​Nomination: Alex has a heart of gold and inspires me to want to be a better mom daily. She has overcome many obstacles in her life and continues to see the good in others.
Alex aspires to become an elementary teacher. She is currently dual enrolled in college and assists a local first grade teacher.

What else should we know about you?
I own an art business call Watered with Wisdom. I love all things painted. I love Jesus and he is the reason I live each day full of joy, love and so much more. I have the sweetest little sister named Charlotte. She is 8 years old, and I adore being her big sister. She is my world. I try to always be the best role model for her.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have a passion for helping children. I believe it is one of my biggest callings in life. And one day I would love to pursue teaching. The biggest thing I have had to overcome is anxiety. It was and still is a huge part of my life. I have learned how to not let anxiety hold me back from living my life. Anxiety doesn’t control my life anymore. I overcame my anxiety through Jesus. I owe everything to him.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
My topic would be teaching and helping children. I have a 1st grade class that I help each day. It is my absolute favorite. Creating a bond with a child, is so special to have. Every morning I’m greeted with a big hug from each of them. And when I leave each of them give me a hug goodbye. It’s makes my day every day. They are sweet, fun, loving, silly, and amazing kids. I enjoy each day watching the growth in each of them. It’s so beyond amazing to see the how some of the kids didn’t know how to read that much at the beginning of the year and now can read lots of books with no help. It’s a true blessing to be able to touch and shape and child’s life. That is the sole reason why I would love to become a teacher.

Look for Alexandria in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Chloe Camomile was fun to work with during her senior portrait session. She wanted to incorporate her family farm, as well as gymnastics, her dog, and her camera, which made her session very unique and allowed for lots of creativity. She competes as a gymnast for Huntington North High School and has won numerous awards throughout her career. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. After high school, she plans to attend college majoring in photography and visual arts.

​What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would like to be interviewed about gymnastics and why I chose to have my pictures at my family farm.

Share with us your gymnastics career. When did you get started, what are your favorite things to do, and what is one of your biggest accomplishments?
I started gymnastics almost 15 years ago, when I was 3. My favorite things to do are front walkovers on the beam and bars. My biggest accomplishment is receiving a 9.125 on vault.

Tell us about your photoshoot with Custom Portraits by Tiffany. What was your favorite part and what did you love so much about it?
My favorite part of my photo shoot was when Tiffany found the old pickup truck and said, “OH MY GOSH CAN WE USE THAT!!”
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What is one of the best things about living on a farm in Indiana?
I do not live on the farm, but I try to spend as much time at the farm as my schedule will allow. I love walking the lane and in the muddy fields after it rains. The farm is beautiful and extremely peaceful. I am still waiting for the day that I learn to drive a tractor.

We would love for you to share a favorite picture you've taken.
My favorite picture was one that I took with my dog and the tractor. I was petting him, and his face just looked so fun and goofy.
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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I do a lot of volunteer work. I mostly focus on serving at the local meal ministry where I live.

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What is your role in the National Honor Society and what is a favorite memory from it?
I am a regular member of national honor society. This is my first year, but my favorite memory is volunteering for a JROTC Raider competition.

Look for Chloe in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Addison Decker inspires all who know her. She has a heart for serving others which shows through her kind and thoughtful personality. During her younger years, Addison experienced cancer in her leg but has overcome it and is a survivor. In fact, she currently high jumps competitively and dances through local charities to raise funds for those in need. Miss Decker enjoys volunteering at local nursing homes and throughout her community. She also loves mentoring young women through sharing her testimony. She consistently puts others first, strives to be her best, and is an all around inspiring young woman.

​What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would most like to be interviewed about how important it is to "pay it forward." In the third grade, I was diagnosed with malignant melanoma. They performed surgery to remove a portion of my thigh, and I underwent numerous procedures and tests including chemotherapy. During this time, my hometown came together, and people helped raise money for my medical expenses. It inspired me to do the same, and I have organized fundraisers for people who have had cancer and rare medical conditions. I want everyone to know how important it is to help others during their time of need.

Tell us about the fundraisers you've created in general.
Two of the fundraisers I’ve created were “beaded bracelet” fundraisers. Every year my hometown puts on an event called “Cruisin’ the Brazos,” and for the last couple of years, I have set up a booth for kids to come and make beaded bracelets. Recently, I organized a dance fundraiser at our local fitness center and used social media to spread the word about the event. I taught a dance to a song called “You’re Worth More Than Gold” and we videoed it, along with positive messages from the girls that attended and sent them to the little girl who has leukemia. I also talked to them about how important it is to be a good friend when the little girl returns to school!

Which was your favorite fundraiser and why?
My favorite and most recent fundraiser was for a 3rd grader in my community who is newly diagnosed with leukemia. I organized a dance fundraiser event and raised money to help with the family’s medical expenses. It was my favorite fundraiser because I was able to help a little girl with cancer through my love of dance, who was in the same grade I was in when I was diagnosed with melanoma.

Tell us a favorite memory from paying it forward.
When I first started my treatments at Cook Children’s Hospital, I stayed at the Ronald McDonald House for a month. They had a playroom that my sister and I would play in together, and also this was the place where volunteers would come in and interact with us. For example, they would bring their therapy dogs to the house for a time of show off and playtime. A couple of years ago during Christmas, I returned to this same playroom and had the honor of reading to the children staying in the house! This is definitely my most favorite memory of paying it forward!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I'm a three-time cross country state qualifier, a one-time track regional qualifier, and have played JV/varsity basketball for three years. I've been dancing since I was three years old and was part of a competitive dance team for four years. I'm also co-captain of my varsity cheer team and voted the friendliest girl of my senior class! I am a member of the National Honor Society, Student Council, and take dual credit college classes. My summer job consists of working at our local snow cone stand. I love hanging out with friends, traveling, and spending time at church and with my family.

Tell us about your photo shoot with Carli Layton Photography. What was your favorite part?
Carli Layton is such a talented photographer and I love her creativity for “thinking outside of the box.” I told her what my vision was for the picture for this particular shoot, and she jumped in headfirst to make it come to life! Of course, my favorite part was the end product – the photo was exactly what I had imagined in my head.

Share your dance career with us.
I started taking dance when I was three years old, learning ballet and tap. As I got older, jazz, hip hop, and cheer were added into the mix. In the 7th grade, I was invited to be a part of the competition dance group where I also began to learn lyrical, contemporary, and other dance styles. The part of dance I love the most is the performance! It provides an avenue to express myself through movement and emotion to tell a story without words.

Tell us about your dance instructor who nominated you.
My dance instructor is kind, encouraging, beautiful, intelligent, giving, and so incredibly talented. She is the best role model and has always pushed me to be the best version of myself and has expressed to me that I have the power to influence others positively. I have grown into a confident young woman because of her nurturing and encouraging ways and for that I am thankful.

Tell us a favorite memory from one of your sports.
One of my favorite memories from my sports is getting to run two years in a row at the State XC meet with my big sister. Having your sibling standing at the finish line, routing for you is a great feeling!

What is one of your greatest accomplishments from one of them?
My greatest accomplishment from my sporting events is qualifying for the State XC meet three years in a row!

What do you love best about being on the Student Council?
What I love best about being on the Student Council are the opportunities it provides to do good for others. For example, we collect and deliver toys for children during the holidays, sing to the nursing home residents, and decorate their doors during Christmas time.

Where is your favorite place to travel to and why?
My favorite place to travel is to wherever my church camp group is going! Church camp plays a significant role in my faith and allows time for spiritual focus and growth. It’s also a great time to meet new friends and experience unique adventures.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would want to talk to my peers about how important it is to be kind to others. For example, after my leg healed from cancer surgery, I was not invited to a swim birthday party because I was told my leg would be "messed up" and I would not be able to keep up and swim with my friends. My feelings were hurt, and my peers did not show kindness or compassion to me on that day. People encounter stressful situations that others know nothing about every day, and it is important always to be kind.

Look for Addison in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Elli Kate inspires me daily with her loving, caring heart. Her dedication to all things dance. Her work ethic. Her life goals. Her passion for life. Her kindness towards others. Her ability to handle the stress of the pandemic, while keeping her grades intact. Life has thrown her some bumps in the road, but she keeps putting one foot in front of the other, with her head held high. You’re on your way sweet girl.

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
My life goals. I am currently enrolled in my school’s Early Child Education program (ECE). This program gives me the opportunity to work in classrooms as an assistant teacher in my district. Currently I am working with a preschool class for this semester, and I am loving it! This program is furthering my joy for working with kids and is preparing me for my future! I am very excited to grow through this program and continue this path into college!


What do you love most about working with preschool kids?
I love how open the kids are. The 3-5 year olds have only known a life in the pandemic. This means going to school is an even bigger deal than ever. Most of them didn't know what life was like around other people, so getting to be a new figure in their life is so amazing. Most of them have no filter which honestly is so funny because they just tell you things very straight up. Even thought my school system has only been in the 2021-11 school year for about a month, the growth and progress made by these kids is insane. There is one specific kid who is very reserved and quiet, but this week he has conquered many challenges. Even simple tasks such as: putting his backpack on the hook, putting his folder away in the folder bin, and writing his name on the white board. He walked into class this week very confident and got all his tasks done. Another thing I love about these kids is their personalities. They are all different, but they complement each other very well. Most of them walk into class with the biggest smile on their face and keep such a great attitude throughout class. One girl, that I have built such a great relationship with, always says "Always stand back up when you fall, because why stay sitting?". I love that quote because she lives by that motto that her parents taught her and she shares it with the other students.


What age kids would you like to work with in the future and why?
I would like to work with 7-8 year olds because I feel like that age group is very smart and they are so open to learning new things.


What dance company are you a part of? Tell us about it.
While I am not part of my school's dance team, I am a part of The Centerville Dance Company. Company gives me the opportunity to still be part of the school’s dance curriculum! This is my 3rd year in the dance program, and I love everyone involved! Because I am a Junior, I get the opportunity to create my own group piece this year that will be performed for one of our semester concerts! Overall, this program has been such a growing experience and is the reason I have many of the friends I have today!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
During the week while I’m dancing, working, and doing school, I student assist at my dance studio! I go to Joyce Dalton Davidson dance studio and they are my second family! I have grown up there and I will always find comfort being at the studio. I student assist because just like the Early Child Education program I am in with my school, it gives me the opportunity to learn from the teachers perspective. This is currently my 4th year and I have enjoyed working with the kids very much!

Tell us about the dance conventions you've attended.
Along with student assisting, I spend some of my weekends out of town at dance conventions! These events challenge me and help me grow as a dancer!
Some dance conventions I have attended include: Nuvo, Radix, Dance Makers, and 24/7. What I love about them the most is that I get to meet and learn from professional teachers who have worked with outstanding performers and who are outstanding themselves! Every teacher has a different teaching style and perspective on the way the body can move. These experiences stretch the way I perform and create movements. Conventions also broaden my experience in different dance styles. Conventions give me the opportunity to experience what it’s like to be at an audition as well! I have been recognized at almost all the conventions I have been to and I have been awarded scholarships to different dance experiences in California! Conventions overall are such fun, educational opportunities for me to grow as a dancer!

What is it like to be a model for 12.9 Dance? What do you love most about working with them and what has been your favorite photo shoot so far?
I actually joined 12.9 through 2 of my close friends from school! Maria Kirkland is very open and she gives us many opportunities to do group sessions to get close with the other ambassadors! I love the community of dancers and the different representation of body types! The most recent photo shoot I did was a powder photo shoot that was taken at night. That was such a fun experience, and we got some really cool photos from that session!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Because of the past year and a half with the virus, I became very quiet around others. When school started earlier in August, I made the decision I was going to change that. On about the third day of school, I was told there was an opportunity to become the Dance representative for the Junior class in the dance program I am a part of at Centerville. My class was told that if we wanted, we could give a speech to the class the next day. All I could think about was that this was a great opportunity to achieve that promise to myself that I was putting myself out there and be more outgoing. I decided to audio record my speech and create a dance to perform in front of the class. This felt like a bold move, but I felt so strong about the idea that I went through with it. The day of the speech, I went first. I got up, played my speech on the speakers, and started dancing. I finished the performance and everyone loved it! Now, because I made that promise to myself about being more outgoing, I am the Junior representative for The Centerville Dance Company!

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the toughest physical and mental things I have every done and accomplished was becoming a lifeguard. You wouldn't think it would be that hard, but even the pre-skills was a challenge. I have never been a long distance swimmer or a swim team swimmer, so even the 300m swim warm up was difficult. My instructor, who I was lucky enough to know well, helped me with extra swim lessons and was the main reason I gained confidence to take the course and the tests. I am very appreciative of my instructor and the experience of being a lifeguard.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
As my mom always told me, "Keep putting one foot in front of the other". Sometimes in life you won't be where you want to be and it can be hard to imagine getting through a tough spot in life, but all you can do is be yourself and put your best self forward. What happens a lot of times for me is that I will wish for the time to pass past a rough spot, but then I will regret not seeing the positives in the negatives afterwards.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Hopefully 5 years from now I will be in my 3rd year of college, studying Early Child Education and Dance. I see myself being in good health mentally and physically. I hope to be continuing my good academics and spending my time well. I see myself enjoying the moment and creating new relationships with others!

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I enjoy spending my time with my family and friends. My mom and I have a very strong relationship and I love getting to spend my extra time with her! I also really genuinely enjoy going to a cafe with friends or just by myself and doing schoolwork. Something about getting my work done with time and effort is really rewarding to me.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
The only hidden talent I have is crossing my eyes, but with only one side. (lol).

3 Things on your bucket list
1. Travel out of the US
2. Raise kids
3. Get a job I will never loose a passion for.

Who do you find inspiring?
My parents. Especially my mom because she is very inspiring to me because she has been through so many unimaginable experiences in her life and yet she is here every day for me and my family. At one point in my life, she worked 3 jobs, and still took care of my siblings and I. Her mom sadly isn't here with us today and I she misses her every day. She inspires me to enjoy every moment I have. I didn't get to meet my grandma, but I know my mom works hard to make her proud (which she does). I believe my mom is in many ways like her mother, so in a way I do get to know some of what she was like. You never know when your last moment will be, so you might as well make the most of what you got and live your life to the fullest potential.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I am inspiring because I have never been the best at what I do, but I put so much effort into everything. A lot of people go for the straight ahead path, where I tend to see things differently.

Look for Elli Kate in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Tell us how you got involved with Soles4Souls. What is it and why is it so important to you?
When I was 8 years old, I decided to start collecting gently used shoes for Soles4Souls, instead of receiving birthday gifts. I was inspired by my older brother, Kelton, to accept donations instead of gifts because he started this trend in my family by collecting food for the food bank when he was 10. The idea for me to collect shoes came from researching local charities that I could be involved in, with my mom's help. I immediately fell in love with Soles4Souls and their mission. "At S4S, we turn unwanted shoes and clothing into opportunity, by keeping them from going to waste and putting them to good use – providing relief, creating jobs and empowering people to break the cycle of poverty."

How do you host your shoe drives? Where? Who gets involved? How long does it last? Those sorts of things.
I started by hosting shoe drives for my birthday every year. Then I started hosting shoe drives at my schools, for Beta Club, with my cheer teams, various churches, at pageants, 5Ks, girl scout troops, local businesses, my neighborhood, college sororities, sports teams, etc. I use social media, flyers, posters, announcements, community events, and word of mouth to get the word out about my shoe drives. It takes a lot of organization, commitment, and time to pull these drives off, but it has been so worth it.

What do you love about having such a big leadership role in your community?
What I love most about having such a big leadership role in my community is inspiring other kids and young adults to also make the choice to better the world.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
My nomination was so sweet! It covers my love of being an ambassador for Soles4Souls, my love of going on mission trips, my academics, and my leadership role on my competitive cheer team. I love to host community events to help others. I love to encourage others to be their best.

Tell us about your favorite mission trip you've been on so far.
My favorite mission trip was to Haiti. It was a life changing experience for me. Going to the local schools, orphanages, and villages to size the sweet kids for their brand-new pairs of shoes and spend time playing with them was a feeling that I will never forget. The happiness on all their faces is forever with me. Also, getting to meet 2 local women who participate in the Microenterprise program moved me to tears. This was one of the best experiences of my life.

What is your competitive cheer life like?
I have been a competitive cheerleader for 7 years now, both All Star Cheer and school cheer. I have loved it so much for several reasons. The first being the feeling I get when my team and I are about to step on the mat to give our best performance. The second being the relationships formed with teammates and coaches that will truly last a lifetime. I also love the aspect of setting team goals that we are working together to achieve. We practice 3-5 days a week, have games, tumble clinics, and competitions. My favorite accomplishment as a team was my freshman year when my team placed 6th in the nation at Nationals in Orlando. This was such an amazing experience, especially because we were a brand-new school, brand new team, and the very first time this team competed at Nationals. So, to place 6th out of close to 70 teams in the nation was a huge accomplishment.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would present the topic of Microenterprise. I could talk for a long time about how Microenterprise can change people’s lives for the better. I am passionate about the economic wellbeing of families all over the world.

Tell us more about Microenterprise. What is it and how can it change people's lives for the better?
Soles4Souls says, "Women are earth-shakers, change-makers, and wrong-righters. But all too often, their contributions are overlooked or underappreciated. And in many parts of the world, women simply don’t get a chance to fulfill their potential. Through our micro-enterprise program, we empower women in developing countries to start and sustain small businesses through the sale of shoes." For women around the world to get the opportunity to provide sustainable income for their families by selling the used shoes that were donated, provides a huge economic impact for that family and their community. In turn, shoe companies donate brand new pairs of shoes to Soles4Souls, who then distribute the new shoes to children in need. It's just a wonderful program.

What was your photoshoot like with Carla Lynn Photography and what did you love most about it?
My photo shoot with Carla Lynn was a dream! Carla Lynn is one of the most genuine people I've ever met. She is all about instilling confidence in the teens that she works with. I especially loved that she set up a time to meet with me and get to know me before the actual day of the photo shoot. That made the shoot so much more fun.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us?
One of the best experiences in my life was getting flown out to New York City with my family to be on Good Morning America when they heard about my brother and I collecting shoes for Soles4Souls. At the time we were at 44,000 pairs collected and were trying to reach 50,000. When we were on the show DSW surprised us with not only donating 6,000 more pairs to help us reach our goal, but they also donated another 50,000 pairs of brand-new shoes! We were shocked and so excited!

Look for Layken in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Paige is a beautiful teen inside and out. She is a faithful teen who inspires girls on the Cabot High School Softball team, which she is a member of, to reach their full potential and search for their own meaning of faith. She leads her team and guides her teammates on and off of the field. By leading the way through her dedication to National Honor Society, Future Christian Athlete club, Sports Medicine Club, and as a member of New Life youth group and as an intern, she models how to be resilient and inspire others. Paige models daily the true meaning of inspiration and internal beauty.

​What would you most like to be interviewed about?
What I would most want to be interviewed about is being a child to someone in the Military. My dad has been serving in the Air Force for over 18 years now, and is still currently active. No one really talks about the struggle of having a family member serving. One of the hardest things is moving. Saying goodbye to old friends and going into a new school to make new ones. One thing that you should definitely know about me is how I have had to adapt to these situations. Coming into a new school where others have known each other since kindergarten is hard. However, this has made me grow as an individual and has made me stronger. I am thankful that I am able to say I have lifelong friends in multiple states because of this.

What tips would you give to teens struggling through the move? What has helped you?
The tips I would give to struggling teens going through the moving process is not being afraid to stand out. Many of us worry about what others will think, it is best to let who you really are show through, and the individuals who really accept that are your friends. Some things that have helped me while going through a move is knowing how many new people I will meet and the many new relationships and memories I will create.

Where have you gotten to live as a military child?
All the places I have lived are Alaska, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Arkansas.

What has made you most proud of your circumstances?
What has made me most proud of my circumstances is that I have always made the best out of a new move. Even though it is hard I have always thought to myself all the people I will meet and the lives I will impact!

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One inspiring thing that my nomination does not cover is playing a sport with an injury. For 6 years now I have been dealing with a chronic back injury. I have had countless MRIs, steroid injections, physical therapy appointments, and two nerve ablations, and through all that nothing has helped. Even through all this I still decide to push through the pain to play my favorite sport, softball. In doing so I hope I inspire others that injuries do not have to define them, and they can accomplish anything they want. I hope I inspire others that may be going through something similar and to push through and not give up. My injury has inspired me to enter the medical field.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
If I were to present a topic to a group of my peers it would be about being respectful to one another, despite what someone else's opinion may be. I would present this topic because today many things revolve around politics, but most individuals cannot respect one's opinion surrounding that. Even individuals my age will turn their shoulders to someone they have known forever. I feel it is very important for us to respect others' opinions and that people's opinions should not affect how we treat one another.

​What was your photo shoot like with Kristina Eisenhower Photography and what did you love most about it?
The photo shoot with Kristina was amazing. We went to many different locations and worked with a few props. She had me getting out of my comfort zone and made me feel so confident. What I loved the most about the shoot was Kristina's energy. She makes me feel like a rockstar out there!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I will be finishing up my senior year in college. I want to pursue a career in Radiation Therapy. I would like to focus that career more toward children who are diagnosed with cancer.

Tell us about your softball career. When did you get started, what position/s you play and what you love most about it.
I first started playing softball when I was 7 years old, and I have played it ever since. Of course I have played other sports in between, but softball is the one I have loved all my life. One of the positions I play is the pitcher. I have been pitching since I was 9 years old. What I love about pitching is that I am in control of the game. The other position I play is left field. What I love about playing there is being the last known defense for the ball and also getting to make diving plays.

What is a favorite memory you've had in softball?
My favorite memory that I have had in softball in winning the 2019 6a State Championship.
What advice would you give to other recovering athletes?
The advice I would give to recovering athletes is to never be discouraged during an injury, just know you will always come back better and stronger than before.

Look for Paige in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Brielle is an amazing girl. She continues to work hard and hopes to go to college to study criminal justice.

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​What else should we know about you?
I’m super excited about starting my senior year. I want to enjoy all the experiences that senior year brings before starting a new chapter with college.

What are you most excited about for senior year?
Going to games and dances with my friends knowing this is our last year. Also, I love the classes I’m taking and will have the opportunity to do community service this year.

What is one senior tradition that your school does that everyone rallies around?
Senior sunrise

What are your college plans?
I plan to go to college for criminal justice.

​Tell us about your senior portrait shoot with Eve Taverne Photography. Why did you choose her as a photographer and what did you love most about your photo shoot with her?
It was an amazing experience. Eve was so much fun to work with. I couldn’t imagine having anyone else do my senior pictures.
I chose her because I have seen pictures she has done for other seniors. I loved that I was able to do my pictures exactly how I wanted and Eve had so many great ideas.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I deal and struggle with ADHD and try to overcome all the obstacles from it, especially with all the responsibilities and pressures of being a teenager.

What are your ways of overcoming obstacles from ADHD / what advice do you have for others who struggle?
I try to be very aware of what I say, how I think and my actions. My advice would be to ask for help when needed and when you’re feeling ‘out of sorts’, take a time out.

What do you feel is the biggest pressure of being a teenager in 2021?
A huge pressure is feeling like you have to be in competition with each other whether is sports, grades, who you are friends with.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Soccer. I have played soccer since I was 4, ayso, league and high school. I’m currently not playing due to covid but I love soccer.

Tell us more about your soccer career as well as a favorite memory and accomplishment.
My soccer career did start when I was 4 and I slowly moved up to more higher level with harder competition. My favorite memory is my 3v3 tournaments. There was only a few of us for the team but in that tournament but we bonded and it was just so much fun. The biggest accomplishment would be winning that tournament actually. It was just so much fun.

Look for Brielle in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Kiersten’s father and I believe her to be a perfect fit to represent as an inspiring teen. Kiersten is a Junior at Crystal River High School where she is enrolled in all accelerated academic classes with a current GPA of 3.714. Although Kiersten does not have a college in mind at this time, she carries a strong interest in becoming a Veterinarian as her career path. Kiersten’s passion outside of teen modeling is Volleyball, she is an outside hitter in her third-year on varsity and is known by all of her team mates and coaches to be a huge motivator both on and off the court. Kiersten has been working at Publix for a little over a year and was recently promoted to a cashier. Although she has a lot on her plate, she is able to balance academics, school volleyball, travel volleyball, beach volleyball, work and family time. Kiersten has taken a strong interest in modeling and influencing, she is on a Model team for both Dan Duren Photography and Curtiss Bryant Photography along with an upcoming influencer following for LikeToKnowIt on Instagram. Kiersten is selfless, caring, motivating and has the biggest heart, she is always willing to put others first and will light up any room she walks into and she continues to make us beyond proud of her journey through life.

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would want to be interviewed about family, friends, and just my personal life. I am very big on family, and I love spending time with them. When it comes to friends, I think of most of them as family and my personal life tells a pretty good story of who I am!

Tell us more about your family and friends and what you like to do with them.
Family and Friends are very important to me. I love spending time with them and creating valuable memories.
We don't live close to our family. One thing that sticks out the most is Thanksgiving. Each year we travel down south and spend the week together. On my dads' side of the family, I have 7 cousins and we are all very close. We enjoy going out on the boat hanging out at the sand bar and going fishing in Stuart, Florida.
Friendships for me are about quality not quantity. It is important to have a close group of friends that will be there for you to support you and encourage you to grow. They say you are a product of your surroundings. I am blessed to have a great group of friends and I am confident they are friendships that will continue after high school. We are all football fans so we are spending a lot of our time attending school football games and college games when we can.

What is it like being on the Dan Duren Photography Model Team & the Curtiss Bryant Photography Team?
Dan Duren is a fantastic photographer! I ran into Dan at a beach volleyball tournament last summer. I found him on social media following a tournament and my mom inquired about having photos captured during our tournament. I have many photos from volleyball, but Dans are one of a kind! We all stayed in touch through social media. Dan notified us of an opportunity to be a part of his model team and I immediately applied and was accepted. There are a few partner discounts as well as discounts on any photography with Dan. Most importantly we help Dan with advertising and getting his name out there. I will be signing up next year for the Under the Boardwalk Model Team. I am so glad that our paths crossed with Dan. Hoping to sign up for more beach tournaments this year before it gets cold and have Dan capture them!

I am also on the Curtiss Bryant Photography Team. I am a social influencer for CJ. CJ has known my parents for a long time. He too is an amazing and talented photographer. CJ has helped me with some basic training on modeling. CJ is who initially got me interested in modeling. We live in a small town, so the model team helps to get CJ's name out in the community and in return we get discounts on images he captures for us. CJ offers senior trip opportunities at a reasonable price anywhere in the country. I am hoping for my senior year I can pick Italy!

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am an only child born and raised in Crystal River, Florida. In my spare time I love doing outdoor activities such as going on the boat and or the jet ski. Traveling is my passion; I love seeing new places and experiencing new things.

What is a favorite memory or adventure you have been on your boat or jetski?
Each year my family and I take the boat down to Marathon, Florida for Lobster Mini Season in July. I love going out days before mini season and scouting the best locations and planning for opening day. Opening day, we are out on the boat at sunrise going to the best spots until we get our limit!

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Where is your favorite place you have traveled to and why?
New York City. The city that never sleeps! I have been there quite a few times over the years. A few years ago, my parents and I went to New York City and we went to the 9/11 Memorial and Museum. Touring the museum is an experience I encourage everyone to do. My Uncle was a rescue firefighter for 9/11. The museum was filled shoulder to shoulder with people and you could hear a pin drop. As you would through the museum it tells the story as to how things unfolded on that tragic day. It was very emotional walking through.
Christmas is the best time to go to New York City. If you're lucky you will be there when it snows! I love all the Christmas decorations, Christmas music and most importantly the Christmas tree that is set up in Rockefeller Center! Each winter we try to make a trip to visit.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
If I was to present a topic to my peers, it would be about volleyball. I dream about being a Florida Gator star volleyball player. I could talk about volleyball forever. Not only do I love the sport, I love how different aspects of playing volleyball prepares me for the future such as working with others, setting short term and long-term goals, and building relationships.

Tell us about your volleyball career. How did you get started, how long have you played, tell us about your team - everything!
I started volleyball when I was 12 years old. It all started when I went with my parents to a work event at their boss's house. Their daughter played volleyball for both high school and college, so they had a beach volleyball court set up in their back yard. While my parents were talking to adults, I went over to watch some girls that were my age playing. They invited me to play with them and I told them I had never played before. They were helpful, encouraging and fun! After hours of playing their mom Wanda told me she was the owner of Citrus Fusion Volleyball and if I found myself interested in the sport, I should come try out for their travel ball team. I went to tryouts and I made the same team as Wanda's two daughters. To this day we are still on the same travel ball team and Wanda's daughters are my best friends. Thankful that I went to that work event with my parents so I could be introduced to a sport that I love!

What are some short and long term goals you currently have with volleyball?
Short term goals for Volleyball is to become a starter for our high school team. I am a junior in high school, and this is my third year on varsity however I am not a starter. I was once told that if you put in the work the results will come. I never miss a practice and I always leave feeling accomplished.
Long term goals for Volleyball is to play for the Florida Gators. It is very hard to get into the University of Florida and into the volleyball program. I attend their summer camps each year and would love to play for Coach Mary Wise.

Look for Kiersten in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: The moment you meet Paige, you are welcomed with a genuine, radiant smile which perfectly complements her warm, sweet, bubbly personality. I feel Paige is an inspiring teen because of the way she makes others feel about themselves, always sharing sincere compliments to make others feel special, beautiful, and important. She is one of the kindest young ladies I’ve ever met, truly beautiful inside and out. In school, Paige is a Varsity football cheerleader, she’s also a member of the national honor society, spiritual life, student ambassador, annual blood drive, and more! She hopes to pursue a career as a veterinarian.

What do you love best about being a part of the NHS?
What I love best about being part of the National Honor Society is that I get to represent my school and community in a positive way. I get to help in the community and make an impact on my peers!

What does it mean to be a member of Spiritual Life?
Being a member of Spiritual Life means that you are a devoted person who gives their free time to Lake Catholic. Spiritual Life helps with field trips, mass, planning pep rallies, and even doing mission trips.

​What do your duties as Student Ambassador entail?
As a Student Ambassador I help out around the school, go to open houses, talk to incoming freshman families, and get to show new students around the school!

Why did you choose Sharon Holy Photography for your senior portraits and what did you love best about your photo shoot experience?
I chose Sharon Holy Photography because you hear nothing but good things about this company. The photos always turn out amazing. What I love best about my photo shoot experience with Sharon is that she makes you feel so comfortable. I never fail to have a smile on my face when I am with her because she makes the experience a lot of fun.

What inspired you to get this blood drive up and running?
What inspired me to start my own blood drive was helping with one at my school. Seeing that you can save three people’s lives really inspired me. I wanted to make a difference in the world, and this is a step in the right direction. Overall, the blood drive was a success, and I will definitely be running one again soon!

What was the most difficult part of it and how did you overcome it?
One of the most difficult parts of the blood drive was finding donors. It is very hard these days to find people to donate blood. I overcame this by making flyers and posting them! I also posted the flyers on my social media which helped!

What are you doing now to help you on your path to becoming a veterinarian?
To become a veterinarian, you truly need to have a love for animals which I do. I love going up to the shelters to see the animals and even have three dogs of my own! Not to mention, a bunny and a hamster. I have always had a love for animals and know that being a veterinarian would be very beneficial in my future.

Look for Paige in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Lauren Allen is an amazing young woman. She spends weekends and free time volunteering with her church through an outreach program, by mentoring under privileged youths and helps serve dinners to cancer patients and care givers at a local nonprofit lodge. All while keeping her grade point above a 4.0 and plays soccer and volleyball.

​What else should we know about you?
I love to spend a lot of my time doing volunteer work for different organizations. For over 2 years now, I have been working with an outreach program through my church where I spend time with little kids and families in an underprivileged area of Little Rock. I love getting to play with the kids and teach them more about God while doing so.

What is your favorite thing to do with the kids?
I really enjoy painting the little girls’ nails and playing football with the boys. I also love getting to teach them about the Lord and see them start to get to know God more and more.

What is a favorite memory from working with this outreach program?
I will always remember this one little girl named Myla who was there my very first-day volunteering. We quickly hit it off and became friends and she decided to give me her mom’s phone number so that she could reach me whenever she wanted. One day I was doing homework at my house, and I got a call from a random number and thankfully I decided to answer it. It was Myla calling to ask what I was doing and to tell me that she missed me so much. This made me realize just how important I was to these little kids because they saw me as a best friend and someone that would always take care of them.

​What was your portrait experience like with Photography by Melisa and what was one thing you'll always remember from it?
My experiences with Melisa have always been wonderful. She is a kind, hard-working, and very talented photographer. I will always remember this photoshoot with my guitar because my friends and I thought it was so funny when everyone would be watching me while I was pretending to play for everyone.

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am very dedicated to my schoolwork and I maintain a GPA above 4.0 every year. I take multiple AP classes, including an honors foreign language class, and I have been inducted into the National Honors Society and the National Hispanic Honors Society at school.

Why is having such a strong work ethic so important to you?
My parents have always instilled in me the importance of education to be able to get a good job doing what I love when I am older to support my family and help those in need.

What has your favorite AP class been and why?
My favorite AP class has been AP Physics 1 because it is challenging to understand, but once you figure it out it is actually enjoyable. I also love my teacher in this class!

What honors foreign language are you taking, and do you have any plans to visit that country?
I am taking Honors Spanish 4 and I would love to visit a Spanish-speaking country one day and be able to communicate with the locals!

What do you do in the National Hispanic Honors Society?
I was recently inducted into it and I was called on-stage at the school ceremony to be awarded a certificate for my academic excellence in my previous Spanish classes.

​If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I feel passionate about volunteer work, as previously stated in my nomination. It is something that I devote a lot of my time to, and I believe that all teenagers should be a part of at some point in their lives. It is extremely rewarding to directly see how you are impacting other people's lives that need it the most.

What tips do you have for teens interested in getting into volunteer work but aren't sure how to get started?
I would advise all teens to start local. If you are involved in a church, then ask your pastor or youth pastor if there are any outreach programs that you could be involved in. You could also start by signing up to volunteer at a nearby food bank or animal shelter. However, my most important piece of advice would be to find some kind of volunteer work that would allow you to work first-hand with people because there is nothing better than the rewarding feeling of directly seeing who you are helping and how it improves their lives.

​What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I would say teaching myself to play guitar was very challenging and I accomplished it by frequent practice and watching YouTube videos to learn.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice would be to always give your best effort in school because it really pays off in the end and to find a group of friends that will always have your back and support you through thick and thin.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
As of right now, I see myself going into the medical field and attending the University of Arkansas.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I love to go shopping with my mom and my friends!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I can wakeboard, waterski, and wake surf on the lake.

3 Things on your bucket list
I want to go to Bora Bora and stay in one of the huts on the water, visit Santorini, Greece, and swim with dolphins.

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom inspires me because of her strong love for others and how willing she is to help anyone that needs it.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think that my dedication to volunteering could possibly inspire others to begin volunteer work too.

Look for Lauren in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

What was your underwater photoshoot with Valerie Jirik at VJ Photography like? They're so cool and different. What was the hardest thing about it?
The underwater photo shoot was a lot of fun! It’s my favorite shoot that I’ve done so far, just because of how bizarre it was. By far the most difficult part was getting my hair and dress to cooperate under the water long enough to get a good picture!
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Tell us about being section leader of Colorguard. What does that job entail and what do you love most about it?
My job as a section leader means that I have my own group of girls in the colorguard who are almost like my students. It is my responsibility to take care of them and make sure they are always prepared by giving them the proper information to be successful. My favorite part of the job is that my section is like my own little family, and we all take care of each other.

What is the student leadership team and what do you do there?
Student leadership team is a group of students that work together to run the band program. We function much like a student council or a staff in a sense that we take care of events, uniforms, rehearsal sectionals, and in practice procedures.

What have you learned being on that team?
I’ve learned that nothing brings a group of people closer together than having a shared goal. It doesn’t matter where everyone comes from because we all have the same goal in mind.

What good thing came out of covid for you?
For me a good thing that came out of Covid would be all the time I got to spend practicing my drawing skills. Before, I would have considered myself an average artist, but after being able to spend so much dedicated time to a skill I’m really interested in I could confidently say I am a great artist!

​Please share a favorite piece of artwork. 
My favorite art piece I have done is Menagerie. I took a picture of a group of pumpkins and some glass jars, then sketched them on a grid and colored them in. This is my favorite piece because it is completely done on black paper, and all the shading is done in purple, not black!
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What was your favorite badge to get in girl scouts and why?
My favorite Girl Scout badge that I earned was my woodworking badge. My troop and I came together and we built and painted a little library for the CEC.

What do you do when you volunteer at the food pantries?
When I volunteer at the food pantry, I usually work with a small team, and we take a shopping cart around the pantry and load it up with the groceries that the customer needs. It’s a lot of fun because it almost feels like a shopping spree, as well as a scavenger hunt for specific items!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am openly Bisexual and my family was extremely supportive, and made me very proud of myself. My photos are more delicate and whimsical, but they do not highlight the more loud and alternative/ punk side of me. I think it is very important to be true to who you are no matter what others want you to be like!

Tell us more about:
Music: my favorite type of music is 80s and 90s rock music, as well as early 2000s alternative music. My favorite bands are Green Day, All American Rejects, My Chemical Romance, and Sub Urban!
Entertainment: I love to watch horror movies and anime in my spare time because of the adrenaline rush I get from them. My current favorite anime is Jujutsu Kaisen, and my favorite movies are The Conjuring series!
Activities: I like to draw, animate, write, and play story based games to help inspire my creative side!
Zodiac: I’m a water sign, a march Pisces to be exact.
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Where are your favorite places to go?
A few years ago I took a trip with my family to Costa Rica and it was the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen! I saw animals just roaming the town that I’d only ever seen in zoos or on television! One day I’d really like to go back and get to experience the beauty of the rainforest and beaches all over again!

Who and what inspires you?
It’s hard to say just one person inspires me, because everyone is so unique in the way they view the world. I like to take in multiple perspectives of those around me to craft something new. My family and friends are always so supportive of me and they really carry me through life with open arms and loving hearts, and I am so grateful for that.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would probably talk about self confidence. I used to really struggle with my confidence and I didn’t really know who I was which made me really unhappy with myself. I think it is really important to not let others dictate who you are and I could talk about it for hours.

What are your college plans? What do you plan on doing after college?
I am currently applying to multiple in-state universities for art and animation. My plan is to get a four year degree in fine arts and then immediately go into work for an animation company. I will major in animation and minor in business.
After college I want to build a career as an animator and work on either background design, character design, or the storyboarding team. Long-term my goal is to one day write, animate, and produce my own animated series and have it air on TV.

Look for Avery in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

What should we definitely know about you?
The amount of fight I have in me and how I do not let things dent my determination for the future I want for myself. The amount of courage I have to be different and not try to fit in with the so-called normal.

Being a teen during a pandemic is especially courageous. How did you get through the hard days, and how did you help others get through when they were down?
My time during the pandemic was difficult but I just had to keep my mind in the future. How the hard work would pay off in the end. If my friends were feeling down we would find a way to have an online face to face talk.

What is your favorite part of college life and what surprised you most on your first day?
My favorite part of college life is just being able to be on campus and go to in person classes. I was shocked with how social and excited everyone was.

​What are you studying and what activities are planning on participating in at college?
I am currently studying psychology and I am planning on joining a Christian club called Reach and to try to study abroad.

What is the biggest dream you are chasing, and what were/are your steps to achieving?
The biggest one I am chasing is to become a psychotherapist and deal with hard core mental health problems and attempt to help those people.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I will always stand up for what I believe and not be silent because someone wants me to. I respect other people's wishes and dreams. I will always encourage people to chase their dreams no matter the costs.

​If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
The topic would be mental health and how important it is to identify. I have experience in my own fight with mental health and everyone's story is different. Some cases may be worse than others but that doesn't make it easier for that specific person everyone needs help sometimes.

How do you feel the pandemic impacted this issue and what advice would you give to teens still struggling?
It has definitely made it more of a trend type situation, people are not meant to be alone for so long. Mental health has increased within teens since the pandemic. To the ones struggling I suggest getting the help and care you deserve.

What was your photoshoot like with Christine Robers and what did you love most about it?
It was a very fun and eventful experience. We went to a bunch of different locations with different backgrounds. I loved the weather that day, it couldn’t have been more perfect.

What's the most exciting thing up next for you, Destiny?
The next thing is definitely working on getting my college degree to work professionally in my field of interest.

Look for Destiny in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Grace is such an inspirational young lady. Her passion for taking care of others by uplifting, encouraging and enlightening them is such a big part of who she is. To her family and friends, Grace is the one you can count on to make you feel loved; to make you feel secure, confident and happy.
Watching Grace grow and mature in these past 17 years has been more than a blessing for her Father & I. We watch as she motivates her friends that have no self-confidence, encouraging them to believe in themselves, helping them to become a better version of who they see in the mirror. She will put her own needs aside to help others with theirs.
In losing several of our loved ones to cancer, she never gave up hope or her need to help push away the hurt, anger and sadness that comes along with that disease by bringing a more positive and grateful perspective to those who needed it the most. Grace’s grit, courage, motivation, dedication to her studies, her peaceful influence and kind heart are among her many attributes that continue to inspire me to be a better mom, wife, daughter, sister and friend.

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would most like to be interviewed about my personal interest in the medical field and how I became interested in it. As it says in my nomination, our family has overcome many cases of cancer and it has helped me realize how I love to help other people and that I want to do this in the future.

Tell us about your portrait experiences with Angie Read Photography.
Angie Read Photography has helped me become more expressive through photography and influenced me to attempt to use my own camera. It has helped me become more open with people I barely know. During our team meetings and get togethers, we talk and have a lot of fun and I hope we will all grow closer. Angie has such a positive attitude and impact on all of us as a team which I think makes for a great leader and role model for us all to follow in her steps!

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What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One inspiring thing my nomination doesn’t include would be my work ethic which has pushed me to be a stronger individual and influence others to do the same.

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Look for Grace in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
If I were to present a topic, it would be figure skating. This sport has taught me so much more than just being a competitive figure skater. It has taught me how to set attainable goals, how to persevere through tough challenging times, how to be strong and committed and present myself well. I’ve learned how to feed my body and keep it healthy and how to be a loyal friend to my teammates. I’ve accepted the challenge to be a role model to the younger generations, my family and peers.

How did you get started in figure skating and how long have you been doing it?
I got started in figure skating when I was in 1st grade. A classmate of mine mentioned she took figure skating lessons and I thought it sounded so fun and I wanted to try it. The following weekend she invited me to their "bring a friend" night at her learn to skate program. I was hooked right away and it has been my passion ever since. This winter it will be 12 years that I've been a competitive figure skater.

What is a memorable accomplishment for you from your experiences in the sport?
Being a figure skater there are always new moves, new jumps, new spins and many techniques to learn so I feel each time I've accomplished one of these, it's pretty memorable. My most recent memorable accomplishment is passing my Senior level moves test which earned me the title by US Figure Skating of a gold medalist figure skater.

​What is a favorite memory from figure skating?
Aside from the friendships I have made, my favorite memory is the opportunity I was given by Make-A-Wish Michigan to perform for Olympic Gold Medalists, Meryl Davis and Charlie White. They were the guests of honor at the annual Wish Ball, and I had the privilege pf skating a performance for them and 600 other guests in attendance. I was able to meet them, present them with flowers, get photos with them and hold their Sochi Olympic gold medal. It was so huge and heavy. I will never forget that day.

What was your portrait experience like with Kenny Hekhuis Photography at your skating rink?
My experience with Kenny was amazing! I had so much fun, and I hope I get the chance to do more photo shoots with him. After skating almost 12 years, I have hundreds of photos of myself on the ice. However, the photos I got from him are truly one of kind and nothing like the ones I already have.

What did you love most about it?
I really loved the one-on-one time on the ice with Kenny. It's not often I get the ice to myself so having just the two of us there capturing what I love most was just amazing. I would do it over and over again!!

​What else would you most like to talk about?
I would like to talk about giving back. At the age of 9 is when my fundraising journey for Make-A-Wish MI began and took me to places I never imagined. Never expecting anything in return, I’ve received a lifetime of gratitude for what I have and have been able to give. From the Prudential Spirit of Community awards, to Governor Service awards to recognition from the President as well as many other awards and acknowledgements along the way, I’m very blessed for the Children I’ve been able to help grant wishes for more than anything else.

Tell us more about this. How did you get started with it?
I was a very shy little girl and although I loved having Birthday parties, I didn't like having all the attention on me. Especially when opening gifts. Since I was a figure skater, at the age of 7 I started having my Birthday parties at the ice rink. By the age of 8 I began asking for donations rather than gifts and at the age of 10 is when my journey for supporting Make-A-Wish Michigan began. I love the organization and what they stand for so after my 10th Birthday asking for donations to Make-A-Wish, I started doing year-round fundraisers for the organization.

What were the Governor Service awards and recognition from the President like?
Receiving recognition from our Governor back in 2016 was such a great honor. I was able to attend a wonderful ceremony where I was recognized for my outstanding community service. Although I was painfully shy and didn't like the spotlight on me, receiving recognition as big as this only furthered my cause and helped me to raise even more money for children with life threatening medical conditions. Getting the letter in the mail from President Obama congratulating me on my hours of community service was an honor as well.

​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
One thing that I feel is inspiring about me is my patriotism for this great country. I have had many family members serve for our country, and I love hearing their brave stories. Being taught to be proud of your country is so important to me. I am forever grateful for all the men and women who have fought for my freedom.

How do you feel about what is going on in the world today?
We currently have so many issues going on in the world. However, I feel one of the biggest issues is the separation in our society. There are so many strong opinions and it's so hard for others to accept that people have different opinions. I wish everyone could agree to disagree and still come together as one Nation.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I've ever had to accomplish I am still working on. Figure skating is not an easy sport, but the challenges of it have made me who I am today.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice is to always stay true to yourself and to have high standards for yourself. Set goals and work to achieve them. No matter what, always be confident in who you are.

Who do you find inspiring?
One of my favorite figure skaters, Ashley Wagner has always inspired me. Her fierce personality on the ice gives me fire to keep going. She is always true to herself and admits her struggles which gives hope to younger figure skaters to keep pushing through.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I've been told that my dedication, perseverance, and work ethic inspires others. I was given a sportsmanship award at my skating club for being an athlete that is looked up to and represents the sport of figure skating well.


Look for Aubrey in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Tell us about your love of dogs and your goal to donate to animal shelters. Where did this all stem from and how did you get started?
Ever since I was a little kid I always grew up with animals. I have always loved animals and wish I could adopt all the ones without homes or just in bad situations. I think all animals deserved to be loved and have a happy home life.

What do you donate and where do you get it from? Do you have any specific goals for this school year with it?
I donate all sorts of animal food to the shelters. I use the money that I have from my job. I have also had birthday parties where all I asked for was animal food instead of presents. I do hope to volunteer at animal shelters this school year and to help find homes for the animals without them.

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​Share your love of soccer. How did you get started, how long have you played and what position/s? Where are you now with it?
My love for soccer started at a pretty young age. As soon as I learned how to walk and run, I started soccer, it is all I have ever known. I tried other sports, but nothing stuck like soccer. I have played all positions throughout my life. I have played goalie, forward, midfield and defense. I now play outside left defense, and I have been playing there for my whole high school career. I am hoping to continue my soccer journey my senior year and be a team caption.

What is your favorite memory of soccer?
There are so many amazing memories playing soccer all these years. My favorite memories are probably all the amazing friends that I have made. My most memorable moments were my junior year at Grovetown high school.

What is your favorite accomplishment with it?
My favorite accomplishment is winning region last year. Never in our high school history we have won region until my junior year. What made it the most special is the team that I won it with. The feeling when the final whistle blew, and we had won region was the most accomplished I have ever felt.

What was your senior portrait experience with Brian Wintrode Photography like?
My senior portrait experience with Brian Wintrode is amazing, he always makes sure that his clients get what they wanted and asked for. He makes the photoshoots fun and exciting.

What was most surprising about it and what did you love most about it?
The most surprising and what I love the most is how every photoshoot is a different experience. It is never the same.

Look for Micah in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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​Tell us about your cheer career.
I have been a Cheerleader since I was about 4 years old, I absolutely loved being involved in a team activity like Cheerleading because I enjoy encouraging others whenever I can. Cheerleading truly establishes a sisterhood of girls with similar interests which makes it so worth it for me.

What is a favorite memory and/or accomplishment from cheer?
My favorite memory thus far was by far our recent trip this summer to UCA Cheer Camp. My team and I spent four days together, and we ended up taking home 1st Place at camp. I had the most amazing time getting to know girls from all over the state who all share a similar love for Cheerleading.

What else should we definitely know about you?
Throughout my life, growing up I felt the impact of health-related issues from my family including my brother and my dad. From this point forward, I have always wanted to pursue a career in medicine and be able to help people as a surgeon. Helping people through any difficult time they are facing has always been something to which I aspire.

Tell us about your jobs at the local medical office.
I always dreamed of pursuing a career in medicine and when I found out that I could get a head start on learning more about the field I was ecstatic. I help around the office, shadowing in both surgical and non-surgical procedures as well as help manage the Social Media platforms.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I truly believe that I have an instinct to help those who are down, and this characteristic manifested itself when my brother suffered severe head trauma and essentially had to relearn his whole life. After this, I always began to help those around me who may feel alone amongst their peers.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
There is an immense need for people to show more kindness and compassion for their peers. In this day and age, where bullying can impact you from many different sources including social media it is important to teach our youth kindness and empathy for others.

