Maggie Spraker

Maggie Spraker – South Carolina
Nomination by Heather Spraker
Photography by Deanna Webber
Issue 62 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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Nomination: Maggie Spraker is an amazing young lady, laser-focused on her future. Her incredible work ethic, including her passion for her education, perseverance in track and field, while maintaining a part-time job, are awe-inspiring. She manages all of these aspects of her life, while also being an amazing human being.
She is a friend to all with deep compassion for others. She's a shoulder to cry on and a cheerleader for other's accomplishments.
This year, Maggie received her second academic award at school and received a promotion at work. She amazes us with her ability managing school, work, and extracurricular activities.
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Photography by Heather Spraker

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​Tell us about your work ethic and how it helps you stand out.
I am an extremely hard worker. I like to put my best out there in all aspects of my life, and I have seen great results. I recently got promoted to a trainer at work because I always stay busy and put in 100 percent effort. I have noticed that people look at me differently because of my work ethic. In school, I get asked to be a leader on projects, and my teachers look at my work as an example for the class. Establishing an excellent work ethic has been rewarding in my school life.

What about education do you love so much?
I have a natural curiosity for things and what I love the most about education is learning new things. It does not matter what the subject is; learning new things is fun to me. I also love that education is challenging. Some subject matter does not make sense and is frustrating, but putting in the work and figuring it out can be most rewarding.

What is your favorite thing you are learning in your senior year?
My favorite thing I am learning so far is Calculus. Math has always been easier for me until this year. That might sound weird when I say it is my favorite thing I am learning. It has been stressful and, at points, hard to understand, but I love the challenge and how it is different from other math I have taken. I know that when the course is over, I will be glad I took it because I have been learning something new daily.

When did you get started in track and field, and where are you at with it now?
I started track and field during my sophomore year of high school. I started it because of my best friend, and I am happy I did. I started with the events Discus and Shot Put; now, as a senior, my main event is Javelin. Javelin has been an amazing experience because it is technique based and requires much work outside usual track practice. The season has not yet started, but I am preparing and looking forward to my last season in high school.

What is a favorite accomplishment in the sport?
My favorite accomplishment is by far hitting my personal record in Javelin. It was a new skill set, and I felt frustrated because I did not get it right away. I worked hard all season and finally started to understand the fundamentals of the sport. I wanted to hit 100 feet with everything in me, and when I finally did, it felt amazing. I will never forget this moment in my athletic career. I am hoping this year to push further in my capabilities.

Photography by Heather Spraker

​What is your part time job and what have you learned about the world in general working there?
My part-time job is as a Host at one of the local restaurants. I have worked there for seven months and learned many life lessons. One thing that I have learned is that patience is a virtue. That value might seem small, but it holds tremendous weight. People are not always lovely in the real world. You could get yelled at and have to acknowledge restraint and not respond. This situation is where patience is a strength because no one wants to be yelled at, but sometimes the best thing to do is remain calm.

What have you learned about yourself?
I have learned that I am much stronger than I give myself credit for in situations. My experiences in life have made me the person I am today. Some experiences, although bad, have given me insight and wisdom, which I feel are helpful in my life.

Tell us about your academic award and what it took to achieve it.
My academic award is something that I hold dear to me. I always have focused on my future and made sure I do my best to get the grades I want. I have put much work into my grades, and getting an award makes it all worthwhile. I have spent so much time and effort in my classes, so it feels great to be recognized.

What will you miss most about high school once you graduate?
What I will miss the most about high school are my amazing friends. I have made the most amazing friends and not being able to see them every day will be something I will miss the most. My friends and I are all going to different colleges a few hours away from each other, so I think it is a mix of sad and happy. I am glad that we will all experience our different colleges, but it's bittersweet that we will not share it side by side.

What are you most looking forward to in the months to come?
I look forward to spending time with my friends and deciding what college I attend. I have received acceptance to my top colleges, which I am so ecstatic about, but that is why I am having difficulty deciding which one to attend. I am hoping I will make my decision early in 2023. I am excited to go out with friends and attend some school events for seniors that are also happening soon.

Photography by Deanna Webber

How did you find and why did you choose Deanna Webber Photography for your photographer?
I found Deanna from a few school friends that went through her a few months prior. I saw how amazing their photos were and knew I wanted to reach out to her. I messaged her on Instagram, and she was so kind. She gave me all the information I needed, which is why it was such an easy decision to pick her. I loved the kindness and excitement she had toward her work.

What was your experience like? What did you love most about it?
My experience was nothing short of amazing. I was nervous about having my photos done because I had never had professional photos done before. Deanna made me feel at ease and was my hype woman the entire session. We joked around and had so much fun with the different poses and outfits I picked. She even implemented my dog and my truck, two things I wholeheartedly wanted in my photos. She listened to what I wanted in a session and made it happen.

3 Things on your bucket list
I want to travel outside the United States, get my first tattoo, and swim with sharks. I have never traveled outside of the US, which is something I have wanted to do for as long as I can remember. I mainly want to go somewhere in Europe. I want a few tattoos for those who have significantly impacted my life. The last one Is a big fear of mine, but one that I want to face. I have been scared of sharks for a long time, but I find them beautiful.

Look for Maggie in issue 62 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 62

click here to nominate an inspiring teen