Lacey Middleton

Lacey Middleton – Kansas
Nomination by Klee Hight
Photography by Studio Bloom by Shelley
Issue 93 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​Nomination: Lacey Middleton is a two-time state wrestler and the proud captain of her high school wrestling team. Her strength and determination extend far beyond the mat-she juggles two demanding jobs as a waitress and a CNA, all while maintaining honor roll status despite the challenges of dyslexia. Her work ethic is unmatched, pouring hours into studying to earn every grade. She is fiercely loyal, with a heart as big as her ambition, and she protects her friends and family with unwavering devotion. Her grit, resilience, and compassion make her not only a leader but an inspiration to everyone who knows her.

Photography by Studio Bloom by Shelley
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What has your experience with dyslexia taught you about perseverance and success?
Dealing with dyslexia has taught me that success often comes from finding different ways to approach challenges. It's about adapting, not giving up and using my strengths to overcome weaknesses.

How do you balance being a student, athlete, and holding two jobs—and still stay on the honor roll?
Time management and prioritizing tasks are key to balancing school, sports, and work while maintaining honor roll status.

What advice would you give to someone facing challenges they feel are holding them back?
Setbacks are a part of growth, and seeking support from friends, family, or mentors can make a big difference.

What does it mean to you to be a captain of your wrestling team?
Being a wrestling team captain means leading by example, both on and off the mat. It's about motivating teammates, being a role model in terms of discipline and sportsmanship. It also means supporting everyone and helping them achieve their personal best.

Can you describe a moment on the mat that changed you as both an athlete and a person?
During my first wrestling tournament as a sophomore, I was taken aback when my opponent cursed at me for pushing her out of bounds; her reaction threw me off, and when she swatted at my face, the match was stopped, leaving me in shock and challenging me to remain composed in the face of unsportsmanlike conduct.

How do you motivate or mentor younger teammates who look up to you?
I try to lead by example, showing them the dedication and work ethic it takes to improve. I also share my own experiences, both successes and failures, to help them learn and grow.



What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
As a family oriented person with a strong belief in God, I am driven to combat bullying in schools. My faith teaches me to love and protect others, especially those who are vulnerable. I believe every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued in their school community. By promoting kindness, empathy, and understanding, I hope to foster a culture where bullying is not tolerated, and every student can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally, reflecting the love and compassion that are central to my beliefs.

Why is anti-bullying work important to you, and how do you advocate for kindness in your school?
Anti-bullying work is crucial because everyone deserves to feel safe, respected, and valued. Bullying can have devastating effects on a person's well-being and self-esteem. In my school, I advocate for kindness by standing up for others when I see bullying occur.

What role has your faith played in shaping your character and how you treat others?
My faith has taught me the importance of compassion, empathy, and treating everyone with respect. It guides me to be kind, understanding, and to stand up for what is right, which influences how I interact with and support others.

What else would you like to talk about?
Riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers is my escape, a way to feel the rush of adrenaline and connect with the outdoors. Hunting is another passion, a chance to immerse myself in nature. These activities aren't just hobbies; they're sources of joy and connection that enrich my life.

How do activities like riding dirt bikes and hunting help you recharge and stay grounded?
Those activities let me disconnect from daily stress and reconnect with nature. The focus required for dirt biking clears my head, while hunting teaches patience. Both help me feel grounded and refreshed.

What’s one of your favorite memories from time spent outdoors?
I love the memories of being on the boat with my family at Lake Perry, tubing and wakeboarding.

What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever?
Wrestling fuels my drive to be a strong and independent woman, pushing me to overcome challenges and set personal records. Being captain allows me to inspire younger teammates, showing them the value of hard work and dedication. I love seeing their growth, knowing I've played a part in shaping their wrestling journey and building a stronger team together.

How do you hope to combine your leadership, and compassion in your future?
I hope to combine leadership and compassion in a nursing job by taking on roles such as a charge nurse. This would allow me to lead and mentor other nurses, ensuring they provide the best possible patient care with empathy and understanding. I'd also advocate for patient needs.

What kind of legacy do you want to leave behind at your school or in your community?
I want to leave a legacy of kindness and inclusivity at my school. I hope to be remembered as someone who always stood up for others, created a welcoming environment for everyone, and inspired others to be compassionate and make a positive impact.

How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience?
It's incredible how connections can form in unexpected ways. When the photographer became friends with my mom, their shared experience of loss created a bond that words can't fully capture. With my stepdad battling cancer, the photographer's gesture of offering a photoshoot is such a heartwarming way to bring joy into our lives. What I appreciate most is the photographer's dedication to capturing the best possible photos, a true act of kindness and support during a challenging time.

What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you?
My favorite memories with my mom is her showing up to all my wrestling tournaments and cross country meets. Now, watching her struggle to care for my stepdad through his cancer battle is tough. Despite everything, she's always been my rock, supporting my dreams and accomplishments. I deeply appreciate her unwavering presence, especially during these hard times. Her strength inspires me every day.

Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine?
Being featured in Inspiring Teen Magazine would be a dream come true, allowing me to share my passion for wrestling with a wider audience. Wrestling has taught me discipline, resilience, and the importance of hard work, qualities I believe can inspire others. I want to show how this sport has shaped me, both physically and mentally, and how it can empower teens to overcome challenges. This platform would allow me to connect with like-minded individuals and promote the positive impact of wrestling on young lives.

If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money?
Winning this scholarship would be a game-changer, directly fueling my dream of attending nursing school. With this financial support, I can fully dedicate myself to my studies and training, becoming the best nurse possible. My goal is to provide compassionate care and make a positive impact on patients' lives. This scholarship would alleviate financial burdens, allowing me to focus on learning and developing the skills needed to help others through their most challenging times. It's an investment in my future and, more importantly, in the well-being of the community I aim to serve.

What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?
If I were offered my dream job today, I'd be torn between becoming a model or a radiologist. Modeling appeals to me because it allows for creativity and self-expression, and I enjoy the idea of working in a visually dynamic field. On the other hand, radiology attracts me due to the intellectual challenge and the opportunity to make a significant impact on people's health through diagnostic imaging.

Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today?
I'm incredibly grateful to my parents for their unwavering support and guidance. Despite my imperfections, they have always been there to help me grow and become the person I am today. Their love and encouragement have been instrumental in shaping my character and values.

Look for Lacey in issue 93 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 93

click here to nominate an inspiring teen

Photography by sister & mom