Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Carleigh Kleiss

5/19/2021

Carleigh Kleiss – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Rachel Ray Photography
Issue 46 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Carleigh is very active in her church and her beliefs are strong. She works on the family farm when she’s not busy with school or church. She’s most comfortable in her boots, on the tractor, or in her Dads truck. She is going into FFA and wants to study Agriculture. Her goal is to take over reigns of the family farm in its 4th generation. She would be the first female farmer in her family.

Photography by Rachel Ray Photography

Tell us more about your activities in your church.
I have been going to Little Galilee Christian Camp in the Summer. We worship, play games, and basically share God’s word with other believers like ourselves. I actually was baptized at Little Galilee about two years ago.

Why is your faith so important to you?
I used to feel alone, and that no one cared about what I felt, or what I was going through. One day at church in the middle of worship, I felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. Ever since that day whenever I am feeling day I pray, or go to God when I am feeling down.

Photography by Rachel Ray Photography

What do you do to work on your family farm? Walk us through your daily routine.
I start my mornings when I wake up at 5:30 to 6 o’clock, I get ready and after that I feed our two pets. I go outside next, and I look at the crops, or I will go to the sheds and work on equipment. It depends what type of year it is, for instance we just finished planting and spraying, therefore there isn’t a large amount to do.

What do you love most about FFA and what is your biggest accomplishment in the organization?
Currently I am in 8th grade, however next year I will be a freshman and I am extremely excited to finally be a part of FFA. My father and grandfather were both presidents of the FFA, and I am hoping to follow in their footsteps.

Photography by Rachel Ray Photography

We love your goal to be the first female farmer in your family! What are your goals in this and what are you most excited about?
To be honest I haven’t thought about it much, I mean it is a huge deal, although I am only thirteen. One thing I do know is that I just want to keep the farm up and running and keep it together. I grew up on the farm, and I hope my future kids will be able to as well.

Look for Carleigh in issue 46 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 46

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

MaKenzie Meeks

3/2/2021

MaKenzie Meeks – Georgia
Nomination and Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: MaKenzie is a sweet, strong and well rounded girl. MaKenzie is involved in Cheer, FFA, and FCCLA, and she is a Diamond Girl for the baseball team. Last year she had to overcome major obstacles to be able to cheer in her senior year. MaKenzie was hurt in an ice skating accident that threatened her high school cheer career! She was crushed at the thought of not cheering, but with hard work after surgery, MaKenzie was able to do the required jumps to make the squad just 5 months later! MaKenzie knows first hand how quickly things can change and how to work hard and strive to overcome and get what she wants.

Amber Bounds Photography

Tell us about your cheer career. How did you get started up through and past ice skating injury and how you overcame it.
I started cheering when I was in the 1st grade. I loved it and nothing has changed! I cheered all the way through elementary school and once I got to Middle school/high school, I had to try out to make the squads. It was very stressful because I wanted it so much! I only made the football squad for my jr. year and was not grandfathered in for my senior year. This meant I would have to try out again if I wanted to cheer as a senior. The ice skating accident happened at the end of my jr. year. This meant I didn’t have long to heal before tryouts, and I was still required to make my jumps to make the squad. Because of covid, tryouts were postponed and I was given more time to heal and more time to work on my jumps. I used a small trampoline to help me get ready for the jumps. With all this practice, physical therapy and a lot of prayer, my jumps were perfect!

What did you learn from your experience with your injury?
I learned firsthand about depression and anxiety. I learned that it can happen to anyone and that as a friend you should always be there for that person. I am so thankful for the friends who stuck by me and were there when I needed them the most! Sometimes the ones with the biggest smiles are the saddest.

Amber Bounds Photography

What do you want us to know about FFA?
I have been involved with FFA since I was in the 6th grade! I love it, and have learned a lot from being in FFA. I have competed in many different forestry and floral competitions. I also went to FFA summer camp and had a blast! Every year we go as a group to the Ga State Fair in Perry, Ga. One of the best parts about FFA is the advisors, I have been lucky to have some of the best they went above and beyond for all of us.

Amber Bounds Photography

How is it being a 2021 Sr Model for Amber Bounds Photography?
When I was chosen as one of Amber’s Sr models it was a blessing! I needed something good to happen and it has been so much fun. She has pushed me out of my comfort zone and captured photos that I never knew possible. Being one of her models has boosted my self esteem. My favorite shoot was the snow shoot!

Amber Bounds Photography

What is another accomplishment you are proud of?
I am very proud that I have been able to keep my grades high enough to be an Honor Graduate. It was something I had almost given up hope on because of being on hospital homebound. But I studied and worked hard, and I will be graduating from Coffee High School as an Honor Graduate in May.

Look for MaKenzie in issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 43

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Kyleigh Dupuy

12/16/2020

Kyleigh Dupuy – Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teen
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kyleigh Dupuy is the epitome of love and grace. Her fearless approach to life is to work hard and love harder. Her curious nature is unrivaled. She is always open to exploring new ideas and try new things. Her love for animals is being fostered by being a member of Klein Collins FFA, where she is raising 3 lambs and a goat! Being a varsity cheerleader allows her persistence to shine through. Her generosity and compassion are demonstrated through community service involvement through National Honor Society and Legacy League. She continues to inspire all who know her!

Photography by Angie Read Photography

Tell us about your cheer career. How and when did you start up until who you cheer for now and what you love about cheer so much?
Cheerleading has quite literally been a lifelong commitment for me. I began cheerleading when I was only three years old, and my first coach took me under his wing. He pushed me to be the best athlete I could possibly be and didn’t take anything less from me. I competed on his teams until junior high when I was eleven or twelve years old and I decided to pursue school cheerleading. I was burnt out, exhausted, and getting injured left and right, so my parents and I decided school cheer might be the better route for me. I then moved from the town of Vidor, TX to Spring, TX where I continued my cheerleading career and am still doing so on the Klein Collins Cheerleading Team. I love that cheerleading is my safe space, no matter what else is happening in life I know I can be successful in my sport.

What is one favorite memory from cheer?
If I had to choose one, I would say my all-time favorite moment from cheerleading would have to simply be touchdowns. There is no other feeling like watching your friend run into the endzone, scoring a touchdown, then turn to your teammates and seeing everyone’s huge smiles while being embraced in an unforgettable hug. Those moments are memories I will carry with me forever.

Photography by Halle Morales

Please share with us about your love for FFA. What are your roles and duties in it and what is a major accomplishment you have felt as a result of belonging?
I have been a member of the FFA since my sophomore year, and I am now a senior. I raise lambs and goats through FFA, compete in CDEs, and I am currently working towards my CVA. I am incredibly passionate about animals, so naturally, I take the most pride in the animals I raise. However, it is not the pretty ribbon at the end of the livestock show that I am proud of. It is my hard work being paid off through my animals behaving as they should during the livestock show, and being able to show off the connection we’ve made as well as the hard work I had put into them the previous months.

Photography by Cheryl Lamey

What is Legacy League and what responsibilities do you have with it? What do you love most about being a member?
Legacy League is a volunteer organization created for the bonding of mothers and daughters. As a member of Legacy League, I am expected to attend meetings, attend events like Fashion Show and Legacy Ball, and acquire at least 15 hours of community service.
There are two aspects of Legacy League that I especially love. First, I love that it gives me the opportunity to connect with and serve my community. Lastly, I love that it allows me and my mom to spend time together since quality time is easily lost within our busy schedules.

What are your plans for college?
For college, I plan to attend Tarleton University in Stephenville, TX. This school targets my passions, animals, and cheer. Tarleton has a prosperous D1 cheer team and has a huge name in agriculture.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice would be to stand strong in your morals and beliefs, and keep your head up because you never know what’s coming your way.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years I expect to still be in college, working towards my doctorate degree to become a certified veterinarian. However, I expect to be working at a vet’s clinic as a technician.

Photography by Angie Read Photography

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
If I had to present anything to my peers I suppose it would have to do with animals because I have learned much knowledge about them and could give a passionate speech.

3 things on your bucket list
Three things on my bucket list would be sky diving, swimming in a shark cage, and having the opportunity to travel the world to learn about and see all the different species of animals.

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my favorite Ag teacher, Mr. Resendez inspiring, because he never backs down from a challenge and always puts his students first as humanly possible. I’m extremely grateful to have him in my life as a role model.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I inspire others due to my hardworking nature, ability to persevere through the hardest of challenges, and nonapologetic personality.

How do you keep your schedule straight when you are so busy?
I keep my schedule straight even though I am busy by being sure to lay out all of the day’s tasks and focusing on one thing at a time.

Look for Kyleigh in issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 41

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Russell Sharpe

5/21/2020

Russell Sharpe - Arkansas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Lynn Caul
Photography by Julie Sharpe
Issue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Russell Sharpe is an amazing young man. He loves being active in his church, FFA, and USBC bowling. He is a one of a kind person. He is a great role model for kids to look up to. He gives 150% in everything he does. He will help people to strive to be better.

What do you love most about agriculture, and how did you develop a passion for it?
The thing I love most about it would be cattle, I developed a passion as a young boy being around my grandpa Bruce Caul

Tell me a little bit about the ways you are involved in agriculture including through FFA.
I was on the Ag Mechanics team for 3 years and was highly successful. I also showed livestock in FFA including pigs, goats, broilers, and cattle.

How have you also been active in your church, and what have you done through your church to help others?
I help out as I can and sometimes, I play the drums.

As a part of USBC bowling, what has been your favorite memory?
I would say bowling my first 300 game would be my favorite!

How have you become a role model to others through your strive to be better, and dedication to all that you are involved in in your life?
I just work hard, and others see that and I try to help others as much as possible.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I’ve ever accomplished would be showing 4 different species of animals at the same time and being in my hardest year of high school.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
The harder you work the better results you will have!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I see myself somewhere in Arkansas with g an ag teacher.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I enjoy riding my fourwheeler with my friends.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I play the drums.

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why? Simply just agriculture and everything to do with it I would want them to realize without it we have nothing because just about everything revolves around it.

2 Things on your bucket list
Be an ag teacher
Win a major pig show

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my ag teachers inspiring because they strive 110% to make the best possible outcome for me and other FFA members.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I always go out of my way to talk to others and help them out.

Russell will be featured in issue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Rose Davies

4/4/2020

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Rose Davies – Idaho
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Christy Davies
Photography by Summer Brander Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Rose Davies strives daily to accomplish her dreams, whether it's playing soccer as a 4 year starter or leading or FFA chapter as president or chasing banners in the livestock show ring, she does it with intensity, passion and integrity. It is this that has led her to traveling all over the country representing agriculture. She has her own business for which she raises and sells show lambs and will be attending Blackhawk College to pursue a degree in agriculture business and looking at law following.

Photography by Legacy Livestock Imaging

What do you love most about being involved in agriculture your whole life, and how it has also led you to become so active in FFA?
Agriculture has always been a staple in our family growing up. I became extremely active in 4H and FFA over the past eight years, I started showing nationally and ran for FFA Office. My parents, 4H leaders, and mentors always drove me to do whatever I dreamed of, I then made the decision to dive into FFA and showing my livestock.

Tell me about your experiences of traveling all over the country to represent agriculture.
These past eight years I have travelled to many different states, meeting new people and finding new experiences. One of my favorite shows is the Northern International Livestock Exposition, in Billings, Montana. This show takes place in early October, I have met my best friends at this show and have had extreme success here. The show circuit takes place all spring, summer and then the national show circuit starts with NILE and ends in Denver in January.

Photography by Robyn @ Cowfoto

What impact does the youth have on agriculture and building their communities through it?
Agriculture is an essential part of the world's future, with youth becoming involved more it shows the potential of our future. Showing livestock helps drive the prospects of the commercial livestock industry, but it also shows how the agriculture industry in crops.

How has your love for agriculture led you to attend Blackhawk College while also pursuing a degree in agriculture business?
Showing nationally allows you to meet tons of people, which is when I heard about Blackhawk. This school has an outstanding agricultural business program and a full vet tech program. This was my dream school, it made it even easier to say yes when I was given the opportunity to judge livestock collegiately.

What are some ways you can inspire other teens to become active in their communities to improve the environment of our country?
As a high school student, life was always pushed to improve your transcript and resumes for colleges. While it is our future, it is also your high school experiences. Getting involved in your individual communities can be easy, do something you love, but that doesn't just help you. Join your local FFA chapter and get active, volunteer to tutor students in your school district, or pick up trash around town.

Photography by Jennifer Cummins

Can you tell me more about your passion for soccer, and how it has also led you to being a 4 year starter?
My career in soccer started when I was five years old. My parents were both extremely active through life and both played a variety of sports, so what do I do? Choose the one sport they never played of course. I went from rec, to club, to school ball and have so many memories on and off the field, of course every athlete eventually has an injury and mine came in the middle of my senior year when I tore my acl. I had gone from four year starter to on the bench cheering on my team, I postponed surgery for two months, and continued showing to pursue my dreams.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
To the show kid sitting at home reading this, Keep working, no matter what, always believe in what you are doing. I know that it can be difficult when your parents say you can't go out with friends because you have to wash your animals or clean pens or catch up on school work because you missed some for a show. Remember that this is to achieve your goals. Keep pushing yourself, your village is behind you!

Rose will be featured in issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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Blake Richardson

12/5/2019

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Blake Richardson - Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Johnna Richardson
Photography by MJ Portrait Design
Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Blake Richardson has always been very motivated from the start. I remember even as a little kid; he would do things over and over until he had it right. He's a bit of a perfectionist, which has always made parenting him easy. We could never hold him to the same standards that he holds himself, which is also a challenge for him. He is always working. Since he was 4 days old, the outdoors has always been his "happy place". Especially at the lake. When MJ Portrait Design came to take his pictures, she said she could see him completely relax, like this is where he is meant to be. He rocks the water shot!

Photography by MJ Portrait Design

How long have you been playing football? How did you become interested?
I have been playing football since pre-school. Football has always been a big part of my family and a way that we bond, and I have loved it since I was old enough to understand it. When I got the chance to start playing, I didn’t hesitate.

What does it mean to you when someone says, “You’re a good team player”? Explain.
For me, it means I’m doing everything right. Not only am I here to compete, but I’m here to develop myself and all the others around me. When someone says I’m a good team player, I know I have accomplished those goals.

Photography by MJ Portrait Design

What are some leadership opportunities you have had?
I have had the opportunity to be a part of my school’s student leaders and mentors program. I was an officer of the FFA chapter for 2 years, and a captain of the football team. I am also a member of student council, National Honor Society VP, and Senior Class VP.

Photography by MJ Portrait Design

Finish the sentence: “Blake Richardson is great at......” Please explain why.
Being a leader. Whether it is someone my age or just below me or a kid just entering kindergarten, one of my favorite things is helping them develop their abilities and watch them grow as a person.

Photography by MJ Portrait Design

Tell us about your childhood, having a great mind set of never going up from such a young age.
As a child, I loved building things and taking them apart. Sometimes when I couldn’t figure it out, I would spend hours putting it back together, which sparked the desire to challenge myself and always work until I can solve the problem.

Blake will be featured in issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 28

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Dylan Jones

10/14/2019

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Dylan Jones -Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Brooke + Cheryl Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Dylan Jones is a senior at Ridgeview where he is a captain of the football team, a standout on the basketball court and a member of the FFA. He works hard on and off the court, strives to be his best and gives his all. Dylan is hard working, determined and always willing to lend a helping hand - a good role model and inspiration to all who know him.

Image by Brooke + Cheryl Photography

What do you enjoy most about football and basketball?
What I enjoy most about both sports is the competitiveness and the great feeling of getting a win.

What was your favorite memory so far of being a captain of the football team?
My favorite moment was beating Rockford Christian week 1. It was my favorite moment because they thought they were going to beat us by 20.

Image by Lisa Wilson

How do you continue to be a role model to others in your daily life?
I help others when they need it. I also make sure if someone is down on themselves. I try my best to make them smile.

Tell me about your FFA and the hard work that goes along with it?
I go to dairy judging and I also help with fundraisers we do. There is a lot of hard work to make sure everything goes smoothly.

Image by Kamala Jones

How has your kind and inspiring personality impacted your outlook on your life?
It has let me know that there is always something to look forward to.

Dylan will be featured in Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here to PURCHASE Issue 27

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Carleigh Kleiss

Carleigh Kleiss – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Rachel Ray Photography
Issue 46 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

MaKenzie Meeks

MaKenzie Meeks – Georgia
Nomination and Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kyleigh Dupuy

Kyleigh Dupuy – Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teen
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Russell Sharpe

Russell Sharpe - Arkansas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Lynn Caul
Photography by Julie Sharpe
Issue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Rose Davies

Rose Davies – Idaho
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Christy Davies
Photography by Summer Brander Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Blake Richardson

Blake Richardson - Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Johnna Richardson
Photography by MJ Portrait Design
Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Dylan Jones

Dylan Jones -Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Brooke + Cheryl Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Carleigh Kleiss

Carleigh Kleiss – IllinoisNomination and Photography by Rachel Ray PhotographyIssue 46 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

MaKenzie Meeks

MaKenzie Meeks – GeorgiaNomination and Photography by Amber Bounds PhotographyIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Kyleigh Dupuy

Kyleigh Dupuy – TexasInterview by Inspiring TeenNomination and Photography by Angie Read PhotographyIssue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Russell Sharpe

​Russell Sharpe - ArkansasInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Lynn CaulPhotography by Julie SharpeIssue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Rose Davies

Rose Davies – IdahoInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Christy DaviesPhotography by Summer Brander PhotographyIssue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Blake Richardson

Blake Richardson - IndianaInterview by Zoe D’AngeloNomination by Johnna RichardsonPhotography by MJ Portrait DesignIssue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Dylan Jones

Dylan Jones -IllinoisInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Brooke + Cheryl PhotographyIssue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Carleigh Kleiss – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Rachel Ray Photography
Issue 46 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

MaKenzie Meeks – Georgia
Nomination and Photography by Amber Bounds Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kyleigh Dupuy – Texas
Interview by Inspiring Teen
Nomination and Photography by Angie Read Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Russell Sharpe - Arkansas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Lynn Caul
Photography by Julie Sharpe
Issue 33 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Rose Davies – Idaho
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Christy Davies
Photography by Summer Brander Photography
Issue 32 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Blake Richardson - Indiana
Interview by Zoe D’Angelo
Nomination by Johnna Richardson
Photography by MJ Portrait Design
Issue 28 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Dylan Jones -Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Brooke + Cheryl Photography
Issue 27 of Inspiring Teens Magazine