What was your senior portrait experience like with Heidi Kalpak and the Pink Peach?
My experience with Heidi was the most amazing experience I have ever been involved in, she made me feel so special throughout the entirety of the shoot and truly captured everything and more that I could’ve ever wanted.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing I’ve ever accomplished was definitely preparing, and taking my Advanced Placement exams. It took a lot of studying but I’m happy I was able to finish the year to the best of my abilities.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell people to make the best out of the life you’re given, instead of dwelling on small incidents make the best out of the grand scheme of life. I would always say to live everyday like your last and to take part in every experience possible.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
Hopefully in 5 years I will be beginning Medical School, and on-track to become a doctor like I have always dreamed.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
I live in the Sunshine State, so my favorite pastime would definitely have to be going to the beach with friends, and swimming!

3 Things on your bucket list
One day I would love to travel the world, go skydiving, and make it to all 50 states!

Who do you find inspiring?
I find my mom to be the person that inspires me the most. She always carries herself with such a positive attitude no matter what she is going through, and I hope that one day I can be like her.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I believe that I am inspiring in the way that I carry myself on a daily basis, I will always have a smile on my face and have a positive attitude even if I’m put in an uncomfortable situation.


Look for Sienna in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Ella is a 3rd year senior at Louisiana School for Math, Science and the Arts in Natchitoches, Louisiana. She is excited to move back on to campus this year and live in the new dorms and be reunited with her friends and family (faculty) away from home. Like most, this past year doing school virtually has been tough, but she made the most of it and I would even say she thrived. While away at school you will find her in the dance studio, playing volleyball or with her friends studying. She is not only smart and talented, but her beauty resonates deeply within her soul. She is authentically unashamed and on fire for Christ. Ella is wise beyond her years and has always been referred to as an old soul. While home this past year she gave her heart to Christ, and it has awakened a spirit in her like never before. After graduation, Ella plans to go to attend LEAD College and pursue a degree from Oral Roberts University. Watch out for this one, she will do great things!
I am honored to nominate Ella as an Inspiring Teen not only as her photographer but as her mom. She inspires me every day with her unbounding love, perseverance, and drive. The road has not been easy but her newfound purpose on life is changing lives all around. She has made such a huge impact already.

​What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would love to be interviewed about my walk with Christ. Since I have committed my life to Him, I have experienced nothing but joy and peace and His absolute faithfulness and grace. I spend almost every day at my church, working and serving and I am never more excited than when I get to share His love and tell others about all He has done in my life.
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Was there anything good for you that came out of the pandemic?
Yes! It really put things into perspective and made me look at what’s important in my life. After months of feeling lonely and trying to fill that void with worldly things I gave my heart to Christ on November 18, 2020. I will forever be thankful for the time I was gifted being forced to be home. We are not promised a tomorrow. My family and I grew closer than ever, I grew to know myself more, both in my own mind and in who Christ says I am, and I made lifelong friends who have shown nothing but love and support in every aspect of my life. I have learned to be thankful and praise the Lord in the midst of heartache and pain. I am reminded of the story in 2 Chronicles 20:21-25, where the city of Jerusalem is under attack from all of the surrounding villages and tribes. Instead of sending out their strongest, toughest warriors to fight the enemies, they sent out the singers. They walked towards the enemy with their hands raised, praising the Lord and thanking Him. In that moment, the Lord took over the battle and fought it for them. In life, the Lord reminds me to walk through everything with my hands raised, praising Him because these battles weren’t meant to be fought alone.

​What would you say is the most profound impact you've had since committing to Him?
A few months ago, my friend and I were in a terrible car accident on I-49 driving home after graduation. My friend was severely injured in the accident and while we both survived, I walked away with far less injuries. Overcoming the fear of being in a car let alone driving was a daily struggle and one I could not do on my own. The Lord spoke to me and told me, “Ella, I have saved your life in two accidents, I am not done with you yet. I will not allow anything to happen to you.” At that moment I realized that I was going to be okay, just as it says in 2 Timothy 1:7, “For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and self-control.”
When Jesus defeated death, He empowered us with the strength and power to laugh in the face of the enemy when he tries to attack us. Through the accident and all of its aftermath, I am continually reminded that the Lord was triumphant in the war against evil and every battle we face from the enemy is an opportunity for us to prove that we are triumphant in Christ and that the devil has no power over us.
Unable to get I-49 out of my head the Lord clearly spoke to me and said to go read Isaiah 49. In Isaiah 49, the Lord’s people are returned to Him, but not without a fight. The Lord showed me that I am not fighting battles for myself to defeat the enemy, but I am fighting for the restoration of His kingdom. Every battle I fight is not for myself, but for those who do not yet know the Lord and His goodness. In everything I do, I remember that I am fighting for the kingdom and in the end, it has been and will always be in the Lord's hands.
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​What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I serve on the photography team at my church where I am able to capture amazing pictures of people loving and worshipping the Lord. It is so amazing to see through a lens but also in real time the joy painted on people's faces when they are doing the Lord's work and serving others. I actually want to pursue digital media, photography, and videography after high school. I have always been so inspired by other's amazing work and would love to create my own and continue to capture all that the Lord is doing so that others have the opportunity to experience it. I plan on going to LEAD College and pursue my communications degree at Oral Roberts University. I am super excited to stay in the Northshore area for a few more years. I can see God moving in this area already and I am so eager to see all the amazing lives that will be changed and am so honored to be a part of it all.

Tell us the story behind a favorite image you've taken.
My favorite picture I have ever taken is of a little boy at VBS, on his knees with his hands raised worshipping the Lord. I was fighting back tears of joy taking the picture because I was just so overwhelmed with seeing this little
boy's love for Christ. It truly encouraged me to be even more unashamed of my love for Him.

​If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would love to share my testimony. My life is a testament to the Lord's mercy and faithfulness. I think our generation is struggling in a lot of different ways and unfortunately most try to suppress the pain with temporary fillers. Even those who seem to have the perfect life often find themselves still missing a part of themselves. But the Lord created that hole in our hearts so that only He could fill it. Just as there are many different keys that can fit in the same door, there is only one key, made specifically for that door, that is able to unlock it. There are many things that we can do to try to fill that void, but they are all very temporary, whereas the peace and love of the Holy Spirit is forever.

Look for Ella in issue 49 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

​Nomination: Faith is a selfless and driven individual. She is a National Honor Society member, local FFA chapter president, cheerleader, and basketball player. Her passions lie with helping animals and educating children. She plans to pursue a degree in Veterinary Science after high school. She has participated in 4-H since she was eight and is hosting a livestock workshop for the local youth within the next two weeks.
Faith volunteers each summer as a counselor at both Rodeo Bible Camp and Vacation Bible School. She lifeguards in the summer and loves teaching swimming lessons.

​How did you get into rodeoing?
My dad grew up rodeoing, and he calf roped all through high school and college, so I was born into it. I started riding as soon as I left the hospital from being born!

What do you love most about it?
I love everything about rodeo! I love being able to work with my horses as a team and to be able to hang out with friends behind the roping boxes!

What is a favorite memory and a favorite accomplishment in it?
I have too many favorite memories to choose one, from all the road trips with my family to inside jokes before I nod my head in the box. One of my favorite accomplishments is that when I moved to Nebraska, I had to leave my horses in Arizona for a couple years. So when I finally got them up here, I went to a rodeo and ended up placing second in breakaway after not riding for a long time!

​What should we definitely know about you?
It's my dream to open the first equine hospital in Nebraska, and run a non profit equine therapy organization! 6 years ago, I was told that wouldn't happen. I grew up in Arizona around horses and rodeo, and have always wanted to become an equine veterinarian. At 10, I was diagnosed with ocular albinism, and then I was told that I was going blind. I remember asking the doctor if I could ever ride my horses again, and he said no. Because of this, I want to help other kids with vision impairments to have no limitations, especially with horses!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I'm still emotional about this. Going from being told I was going blind to where I am now is crazy! It took 2 years to regain my lost vision, and I was told I will never have perfect vision. BUT, I am still able to be "normal" by driving, rodeoing, and more! I am the president of our local FFA chapter and 4H club, things I would have never imagined myself doing a few years ago. I still can't believe that I went from having to learn how to read braille and walk with a cane to roping calves daily!

What did you need to do to regain your lost vision?
Well, the doctors that I went to said to give my eyes 15 months to catch up to my body. Apparently, my body grew too fast for my eyes to keep up with, so they fell behind, causing my vision to deteriorate!

