Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Mikaela Inskeep

2/22/2021

Mikaela Inskeep – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Jenny Seiler Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Mikaela is such a good example of an inspiring teen. She is involved in many sports, clubs, youth group and works as well. She does all of this while maintaining good grades. Mikaela has a magnetic smile and personality and a kind heart to match.

Photography by Jenny Seiler Photography

Tell us more about your recent community service during Covid-19.
When Covid-19 began and masks were extremely hard to find, a woman asked my mom if my sisters and I would be willing to join a mask-making group with a handful of other women from the community that sews and distributes masks to anyone that needs one, free of charge. We were stoked to help and have a service project while we were locked down at home anyway! One of the best parts was delivering masks because it was a reason to get out of the house, even if it was just to put a few masks in someone’s mailbox.

What advice do you have to incoming high school girls?
I would tell incoming high school girls that it never hurts to try new things! It’s better to test out different clubs and sports early on, instead of wishing you would have tried something after it’s too late. I would also say that coaches and teachers notice when you take initiative. For example, if you play a sport, be the first person to hustle over when the coach calls a time-out. Always be the best you can be.

Photography by Jenny Seiler Photography

What different clubs are you in and what are your roles and responsibilities in each?
I am involved in FFA, FBLA, Travel Club, Christian Club, Scholar Bowl, and Science Club. I am also a representative on the Student Council and the spring-semester president of JILG. These different clubs give me a great variety of experiences. One of my favorites to be a part of is the Student Council because I love to host things at my house. For example, building the class homecoming float in my shed.

What sports are you involved in and what position do you play/do in each?
Throughout high school, I have played basketball, volleyball, tennis, and softball. I currently play softball as a second or third baseman, and just finished my senior tennis season as a varsity doubles player. Usually, the only part of our sports seasons that overlap is conditioning, but as long as you’re conditioning or playing for at least one sport, the coaches are happy.

Photography by Jenny Seiler Photography

What is a favorite memory from one sport, and accomplishment from another?
I have a lot of favorite sports memories but winning a close game in overtime in basketball gives you the best feeling ever. An accomplishment I’m really proud of is making the All-South team in tennis this year and even being a state qualifier after only having played for about a year. Hard work pays off! The best part is that my doubles partner Zoe has been my best friend my entire life, so I really couldn’t have had a better season than that.

Look for Mikaela in issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 43

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Emma Griffith

1/22/2021

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Emma Griffith - Illinois
Nomination by Kim Haun
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Emma Griffith is a Senior at FHS. She is a role model to youth in her community through her DARE-S program to mentor youth dealing with alcohol and substance abuse within their home. Emma has been a leader and voice for all children through this mentoring program she created as a Junior in High School. Emma would be a true champion for adversity and an excellent representation of overcoming obstacles to gain success.

Photography by Loker Photography

Tell us more about your DARE-S program.
The DARE- S program started after I was able to break down walls I had hidden behind most of my life. Growing up with an alcoholic and absent father I held my feelings in. Once I was able to talk about my experiences, I felt the need to help others do that same. I wanted others to have someone to talk to that could relate to situations they were going through related to alcohol, drugs, abuse or feeling of just not belonging. When the program first started, I focused only on youth in my area, my goals are to create a web-based setting and expand the group nation-wide to let kids like myself know that their circumstances do not have to be their outcome.

What are your current roles and responsibilities?
I hold the responsibility of preparing focus topics for each group meeting. We focus on building strength within ourselves, mental health, believing in ourselves, forgiveness, and trust. Although I started the program, I feel this is a learning process for all of us and we build and grow together.

Photography by Loker Photography

What do you love most about working with the youth in this capacity?
What I love most about working with youth in this capacity is that I get to use my negative experiences in a positive way by helping them through their situations. Most of all just being their friend, listening, encouraging, influencing, teaching, inspiring them, and most importantly reminding them they are not alone.

Photography by Loker Photography

What does it mean to you to be the 2020 Teen Miss Flora Apple Queen? What legacy do you hope to leave behind?
2020 Teen Miss Flora Apple Queen title means the world to me. Each contestant chooses a platform, which is what led me to the DARE-S program. I ran three years straight, the first two I was focused on the crown and not meaning behind what the system stands for. After receiving 1st runner up the second year, I felt a need to continue on with my platform. During that year I grew in ways I never thought possible. This past year I entered knowing who I was, what I wanted to accomplish, and had confidence. My goal was to obtain the title to help build the DARE-S platform, and I succeeded in that and gained so much more.
The Flora Apple Queen Pageant system focuses on building character, empowering girls, and serving our community and I am honored to be a part of that. I hope to leave behind a legacy of the girl that never gave up and kept chasing her dreams regardless of what obstacles were thrown at her.

