Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Chloe Camomile

9/19/2021

Chloe Camomile – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by
Tiffany Miller, Custom Portraits By Tiffany
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Chloe Camomile was fun to work with during her senior portrait session. She wanted to incorporate her family farm, as well as gymnastics, her dog, and her camera, which made her session very unique and allowed for lots of creativity. She competes as a gymnast for Huntington North High School and has won numerous awards throughout her career. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, she plans to attend college majoring in photography and visual arts.

Photography by Tiffany Miller, Custom Portraits By Tiffany

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would like to be interviewed about gymnastics and why I chose to have my pictures at my family farm.

Share with us your gymnastics career. When did you get started, what are your favorite things to do, and what is one of your biggest accomplishments?
I started gymnastics almost 15 years ago, when I was 3. My favorite things to do are front walkovers on the beam and bars. My biggest accomplishment is receiving a 9.125 on vault.

Photography by Tiffany Miller, Custom Portraits By Tiffany

Tell us about your photoshoot with Custom Portraits by Tiffany. What was your favorite part and what did you love so much about it?
My favorite part of my photo shoot was when Tiffany found the old pickup truck and said, “OH MY GOSH CAN WE USE THAT!!”

What is one of the best things about living on a farm in Indiana?
I do not live on the farm, but I try to spend as much time at the farm as my schedule will allow. I love walking the lane and in the muddy fields after it rains. The farm is beautiful and extremely peaceful. I am still waiting for the day that I learn to drive a tractor.

Photography by Tiffany Miller, Custom Portraits By Tiffany

We would love for you to share a favorite picture you've taken.
My favorite picture was one that I took with my dog and the tractor. I was petting him, and his face just looked so fun and goofy.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I do a lot of volunteer work. I mostly focus on serving at the local meal ministry where I live.

Photography by Tiffany Miller, Custom Portraits By Tiffany

What is your role in the National Honor Society and what is a favorite memory from it?
I am a regular member of national honor society. This is my first year, but my favorite memory is volunteering for a JROTC Raider competition.

Look for Chloe in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 49

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Lillian Coble

8/7/2021

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Lillian Coble – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Erica Robinson Seniors
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Lillian is inspiring...
Lillian is truly beautiful on the inside and on the outside.
Lillian is kind, thoughtful and caring.
Lillian is a good friend, and even better daughter.
Lillian is an excellent role model to her peers, and the younger kids in the neighborhood.
Lillian is a hard working student and is loved by her teachers. Lillian plays Lacrosse and volunteers her time at The Sharing Place food and clothing pantry.....
Lillian volunteers to serve food to those in need downtown. Lillian is the perfect inspiring choice for your magazine for teens all over the world.

Photography by Erica Robinson Seniors

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would like to be interviewed about my extra curricular activities. I love service, sports and my school Cathedral High School. I spend hours serving at the Sharing Place, playing lacrosse and participating in a few clubs. A few of these clubs are Riley Dance Marathon and Math club.

Tell us more about the service you have done.
I have been serving for The Sharing Place for almost 4 years. We collect food for those less fortunate. While I volunteer, I help put together food baskets and organize clothes. I have also organized Thanksgiving food baskets through my parish, Saint Simon. I find it is very important to help gather necessities for those who are unable to obtain them.

What do you love most about service at the Sharing Place?
I love meeting everyone and seeing the smiles on their faces as they receive their food. Helping my community is the main reason I love service. Seeing the amount of joy from things we take for granted is an amazing gift.

Share with us your lacrosse career.
I started playing lacrosse my freshman year and have loved it ever since. I play the defensive position which focuses on stopping the other team from scoring. I participate in a winter league called Max Lax which takes place in January. Normal season starts in February and goes until May. We practice Monday through Friday after school.

Photography by Erica Robinson Seniors

What is the Riley Dance Marathon club and what is a favorite memory from it?
Riley dance marathon is a fundraiser for Riley hospital. Through my school, students help put together a fundraiser dance. Students can come to the dance and donate to help raise money for the Riley kids.

What is your favorite accomplishment from Math Club?
Math club taught me to challenge myself through math problems to better my academic career. A lot of these questions were advanced, so it helped me tackle harder math questions.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I love to learn about leadership and how I can be a better role model for my community. I attended Notre Dame vision leadership over the summer of 2019. I had plans to attend last year but sadly it was canceled due to Covid. I want to be a leader for younger classmates and my friends.

What do you think is your best leadership quality?
I believe my best leadership quality is responsibility. A good leader is put together and has a plan. I believe when someone is responsible they are also trustworthy. These two characteristics help make a well-rounded leader.

What leadership qualities do you look for in your peers when choosing to let other people lead?
When I look for a leader, I look for someone who is organized, responsible, confident and trustworthy. These qualities are found in role models which make great leaders.

Photography by Erica Robinson Seniors

Tell us about your photo shoot experience with Erica Robinson seniors.
I absolutely loved my photo shoot experience with Erica Robinson seniors. We had previously planned where we were going to shoot so everything was very organized. I had so much fun taking photos with different scenery and outfits.

What did you love best about your senior portrait session?
My favorite aspect of the senior portrait session was how we were able to incorporate nature and a town look. I had pictures with flowers but then also brick. I loved how we were able to capture two different concepts.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I feel very passionate about the environment and reducing plastic waste. I think it is very important to replace single use plastic for reusable ware. Biodegradable materials are very important and can save our planet.

What are some other easy suggestions you have for saving the planet?
A few easy suggestions on saving the planet would be using reusable water bottles instead of one time use plastic. Metal, steel, glass and aluminum items are a great way to eliminate plastic.

Look for Lillian in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Emma Wilcher

7/19/2021

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Emma Wilcher – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Lisa Cox Photography, LLC
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Emma is an amazing young woman. She is beyond kind, but very determined as well. This will carry Emma far as she is enlisting to serve in the United States Army after high school. I know her parents are extremely proud of her for making this selfless and brave decision. As her brother is currently serving in the United States Army, You can tell she is ready to contribute to our country. It is a family trait!

What should we definitely know about you?
I love to talk about swimming and joining the military. Swimming has been a part of my life since I was 12. Being on a team has taught me leadership skills that I can use in the future.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I inspire every day to be a better person and better my community.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
What can we do as teens to better our communities. I feel it is important for all of us to work together to better our community. We all have to work together.

Look for Emma in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Chloe Cardinal

7/16/2021

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Chloe Cardinal – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Chloe is one of the most kindhearted seniors I’ve had a pleasure to work with. She has one of those smiles that lights up the room when she enters. She is an exceptional teen, who is both beautiful inside and out. Chloe is also an incredibly dedicated and hard-working student athlete. She always gives 100% and she is a true leader. I have enjoyed following her basketball and softball career over the last 3 years, and I look forward to what her senior year will bring.

Tell us about your careers in both basketball and softball.
In basketball and softball the girls are not only my team, but my family. The friendships I have gained over the years from sports are like no other friendships. My freshman year we were able to gain a sectional title in basketball, and we plan to gain new accomplishments in both softball and basketball this year! Not only were we successful, but we were also making memories.

What do you love most about being an athlete?
I love the support from the community and families. Being in a gym full of people knowing that they are cheering for you is a feeling like no other. You can look up and see familiar faces or maybe even faces you don’t know. You know that you will always have a support system.

What is a favorite memory &/or accomplishment from playing sports?
My favorite memory would be winning sectionals. After the game, we drove through town in a police escort. It was like nothing else mattered in the town, other than that we had won the game!

Going into your senior year, what do you hope to pass along to younger athletes?
I hope to pass on that it is very important to keep up on your schoolwork. It is much easier to maintain good grades. This will allow more free time, and at practice you are able to focus more rather than being stressed.

Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN

We see you have done a photoshoot with Photography by Leslie ANN. Tell us more about that experience and what you loved most about it.
Photoshoots with Leslie are so much fun! She is so patient and gets the perfect shots always! From laying down, to hanging out the sunroof of her car she is sure to get the perfect photo. The time we spend together may be long, but she never gets down. Her imagination allows us to find many unique spots and poses. Overall, the experience has been wonderful.

Look for Chloe in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 48

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Calli Wireman

6/16/2021

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Calli Wireman - Indiana
Nomination and Photography by April Moore Creations, LLC
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Calli Wireman is on my senior model team. She is passionate about cheerleading and is a varsity cheerleader at Columbia City High School. She is very outgoing, sweet, caring and photogenic. I am glad she is on my team this year.

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
This is my very first nomination and modeling session with April Moore. I am very excited about the opportunity and potentially earning a scholarship award. My obsession and interests include cheerleading, being a role model to others, and everything about esthetics.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My nomination is me to a tee.

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?)
I am most passionate about cheerleading. I started the sport when I was 6 years old. Cheer is not just jumps and cheers for me, it's about having a positive attitude, being involved in the community, and having little cheerleaders look up to me.

Look for Calli in issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 47

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Kendall Hepler

3/17/2021

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Kendall Hepler - Indiana
Nomination and Photography by April Moore Creations, LLC
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Kendall is a competitive cheerleader at Indiana Ultimate in Fort Wayne and Elkhart, Indiana. She has been both a flyer and a base. She is also the Vice President of Warsaw's FCCLA Chapter. She enjoys spending time were her friends and the summertime on the lake.

