Jaley Bolen

Jaley Bolen - Tennessee
Nomination by Shannon Cinicola
Photography by Jessica Coulson Photography
Issue 98 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

​Nomination: Jaley is an inspiring teen because of her character, volunteerism, and service to others and her community. She is an excellent student and athlete who gives to others unselfishly. She has received countless awards for her volunteerism and leadership skills.

Photography by Jessica Coulson Photography

What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination?
I was incredibly proud to be named the 2025 Overall American Heart Association Teen of Impact Winner for West TN. One of the most meaningful moments of my life was receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award in 2022, 2023, 2024. I’ve also had the privilege of playing soccer for the past eleven years, and being named an All-District Player for my high school this year. I currently maintain a 3.98 GPA, and I’ve enjoyed being involved in several clubs, including National Honor Society for four years and a member of Student Council.

What else would you like to talk about?
My future goals are deeply rooted in my desire to help others. I aspire to become a clinical psychologist so I can work with children who have experienced trauma. Currently, I am honored to serve as a Lights, Camera, Fashion Model, raising funds for St. Jude and supporting their mission. I am also the reigning Miss Golden Circle Iris Teen and am preparing to compete at the state level for Miss Tennessee Volunteer Iris Teen. My platform is child abuse awareness, a cause that is very close to my heart. Through fundraising efforts and volunteering at my local Center.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
I am deeply passionate about volunteering and community service, especially when it comes to advocating for children. I have dedicated more than 1,000 volunteer hours to the Carl Perkins Center, an experience that has been incredibly meaningful to me. I am currently completing an internship with the organization, allowing me to further my involvement and understanding of the important work they do. In addition, I am currently raising funds for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital as a Lights, Camera, Fashion Model. Fundraising is something I truly enjoy, as it allows me to focus on caring for others and making a real difference.

What values or experiences do you think shaped your strong commitment to service and leadership at such a young age?
My commitment to service and leadership is deeply rooted in my faith. From a young age, I was taught that servant leadership is most important and leadership should be centered around serving others with humility, love, and integrity. My faith showed me that every person has worth and that we are called to care for one another, especially in moments of need. Serving others became a way for me to live out my faith, not just through words, but through actions. At a young age, I experienced trauma and knew that helping others was a form of therapy.

How did it feel to be named the 2025 American Heart Association Teen of Impact Winner, and what did that recognition mean to you personally?
I was very honored to be named the West TN Teen of Impact and also honored to represent West TN Healthcare. I enjoyed working with the Director, Ms. Amy Morris and appreciated her support throughout the program. I am excited to be able to mentor those who are working to be the winner for 2026.

Receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award multiple years in a row is a huge accomplishment—what motivates you to continue giving so much of your time to others?
Receiving the Presidential Volunteer Service Award was truly humbling. Every community service hour reminds me that my presence, time, and effort mattered to someone. Building relationships and knowing that my actions have made even the slightest impact in someone’s life makes the commitment feel worthwhile. Service has become part of who I am— gives me purpose beyond myself.

How has being a student-athlete for over a decade, especially playing soccer at a competitive level, influenced your discipline and work ethic?
Being a student-athlete for over a decade, especially playing competitive soccer as a goalkeeper, has strongly shaped my discipline and work ethic. As a goalkeeper, I learned that dedication to the team and consistency in my actions matter every single day, even when recognition never came. One mistake as a goalkeeper can change the outcome of a game. The game and position have taught me accountability, mental endurance, and the importance of staying composed under pressure. The pressure of the game helped me become a stronger person who found confidence in myself. Balancing practice, games, and academics required structure and self-discipline, and it pushed me to hold myself to high standards at all times. Over time, I developed a strong love for the game that became a source of strength and purpose.

With such a demanding schedule, how do you balance academics, athletics, leadership roles, and volunteer commitments while maintaining a 3.98 GPA?
I believe the key word is balance. You have to set goals for yourself and push yourself to reach those goals. I can say that the most important key to managing all these important areas in life is having the best support system. I have the best family and friends who are always rooting for me and there if I am need them.

What inspired your goal of becoming a clinical psychologist, particularly working with children who have experienced trauma?
My interest in becoming a clinical psychologist, particularly working with children who have experienced trauma, developed from my own trauma I experienced at a young age. The trauma I experienced shaped my emotional, behavioral, and cognitive development. Children are often deeply affected by trauma but may lack the voice or resources to process it on their own. I am motivated by my own experiences to be able to understand where they are in life and how to help them cope with their situation and understand they are not alone.

Your platform of child abuse awareness is deeply meaningful—what led you to choose this cause, and why is it so important for teens to speak up about it?
My platform with child abuse awareness is so meaningful to me because my passion is to be a voice for others. I experienced child abuse as a young child by my biological father. At the time. I felt alone and I chose to advocate for child abuse awareness because too many children grow up believing their pain doesn’t matter or that no one will listen. Abuse often brings silence, fear, and shame, and that silence can last a lifetime. I care about this cause because every child deserves to feel safe, believed, and protected. Speaking up isn’t always easy, but it can be life-changing—for someone who has been waiting to be seen and heard

Can you share a moment from your work with the Carl Perkins Center that truly changed your perspective or reaffirmed your passion for advocacy?
There are several moments that come to mind, but my most touching memory involves what are called the “Cubbies.” The Cubbies are sponsored by individuals or businesses and include a book and a teddy bear those children receive during their initial visit with a social worker. Something as simple as a small gift can help a child feel safer, calmer, and less alone during an incredibly difficult moment. Because these Cubbies are so meaningful, I always choose to sponsor one. In one particular case, a teenage girl came into the Center and specifically asked for my cubbie. She shared that it made her feel more relaxed being there because she knew me and we were friends at school. In that moment, everything came full circle for me. I realized I had been able to bring comfort to someone who was experiencing the same kind of pain I had gone through years before. It reminded me that even small acts of kindness can create powerful moments of healing.

As a Lights, Camera, Fashion Model raising funds for St. Jude, what have you learned about the power of fundraising and community support?
As a Lights, Camera, Fashion Model raising funds for St. Jude, I’ve learned that fundraising is about so much more than money—it’s about my community coming together for something bigger than themselves. I’ve seen how every donation, no matter the size, represents hope, compassion, and belief in children and families who are fighting battles they never chose. Community support has shown me that when people unite with a shared purpose, real change happens. It’s taught me that even one person’s voice can spark collective action—and together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of others. LCF has also helped me build relationships with girls all across West TN and make new friendships with them. I am also very grateful to Ms. Jenna King for leading all the girls, making LCF possible for the St. Jude children, and supporting me through this entire event. These are relationships I will always treasure.

Looking ahead, how do you hope your leadership, volunteerism, and advocacy will continue to grow as you move into college and beyond?
College will allow me to expand my understanding through education, research, and hands-on experience, helping me become a more informed and effective advocate. Beyond college, I hope to use my voice and leadership to create safer spaces for children, influence positive change in my community, and support those who need someone to stand up for them. My goal is to continue learning, serving, and leading with empathy—making a difference wherever I am.

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
I found my photographer online and immediately knew I wanted her to take my senior pictures after seeing her work. Jessica was incredibly fun to work with and had wonderful ideas for locations and poses that made the experience enjoyable and natural. She made me feel completely comfortable, which allowed me to trust her and feel confident that she would capture the best moments. Jessica took the time to understand me and my expectations. These images mean so much to me and will be cherished forever—not only by me, but by my family as well

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
The person who nominated me was my mom, who has always been my biggest supporter. Together, we have faced many challenges, including difficult experiences that shaped who I am today. Through it all, she has shown me the importance of perseverance and the strength to keep moving forward no matter the situation. Because of her example, I strive to treat others the way I want to be treated and to approach every opportunity with grace and gratitude. The verse that comes to my mind that she has instilled in me is - "God is within her, she will not fall" - Psalm 46:5

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
I would be honored to share my story. I hope to remind others that it is okay to be yourself, to chase your dreams, and to keep moving forward even when challenges arise. I am hopeful that my experiences will resonate with someone who may need encouragement. Having overcome obstacles in my own life, I want other teens to know that no matter what they face, they are not alone. With courage, faith, and support, it is possible to rise above difficulties and find success while staying true to themselves.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
If I were to win the scholarship, I would use the money for college. I will be graduating in May of this year, and I am excited about beginning my college experience. I would be excited to have additional funding to begin my education.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
As I have shared before, I am incredibly blessed to have a strong support system made up of my family and friends. I would like to thank my parents for their unwavering support and for always encouraging me to be the best version of myself. My mom is my biggest cheerleader, and she has instilled values in me that have shaped who I am today. She has taught me to have courage and faith in every situation. I am also deeply grateful for my stepdad, who raised me with patience, encouragement, and love. He stepped into my life during a very difficult time and offered guidance and care when I needed it most—even when I may not have been ready to receive it. He supports me in everything I do and loves me wholeheartedly, even when he didn’t have to.

Look for Jaley in issue 98 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
*Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

click here for more information on issue 98

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Image made by my mom, Shannon Cinicola