Photography by Loker Photography

Share with us your Bass Club experiences.
My experience with the FHS Bass Club is one that I never saw myself being a part of. My step-dad Roy is the one that encouraged me to join the club. Why not? I get to spend the day on the lake getting a tan. It became more important to me than that, it is something I look forward to because Roy is my boat captain. He has filled the father piece in my life that was missing, and it is important to me to be a part of this club because we share the enjoyment of it together.

Look for Emma in issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 42

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Macayle Snyder

1/21/2021

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Macayle Snyder – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Kim Hinkle Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Macayle is an inspiring young teen for many reasons. She is courageous and fierce. She has heart for others, a passion for justice and a drive to excel. Macayle is certainly one I would consider a world changer. She will make a difference.

Photography by Kim Hinkle Photography

How has Foster Care and Adoption impacted your life?
Looking back, I can’t remember a time when the words adoption and foster care weren’t prevalent in my life. At the age of two, my parents began fostering. When I was younger, I always thought it was our job to help and be a blessing to children in foster care, but now, I see things from a different perspective. Now at the age of 17, I have had the privilege of learning, listening, and walking alongside youth who have not only showed me the beauty of our differences but the common bond of humanity. I have been blessed with two brothers who are smart, funny, and an ultimate example of courage. Not only is foster care and adoption something that I am deeply passionate about, but it has also completely changed my heart for people. I have learned so much and now try to step into a place of advocacy and concern instead of judgment and shame, and for that I am thankful.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Music has always been a vital part of my life. I grew up in a musical family and I have enjoyed sharing this gift with my community. Over the years, I have had the opportunity to participate in many local theatre productions, including leading roles in the musicals "Annie" and "The Little Mermaid." Music has given me confidence that has carried over into other aspects of my life. Most recently, my family started a catering business. I quickly realized I have a passion for baking. Who knew that sweet treats could feel like a work of art.

Tell us about your baking. What do you bake the most and what always turns out the best?
During this pandemic, people have experienced a great amount of stress and loss, but food is comforting and good for the soul. It is neat how there are ways to express yourself through food. I find it exciting to create new things and try new recipes. Some of my favorite things to bake are monkey bread and sliders. At first, I just did standard monkey bread and ham and cheese sliders, but I have branched out to cheesy bacon monkey bread and several different types of sliders including pizza and breakfast varieties.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why? (What do you feel passionate about or could talk forever about?)
If I were to present a topic to my peers, I would choose the importance of empathy. This is an important skill to learn as a young adult. As I leave high school and enter college and the workforce, my sphere of influence will broaden. I want to be prepared to put my empathy skills to work by approaching others with compassion and understanding.

Look for Macayle in Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 42

Click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Bailey Perigo

12/2/2020

4 Comments

Bailey Perigo – Illinois
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Diana Perigo
Photography by
Arriane Wintermann Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Bailey Perigo is an inspiring individual. She is kind hearted, selfless, and honest. Her confidence and smile will light up a room. She’s determined to be the best and always willing to help others be their best too.

Photography by Bailey

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would most like to be interviewed about my job, because it plays a big step in who I am and what I love to do.

I work at Boyd Christian Church in their after school program. Kids grades k-8 who attend Rome Grade School can come after school if their parents or guardians won’t be home to get them off the bus. We help them with all their homework, play fun games with them, watch movies, and more. I love it so much because I love kids, they’re so fun to be around. It’s also nice to get to know so many young spirits and talk with them. I love being able to know so many amazing kids and making memories that they’ll remember and cherish!

Photography by Bailey

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I really enjoy helping people, whether that be letting them talk to me about their problems or helping them physically with something. I also love taking care of animals. I think that every animal deserves love and care and should always be treated humanely.

That is so sweet you love to help people. What do you think is the biggest problem among teens today, and what is a solution for this?
I think a big problem today is everyone is always so quick to put someone else down. Some do it for popularity, some do it just to get a laugh out of their friends. I think though, we could stop this by trying to include everyone. Instead of brushing it off our shoulders, people should stand up for others. It’s the right thing to do instead of sitting back and watching.

How do you find opportunities to take care of animals? What is a favorite memory from your love of caring for them?
Throughout my childhood, we have rescued and helped many animals, squirrels, dogs, kittens, cats. Honestly, most of the animals my family owns are rescues. We’ve kept many stray cats, and a few stray dogs. My favorite memory is when I was very young my mom brought home a stray cat. I fell in love with her and have her to this day. Her name is magic and is the sweetest cat you would ever meet.

Photography by Arriane Wintermann Photography

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
A topic I would like to present would be something to do with the judging that goes on between girls. Growing up, I have never been a very popular person, and I was always judged based on my looks, the things I wore, and how I can be socially awkward at times. I have always wanted to express my feelings toward that topic. Because sometimes people don’t realize how hard they judge a person and what it does to them.

What do you wish every teen girl knew before judging someone else?
I wish they knew what was going on in that persons life before they judged someone. Not everyone has it perfect in life, we all have our own problems. I believe it’s not fair to that person struggling, or maybe their parents are struggling to bring in enough money. Maybe their home situation is hard, you never know what’s going on in someone’s life. I think everyone should think of that before they go and judge someone.

Look for Bailey in Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 41

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

4 Comments

Elizabeth Weidner

10/10/2020

3 Comments

Elizabeth Weidner - Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jennifer Weidner
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Elizabeth Weidner's shirt says it all "Bald, Beautiful and Badass" after fighting cancer for 4.5 years. She advocates so other families will not know the pain/hardship this devastating disease known as pediatric cancer causes.

Creating a platform of self-awareness that allows her to take action with "Crowns Fight Cancer - Just a Girl Changing the World One Rhinestone at a Time" utilizes her pageant crowns to change how the world views pediatric cancer (a mere 4% of funding is dedicated to over 116 known types of cancer) and beauty. Together with her crown sisters they unite to fight cancer!

Nomination by Jennifer Weidner

How have you become an inspiration to others through fighting your 4 1/2 year journey with cancer to now advocating through your platform?
In my mind, I don’t believe I inspire people even though I’ve been told I do. I think I help people realize their potential. For example, there were multiple kids and adults in or around Effingham County, where I live, who were fighting or had fought cancer. They were initially unable to express their feelings. For some, going through cancer at a young age can be extremely traumatic. I encouraged them to speak, growing their advocacy voice through telling their story at the Effingham County Relay for Life. Now those kids and adults are advocating just like me. With a little bit of encouragement, just like I did when I was 12.
When I advocate, I am not doing it for myself. The average age a child is diagnosed with cancer is six. They should be running, playing, and learning how to ride a bike, not spending their days in a hospital bed hooked up to an IV pole! I fight for them; I use my voice for those kids because they do not deserve the horrible effects of cancer. They do not deserve to miss out on their childhood. They deserve to have friends their own age instead of the nurses who often become playmates.

Tell me about your platform “Crowns Fight Cancer-Just a Girl Changing the World One Rhinestone at a Time” and what it’s about.
In 2017, I ran for Jr. Miss Effingham County Fair Queen and won. That night, Crowns Fight Cancer was formed, utilizing my crown as a launch point for important conversation locally, statewide, and nationally. I use my platform to educate the public, influential people, and politicians about childhood cancer.

Nomination by Jennifer Weidner

How have you played a role in changing how the world views pediatric cancer?
Most people recognize the pink ribbon and what it stands for as soon as they see it, but there aren’t many people who know that the gold ribbon is for childhood cancer because children are as precious as gold. Through my efforts, I have made many people in Illinois aware of what the ribbon stands for, and that is HUGE. That’s awareness, the first step in finding a cure. I have also not been afraid to post on social media the good, the bad, and the ugly parts of my cancer journey so that the public sees every aspect of cancer.

Nomination by Jennifer Weidner

What has the journey been like for you becoming an advocate and helping change the world of others through your own experience?
At, first, it was scary and I was afraid I wasn’t strong enough to be able to advocate. I thought as a 12-year old I wouldn’t be able to create change, but now I have been speaking on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., helping pass bills, such as the STAR Act into law. It has been extremely rewarding, especially when I get to put a smile on a child’s face through my work. The hard part is when I see children in pain and suffering in their hospital rooms. I can deal with all the harsh medicines, but a sixth month-old is innocent and doesn’t understand what is happening. It is not fair to them!

Nomination by Annie Banton

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I absolutely LOVE to dance! I started when I was three and have been dancing since. I dance through a studio and am on the pom team at my school.

Look for Elizabeth in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

3 Comments

Bailey Scroggins

9/3/2020

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Bailey Scroggins – Illinois
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Shutterbug Photography by Michelle
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Bailey Scroggins inspires me every day! She is such an amazing teen! Not only is she a great student and athlete she is also an amazing friend! She has the biggest heart and is there for anyone that needs a shoulder or just a smile! She is going to go on to do great things in life! I wish her the best!

Photography by Shutterbug Photography by Michelle

Does it make it harder to inspire someone when you have a twin?
No, I don’t think it is harder to inspire someone when you have a twin if anything I feel like we could be a double inspiration to someone.

What is it like knowing you are an inspiration others?
It feels so great to know that I am an inspiration to others. I look for other people to inspire me all the time, so it makes me feel so good knowing that I’ve inspired anyone even if it is just one person.

Photography by Shutterbug Photography by Michelle

How does social media affect your life and many other teens?
I feel like social media affects kids in a lot of different ways. The things people say behind a phone screen is horrible and can make kids feel less of themselves. It can also spread positivity and could make kids feel really good about themselves.