Photography by April Moore Creations, LLC

What was your senior portrait experience like with April Moore Creations, LLC?
My experience with April Moore Creations was amazing! She has such a kind heart and is incredibly genuine. She is just the photographer I was looking for in my search for my senior pictures. We can laugh and enjoy our time together on shoots. I admire April’s eye for photography because it is absolutely breathtaking. She took me to places I never would have imagined shooting at, and the photos were fantastic. April is unbelievably good at what she does, and she is one of the most humble and down to earth people I have ever met. I am so thankful I was given the opportunity to work with her!

Tell us about your cheer career from start until now.
I began competitive cheerleading in fourth grade at Midwest Extreme in Warsaw, Indiana. I cheered there for 3 years and I began to outgrow the program. The gym was facing many troubles and I was ready to try something new. I moved to Indiana Ultimate in Fort Wayne and Elkhart and met some lifelong friends. I have been at Indiana Ultimate for 3 years now and I have loved every minute. I have had the opportunity to compete at some huge cheer competitions including NCA in Dallas, Texas, The Cheerleading Worlds in Orlando, Florida, and I have been to The Summit in Orlando, Florida three times.

Photography by The U.S. Finals

What has been a favorite memory and/or accomplishment with cheer?
My favorite memory through cheer revolves around the relationships I’ve made. During my practice, there is another team of younger girls also practicing. We often take turns performing for each other and cheering each other on. My favorite memory was when I took the stage at a competition and saw all the little girls from the gym there to cheer me on. After I was done competing, I thanked them for coming and they told me that they always come to watch me because they want to be just like me. This warmed my heart and made me feel like all the hard work I put in is worth it.

What is a FCCLA Chapter and what do you do there?
An FCCLA chapter is like a club associated with Warsaw High School. FCCLA stands for Family, Career, Community, Leaders of America. We have meetings every week where we discuss different community service or volunteering opportunities coming up. After school or on weekends we attend volunteering projects together as a chapter. We also have the option to create a project to take to state. Projects can be based on anything you think needs to change for the better. My group decided to create a nonprofit organization called Hearts from Home to give back to our American Heroes.

What does being the Vice President of your FCCLA Chapter entail?
As Vice President of Warsaw Community High Schools FCCLA Chapter, I have many responsibilities within the club. I am responsible for helping to plan meetings and snacks for our gatherings every week. I help to send out emails and reminders of important information regarding our upcoming events. I am also fully responsible for posting on our social media to share each meeting's highlights with the community.

Photography by a friend

What about you does your nomination not cover?
My nomination does not cover how much I love traveling! I have been to Ecuador, the Galápagos Islands, the Netherlands, Italy, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, France, and England. I traveled to all the places with a group through the school called EF Tours, without my parents. It was one of the most eye-opening experiences of my life. I decided to go out into the community and try to learn from the locals about their town. I will never forget some of the people I met and their kind souls.

Look for Kendall in issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information about issue 44

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Mallory Obermeyer

3/12/2021

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Mallory Obermeyer – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Fords the Art of Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Mallory is a down to earth young lady filled with energy and kindness.

Photography by Fords the Art of Photography

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I am passionate about building strong relationships with my peers and inspiring the next generation.

How do you build strong relationships with your peers?
By gaining and keeping their trust. Building strong relationships with my peers is very important to me. I want them to feel like they can talk to me about anything.

How are you inspiring the next generation and what legacy do you hope to leave behind?
By just being myself. I want the next generation to see that kindness goes a long way in life. No matter what, be kind because you never know what someone else is going through. Just a simple hello and a smile could make their day.

Photography by Fords the Art of Photography

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
First of all, I was so honored to be nominated! I have put some thought into why I deserve this nomination. One common theme that I discovered through my community service involvement is the purpose to inspire young people, whether in my peer group or children. I love building a young person’s self-esteem to give them a sense of empowerment. There is no greater feeling than knowing that I have made a positive impact in someone else’s life.

What sort of community service involvement do you have? What are your roles and responsibilities?
I am a part of my school’s Interact Club & National Honor Society. We do anything from cleaning up after games to putting gift boxes together for local organizations. I have also been in involved with Shop with a Cop, which I absolutely enjoy!!

Photography by Fords the Art of Photography

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?)
Now, I know you are probably asking for a specific topic. My life is blessed, and I enjoy every part of it. Picking one specific thing is hard when I am passionate about everything that you do.

First and foremost, I want to talk about my family and how I have been blessed with the best mom, dad and sister in the world. I want to talk about my amazing friend group and my time spent in high school. I want to talk about my 13 years of tumbling and my time in teaching little kids how to tumble. My awesome job at Maurices, where I try my best to create the cutest outfits to inspire the best customers. I want to talk about my history in competing in pageants, getting to compete on the Miss Indiana stage and how it has shaped me into who I am today. I want to tell you about High School Cheer where I made Varsity my freshman year, making All American cheerleader and what position I play in Volleyball. I want you to know about all the community service projects I have done like Shop with A Cop, which is my personal favorite and creating Valentine’s Day cards for people in Nursing Homes. I want to talk about how I volunteer at South Knox Elementary School every day, connecting with little kids and helping them to read and write. I want you to know that I have an internship with the Elementary School Counselor so that one day I can be like her. I want to talk about how, in addition to all of this, I am a student first: a Junior, with a 3.8 GPA, who is taking a full load of college level courses so that I am best prepared for my future.

I want you to know all of me and my story so that I can inspire other teens. My story has a purpose and it is to empower others.

Photography by Fords the Art of Photography

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Determination is the key!! You have to work for what you want in life. It’s not always going to be easy, but in the end, it’s so worth it!!

Look for Mallory in issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 44

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Trevor Misch

2/8/2021

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Trevor Misch - Indiana
Nomination by Sherry Misch
Photography by The Studio Brenda Johnson
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Trevor Misch has a kind, loving heart and enjoys helping people. He's participated in various community service projects such as environmental clean up and serving local single teen moms.
He takes academics seriously and has high honors on the honor roll. He is co-president of his school's National Honor Society chapter. He enjoys being on the yearbook committee. He plans to attend college and pursue an engineering degree.
His faith is strong and solid, which has helped him during difficult times. He enjoys serving on his church's Worship Committee.
He loves studying about astronomy, NASA, and robotics in his free time.

Photography by The Studio Brenda Johnson

How do you serve your community through your school?
Every spring my high school takes a week off to go out into the community to serve. In the past, we have gone to Michigan to clean up a camp for the summer, and this year my class is going to Kentucky. As the president of the National Honor Society at my school, I get to use my leadership skills to serve in more ways than just our service week. I ran a fundraiser to raise money for teen moms for Christmas.

You are a leader in several different capacities. What are some important leadership qualities that are important to you?
I feel that a good leader should be their authentic selves. Staying true to yourself means don’t try to be somebody you are not. Some people naturally have a desire to help others and improve the world around them, and it can be easy to find a way to use that desire to build up themselves and others. Cooperation is important since it may be hard to be a leader. Working with others makes it easier to serve out in the world.

Photography by The Studio Brenda Johnson

What example are you hoping to leave behind for the next generation of leaders in your community?
I hope that the next generation of leaders won’t lose the passion of leadership and the responsibilities that come with it. During this age, many people prefer to sit in the background and let others do all the work while technology and social media takes up so much of their lives. Looking past that, we can see how important it is to get out into the world. Our world needs a group of leaders with a serving attitude. I hope that others will see that, then look and see how involved I am and want to do the same.

In what ways are you committed to protecting our wonderful Earth?
Our planet provides us with so much, and we may not even be aware of it. We have breathable air, clean water, and soil that grows our food. Some people don’t care about that, and sit back as litter, trash, and pollutants build up in the environment. I help work to keep that from happening by picking up trash that I may see on the side of the road, recycling when I can, and being careful as to where I put my trash.

Photography by Sherry Misch

Share with us your interest in science and space.
By far, one of my favorite subjects to talk about is anything about science and space. Have you ever thought about how we are floating through space in a vast universe on Earth? I get my inspiration from looking up at the stars in the endless sky and imagining where humans might go one day out there in space. The possibility that technology provides for us to get to other planets drives me to become an engineer, and to be a part of that process to get there.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I will have completed college and will have gotten a degree in engineering. I want to work with robotics that helps improve our lives, but I’m not sure yet. It would be awesome to work with advanced prosthetic limbs or technology that will be used in space. I also see myself living somewhere that is not cold for the majority of the year. Somewhere nice like Florida would be amazing.

Photography by Sherry Misch

3 Things on your bucket list
I definitely want to travel to different places in the world. I have never left the United States before, and think it would be awesome to travel to Europe and experience authentic Italian food (my favorite!). I also want to watch a rocket launch at NASA someday. Getting to see people’s hard work succeed and how complicated a machine can be that actually gets to space is amazing. Lastly, I would like to make a difference. I want my life and work to have made a positive impact on people. I want them to look back and see that one individual actually can make a difference.

click here for more information on issue 43

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Megan Harrington

2/3/2021

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Megan Harrington – Indiana
Nomination by Shara Harrington
Photography by grin&barrett photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Megan Harrington is talented, artistic, smart, witty and simply loves life! She enjoys singing and loves working with kids and those with special needs. She is an old soul and a friend to everyone she meets!

Photography by grin&barrett photography

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would most like to be interviewed about my point of view on life. Although, I’m really an open book so ask me anything you want!

What is your point of view on life?
My point of view on life is, you only live once. You are the only you in the world and it is your decision on how you make the rest of your life out to be. I was taught to just live in the present, don’t dwell on the past, and to not focus so much on the future.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Some of the inspiring things my nomination doesn’t cover, are the opportunities singing gave me; the things I enjoy painting/drawing/ jewelry making; how I have worked with special needs children since elementary school, and how I love my friends and family immensely.

Tell us about your singing career start to now... how did you get started, where do you sing, what are your favorite songs to sing/style of songs?
I started singing when I was about 9 years old and I actually don’t do it as much as I used to. I started my career with one of my dearest friends who is now battling cancer. Without her I would have not of received the opportunities I was given. I have been in many competitions, festivals, basketball games, and ceremonial openings. I have sung the national anthem for Butler boys' basketball, Butler girls' basketball, Butler girls' volleyball, a girls Fever basketball game, the opening of the Coliseum for the state fairgrounds, Peyton Manning Riley Hospital Toy Drive, and many other minor events. I have sung at the Hendricks County Fair competition which I received second place, and many other small fair events. My most memorable singing opportunity was singing at the Indiana State Fairgrounds. I received my own trailer, and I went out and sung 4 songs 3 times. I felt like a star. Nowadays, I sing the in the shower and to an empty house.

Photography by grin&barrett photography

Share with us more about your artwork. We'd love to see a picture too!
I have always enjoyed drawing, painting, photography, you name it! I’m not amazing at it but it’s just something I like to do in my free time! In 5th grade, intermediate school, my drawing was picked for the cover of the yearbook and a flower I had drawn was placed in the children's museum. But that was 5th grade. I consider photography to be artwork as well. I have always enjoyed taking pictures of things such as nature and my friends. I just love capturing the beauty of things and moments just so I can keep it forever.

What do you love about volunteering with special needs children and what do you do with them specifically?
I have volunteered with special need children since elementary school and I do peer tutoring now in high school. I love being able to create a bond with these kids to allow them to feel like they have a friend to count on. It is hard to be in a bad mood around these children because all you want to do is make them happy. I work with them on their skills and how to represent appropriate behavior along with communication skills and a lot of other life skills. Not only do I put an impact on the kids themselves, but they put a huge impact on me as well!

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?)
I am simply passionate about many things but, if I were to sit amongst a group of my peers, I would speak on how each human should perceive life in the way the seek it to be. How there is only one of you in the world and that is your greatest power.

What do you think is your greatest power and how do you use it to do good in the world?
I believe my greatest power is spreading positivity and giving good advice, even though I can't take my advice for myself. Being able to help others is very important to me because we all go through something personal. Being the one someone can count on allows me to do good in the world.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Some advice that I would give to someone who would want to be where I am today is just be yourself! It is so important in life to love yourself and to not live up to others expectations. Just simply follow your heart.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years, I will be 23, which my dream would to be married by then. I want to pursue my career as a pediatric occupational therapist and to minor in special education.

3 Things on your bucket list
Travel the world, own a lake house, scuba dive!

Who do you find inspiring?
Despite all the famous inspiring people in the world, I find my mom who is my best friend one of the most inspiring women. She is strong, beautiful and is a great mother. I wouldn’t be the girl I am today without her.

Look for Megan 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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Alexa Whitaker

11/13/2020

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Alexa Whitaker – Indiana
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Crystal Witvoet
Photography by The Studio
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Alexa Whitaker is inspiring because she had a lot of medical issues in her life, but she continues to be a happy girl. She works hard and school and she has so much love for her family and friends.

Photography by The Studio

What are your medical obstacles?
I have struggled my whole life with stomach problems. I was diagnosed with Crohn’s Disease at age 14 after being rushed to the hospital for an emergency surgery. My disease has affected my daily life a lot since then. Missing school frequently has been an obstacle for me.

How have you overcome them?
I realized that I am stuck with this disease for the rest of my life so I need to try and live as much as I can.

Photography by The Studio

What does a day in your life look like?
I usually spend time with family and friends after I do some of my online classes every day.

What activities do you enjoy and how do you work around your medical obstacles to do them?
I used to enjoy sports a lot, but I had to quit because of my disease. But now I love swimming and boating during the summer. I also like playing with my animals and spending time with family and friends.

Photography by The Studio

What are your favorite subjects in school and why?
My favorite subject in school as of now is Psychology. I love learning about how the human brain works. I also loved taking Ethics class last year.

Photography by The Studio

What do you think is the biggest struggle teens your age have today?
I think a big struggle for teens today is how we compare ourselves to other people our age. For example, girls tend to compare themselves to prettier girls and it lowers our self-esteem. Social media has definitely made this worse for teens.

Look for Alexa in issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 40

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Kailyn Hoffman

10/29/2020

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Kailyn Hoffman – Indiana
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Jana Hoffman
Photography by Brenda Johnson
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Kailyn Hoffman is one of the most inspiring, humble, and kind people I know. Kailyn displays grace and understanding in every situation, even when the odds seem insurmountable.
She stands up for her beliefs and shows no fear when difficult circumstances arise, a true warrior! Her dream is to become an FBI agent and she will stop at nothing to achieve this goal.
Kailyn has overcome one of life's biggest obstacles, losing a parent at a young age. This has not defined her but strengthened her. She is strong! She stood up, dusted herself off, straightened her crown and grew into an amazing confident young woman.

Photography by Brenda Johnson

Tell us why you want to be an FBI agent?
Being a Federal Bureau Investigator is an immense goal of mine. Knowing I would be able to help people in need gives me an amazing feeling, and my goal is specializing in the Human Trafficking division. Being a Federal Bureau Investigator gives me many opportunities to travel and see new things, but still work and do the things I love

Photography by Brenda Johnson

Do you watch shows about FBI agents, or read books? What or who is your biggest source of inspiration and why?
I do watch shows regarding to being in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The main source that has inspired me was a guest speaker at my high school. He did the exact same thing and talked about his experience with his career. Right away I was very interested and knew that was the path I wanted to take for my future.

Photography by Brenda Johnson

What is the most fascinating thing you've learned about becoming a FBI agent?
The most fascinating thing that I have learned is the way they handle cases. Human trafficking is very diverse and has a variety of things you could do as an agent. Being undercover, help recover the victim, or working on finding gangster is very fascinating to me.

Photography by Brenda Johnson

What steps do you plan on taking to reach your goal of becoming an FBI agent?
As a student in high school still, I am taking four hours of a criminal justice classes to gain all of the knowledge I need to become a Federal Bureau Investor. I plan to go to IUPUI in Indianapolis to major in psychology. I have been looking into helping with the nonprofit organization Heartland Alliance held in Chicago, which takes in recovering victims and helps them get back on track.

Look for Kailyn 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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Logan Eddington

10/5/2020

7 Comments

Logan Eddington - Indiana
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by
grin&barrett photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Logan Eddington is a fierce, hardworking young lady. Logan achieved a Black Belt in Karate by the age of 10, while playing every sport imaginable. After, she was a competitive dancer for 6 years, competed in all four years of show choir (women's and mixed), has been a show choir dance captain for three years, cast in every HS musical and HS play, volunteered for several community organizations, member of National Honor Society, taught herself Piano and will now represent Plainfield in the DYW State competition. Logan spends most of her time outside of activities giving back and helping others.

Photography by grin&barrett photography

How old were you when you started learning karate and what inspired you to start learning it?
When I first started Karate I was seven years old. The art of Karate inspired me to learn because it looked fun and had many positive impacts in both physical ability and character. Karate teaches strength, agility, confidence, and discipline. Learning Karate not only helped me build confidence in myself, but I have been able to utilize the positive impacts in personal relationships and leadership positions. It has been a pleasure to pass what I have learned about dedication and hard work to my peers, so they can achieve the goals they have set out for them as well.

How much work did it take for you to earn your black belt by the age of 10? Tell me about everything you had to accomplish and the process of getting your black belt?
Earning a black belt took a lot of hard work and dedication. I studied the art of Shorei-Goju-Ryu at least 3-4 times a week after school and on the weekends for four years. In that time, I was trained on six weapons, learned many different self-defense and sparring techniques, and was inducted into the very exclusive SWAT (special winning attitude team) and Masters club. Accomplishing this so young allowed me to apply the leadership skills and discipline in my work, academics, personal relationships, sports, dance, theatre, and music.

Tell me more about how you got started with music/acting/dance and how you got the opportunity to represent Plainfield in DYW state competition and what this competition is!
When I first got started in music I began by participating in choir at school and my church, doing as many musicals as possible and joining a competitive dance team for six years. As I moved on to High School, I was accepted into an all-girls Show Choir as a Freshman. Competing in Show Choir has been one of best decisions I could have made because I was able to apply my love of dancing, singing, and acting all at the same time. I have also been cast in roles in each of our High School Plays and Musicals. Being able to share my love of dance with my peers, by obtaining the role of dance captain for the past three years, has been very rewarding and has allowed me to develop skills in public speaking, cleaning choreography, assessing ability and guiding my peers to success.

As a Junior I was able to participate in the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program, formerly called Junior Miss, introducing a participant and going through the process with them while they participated. I have also had several friends participate in previous years that were very motivating and successful in the competition. DYW is an organization that provides leadership classes as well as scholarship opportunities for young women. This program teaches young women about important life skills including, leadership, advice on interviewing, public speaking, and self-confidence building. Watching my friends participate and what they learned through joining the program inspired me to participate as a Senior. There are five categories the young women are scored: Interview, Fitness, Self-Expression, Talent, and Scholastics. I was awarded the title of Plainfield’s Distinguished Young Woman of 2021, and was the top scorer in Interview, Fitness, Self-Expression, and Talent. I am honored to represent Plainfield in February in the State DYW competition and hope to continue to learn leadership skills that I can carry with me throughout life into my career.

Photography by grin&barrett photography

What are your responsibilities as choir dance captain and what does it mean to you to have been selected as captain?
I am extremely honored to have been chosen as a Show Choir dance captain. This position has provided opportunities in leading practices, teaching choreography, and cleaning choreography. Being able to learn a significant amount about what it means to be a servant leader has been life changing. It has been an honor to be in Show Choir leadership for three years, and through that time my confidence has grown exponentially. Being able to help others with something I am passionate about is such a rewarding feeling, and it has given me many opportunities to broaden my knowledge of dance as well.

What different volunteer projects have you been a part of and which has been your favorite? Why?
To name a few volunteer projects, I have raised money for JDRF, the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, volunteered to tutor my peers, and the GM Get Wise program. Volunteering for the Get WISE program at General Motors has been my favorite experience overall. The Get WISE program encourages 6th grade girls to consider future careers in the STEM field to close the gender gap within the careers. It has been such a rewarding experience the past few years to help these young girls realize their full potential. Mentoring, encouraging, motivating and teaching kids that they can be anything they set their mind to is an extremely important thing, and I am honored to have been selected from many to be a part of that experience.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
If you stay humble and put in the work, you can achieve anything.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plan for the future?
I am not sure where life will take me in five years, but whatever happens I will be working hard and living happily.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love poetry. Whether it is in a book, a song, or spoken word, I love everything about poetry.

Something on your bucket list?
I would like to travel to Europe and learn a new language.

Who do you find inspiring?
My choir teacher. She has been an inspiration in so many ways, and has proved to me the value of kindness, respect, and servant leadership.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I have been told that my positivity and kindness can be inspiring.

Photography by grin&barrett photography

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I was a competitive dancer for six years where I studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and tap. I am currently trying to study these virtually to stay up to date on the industry, to help further my career.

Currently I am a Consultant for Rodan and Fields. Since I am not 18, I am working with my mother and plan to take over the business after my birthday. It is fun to have a business like this because everyone is aging, and I get to teach youth as well as adults the importance of self-care. Developing a routine in the morning and before bed has been proven to minimize anxiety and what better way than making yourself look more youthful in the process. Having healthy skin helps build self-confidence and gives everyone the ability to put their best self forward.

It is an honor and a privilege to be named Director of County Operations (DCO) for ELM Services, LLC. Not only do I get to change the course of children's lives, but I get to assist guardians of troubled youth in parenting their child better. I may not be able to work directly with the clients right now since I am not 18 years old, but I am able to help develop curriculum that will be used in teaching important life skills. The best part is I get to develop it from a child's perspective while integrating theory and industry standards. Most curriculum throughout the industry is built from an adult perspective and I have the ability to change the industry for the better, to give children a voice and make children's lives better.

Logan 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

7 Comments

Isabelle Johnson

9/17/2020

4 Comments

Isabelle Johnson - Indiana
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination & Photography by
Moments In Time by Kimberly Krueger, LLC
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Isabelle Johnson is an inspiring teen because of how selfless she is. She is always putting others first making sure they are on task with their goals in class as a teammate and friend. She pushes them to go that extra mile even when they feel that they cannot. Isabelle assists in teaching the littles in pre-ballet, she finds great joy in showing them that they can be amazing at anything they do when they put in the effort. Not only is she an amazing dancer but she is a beautiful painter. She uses both arts to share her light and love for those around her. If it’s giving someone a painting to brighten their day or having silly dances with friends to make them smile, she will always go above and beyond for anyone in life.

Photography by Moments In Time by Kimberly Krueger, LLC

How long have you been dancing?
I started dancing seven years ago at the age of nine at Dreams in Motion Academy of Dance by Miranda, Inc. I found a huge passion the second I walked in and learned a dance. I love how much the teachers push us to be the best we possibly can be and support us every step of the way.

What do you enjoy about helping the younger dancers?
I enjoy seeing the little girls come in excited and ready to learn and have fun. They always have fun stories to tell with such great animation, it just makes you smile. Also, knowing that you are helping them learn and succeed makes you feel great inside.

Photography by Moments In Time by Kimberly Krueger, LLC

How does it feel knowing you are an inspiration to others?
To be interviewed feels absolutely amazing! I pride myself on being someone that others can look up to. I couldn’t be doing it without my photographer, Kimberly Krueger, who has put in so much effort in each photo for this outstanding opportunity.

Why do you think it’s important to put others before yourself?
First and foremost, it makes me happy to put others before myself. I love to see the smiles of joy that others have because of something I have said or done. I have been raised to always be kind to others, no matter their background. We do not always know what a person is feeling, as some people hide their feelings. It’s as simple as making a person smile that can change their day and maybe their course of action.

Photography by Moments In Time by Kimberly Krueger, LLC

What sort of things do you like to paint and why?
I paint what I am drawn to, whether it is a landscape, portrait, or even abstracts. I like to experiment with many different resources to further my skills.

Tell me a little bit about racing go karts
When I was younger, my dad took my brother and I to a race in Indianapolis for the Brickyard 400. It was then when I realized that I loved being around fast cars and the environment of racing. My brother and dad race go karts on a dirt track and I’m with them each race supporting them with help and learning any new information I can. Recently, I have been doing practice laps to get the feel of being behind the wheel. I hope that one day I will have advanced enough to participate in racing and go further than go karts.

Photography by Moments In Time by Kimberly Krueger, LLC

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them to never give up. All you can do is try, although you may not succeed the first time. Keep pushing forward, if you give up, you won’t get there. Be your own biggest cheerleader.

Isabelle 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

4 Comments

Chloe Camomile

Chloe Camomile – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by
Tiffany Miller, Custom Portraits By Tiffany
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lillian Coble

Lillian Coble – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Erica Robinson Seniors
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Emma Wilcher

Emma Wilcher – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Lisa Cox Photography, LLC
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Chloe Cardinal

Chloe Cardinal – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Calli Wireman

Calli Wireman - Indiana
Nomination and Photography by April Moore Creations, LLC
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kendall Hepler

Kendall Hepler - Indiana
Nomination and Photography by April Moore Creations, LLC
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mallory Obermeyer

Mallory Obermeyer – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Fords the Art of Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Trevor Misch

Trevor Misch - Indiana
Nomination by Sherry Misch
Photography by The Studio Brenda Johnson
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Megan Harrington

Megan Harrington – Indiana
Nomination by Shara Harrington
Photography by grin&barrett photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alexa Whitaker

Alexa Whitaker – Indiana
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Crystal Witvoet
Photography by The Studio
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kailyn Hoffman

Kailyn Hoffman – Indiana
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Jana Hoffman
Photography by Brenda Johnson
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Logan Eddington

Logan Eddington - Indiana
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by
grin&barrett photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Isabelle Johnson

Isabelle Johnson - Indiana
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination & Photography by
Moments In Time by Kimberly Krueger, LLC
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

Archives

Categories

Chloe Camomile – IndianaNomination and Photography by​Tiffany Miller, Custom Portraits By TiffanyIssue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lillian Coble – IndianaNomination and Photography by Erica Robinson SeniorsIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Emma Wilcher – IndianaNomination and Photography by Lisa Cox Photography, LLCIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Chloe Cardinal – IndianaNomination and Photography by Photography by Leslie ANNIssue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Calli Wireman - IndianaNomination and Photography by April Moore Creations, LLCIssue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Kendall Hepler - IndianaNomination and Photography by April Moore Creations, LLCIssue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mallory Obermeyer – IndianaNomination and Photography by Fords the Art of PhotographyIssue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Trevor Misch - IndianaNomination by Sherry MischPhotography by The Studio Brenda JohnsonIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Megan Harrington – IndianaNomination by Shara HarringtonPhotography by grin&barrett photographyIssue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Alexa Whitaker – IndianaInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Crystal WitvoetPhotography by The StudioIssue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Kailyn Hoffman – IndianaInterview by Inspiring TeensNomination by Jana HoffmanPhotography by Brenda JohnsonIssue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Logan Eddington - IndianaInterview by Olivia BushNomination and Photography bygrin&barrett photographyIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Isabelle Johnson - IndianaInterview by Diamond OrinNomination & Photography by​Moments In Time by Kimberly Krueger, LLCIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Chloe Camomile – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by
Tiffany Miller, Custom Portraits By Tiffany
Issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Lillian Coble – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Erica Robinson Seniors
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Emma Wilcher – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Lisa Cox Photography, LLC
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Chloe Cardinal – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Photography by Leslie ANN
Issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Calli Wireman - Indiana
Nomination and Photography by April Moore Creations, LLC
Issue 47 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kendall Hepler - Indiana
Nomination and Photography by April Moore Creations, LLC
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Mallory Obermeyer – Indiana
Nomination and Photography by Fords the Art of Photography
Issue 44 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Trevor Misch - Indiana
Nomination by Sherry Misch
Photography by The Studio Brenda Johnson
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Megan Harrington – Indiana
Nomination by Shara Harrington
Photography by grin&barrett photography
Issue 43 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Alexa Whitaker – Indiana
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Crystal Witvoet
Photography by The Studio
Issue 40 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Kailyn Hoffman – Indiana
Interview by Inspiring Teens
Nomination by Jana Hoffman
Photography by Brenda Johnson
Issue 39 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Logan Eddington - Indiana
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by
grin&barrett photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Isabelle Johnson - Indiana
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination & Photography by
Moments In Time by Kimberly Krueger, LLC
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine