Inspiring Teens Magazine Features

Mara Rouse

9/20/2020

Mara Rouse - Ohio
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Julie Rouse
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Mara Jade Rouse is a wonderful and beautiful teen who has an even more amazing work and dance ethic. Her compassion and dedication to her friends, family, school and dance is a great attribute. She has been dancing since 4th grade! I love watching her dance and grow. She never gives up when given a task and keeps going!

Photography by 12.9 Dance

What I love most about dance is the feeling I get when I’m on stage. When the lights hit me, and I start dancing. All my worries and stresses slip away as I’m doing what I love most. I don’t have to worry about drama, or any of my other stresses when I walk on that stage. That’s the only place I can get away from it. I also love the drive and the adrenaline rush I get. All my nerves and excitement combined drives me to do a great job. It has impacted who I am by teaching me there are bigger and better things in life, and to be kind to everyone. Dance has taught me more about being human than any school ever did. I haven’t danced for very long. Only 5 going on 6 years. And it was never a huge part of my life until around 7th grade when I quit cheer for dance. Then dance became a whole lot more important when I moved to my studio I’m at now. I have so many memorable experiences but that is the biggest one. Moving from cheer, to dance, then to another dance studio. This new studio made me realize how much I actually love dance and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Some topics I am very passionate about is of course Black Lives Matter, but also Women’s Rights, abortion, and people’s body images, insecurities and how people compare themselves to people on social media. I believe that women should be able to do exactly what men can do simply because they can. Don’t discriminate over gender. I also believe that abortion is murdering a person. If you got pregnant by accident and really didn’t want the baby, there are other options, like adoption. Don’t kill an innocent baby that isn’t even born yet and doesn’t have a choice. My biggest inspiration is my dance instructor Miss Melody. She is my biggest inspiration because she has done so much for me and took me in as though I was her own. She is so kind to people and does everything she can to make people happy. I love her so much and I wish to be like her when I get older. My passion in dance can make other teens be inspired because I am so determined. When I can’t get something right, I do it over and over and over again until it’s right. This can inspire teens to never give up and to always keep pushing themselves to make them better.

Photography by 12.9 Dance

Some advice I would give to someone who wants to be where I am is to always be humble and always stay determined. Things will get tough and to the point where you think to yourself “Why am I even doing this?” but you can’t let those thoughts get to you. You have to remember that you are doing this because you love it and committed to it and you’re not going to let anything get in the way of that. If I were to publicly present a topic in front of my peers it would be about people’s body images, insecurities, etc. I am passionate about this topic because although I do these things, and I’ve been through them, I hate seeing when, not just a girl, but anyone is down on themselves and hate how they look. I could go on all day about this topic. 3 things on my bucket list are one, to go to Hawaii. My mom used to live there and I’ve heard it’s beautiful. Two, meet Shawn Mendes. I have listened and been obsessed with him since I was little. And three, work as a dancer at Disney. I would love to have this job because I love to dance and I absolutely love Disney.

Photography by 12.9 Dance

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

click here for more info on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Gianna DiPasquale

9/18/2020

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Gianna DiPasquale - Ohio
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Sharon Holy Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Gianna is beautiful inside and out! She's a very outgoing, positive person and always find the bright side of things. She makes everyone feel so special and important and loves helping people out. Gianna is a Varsity Cheerleader and has been involved in cheerleading in school and/or competitively most of her life. She also plays for the Varsity LaCrosse team. I consider a teen to be inspiring when you can see the goodness in their heart and that's what I see with Gianna!

What do you love most about cheerleading, and how has it been a passion of yours for the past 12 years?
Cheer makes me stay positive and grateful for what I have. Cheerleading also has taught me so many valuable life lessons and traits that I think are so important to have. For the past 12 years cheer is one of my biggest passions. It's always been a main priority of mine ever since I was little growing up. Being so passionate about cheer is something I put my 110% percent in to dedicating.

Tell me a little bit about the unforgettable memories you have made through competitive cheerleading.
Over the years I have made so many countless memories in cheer that will last me a lifetime. My absolute favorite memory from competitive cheerleading is my cheer team and I advanced to the finals in Chicago where we competed against other teams around the United States. We performed in front of 10,000 people and won first place. I will never ever forget that feeling I got when I heard my cheer team named 1st place in front of all those people. It’s a feeling you get in the moment that you can't explain.

How has cheer helped you move past hard times by becoming a positive outlet in your life?
Cheer has helped me through so many hard times in my life. When I was going through a really hard time in my life, cheer was always there for me. It would keep my mind off things and make me feel like I'm a part of something. Cheer helped me keep going and pick my head up, it made me feel good about what I was doing. Doing competitive cheer helped me become a positive person and helped me shape who I am as a person today. Cheer taught me no matter what be yourself, and express yourself through everything going on in your life. I believe if you have a positive outlook, you will have a positive outcome.

How have the hardships and struggles you have faced made you into the person you are today by growing confident in yourself?
The hardships and struggles only made me stronger. Even though I went through major bullying and terrible times it taught me to be confident in who you are, love yourself, stay positive, and you are so special as you are. The struggles were not easy but if it wasn't for all the bullying It wouldn't have helped me become who I am today or how I view things.

What advice would you give to other teens who have gone through bullying to encourage and uplift them?
My advice would be never doubt yourself. You are so beautiful and special in everyone, so you need to love yourself. Stay positive and never doubt something or look at the bad, staying positive can keep you in a good mindset to make yourself better and focus on the good things in life. Self-worth, self-confidence, and self-love are more important than you think.

In what ways can your journey to where you are today inspire others to stay true to who they are no matter what others say?
My journey shaped me into the person I am today. Staying true to yourself helped me overcome my harsh bullying that I went through. At one of my worst moments in life I thought it would never get better, it did. You just have to remember yourself that you are special, loved and important. Just always remind yourself that it will get better just stick with yourself. All of this helped me become who I am today.

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

click here for more information on issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Madisyn McVay

9/18/2020

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Madisyn McVay – Ohio
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Katie McVay
Photography by Jennifer Grace Studio
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Madisyn McVay is 17 years old. She has been through and seen more than most adults have and has gone through things most young children shouldn't. Through all of this she has always maintained to be a strong, loving, kind, and beautiful person inside and out. She always treats others with respect and is wise beyond her years. We are so proud of all that she has accomplished and cannot wait to see what the future holds!

Photography by Jennifer Grace Studio

What are some things you have overcame that many people have not?
Unlike most people my age I have endured many struggles in my lifetime. Having a parent with an addiction is not easy. Most children talk to their parents about the sports they play or how school went; my talks were filled with explaining an overdose and how one of my parents was going away for a while. Nobody ever asks to lose out on childhood experiences because you’re forced to grow up at a young age. Even though it’s caused me emotional trauma, I wouldn’t change it for the world. If I had not gone through the struggles I had as a young child I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have come out of my situation with a positive outlook on life.

What is something you want people to know about your story and why you do what you do?
I want people to know that what happened to me affects me every day. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the important memories we’ve missed out on and the time we’ll never get back. I don’t let it stop me though, in fact I let it do the exact opposite. I let it push me and inspire me to be my very best. What’s in the past is done with and I’m not going to let it have a negative impact on me. I try and live every day to the fullest and treat others with kindness along the way.

Photography by Jennifer Grace Studio

What keeps you going everyday?
My want for a good future is what keeps me going. I want to be the best version of myself. Having a family is a goal of mine and I want to provide my future children a better life than me. I want them to experience a proper childhood and not have any worries. That’s what pushes me everyday to work harder and to do my best in school so I can get into a good college.

What is it like knowing you are an inspiration to others?
It feels very surreal to know that people look up to me. I would have never thought that I would have the power to impact others’ lives. It feels amazing to know that I can impact others who are struggling. I am so thankful to share my story to let others know that they aren’t alone in what they’re going through.

Photography by KC Photography

What do you like so much about spreading kindness to others?
I like spreading kindness to others because I know what it feels like to be in a dark place and to think nobody is in your corner. I wish that I had more people show me kindness while I was struggling. I know now that you never will fully understand to the full extent of how another individual is feeling or what they’re going through. Showing a simple act of kindness can go a long way and can make that individuals day or even week.

Madisyn will be published in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Dawson Lair

9/18/2020

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Dawson Lair - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Colleen and David Lair
Photography by Marissa Camino Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Dawson Lair never gives up. He strives for greatness on and off the baseball field.

Photography by Marissa Camino Photography

What inspired you to start playing baseball and how long have you been playing baseball?
I have been playing baseball since I could hold a ball. What inspired me to start playing baseball was my internal drive to be better. I want to see the best; I want to be the best. It is the hard work that you put in to see it pay off in the games.

What is your most memorable moment from playing baseball? Why?
One of my most memorable times that I have had playing baseball was when I was about 12 years old. We beat one of the best teams in our league and I pitched a no hitter and I went 2-3. I ended up getting the game ball. The reason why this is my favorite memory is because the excitement of beating the best team and knowing you had a big part of that feels amazing, It's one of a kind. It is leading your team onto the field and coming off knowing you did the best you could and knowing you achieved your goal and made a memory for all your friends. A moment you will never forget.

Photography by Marissa Camino Photography

How has the pandemic changed you as a person and how do you think the pandemic has changed other teens?
The pandemic has taught me to learn how to change. I have had to adapt to everyday life in a way I never thought. I had to change the way I live and learn. I had to create new ways train for baseball. I had to learn by myself due to being quarantined. This has made me stronger. I learned how important my family is.

Why do you believe that our generation is one that can adapt to change and how do you think we can do this?
Our generation can adapt in a minute to change. We have learned to changed how we live. We have become the most adaptable generation. The generation who can create better ways to do things.
We will be the generation who can learn and create better.

What ideas do you have on how we can make this time period the best it can be for our generation?
We need to work together to create better. For all of us to come together as one whole family, To put away our differences and opinions so we can grow together and grow as a nation. To solve the problems of today.

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

click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Joseph Jones

9/17/2020

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Joseph Jones - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Brandy Jones
Photography by Jennifer Grace Studios
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Joseph Jones is an incredibly talented son. He is an old soul with a huge heart. He is very humble and works for everything he wants. When he graduates, he would like to pursue a career in nursing. He has the heart and compassion to care for individuals.

Photography by Jennifer Grace Studios

Some of the sports that I play are basketball and baseball. What inspired me to to play these sports was my dad, I always wanted to be just like my dad. The main athlete I look up to is Lebron James.

My favorite memory from the sports I play would be hitting for a cycle in baseball and pitching a complete game a few times, hitting a home run, or making a big play in basketball is up there too!

In five years I hope to see myself in Los Angeles and being an influencer, I’ve always wanted to create content in any way possible and I think this is a huge way to start and I couldn’t be more thankful for this opportunity!

Photography by Jennifer Grace Studios

I balance school, sports, and family with just patience, sometimes everything can be going so fast and you just got to take a step back and relax. When it comes to life sometimes you have to step back and look around because you might miss it.

I want to become a Nurse because I’m interested in the medical field and love helping people out and being there for others! A couple other goals I would like to achieve in the future would be to become an influencer and to own my own business!

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

click here for more information on issue 38

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

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Ryann Mescher

8/27/2020

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Ryann Mescher – Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination & Photography by April Mescher
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Ryann Mescher was at the grocery store and saw the lady in front of her unable to pay for both food and menstrual products that week. This experience weighed on her, and she decided to do something about it because no one should have to choose between eating and having period supplies. Ryann started Femme Aid Collaborative to end period poverty in her community. She has raised over $50K and purchased, collected, and distributed over 650,000-period pieces to 18 local nonprofits in less than two years. Her goal is to end period poverty and period stigma in her community.

Photography by April Mescher

Did you ever think that Femme Aid Collaborative would take off like it did and that you would raise this much in 2 years?
No, once Femme Aid Collaborative and its mission hit the media, it took off. So much so, the original goal of collecting and distributing 100,000 pieces in one year was achieved within the first 60 days.

How did you spread the word about your organization?
I connected with local female social influencers, city officials, including the mayor, presented at a city commission meeting, contacted community businesses and the local media all to help bring awareness to this issue, what our mission was and how together we could end period poverty in Dayton, Ohio.

What are ways people can help stop period poverty in their community?
I would recommend contacting local nonprofits or schools to see if menstrual hygiene is a need, then to make a collection and donation strategy and goals around those specific needs. We started with three organizations and are now supporting eighteen monthly when they need help.

Photography by Samantha Meyers

What are your personal goals for the future?
Going to college next year at the University of Dayton to study international business. What are your goals for Femme Aid Collaborative? To be able to continue to support the local nonprofits in Dayton, Ohio, while advocating for the schools in my community, to provide free access in bathrooms and budget for menstrual hygiene products like they do soap and toilet paper, keeping students in the classroom. My ultimate goal is to end period poverty in Dayton, Ohio, and to be a resource for others who would like to take on this issue in their communities.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Starting Femme Aid Collaborative. I had a lot of help and support from family, friends, and community mentors.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Try new things all the time! Some are going to work out, and some won’t, but KEEP TRYING!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
Graduate college and working in a career field I love.

Photography by April Mescher

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
Spending time with friends!

Do you have a hidden talent?
What is it? I am a great artist and photographer!

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
On period poverty like my, TedX to help continue to educate and bring awareness to this issue.

3 Things on your bucket list:
Photographing every country, Skydiving and doing goat yoga

Photography by April Mescher

Who do you find inspiring?
My mother, because she continues to encourage me to reach for my goals and be the best person I can be.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I am brave, funny, and a good friend. I think I am inspiring because I am passionate and do the things that I love and inspire me to be a better person.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am a varsity cheerleader, run varsity track, and am a varsity basketball player
I am in the band and play the cymbals
I am the school mascot, “The LumberJack.”
I am the editor of the school yearbook “The Acorn.”

Ryann 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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Marcus Cornett

8/21/2020

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Marcus Cornett - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Cherie Eplion Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

The Nomination: Marcus is a hardworking teen. He homeschooled and took college classes his junior and senior year of high school. He maintained all A's in all his classes, had a 4.0 GPA and made the Dean’s list at his college. He earned enough credits to apply to the nursing program and is waiting to hear acceptance. He was able to maintain his good grades while also working 2 jobs and playing Varsity Hockey for Hilliard Hockey Club. He was chosen as team captain for his hockey team. He also won the MVP award and coaches award for the 2019/2020 season. He was also one of only 5 players chosen to play in the OSHL All Star game. He shows dedication and commitment in all he does and is also a kind, compassionate son, brother, and friend.

Photography by Cherie Eplion Photography

Who or what inspired you to start ice skating and playing hockey? Who are some athletes that you look up to?
My parents always had a big influence on me as a kid and only continue to influence my everyday life. My dad probably had the biggest influence on me to start ice skating from such a young age and learn to love the sport of hockey. When I was a kid I always watched him play and it had a great influence on me. A couple of athletes that I look up to are Nick Foligno and Jonathan Toews. They aren’t the most skilled athletes, but I respect their work ethic and mentality.

What is your favorite memory when playing hockey? Why?
My favorite memory when playing hockey was playing roller hockey with my friends. We would play at a nearby parking lot in town for sometimes hours straight. Being able to enjoy the sport of hockey with some of my closest friends has created some of my fondest memories

Photography by Cherie Eplion Photography

What is one lesson that the sport of hockey has taught you?
Staying disciplined and committed towards improving your team is one lesson that hockey has taught me. No amount of individual effort or success can replace working together as a team to win. A successful team comes from the players willing to work together and focus on the team’s success more than their personal stats.

Photography by Cherie Eplion Photography

Tell me about what it means to you knowing that your coaches chose you to win the MVP and coaches award and that you got selected as one of five players to play in the All Star game?
It was truly an honor to be chosen as the MVP and coaches award. It is an award that not many players are able to possess and being one of those players is a true privilege. I had a good time playing at the All-Star game and having the opportunity to represent my team was a great experience.

Photography by Cherie Eplion Photography

Besides starting the nursing program at your school, what are some other goals that you have for your future?
There are so many goals and milestones that I have yet to complete in my near future. Just a few of them could include obtaining my Bachelor of Science in Nursing, play for a Division 2 or higher college hockey team, and to travel more of the world. Although I have a long road ahead of me with many roadblocks, I am determined to improve not only myself, but the individuals around me as well.

Marcus 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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Mara Rouse

Mara Rouse - Ohio
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Julie Rouse
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gianna DiPasquale

Gianna DiPasquale - Ohio
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Sharon Holy Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madisyn McVay

Madisyn McVay – Ohio
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Katie McVay
Photography by Jennifer Grace Studio
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Dawson Lair

Dawson Lair - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Colleen and David Lair
Photography by Marissa Camino Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Joseph Jones

Joseph Jones - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Brandy Jones
Photography by Jennifer Grace Studios
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ryann Mescher

Ryann Mescher – Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination & Photography by April Mescher
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Marcus Cornett

Marcus Cornett - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Cherie Eplion Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Featured

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Mara Rouse

​Mara Rouse - OhioInterview by Claire PlathNomination by Julie RousePhotography by 12.9 Dance​Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gianna DiPasquale

Gianna DiPasquale - OhioInterview by Claire PlathNomination and Photography by Sharon Holy PhotographyIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Madisyn McVay

Madisyn McVay – OhioInterview by Diamond OrinNomination by Katie McVayPhotography by Jennifer Grace StudioIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Dawson Lair

Dawson Lair - OhioInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Colleen and David LairPhotography by Marissa Camino PhotographyIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Joseph Jones

Joseph Jones - OhioInterview by Olivia BushNomination by Brandy Jones​Photography by Jennifer Grace StudiosIssue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ryann Mescher

Ryann Mescher – OhioInterview by Olivia BushNomination & Photography by April MescherIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Marcus Cornett

​Marcus Cornett - OhioInterview by Olivia BushNomination and Photography by Cherie Eplion PhotographyIssue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine​

Featured

Archives

Categories

Mara Rouse - Ohio
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Julie Rouse
Photography by 12.9 Dance
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Gianna DiPasquale - Ohio
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Sharon Holy Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Madisyn McVay – Ohio
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Katie McVay
Photography by Jennifer Grace Studio
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Dawson Lair - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Colleen and David Lair
Photography by Marissa Camino Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Joseph Jones - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Brandy Jones
Photography by Jennifer Grace Studios
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Ryann Mescher – Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination & Photography by April Mescher
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Marcus Cornett - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Cherie Eplion Photography
Issue 37 of Inspiring Teens Magazine