Photography by Shutterbug Photography by Michelle

What sports do you play and what do you like about them?
I run cross country and I play soccer. Cross country has always been a sport that is very peaceful and very calming to me. Soccer has been a sport that I just love and I’m just able to go out and play and do what I love to do.

Bailey 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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Allison Hooper

8/27/2020

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Allison Hooper - Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Whitney Atwood Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Allison is a confident young lady with a very bright future ahead of her. She is not only beautiful on the outside but on the inside as well. She is a sweet girl who is always up for any idea I throw her way. It has been a pleasure photographing not only her 8th grade images but her senior ones as well. I have enjoyed watching her transform into the young lady she has become. Best of luck Allison in your future!

Photography by Whitney Atwood Photography

What do you love most about fashion and how have you been able to express yourself through it?
I love that I can express myself through fashion. I live in a small town and people get judged if you don’t fit the mold here. I have been able to break that mold and meet others that have dealt with the same issues that I have. I can express styles I love and feel free when I pick a design that fits my personality.

What challenges have you faced with having anxiety and OCD, but how have you overcome them in a positive way?
I have always had a fear of crowds with sports, friends, etc. I worry about will people talk to me, include me, judge me for who I am. I had horrible test anxiety at school, and it caused me to have ticks with my face and my ocd is with body image and trying to be perfect. I was able to see a mental health doctor and a counselor to help me cope with both anxiety and ocd. I had to tell myself to get up and go places like school or sporting events, and then I got a couple jobs that really pushed me too. I don’t want to be defined by my anxiety, but I am not ashamed of it either. It has made me become a very hard worker in every area of my life.

Photography by Whitney Atwood Photography

Tell me a little bit about the two jobs you are currently working at, and what it’s like in the work environment.
I currently work at Misty’s Media, Make-up and Boutique. I have been modeling the clothing line since I was 14. I love every minute of it. I have a great boss who has been there for me through all my anxiety and understands. She also co-owns a restaurant in Fairfield, Javalou and I waitress there. This has probably been my biggest blessing. It pushes me to meet new people and get out of my comfort zone. I have seen people in my town be very considerate and genuinely kind. Also, I have met some great friends working at both places.

What advice would you give to other teens who struggle with their mental health?
Get help, you’re not alone. You are the only person that can help yourself. Encourage yourself daily. Make sure to have a good support system of people that love and care about you and understand. Educate yourself and others around you about mental health. Take a break if you need one and listen to your body.

Photography by Whitney Atwood Photography

How have the obstacles you have overcome in your life inspired others through your encouraging and uplifting personality?
I have had the opportunity to be there for others I care about when they were dealing with mental health. They didn’t have to be alone. I whole heartily want to help anyone I can that is in need or hurting. I want the best for them and I am willing to stay around to help.

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

click here for more info on issue 37

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Mikaela Inskeep

Mikaela Inskeep – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Jenny Seiler Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Emma Griffith

Emma Griffith - Illinois
Nomination by Kim Haun
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Macayle Snyder

Macayle Snyder – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Kim Hinkle Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bailey Perigo

Bailey Perigo – Illinois
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Diana Perigo
Photography by
Arriane Wintermann Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Elizabeth Weidner

Elizabeth Weidner - Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jennifer Weidner
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bailey Scroggins

Bailey Scroggins – Illinois
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Shutterbug Photography by Michelle
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Allison Hooper

Allison Hooper - Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Whitney Atwood Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

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Categories

Mikaela Inskeep

Mikaela Inskeep – IllinoisNomination and Photography by Jenny Seiler PhotographyIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Emma Griffith

Emma Griffith - IllinoisNomination by Kim HaunPhotography by Loker PhotographyIssue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Macayle Snyder

Macayle Snyder – IllinoisNomination and Photography by Kim Hinkle PhotographyIssue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bailey Perigo

Bailey Perigo – IllinoisInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Diana PerigoPhotography by​Arriane Wintermann PhotographyIssue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Elizabeth Weidner

Elizabeth Weidner - IllinoisInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Jennifer WeidnerPhotography by Loker PhotographyIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Bailey Scroggins

Bailey Scroggins – IllinoisInterview by Diamond OrinNomination and Photography by Shutterbug Photography by MichelleIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Allison Hooper

Allison Hooper - IllinoisInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Whitney Atwood PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Mikaela Inskeep – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Jenny Seiler Photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Emma Griffith - Illinois
Nomination by Kim Haun
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Macayle Snyder – Illinois
Nomination and Photography by Kim Hinkle Photography
Issue 42 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bailey Perigo – Illinois
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Diana Perigo
Photography by
Arriane Wintermann Photography
Issue 41 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Elizabeth Weidner - Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Jennifer Weidner
Photography by Loker Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Bailey Scroggins – Illinois
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Shutterbug Photography by Michelle
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Allison Hooper - Illinois
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Whitney Atwood Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine