Haley Holzworth

Haley Holzworth – Indiana
Nomination & Photography by Moments in Time by Kimberly Krueger
Issue 65 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: I am Haley Holzworth, and I am inspiring teen because I have overcome many challenges in life. My mom pretty much exited my life when I was 8 years old and I have learned to grow up without a mother, but have many mom figures in my life who have helped me grow, as well as my amazing dad, who has raised my brother and I on his own. I have overcome stressors in life, an abusive relationship, and losing many friends in the process by staying positive and living for the little things and moments in life.
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Photography by Moments in Time by Kimberly Krueger

​Tell us about your family and where you fit in. Where do you stand out?
I live with my amazing dad and brother. Over the years when have gone through experiences that have, in a way, brought us closer together. A little fun fact is that my dad and brother are both named Rusty, so that is one place I stand out. However, one place I do fit in is that I am very passionate. It could be something as little as spear mint gum to something as important as colorguard. I stand out because I am the only girl in the house. I find it crazy that they only have a single product in the shower!

What has been a favorite fun family memory you will never forget?
A family memory I will never forget was when my dad took my brother and I on a weekend trip to Michigan. I had this idea in the back of my mind to dig the biggest hole in the sand at the lake that I possibly could. We went into multiple stores just so I could find the perfect shovel. I made sure no bothered us that entire day due to me flinging sand everywhere. A core memory for sure.

What family tradition do you have that you hope never ends?
At Christmas time every year we open some gifts early instead of waiting til Christmas. I nonstop bother my dad until he eventually caves in.

What sorts of things do you and your brother like to do together?
Every couple months my brother and I go on a sibling day date. It’s normally includes getting taco bell and watching a movie together. We also frequently have dance parties in my bedroom!

How is time spent with you and your dad?
Recently the time I have seen my dad the most was during musical rehearsal. He is a huge help with our set pieces and is constantly buying something for us. On the other hand we like to spend time watching Greys Anatomy in pajamas when we are not super busy.

Photography by Moments in Time by Kimberly Krueger

​How did you find and why did you choose Moments in Time by Kimberly Krueger for your photographer?
I was scrolling on instagram one day and saw some really cool images of a girl I knew. I wanted to look like her so bad and I messaged Kim. It was already halfway through the season with her but she decided I could shoot with her girls. I continued to shoot with Kim because she felt so welcoming. She laughed at my jokes and even called me beautiful. I needed a way to see myself as funny and beautiful and Kim’s team made that possible!

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience has been eye opening. I am friends with people I would not have talked to in the past and even closer with people who I have known for some time. I love that it feels okay to be me when I am there. We can all be judge-mental at times but never when shooting with Kim. It is a wonderful thing that I think ever young person should go through. It gave me back my spark!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am the stage manager at Martinsville Highschool so being a leader is a thing I do constantly. I am open to a good challenge and pride myself on being brave and positive. That is how I got the job for our fall musical last year!

What made you want to be a stage manager?
I had originally auditioned for the musical and did not even know it was a possibility for me to be the stage manager. I got called down to our directors’ office during school and he blatantly told me I did not make the cast. He thought I had a great voice but saw that I was very organized and had a big question for me. He asked if I would be interested in being the student director for the fall musical. I had no clue what that was and was honestly curious what it could be. He explained that it was a big job in the theatre department. I would take blocking notes for everyone and call the entire show. I am a natural born leader, but my dad just calls me bossy. I wanted to go for this because I am always down for a challenge, and it was something I had never done before.

What do you love most about this job?
I love that I get to understand more about people and help in every aspect of the show. I try to help everyone in our stage/tech crew as much as I can. It is a wonderful feeling seeing people do what they love and watching those kids smile so rewarding!

What type of leader are you?
I am a compassionate leader. I always try to help the people that are struggling and try to understand what is going on.

Photography by Moments in Time by Kimberly Krueger

​What is your strongest leadership quality?
I find myself to be rather persistent at times. It makes makes me a little mad to see people not improving when they can so I make it a point to get the job done.

What else would you like to talk about?
I have been doing color guard since the 6th grade so I have lots of memories with it. It has taught me to be confident in myself and to push through hard times. Color Guard is actually how I met three of my closest friends.

What is something you think people who don't participate in color guard need know about?
We put in tons of work. We operate like anything other sport. We have set rehearsal days and are required to do certain workouts. We have to be strong to get more rotations out of a toss. We do more than just throwing things in the air, we dance, we go to competitions, and best of all we get to learn tons of new things and meet a lot of people.

What are your friends like and what is something you always do together?
My friends are very outgoing people and we love going hiking together when we can. My boyfriend even surprised me once when coming home from college. He planned an entire trip all for me with my closest friend and him at our favorite park!

How would your friends describe you?
I think my friends would describe me and fun and caring. We love to laugh, and we always have a good time together.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be?
Trying new things and giving it my all! I am always up to trying most things once! Plus, I am obsessed with Lightning McQueen, I even have a shrine of the cars movies in my bedroom.

Who do you find inspiring?
My dad is the strongest and caring person that I know. He inspires me every day to reach my fullest potential because you never know who is watching.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I am inspiring to other because I just love the little things in life. It’s nice to see people thank me for being so excited over the smallest things!

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Everyday has it challenges but do not give up. Giving it your all is shows you can do anything!

Look for Haley in issue 65 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 65

click here to nominate an inspiring teen