Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Sofia Weidknecht

10/28/2020

Sofia Weidknecht – Colorado
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Photographer Jennifer Denton Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: In late March, 2020, Sofia Weidknecht and her younger sister Kate decided on their own that they would start a GoFundMe page for the Denver Public School Food Security Fund. Some children in the DPS system rely on this meal as their one and only hot meal of the day so when Covid hit, the girls knew they had to help. With the backing of their dance company, in less than a month, the girls were able to raise over $10,000 dollars to feed hundreds of DPS kids.

Congratulations on your success with the GoFundMe Page. What led to the GoFundMe page you started for Denver Public School Food Security Fund?
I have family in the Denver Public School system, and I knew that there are a lot of families that rely on the school system to get breakfasts and lunches. I was concerned about how kids would get their food when we were on COVID lockdown and didn’t know how they would stay healthy through the quarantine season. My sister and I brainstormed and with the help of our dance company, we managed to raise over $10,000 for these kids in need!

How did you get people to know about it and to donate to it?
When we first started it, we asked family and friends from our dance company to donate a few dollars to help us get started. As we began to gain leverage, we put links on our social media profiles and got a ton of donations through that. Eventually, we had the opportunity to go on our local TV news station and that is what blew our GoFund me up. We got hundreds of donations over the span of two weeks and really made me and my sister realize how easy it was to make an impact on people’s lives.

Tell us about the National Charity League. What do you do it in and what do you love about it?
National Charity League is a super fun organization where you have the opportunity to give back to your community in so many different ways through so many different charities. My personal favorite charity is Meals on Wheels, and I love that one because it gives me a chance to drive around the city of Denver and give back to people who really need it. The people receiving the food are so thankful and it’s so cool to see your impact first-hand.

That's exciting you started your own business in 8th grade. Tell us more about it. What was the hardest part about starting it and how did you advertise? Do you still have it?
The business that I created was called The Babysitting Bag, and it was a backpack that was easy to carry around to babysitting jobs with toys, coloring books, as well as first aid things like bandaids, antiseptic wipes, and instructions for CPR. The most challenging part of the whole experience was writing an entire business plan for my product. My product was completely unique which made it hard to answer some of the questions about competitors but through school advertisements, I ended up almost selling out. I stopped making more products after the end of 8th grade, however, I do have a couple of backpacks in my room that I haven’t gotten around to selling yet!

Your dance experiences sound super exciting. Tell us more about your opportunities.
One of the most memorable opportunities I had last year was performing for the Special Olympics in Denver. This wasn’t one of our bigger performances, and it was in a gymnasium. We performed right before the basketball game started and I will never forget the faces of the people we performed for. They watched every move, and it was so quiet, we could hear a pin drop. After we finished, they gave us the biggest round of applause we could ask for. After the performance, we made posters and went around to the games cheering them on, and it was overall a super rewarding performance to be able to put those smiles on people's faces.

Look for Sofia in issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 39

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Hunter McWilliams

10/5/2020

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Hunter McWilliams - Colorado
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Kristen McWilliams
Photography by CKE Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Hunter is a natural born leader on and off the baseball field. He exemplifies strength and integrity in all he does. As a young teen he started “Band of Brothers,” a Bible study fellowship and spiritual growth program for boys and their fathers...building strong relationships, accountability, and character. This program continues to impact young men today.

Photography by CKE Photography

When did you start playing baseball and what is your favorite memory on the field?
My parents said my first word was “ball”! (: I started playing baseball at age 7. My favorite memory on the field is throwing my first "No Hitter" as a pitcher in 2013.

How do you lead on and off the baseball field? What are some of your leadership roles?
On the field I try to lead by example; keep it positive in all situations. Build up your teammates no matter what. Be respectful to your coaches, the other coaches, your teammates, and your competitors. Use edifying language and behave with character and integrity. Be confident, but not arrogant. I share my story and my faith whenever I can encourage others. I am also leading by serving as a personal coach for several young baseball players in my community. Off the field: Along with starting Band of Brothers, I am involved in a weekly accountability group with some amazing young men/friends and often serve in a leadership role for the youth at my church, The Road at Chapel Hills.

How did you get the job as a baseball skills coach and what do you do as one?
Like most, our community is filled with little league, YMCA youth and Tri lakes little league teams. Through friendships and word of mouth, my name was passed along to other parents and coaches. I was asked to come and perform a couple clinics for these teams. As a result, many of the parents hired me to be a private coach for their kids. I have had amazing coaches along the way who have taught me the very best in technique…big shout outs to Aaron Rhoades, Randall Dawson, Trevor Stewart, Eric Mason, Steve Smith and Jason Hursh. Following the lead of these talented men, I instruct kids on pitching, batting and fielding.

Photography by CKE Photography

What do you love about forming relationships with and getting to work with other kids?
I enjoy building these kids up and helping them believe in themselves. It wasn’t that long ago that I was in their shoes. I know about competition, pressure, and the head games. I love teaching them not only the skills of the game, but how to be a leader on and off the field. It's important to be a team player and a team builder. Keep the dugout positive no matter what the situation is. Perform with character and skill, not arrogance. Watch your conduct, be respectful to the umpires, coaches, and other players. This is where character and integrity play a big role. If I can help mold that…what a win!

How did you get the idea to start Band of Brothers? Tell me more about it!
The idea started in middle school. I knew that my friends and classmates needed community, accountability, and support in their daily walk with Christ. I’ve been blessed to grow up in a Christ centered home, where I have learned the value of all of these things. I came to my Father for help in organization. Together we decided to make it a Father/Son group knowing how important that relationship is. We met weekly in our home to pray together, learn scripture, and discuss the daily challenges that we were all facing. In one form or another this group continues to meet at my old campus. I also brought it to the next middle/high school, where they also continue in the tradition. As of now, my senior class and generation is facing many challenges…leading to desperation, isolation, despair and hopelessness. We just mourned the loss of a fellow classmate who took his own life. Along with my family, I am spearheading gatherings for faith, fellowship, and prayer in our home to meet the needs of my peers. The last meeting was incredible! My Grandfather, (a Pastor) spoke to our class, we shared and prayed together, and three of my classmates came to a saving knowledge of Christ. We will be hosting another gathering in about 2-3 weeks.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Honestly, the most difficult things I have accomplished/endured thus far are emotional in nature. I almost lost my younger brother to a serious heart condition, lost my little sister to a stillbirth at a young age and almost lost my Grandmother to H1N1 just over 10 years ago. It was my faith in Christ and the strength of my family that enabled all of us to weather these storms with hope. Through pain, suffering, loss, and miracles…God is good…all of the time! My Nana is a true miracle…given 0% chance of survival!

Photography by CKE Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Work hard, put in the hours! Stay close to the Lord. Follow the example of those who are doing it best! Let your actions speak louder than your words! Always have accountability and fellowship, and never stop growing!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I hope that I have had the opportunity to attain a degree in business management and play ball at a D1/D2 level University. My dream would be to make it all the way to the MLB, God willing!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I enjoy golf, hunting, love cars and spending time with friends and family.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Mom is answering this one (: I can rock a dance floor and lead the crowd. The DJ at the last wedding I attended offered me a job!

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Leadership/Identity…knowing who YOU are and how God made you uniquely with a purpose. Stop comparing, use your God given skills and lead! In a world where so many get their validation through looks, fame, social media, etc…find your validation in Christ and your meaning in doing what He designed you to do!

Things on your bucket list
Serve God
Find the love of my life
Own my dream car...2017 Camaro 2SS 1LE

Who do you find inspiring?
First and foremost Christ! I also look up to the spiritual leadership and character of my father Mark. He leads by example. He works long hours, and still manages to spend time and invest in each one of his kids. I’m not blown away by fame, but I love seeing how others use it to help, encourage, and serve others ie: Tim Tebow, Sadie Robertson.

Hunter will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Rylee SWYGMAN

8/20/2020

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Rylee SWYGMAN - Colorado
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by TARA JO SWYGMAN
Photography David Schlatter Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Rylee Swygman is inspiring because she is smart, witty, confident...yet humble. She is an active role model to many of her fellow cheer teammates, her classmates, and her friends. She enjoys helping and teaching younger athletes with cheer when she can, Rylee has always set a goal for herself. When she accomplishes that goal, she strives for another. Rylee's a patient, kind, and a supportive individual.

Photography David Schlatter Photography

When did you get involved in cheer? What or who inspired you to start cheering?
I got involved in cheer about 5 years ago. I had been involved in gymnastics since I was about three where I lived in a really small town in Minnesota. My family moved to the Colorado area, and when I watched cheer for the first time, I just instantly connected with it. I learned to incorporate all my tumbling, as well as add in the dance and stunting. I became a flyer on the team. It felt so good to walk into the gym, be amongst coaches and fellow cheer athletes, and just express yourself. We all became a team, and we all have inspired each other.

What different competitions have you competed in throughout your timing doing Allstar Cheer? Which of these have you won or placed in?
I have competed in many competitions throughout the past 5 years. Our teams have traveled to many local competitions in Denver, and states such as Texas, Georgia, Oregon, Utah, and Florida. A few of the competitions have been UCA, PAC-West, American Legacy, One-Up, NCA, Cheersport, and Summit. There have been many competitions our team has placed in, but the ones that stand out to me the most are: 1st in PAC-West and in American Legacy, 2nd at Cheersport and 3rd at NCA.

Photography David Schlatter Photography

What are your most memorable moments from doing AllStar Cheer? Tell me all about it!
My most memorable moments from AllStar cheer have been in Atlanta, Georgia at Cheersport, and at NCA in Dallas (the largest cheerleading competition in the world). When I went to Atlanta Georgia, I loved learning the culture of the south, and all about the amazing people. At NCA in Dallas, the atmosphere is magnetic. There are thousands of people, cameras flashing, and a building downtown that lights up red, white, and blue during competition time. At NCA, I have been lucky enough to meet elite cheerleaders such as Ryan Cummings and Kennedy Thames, and some of the athletes at Navarro College.

What does it mean to you knowing that you are a role model for your fellow teammates?
It means a lot to me. I’ve tried throughout my career to make a difference and to show younger athletes how to have fun and to overcome challenges. I try to teach fellow athletes that cheer can be an outlet for so many stressors. An athlete might be able to tumble better than they can stunt, or stunt better than they can dance. Build on your strengths, and work on your weaknesses, and you’ll be the best well-rounded athlete!

Photography David Schlatter Photography

What are some goals that you have for your future? Would you like to continue cheer as you get older?
A goal I have for the future is to try modeling. A great pastime of mine is taking photos with friends. With modeling, I can be myself, but also put on that acting face!
I do see cheer in my future for a few more years. After high school, I’d like to attend a college in Florida or California. I love the beach, the people, the energy, and the environment. I want to earn a degree helping others, being a good mentor and an inspiration.

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

click here for more information on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Sofia Weidknecht

Sofia Weidknecht – Colorado
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Photographer Jennifer Denton Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Hunter McWilliams

Hunter McWilliams - Colorado
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Kristen McWilliams
Photography by CKE Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Rylee SWYGMAN

Rylee SWYGMAN - Colorado
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by TARA JO SWYGMAN
Photography David Schlatter Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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Sofia Weidknecht

Sofia Weidknecht – ColoradoInterview by Inspiring TeensPhotographer Jennifer Denton PhotographyIssue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Hunter McWilliams

Hunter McWilliams - ColoradoInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Kristen McWilliamsPhotography by CKE PhotographyIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Rylee SWYGMAN

Rylee SWYGMAN - ColoradoInterview by Olivia BushNomination by TARA JO SWYGMANPhotography David Schlatter PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Sofia Weidknecht – Colorado
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Photographer Jennifer Denton Photography
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Hunter McWilliams - Colorado
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Kristen McWilliams
Photography by CKE Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Rylee SWYGMAN - Colorado
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by TARA JO SWYGMAN
Photography David Schlatter Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine