Dancing since 8 years old, Grace has won various scholarships for dance. With a rigid dance schedule at her local studio, Grace plans to become a choreographer and studio owner one day. She even decided that home schooling was the best option so that she could focus on her goals, her job, and her mom. Grace doesn’t just dance, she is a well-rounded student with excellent academics. She is compassionate, and loves to volunteer with Read Across America, as well as donates food regularly to the homeless in her community.

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​As a devoted dancer what does your schedule look like?
I dance everyday besides Sundays and all year long. We do get a few breaks like Christmas, thanksgiving, and a 3-week break after our biggest show but that’s it. For homeschool I have to add up my hours of dance each week and I dance a total of 21-26 hours each week!

What has dance been able to do for you throughout the years?
Dance has formed me into the person I am today. It has taught me many important life skills and given me great opportunities in life. Dance has also helped me cope with my emotions and I think that’s great especially for teenagers to distract them from temptations. Dance helps me with expressing thoughts and emotions. It’s like an escape from the world, or in a way “stopping time”.

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​How did you become interested in dance and how did you start?
Ever since I was 4 years old, I knew I wanted to be a dancer. My grandma took me to the nutcracker in Seattle, Washington and as soon as I saw the Sugarplum fairy, I said “I want to be as pretty as her”. I didn't start dancing until I was 8 due to money problems but I’m so thankful it all worked out.

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​What was your experience like transitioning into homeschooling to focus on your goal?
At first I was a little upset because I thought I wouldn’t be able to do as much but the older I got, the more I realized that homeschool has given me opportunities to experience other things in life and I have more freedom with my time, especially for dance and photoshoots.

​Tell me a little more about some of the scholarships you have received.
Some scholarships I have won in the past years is a free 3 day convention called Dance Driven and $50 off at Art of Movement convention in Seattle Washington.

Grace will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Kaitlyn Fisher is a Senior at Barren County High School and has been accepted to Western Kentucky University. Kaitlyn is always putting others first which is one of many reasons she has chosen Nursing as her career path. Her drive and determination to achiever her personal and career goals while also putting others first is very inspiring.

​Why do you want to be a nurse and what kind of nurse would you want to be?
I want to become a nurse because I enjoy helping others and that type of job is fast paced as well as you experience something different every minute rather than doing the same thing over and over.
My goal is to be a RN in an emergency room. I chose that because of it being fast pace environment and it would allow me to use every aspect of the skills and education achieved.

Who/What inspired you to become a nurse? My Grandmother was a nurse for 30+ years at a local hospital and I saw the joy and excitement that profession brought her and so I chose nursing to not only honor her but because of the joy I saw it brought her.

​What is something your most excited for when you go to Western Kentucky University?
I am excited about the whole college experience and about learning the skills and knowledge I will gain for my future.

If you did not want to be a nurse, what career would you choose and why?
Prior to making the decision toward nursing I thought about being a Teacher because I love kids and I had many great Teachers through my high school years that impacted me in a positive way that I will forever be grateful for their encouragement and impact in my life.

​Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I see myself working in a hospital as an RN. After getting settled into a great career my plans are to one day get married and have a family of my own.

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What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love spending time with my family, boyfriend and boyfriend’s family on their farm.


How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
Prioritization is key and something that has always helped me stay organized in school and life.


Who do you find inspiring?
My parents are inspiring to me because they have shown me to always be true to yourself and that pushing yourself toward a goal will result in achievement.

Kaitlyn will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

The Nomination: Kassidee Bates is an amazing softball athlete as well as a devoted horseman and competitor.
She will be attending Southern Utah University, majoring in Exercise Science
GPA- 3.93
Honor Roll 4 yrs
Path for honors diploma
1st team all-league catcher 2 years
2nd team all-state Junior year, nominee for Sr yr
Dist. Champion for Ohset in Barrel racing, Pole bending, Birangle, Team flags, as well as District High Point for Gaming.
Representative for McMinnville Ohset
Kassidee is also job shadowing in multiple medical facilities. She is an active volunteer in, Stuff the Bus, Ladies Night Out.
She also offers catching lessons for youth sports.

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​What are some things you love most about playing softball while also being a devoted horseman, and what have you accomplished through being involved in both?
Softball and horses have both taught me how to become a dedicated and hard-working person. I love how they are both very competitive and require me to put in extra hours outside of the normal practice. They both differ from one another in many aspects, horses require a strong bond with the animal you ride, while softball is building a relationship and trust with those you play with. I have accomplished a hard-working mentality through both meaning I have benefited from them in other ways. The friendships I have made through both are some I will cherish for the rest of my life. 
 
Tell me about your passion for animals and how it has impacted the person you are today. 
I started off living in town when I was younger, riding horses whenever I could. Originally when I was younger, I wanted to become a vet due to my love for all animals and I became very devoted to them. I started doing 4-H with dogs, which taught me a lot about patience and gave me an introduction into what I would be doing in the future with horses. When I got my first horse, I was ecstatic. As one might know, horses come with a lot of responsibility. I was taught to clean stalls, saddle horses, feed, and simply take care of an animal of that size. Learning these interactions has taught me how to become a more understanding person. An animal is unable to speak meaning understanding little messages is something that is very important in owning them. My love for animals has made me a more compassionate person; and I am very grateful for this. I hope everybody can find a love for animals because they will become your best friend, and this is something everybody deserves to have in their life. 

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​How have you been able to overcome many obstacles to ultimately achieve your goals in life?
Everything I have done in my life hasn’t come to me easily. School and sports have required a lot of work from me. One thing I have been working on is juggling school and sports; I play competitive softball, and this involves traveling to multiple states to play in tournaments. I miss a lot of school and with my intense class load I have to study a lot and work on homework whenever I have down time. In the horse aspect I have had to learn to overcome the judgement. The horse world is something not many people get into at a late age, meaning proving yourself is very difficult. I have had to work very hard with what I have in order to become competitive, and I am grateful for what I have been given. When I started, I would not have pictured myself become the rider I am now; one example would be my ability to train horses. I have a 3-year-old horse who I have trained from a young colt. This was a big challenge for me since we did not buy him from a typical breeder, we actually rescued him from a large ranch with a rescue organization here. Around 30 horses were seized, and none have had any human contact in their lives. This was a huge obstacle and gaining their trust require multiple months of hard work. Fast forward a few years and both horses are mostly trained and can be ridden and are on the path to being completely trained. 
 
What do you look forward to the most about attending Southern Utah University in the future, and what do you plan to major in?
My first thought when I toured Southern Utah was “this is where I want to spend the next four years of my life”. The campus atmosphere is something I haven’t seen at any other school. Everybody is very welcoming and even though it is a decently large school, knowing a lot of people isn’t hard. The student involvement also intrigued me. The location is also extremely beautiful and very central. Las Vegas is two hours away and the very famous Zion National Park is only a short drive. My desired major is Physical Therapy and with this SUU has one of the top programs for helping me get into graduate school. With a lot of research, I discovered I could transfer to the University of Utah to get my Doctorate in Physical Therapy program immediately after graduating. This is very beneficial and will save me a lot of time. 

​How have you devoted your time to volunteering to help others through your own passions?
I have learned a lot through my time playing softball, which has led to me giving lessons to youth catchers. I started giving lessons when I was 15 and have been doing them ever since. I consider this my way of giving back to the sport and helping the younger generation reach their dreams. I have about ten girls who I give lessons to weekly and seeing them progress and learn is very inspiring to me; knowing that my knowledge is benefiting them is very uplifting. I’ve noticed the mark I have left in my community and it really pushes me to become a better person. Playing for my high school has really helped me in diving into the youth programs around the community and I’ve really learned from this. Softball has also given me the chance to volunteer at a dinner called the Crab Feed which is a fundraiser for high school sports. Knowing that my contribution helps not only my sport, but everybody else’s too makes it completely worth it. 

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​How has your academic and athletic involvement, along with your love for animals influenced your life positively as a role model to others?
I like to believe I am a role model to those I give lessons to. I don’t only teach about catching fundamentals, but I also teach the girls about life experiences. I like them to understand how sports can make you a better person and to cherish this experience. With horses I have let multiple people around the community ride and learn about equine life. Informing others about horses and what owning them is really like is something I really enjoy. Not many people fully grasp the difficulties that come with owning a farm and teaching the community about this is something I strive to do. Many people know me around the town as the local softball catcher/ horse girl. With this name, I can reach out to a wide variety of people and motivate them to try different things. Being a role model to the youth is something I do not take lightly; I have to make sure I stay strong in all the things I do in order to keep up with my reputation. Going towards the academic side, I have been known as a strong student in all my classes. I am taking a class called AVID, which since Freshman year has taught me how to apply for college. Within this class I like to believe I am a role model to some; this class has a wide variety of students with intense life stories and I have really been impacted by this. In this class, we can help others with studying and homework, and since I am taking many AP classes I am able to help others succeed in their classes. 

Kassidee will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Juliette has had an incredibly trying year. Her mother had a major health relapse that put her in a handicapped state which she remains in today. Despite the extraordinary challenges that come with having to be one of the primary caretakers in her home she has exemplified the highest of standards of conduct throughout. She was determined to carry through on her plan to complete her high school education 1 year early and remains on track to do so. It is Juliette’s character that shines so brightly in the face of adversity. She is patient, compassionate, disciplined, loyal, and above all else kind. She will gather and chop the wood, prepare the kindling and light the fire that will help guide mankind forward with never ending forgiveness, unconditional love and every present kindness.

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​Elaborate on the challenges that you have been faced with recently. 
In May, my mother became sick and was bedridden. It was during my exam week; I didn’t miss school and passed each exam with flying colors. That summer, my life was spent taking care of her, cleaning the house and cooking. Me and my dad worked together to get her better but still she is not. We don’t have any answers for why she is this way besides the possibility that she has Lyme Disease. I still decided to graduate a year early, starting my senior year with 2 AP classes and all honor classes. This has led to inner struggles and how to achieve what I want without giving up. 
 
How have these challenges created difficulties throughout your life?
Some difficulties I have faced are mostly within myself. Being a caretaker is very trying, especially when it is your life 24/7. It has challenged my compassion, my self-love, my relationships and my opinions. It has opened my eyes to true hardship and how to get through it. 

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​How have you managed to handle all the pressure put on you, while still keeping your academics as a priority?
The big things for me that have helped are reading, writing and painting. Writing has given me an outlet for my emotions. Reading takes me into a different world letting me disconnect from reality. And painting has helped me express how I feel. Spending time with my boyfriend has helped me a lot. He has supported me and always listens to how I feel. He works with me and keeps me going.

​What are your goals, and how are you managing to achieve them?
I want to go to Forsyth Tech for 2 years to get my main courses done, then transfer to a university to get my PhD in Psychology and Masters in Criminal Justice. I took multiple advanced Psychology classes and it peaked my interest in that field of study.  Since I was young, I always was fascinated by the mind and how powerful it is, so my goal is to get in that field. I am achieving that by keeping all my grades up and filling out things for college. 

​What have you learned from the past year and how has it made you grow as a person?
I have learned that you can always get better as a person, you can always improve. I have learned that love is so important and caring can do so much. Also, that taking care of yourself is extremely needed, if you don’t care for yourself, you cannot care for others. Your mind is capable of a lot, it is your powerhouse and can either help you or hurt you. 

​What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? 
A big thing is, never give up. No matter what life throws you, always know that you can do it. Love yourself because after all you are the most important person. Make sure people around you know that you appreciate them, tell them you love them. Give yourself credit when you achieve something. Be critical of yourself to improve but also remember, mistakes are bound to happen. Know that you are important, you are beautiful, you are loved, and you are special.

Juliette will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: I'm nominating Ali Tate because she is the perfect example of persevering through times of peril. She lost her boyfriend earlier this year. He was struggling silently. Ali handled herself with grace through a terrible time. She is a teen that others look up to. Photographing her was an honor and I'm so inspired to see what the future holds for her.

​What influenced you to become involved in suicide prevention?
May 12th, 2019 my boyfriend took his own life. He was the most caring and selfless person I’ve ever met. He had a heart of gold and the most infectious personality. His death affected me in a way that is incomparable to anything that shall ever happen to me. With that being said it has given me the drive to seek out any who I can help and make sure they understand nobody fights alone.

​Tell me about your involvement in suicide prevention and how it has impacted your life. 
As a kid I never would have even thought about bringing so much light to such a dark thing. Being an advocate for suicide prevention has brought out so many people who had been hiding it all along. It’s showed me what the real world is like and the realization of just because you can’t see it, doesn’t mean it isn’t there.

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​How have you been able to be there for others who need it the most through your support and encouragement?
Over time I have been able to share this connection and bond with so many people that I never would have thought would have happened. They have come to see how passionate I am about this prevention and put their trust in me to stand by them in their battle. I’ve been able to realize that everyone needs to just be asked, “Hey, how are you?” every once in a while. We live in a world full of secrets, so it is NEVER a wrong to simply ask someone if they are okay. You never know what it’s like behind closed doors or what could be running through someone’s head at the late hours of the night.

What do you find most enlightening about preventing suicide for those in your community?
The suicide that affected me affected many of my hometown. Seeing such sorrow brought to everyone made me feel the need to be the change. I knew there was no way I could take the pain away from everyone just like they couldn’t take the pain away from me, but inside me I just felt like something had to change. People were constantly coming to me asking how I was after everything, but I knew I was fine. I knew I was going to make it out okay, but it was them who I didn’t know. Just the simple “how are you doing” goes so far and things like that are what make the community stronger. It’s so warm and heartfelt that people who nobody ever would have thought were suffering have trust in me to not only keep their secrets but help them out of the dark.

 
As a role model to others, how has your perseverance through tough times become a light and inspiration to many?
People grieve in all different ways and no one way is better than another. But when people come to me saying “you’re so strong” and “I could never handle this like you” they don’t understand that they are what gives me my motivation. My encounter has showed me people may look fine, but you don’t know anything that is actually happening. All the people that were there for me when I needed them were my continuous brace that kept me from falling even when I wanted to. They will never understand that while I may have inspired them for my reactions to the situation, they were the only reason I was able to react the way I did.

Ali will be featured in issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Grace is an inspiring ambassador for the FFA. In March she is running for a position as an OR State Officer. If selected she will travel many states speaking to students, facilitating leadership conferences for a minimum of 270 days her first year after high school. She has been working toward this goal for many years! Grace hopes to attend Oregon State University.
Majoring in Wildlife Biology, Minor in Agricultural Sales, enabling her to become a Wildlife Technician with the OR Dept of Fish and Wildlife!
Nat. Honor Society 2 yrs
Dayton FFA Chapter President
2019-20 Lower Willamette District FFA President
Dayton ASB President
2020 Dayton HS "Prudential Spirit of Community Award" selected nominee National Scholarship
Grace loves cheerleading and is the Cheer Captain She has an amazing outgoing personality. With her big heart and engaging smile Grace will most certainly be a success at all that she tackles!

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​Tell us a little bit about the FFA.
I was first exposed to the joy of community service and helping others through my school’s FFA program and class. With over 700 thousand members, the FFA is a national organization which reaches from the state of Alaska, to the Virgin Islands and from the state of Maine to Hawaii. The FFA is a youth organization which helps students discover their true potential though primer leadership and growth.

What is it like being an inspiring ambassador for the FFA?
Over the past 4 years, I have been exposed to many opportunities which lead me to where I am today. I've competed nationally in several different competitions including Food Science, Parliamentary Procedure and soon, Agricultural Sales. One of my favorite parts of being in the FFA is meeting new friends. I love getting to know people and their own inspiring stories as well as setting a good example for younger members to follow.

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How did you get involved with cheerleading? What’s your favorite part about the sport and why?
I've always enjoyed attending school sports events and cheering in the student section, but I wanted to get more involved. I was inspired to join the team when a close friend of mine told me it was an escape for her. When she was at cheerleading practice, it was the only thing she had to worry about. I've really enjoyed being part of such a loving team and I’m looking forward to the rest of the season.

Please tell us why your senior photos are so special to you? How are they different?
I really wanted my photos to be unique and unlike any of the other one's I've seen. My photos tell a story of who I am and the life I’ve lived alongside with my family. My dad has been an airplane pilot for 12 years so naturally I grew up as a pilot's daughter. We spent many of my summers together flying and camping in the backcountry of Idaho. The photos of me in the truck represent my small-town country lifestyle and truly show my personality.

What kind of music do you like the listen to? What kind of music do you like to play?
I couldn't categorize myself into a genre music. I can go from alternative to rap to country in a matter of a few skips. I grew up in a musical family and was raised on classic bands like Fleetwood Mac and The Beatles. One of my favorite things to do is create playlists for different moods and I often discover new music that way.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Sometimes things won’t go how you plan. But if you’re patient, work hard and stay true to yourself, you will accomplish whatever you put your mind to. Seek what sets your soul on fire.

Grace will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: As Maddie’s XC and Track Coach, Maddie has been inspiring others with her running ability for several years. Her hard work and dedication began when she was 8. She has earned All-State honors since she was 12. She is a true leader on and off the track. She is active in her church youth group and has a love of hunting. As Maddie’s mom she inspires me daily with all she does while still maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Coaching your own child is one of the hardest things to do. By me nominating her, it’s just one of the many ways for me to let her know how proud I am of her and that I will always be her biggest fan!

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​What inspired you to start running?
My mom inspired me to start running. I started running 5k’s when I was 7 years old and then loved it from then on.

I can relate to you with having your mom as your coach, my mom coached my cheerleading squad for 7 years! I always loved having her around. Did you like having your mom as the coach?
Yes! I loved having her around she always pushed me harder and she knew what I was capable of doing.

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​What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I’ve ever accomplished is winning a state championship in 8th grade. I couldn’t have done it without my teammates. We practiced every day and as hard as we could.
 
What was it like growing up in Alabama?
Growing up in Alabama is amazing. We live on a farm, so you have so much room to do pretty much everything. There are animals everywhere and I love animals!

Tell us a little bit about what your hunting experiences are like.
My hunting experiences are great! You get up really early and you’re done like 3 hours later and if you kill something you get to cook it and eat it!

​What is something you will always remember from your childhood?
Something from my childhood I’ll always remember is being at the state track meet and getting a text that our house burnt down. It’s special to me because we had lived in that house my entire life.

Maddie will be featured in Issue 29 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: The attributes of this young athlete are numerous. They include a 4.0 GPA, Beta club member, Baseball MVP recipient, and he also led his baseball team 2 years in a row in the highest batting average and most stolen bases. While he loves baseball and his family even more, he also enjoys Basketball. He will graduate in 2020 and is recently committed and signed to play Baseball at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain. His hard work and dedication shines both on the field and in the classroom. While playing baseball Tristan also will be studying to become an anesthesiologist in the future.

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​What do you love most about playing baseball and how has it influenced your life?
I was reserved and shy growing up, and even today I am still shy. Playing baseball, my parents made it possible for me to play local and travel Baseball where I was able to visit other states and play on other teams such as California even though I am from Louisiana, and not know a single person. I have traveled to Florida, Mississippi Texas and Alabama to play ball. When I was in Florida, I played for Team USA which is rewarding because I had to try out to make that team along with other players from across the USA. I was able to grow and venture out into the world. I met lots of other baseball players and made lifetime friends. It has guided me to be confident in playing at the next level. All in all it has taught me patience, how to be a team player and leadership.

Tell me a little bit about your future at the University of Arkansas Rich Mountain and what you find most interesting about studying to become an anesthesiologist in college.
I am stoked to be able to play at the next level in College. My Arkansas Coach Lance Spignar saw my videos and said how impressed I was to him and contacted my Travel Baseball coach to recruit me. Baseball is my life and at the UARM I will be part of making history as this is a new program for the college. I knew I always wanted to be in the medical field to help people it is who I am.

​How have you been able to maintain a 4.0 GPA while also dedicating your time to baseball and basketball?
I am one of those people who absorb information in the classroom. I don't study. I just pay attention in the classroom. I am very blessed for that.

What accomplishments have you experienced through the sports & academics you are involved in?
I have been chosen for two years in a row for MR. LAHS BASEBALL for my high school, leading the team 3 years in a row with highest batting average and most stolen bases. I was MVP, 2 years 1st team all-district, 2 years 1st team all Parish, and 2018 All State.

​How have you continued to be an inspiration in your daily life by including others and treating everyone you meet equally?
As a Senior I don't judge anyone younger than me. I treat them like we are on the same level. The younger kids look up to me which makes me proud to be the person I have become.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up on your dreams and hopes. I'm from a small town and we get overlooked a lot. you have to go out of your comfort zone and travel to be seen if you want to play at the next level.

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​Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years I would love to be playing in the MLB. If not, then I will still be in college awaiting my degree.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
My favorite pastime is weightlifting. I go to the gym daily. As I was growing up, I was a tall skinny kid and I didn't want to be known as that anymore. I love to see my body changing. I am now stronger, faster and motived.

​How do you keep yourself organized with everything you have on your plate?
Calendar... my mom keeps a calendar on the fridge !

Tristan will be featured in Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Ryleigh Rodgers has been inspiring her peers for many years with her charismatic personality and her natural ability to lead. She started gymnastics at the age of 3 and was headed down an elite/college gymnastics path.
At 12 her world changed drastically with a diagnosis of congenital kyphoscoliosis. Due to complications (including delayed paraparesis), Ryleigh underwent 4 spinal surgeries to correct her spine.
She is doing amazing now and has used her story on the platform of American Ninja Warrior Jr to raise awareness for scoliosis across the nation. She also transitioned to springboard diving and has competed at the State and National levels, placing 2nd at State and named All-American her freshman year.
Ryleigh has never allowed her diagnosis to dictate what she would or wouldn't accomplish in life. In addition to her athletic accomplishments, she is an A-Honor Roll student and was the Area and State Champion in her HOSA competition her freshman year, which provided her the opportunity to compete at the International Championships.
She also leads the Curvy Girls Scoliosis Houston Chapter, a support group for girls with scoliosis. Ryleigh faced her challenge head-on and did it with an amazing attitude. Never once asking "why me?" Just like in her younger days of gymnastics, she is a true All-Around person who was provided an extraordinary story to share. Ryleigh has decided that she would like to pursue a future in the medical field and become a pediatric orthopedic surgeon. We hope Inspiring Teens International will agree that her story is worth sharing!

​Tell us about your experience with congenital kyphoscoliosis.
My experience with congenital kyphoscoliosis was a little crazy. At age 11 and a highly competitive gymnast, I received a very unexpected diagnosis of the rare spine defect. Due to it compromising my spinal cord, my parents decided to retire me from the only sport I had known and loved since I was three. I immediately transitioned into diving, but within a few months was recommended for surgery. That one surgery led to four, but it also led to some awesome opportunities for me to raise awareness for scoliosis. This experience changed my life dramatically, but I wouldn't want it any other way.

What was it like to have 4 spinal surgeries? What was the healing process like?
Having 4 spinal surgeries was not just difficult for me, but for my entire family. I underwent 3 surgeries in 11 days due to complications, including delayed paraparesis. I was in an insane amount of pain! The healing process was a lot more restricted for me due to complications, so I had to take things a bit slower than most. The hardest part was being so restricted, because that's not who I am!

What made you want to try springboard diving?
As a young gymnast I had always said if I ever had to quit gymnastics, I would try diving because they use some of the same fundamentals and my gymnastics background would only benefit me as a diver. It was just a natural transition. When I started diving, I was very skeptical and wasn't sure if was for me, but I have grown to love it!

​Tell us about the Curvy Girls Scoliosis Houston Chapter. How did you get involved?
Curvy Girls Scoliosis is a support group for young girls/teens to get together and share their experiences and challenges with scoliosis. We meet monthly to talk, do activities and just get to know one another because we are "more together than alone!" I was introduced to the organization by author Alyson Gerber after she saw my story on ANWJR. I watched the video of founder Leah Stoltz receiving the HALO Award and decided to get involved. I am honored to lead the amazing Houston Chapter of Curvy Girls!

​What was it like competing on American Ninja Warrior, Jr.?
ANWJR was amazing and an unforgettable experience! I started training ninja to maintain my upper body strength after retiring from gymnastics. Unfortunately, I started my surgical journey just 6 months later. When the ANWJR opportunity came about, I had not trained in over 2 years, so I was very skeptical about applying. My coach, ANW Josh Salinas encouraged me to do it anyway. I was selected and was able to train 2 months before the competition. I was not as prepared as I’d liked, but it was all worth it! I am beyond grateful for ANWJR and Universal Kids for allowing me the opportunity to share my story and raise awareness for scoliosis.

​The Nomination: Mikayla is a 2-time state champion for competitive cheer and she’s the Cheer Captain for her high school team. Along with cheerleading Mikayla is involved in varsity track and field and chorus. Mikayla brings so much light and positive energy to my spokesmodel team. Her laugh is infectious and she’s always dancing. She is a member of the National Honor Society and a Crosby Scholar. She is an advocate for several volunteering agencies and deserves the utmost recognition.

What opportunities have you gained from cheerleading?
Not only have I won two state titles with my team, I have gained so many friendships from this team that they are like family. We do pretty much everything together. We even have our own Instagram dedicated to post about what we do together outside of cheer!

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​How has cheerleading helped you gain confidence for other aspects of your life?
Cheer has helped me with my confidence over the years. It’s truly been a stress reliever and I have enjoyed every moment of it!
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How has cheerleading shaped you into who you are today?
Cheer has shaped me into an outgoing fun filled young lady. My freshman year was our first year competing and we did not win any competition that year, but we took those losses and turned that to drive. I now use that drive that my coach gave me in my everyday life!

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What’s a memory from cheerleading that you will always remember?
One memory I will never forget was one summer day we had team bonding after practice. We had twister with colored shaving all over it slip and slides and so much more! The joy and laughter will forever be a great memory!

Tell me about the Miss Merry Christmas pageant and how it has affected you.
Being awarded the Miss Merry Christmas crown was such a humbling award. It afforded me the opportunity to show the inner beauty as well as outer beauty. I strategically planned my theme around the Christmas event for Jesus is the reason for the season. I will forever have the Miss Merry Christmas award in my heart. It was a night to remember.

Mikayla will be featured in Issue 28  of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: DeLaney Holland is my daughter. Although I’m not her biological father she is mine in my heart. Laney D is not only beautiful, smart and talented, but she has a heart that loves like I’ve never seen. She goes to school, works 2 jobs at times, is awesome at her hip hop dance and loves the Lord. It’s been a blessing to have her in my life and watch her grow into the young woman she has become. She is a true inspiration to me and a great peer/ friend to everyone with no barriers or judgements. I can’t wait to see the next chapter in her life.

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What excites you most about working two jobs while also remaining busy with dance and school?
I love staying busy and always having something to do. I rarely ever get a break from my activities but working and dancing is something I really love spending my time doing. I think it’s important to take advantage of your teen years and experience everything you can!

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​When did you first get involved with hip hop, and what do you love most about dance?
I first started dancing when i was 8 and fell in love with it instantly. My favorite part about it is having fun & being able to stay active while doing something I love! I have many precious memories of bonding with my team throughout the years.

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​Tell me about your interest in becoming a NICU nurse after college.
Ever since I was little, I've wanted to become a nurse. My mom is a nurse and seeing her help others inspired me to follow that path too! I’ve always had a heart for babies in need, and I really have a passion to work with them in the future.

​How has your faith impacted who you are and how you live your life?
Without my faith, I would not be where I am at today. Facing many obstacles throughout high school has opened my eyes to a good relationship with God. I’ve learned that you have to have faith in order to get through the difficult times AND the good times!

As an inspiration to others, how do you continue to be a great and caring friend to those who need it the most?
I strive to be the best person I can be for others around me. It’s important to be there for your friends and family because you never know what they’re going through. I always try to that person that anyone can come to whenever they need something.
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Delaney will be featured in Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​ The Nomination: Sydney Carreira-Sydney is taking her senior year by storm! She’s doing everything she can to be involved and make the most of her final year. She and her friends are entered to be on the cover of our new local prom magazine, she is the kicker for her school’s football team, and she was nominated for homecoming queen. I’ve had the pleasure of working with her a couple times, and every time she is so sweet and so grounded. She has such a bright future and I can’t wait to see what door she opens for herself!

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​Tell us why you play football and how became interested in playing.
Initially, a coach approached me telling me our team needed a kicker. I started going to the summer workouts and eventually became an official member on the team. In the beginning, I was playing for myself because it was a cool experience, but then I realized how much of an impact I had. I started playing for those girls who did not have confidence in themselves and to show them whatever you put your mind to, you can do. I also played for my team. I saw how passionate they were about a sport and it really inspired me to push myself and break boundaries.

What is it like being the kicker for your high school's football team?
Being the kicker was one of the most incredible and memorable experiences of my life. In the beginning, I was extremely nervous, but all my teammates were extremely encouraging. Any time I messed up, they just told me to shake it off and keep trying. I also got a lot more attention than I expected. I knew people would probably get excited that there was a girl on the team, but I never thought that my entire community and the surrounding area would be so supportive.

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​What is it like being a female in a male dominant sport?
Even though I was the only female in a male dominated sport, my team treated me as if I was family. They were also very protective of me during games and always had my back. I could not have picked a better team to play with. The only difference was that I was in a different locker room, everything else was pretty much the same, which is what I wanted. I did not want any special treatment because I was a girl. Although it was challenging at times, I was really fortunate to play for my school and team.

​How do you balance your life as a student athlete?
I currently have a GPA of 5.1. I have learned that time management is a huge part of being a successful student athlete. I have also learned that even though sports are fun, academics ALWAYS comes first. Most of the time, I see student athletes struggle due to procrastination because they tell themselves, “well I have practice, so the assignment will have to wait”. I knew, however, that academics is what ultimately gets you into college and even allows you to graduate high school in general. It is definitely challenging at times, but learning to not procrastinate and learning time management skills, I am able to be a successful student athlete.

How do you prove people wrong when they assume that student athletes barely getting by when it comes to academics? How do you break those stereotypes?
I always put being a student first when it comes to being a student athlete. However, to prove to people that athletes can also excel in academics, I make sure I make all As. I also take Dual Credit courses with a local college, AP classes, and honors courses. I believe there is a balance between academics and sports. It is completely possible to do both, and to be good at both. The trick is to not waste time. I get assignments done early, that way I can go to the entire practice every day.

Sydney will be featured in Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​The Nomination: Clara Soler is inspiring because she has overcome -and continues to overcome - health challenges. She was born with a significantly small and limited airway (and is creatively constructed internally in some other boring ways). Most people with her condition have trouble walking and talking. Clara not only walks and talks, she sings and dances. When she is exhausted, she keeps going. Every day she challenges herself and sets goals to be involved in chorus and theater. These activities require her to actively work hard on breath control and sustained movement. She pushes through obstacles without complaining and without making excuses. Clara is extremely creative, crocheting every day. Additionally, she sings and dances and acts. She is very strong – and unusually flexible. Her strength is not only physical, it extends to her emotional and mental construction.  She has to visit Children's Hospital to have bronchoscopies and airway visits. She handles those procedures and visits with humor, grace and a positive outlook. When she doesn’t have to experience a procedure with anesthesia, she excitedly looks forward to eating at her favorite restaurant, the CHOP cafeteria.

​Tell me about the breathing challenges you have continued to overcome in your life.
I have long stem tracheal stenosis with complete tracheal rings and Malaysia. This means that my trachea is very thin, collapsible and surrounded by complete rings. I get tired when I run extensively or dance a lot. Sometimes, I just don’t feel well and have trouble explaining how that feels. Humidity is usually what causes my breathing problems, but the cold can cause challenges for me too. My challenges are pretty much year-round. 

What obstacles have you faced through your health challenges? How have you been able to accomplish your goals despite them?
I have difficulty breathing, but I really enjoy acting, singing, and dancing. I just persist and try my best even if that means having to catch my breath for the next few minutes. I know that if I want to accomplish my goals, I have to accept any/ all discomfort. Certain things cause me more problems than others. For example, ballet and tap have very different effects on my breathing. Ballet is a bit more calming in the sense that you are not always moving in some sort of walking or running movement. Tap is a lot faster (usually) and creates a few more problems for me. 
  
What do you love most about theater and dance, and what has been your favorite memory of performing so far?
I love that performing gives me an outlet to be whomever I want to be. In theatre there is a final outcome where you’ll be able to see results, which motivates me to do my best and give it my all. I enjoyed the overall experience of being in Aladdin Jr because so many of my friends were in it. I met many new people through that production too. I still have a lot of the friends I made during that show and see them regularly. Theatre also provides a chance to meet people who aren’t in my grade or school, giving me more chances at creating long lasting friendships. 

Can you elaborate on what your life has been like growing up multicultural?
My father is Hispanic, and he speaks Spanish, makes Spanish food and we have often traveled to Puerto Rico. It has always been a lively part of my heritage. I’ve become more aware that some people have a prejudice toward people of Hispanic origin. Because of this, I believe that I have gained more compassion and empathy toward victims of prejudice. 

​As an inspiration to many, how have you been able to reach out to others through your passions and all that you are in?
I enjoy helping my sisters prepare for auditions and help my friends practice for their involvement in theater and dance. Right now I am in conversations with Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia about how I can volunteer my time to help children with health challenges. I’ve spent so much time there and know that most people want someone to talk to. When you’re at a hospital for an extensive amount of time it can get boring and scary. I’d want to be an example of someone who wasn’t given much of a chance but has been able to live a happy life. 


Clara will be featured in Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Ginger Burlew has been part of my Teen Influencer Team for the past 3 years. She was recommended to me by one of my Team girls at the time for a Back to School shoot I wanted to do because she had an interest in Modeling and I just fell in love with her! Her smile is infectious, and her upbeat personality just makes you feel happy! She has been a Varsity Cheerleader and participated in National Competitions. She coached kids with disabilities in a program called Sparkle during this time. She was a leader in her Connect Club at her High School which is involved with making kids with disabilities get more connected in the school. During her time on the Lisa Shifflett Photography Team she decided she wanted to pursue her Modeling dream and she set about finding out information on how to get signed to an agency. She did all the research and submissions on her own and landed a contract with a modeling Agency at 15! She is a generous and giving teenager and I hope you will consider her as an Inspiring Teen!

​Why did you want to start modeling?
I have been wanting to start modeling since I was little, but never really got into it until I started working with Lisa Shifflett. Lisa stuck by my side and helped me in every way possible to exceed my goal, which was to sign to an agency. After I started working with her, I fell in love with the unique way you can express yourself and I realized that this was really something I wanted to do. I wouldn't want to change any of this for the world! 
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How did you get started with cheerleading?
It feels like I have been cheering since I was able to walk. I was put into cheerleading and everything related to it since I was 6. My mom was the reason for this, and she supported me with it since the beginning. Cheerleading for all my life has taught me what it is like to be a part of a team and have others depend on you. 

​Have you been to Nationals in Orlando for cheer? If so, tell us about your experience!
I have been fortunate enough to go to Nationals for cheer every year from sixth grade to my sophomore year of high school. Although we never had the outcome we were hoping for, just being a part of the team was a reward. We were all so close and I loved every moment that we spent together. I am so grateful that I now have friendships that will last a lifetime.
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What is it like being involved with Sparkle?
Sparkle was an unforgettable experience that I am so thankful I got to be a part of. I got to work with these amazing girls who are just like you and me. They had dreams to cheer and being able to help them make it a reality was so fun and rewarding. Being involved with Sparkle has showed me how doing such a small thing can make a difference in someone's life.

​What does it feel like to give back to your community and help people out?
It is such an amazing feeling to give back to the community and seeing what a difference it makes in the lives of others. Even the small things like making someone smile can make their day a little bit better, and that is so rewarding. From all of the amazing experiences that I have had, I learned to appreciate the little things and to just enjoy what life brings. 


Ginger will be featured in issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!