What was your photoshoot experience like with Megan Andersen Photography and what did you love most about the experience?
It was filled with so much fun and in a positive environment! It was such a great experience, and I had the best time! I loved absolutely everything about our shoot!!
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​What are your roles & responsibility as president of your local FFA Chapter and 4H club?
As the president of our FFA and 4H Chapter, I lead meetings and allow other members to help come up with ideas to advertise the organizations. I also help put together activities for our groups to participate in and help get kids ready for any competitions that we have coming up!

How would you describe your leadership style?
I’m a collaborative leader because I encourage others to participate in activities, and I allow others to voice their opinions on any subject. I am a communicator and am not afraid to stand up for anyone who may need it and myself!

​What do you do when volunteering around your community?
I have volunteered in many ways, from trash pickups to teaching younger kids volleyball, to pie making with our local church group for the community members to have for the holidays!

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I LOVE horses and rodeo! I could talk about them all day! I really enjoy volunteering around our community, too, with rodeo bible camps, Vacation Bible School, through 4H, FFA, and so much more! I'm passionate about giving back because others have helped me so much! I enjoy working with kids, like teaching them survival skills at our community pool, teaching music in multiple camps, and putting on livestock show practices to get ready for county fairs! I'm a well rounded individual, and always seem to be lending a hand one way or another! I love helping and supporting others!

Look for Faith in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Alexis is such a sweet girl who is very easy going. One thing that stands out about this girl is her love for volleyball and how she gives back by coaching younger girls, even though she is not able to play her senior season due to health issues. She is an inspiration for these young girls. She is a confidant young lady who will go far in life and I can’t wait to watch her!

What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would love to be interviewed about my future plans. Also about my experience at ALA IGS, or American Legion Auxillary Illini Girls State. It inspired me to be confident in my upcoming adult life.

What are your future plans?
After graduating from Fairfield Community High School this school year, I plan on going to college to get on the path of becoming an attorney.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I am very interested in law, activism, and making a change also inspiring my fellow peers to do the same. I plan on going to college to study political science and get on the pre-law track. My goal is to make changes for the better and I don't plan on settling until that goal is reached.

What is a long-term change you would love to make and how do you plan to get people on board for your idea?
I would like to see within the next few years the state of Illinois, and eventually, the whole United States education system make cultural studies/women’s studies class a requirement for graduation. In order for the world to keep growing, we need to stay educated and continue to evolve with the changing times.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
As a young woman growing up in a small town, my opinions and ideas have often been ignored. Young girls are often not respected in today's society due to the internalized misogyny that has been pushed on us since we were born. From the time they are able to understand girls are taught to look pretty and be respectful. My goal is for young women to be taught that they are powerful and have the right to their own ideas; they should also be reminded their voices are always heard.

What was your senior portrait session with Whitney Atwood Photography like?
Living in Southern Illinois there aren’t many places to take pictures, but Whitney has such a great eye for photography. Our last shoot was taken in a cow pasture, but it was beautiful. She is super fun and understanding, and always makes sure you are comfortable, which is one of the reasons I love working with Whitney.

What did you love most about it and why would you recommend her to others?
Whitney is open to anything. She tries her hardest to incorporate important aspects of your life into her photography.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In 5 years I plan on being in law school; working towards bettering the world for women and minorities.

What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the most difficult things to accomplish was keeping my grades up last year during the COVID-19 pandemic. I succeeded by pushing myself to stay motivated and focused on my school work, coming out of the year with all A’s.

Look for Alexis in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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​Tell us more about your love of fashion?
For me, fashion is about reflecting my personality through what I wear. I love the transformative quality-the effect that an item of clothing can have on the way people see you-and the way you might see yourself. There is something about the perfect outfit that can bring out a confidence in you.

How do you incorporate your love of fashion into your portrait sessions?
I love to stylize photoshoots around different outfits. I can pick out a particular item and visualize what I want my photos to look like.

​Tell us more about being a model/rep for Royal Photography and a favorite photo shoot you did with them.
Bruce is a well-known, local photographer who invited me to join his team after a modeling camp he hosted. His shoots are always upbeat, fun, and unique to him/his company. Bruce has a way about him that makes me feel comfortable enough to be myself during our sessions. My favorite photoshoot is his annual “Friday Night lights” shoot that allows us to model our schools football jerseys. Think of it like a Spirit Week to kick off football season. It’s always a blast.

What do you do when you volunteer with Project Merry Christmas and at the local Salvation Army?
Project Merry Christmas is a charitable organization that distributes gifts to children within our County. As a volunteer we collect/organize gifts, wrap and hand them out. When working with Salvation Army you can except to be standing in the frigid temps, ringing bells outside of local businesses for monetary donations.

Look for Kelsey in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
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Nomination: Julie is a high school senior at Naperville North High School where she excels academically and enjoys being part of the track and field team, hurdling her way through. Julia is very endearing and kind, growing up in a biracial (Indian and Scottish) home she has learned what acceptance and difference is all about. Additionally, Julia volunteers much of her time with a nonprofit organization that supports families who have children who are deaf/hard of hearing, you see Julia's sister was born deaf and she has a passion to support families the way her family was supported. Julia plans to attend college where she will major in psychology.

What should we know about you?
My family made me the person I am today. I share different cultural experiences through my parent’s ethnic backgrounds, I have been able to be part of my Indian culture learning about different celebrations and traditions, as well as learning about my Grandparents’ lives before they moved to the United States. I am also able to submerge myself in the deaf world because of my sister’s hearing loss by volunteering and learning ASL.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
Something that my nomination doesn’t cover is how much I enjoy spending time doing different and new things. I love taking care of my pets, trying new things, playing music, spending time with my friends and family, along with working, and going to school. I never feel at a loss for trying new things because there is so much for me to learn and discover. This directly relates to the courses I’ve taken at school, I’ve tried many different classes that lead to different careers to try and narrow down my choices of what I’m most passionate about.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
The topic I would present to a group would be how do people interpret their dreams. One of my biggest interests is understanding the meaning of spontaneous thoughts and the source of a specific dream. Although this may be seen as insignificant to some, the fact that their purpose isn’t understood is what makes it so interesting to me.

Look for Julia in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Jackie Johnson is kind, giving, humble and fiercely competitive, Jackie is an athlete who is focused on helping her teammates win- giving encouragement, staying positive and never giving up. Jackie always plays basketball with high intensity and is famous for her deep 3-point shot, and for being fearless in her play. For the last two seasons, the varsity team has held a fundraiser- soliciting donations for each charge taken during the season. Jackie had both one of the highest donation rates, as well as being at the top of the list for taking charges. Jackie plans to attend school to study physical therapy.

What should we know about you?
I am living in Minnesota, growing up doing things that aren't typical "girly things".

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I help with the local middle and elementary school kids with basketball camps whenever I can, having an older player there helps keep them inspired and motivated to keep playing and working hard.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be on and why?
I could talk about all the memories I've had with my teammates over the years and how sports have a positive impact on kids.


Look for Jackie in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Emma, the oldest of nine children in her family, has always exuded a level of responsibility and loyalty that would be expected of a Fortune 500 CEO. Emma is a natural born leader who peers are ecstatic to follow due to her love for others, her resilient spirit, and most importantly her unwavering devotion to God and her church. Emma, although boasting a full schedule of extracurriculars, is incessantly finding ways to serve her congregation, friends, and even strangers. She is always the first to step up when there is a task to handle, and the last to demand credit.

What should we know about you?
I am the oldest of 9 children. I have 3 biological siblings and 5 adopted. I am very passionate about foster care and would love to be interviewed over it!

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have overcome many obstacles in life, such as a house fire during quarantining due to Covid. I then developed severe anxiety and OCD as a result. A year later, I now am a big advocate for mental health awareness and breaking the stigma around it.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would talk about how to overcome anxiety with the help of the Lord. He was my light through the darkest time in my life and the reason I am who I am today. I would love to help others discover Him and use His guidance to direct them through trials in life.

Look for Emma in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Bella Ahumada has been an inspiring young lady throughout her life. She has always been academically inclined with maintaining a GPA of 3.96 or higher. She has experienced different challenges in her youth like losing both her grandparents whom she was close to and having surgery for 6 hours for a double fractured arm. Bella enjoys helping others and volunteers in helping families with providing necessities through her family’s non-profit Covered with Love. No matter what, she has always remained focused, humble, self-less and a good-hearted individual. Bella is a unique young lady with a beautiful soul.

What should we know about you?
My academic inclination and persistence because no matter what events you face in life, I believe you can always accomplish your goals and achieve amazing things.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover?
I have always enjoyed pushing myself and trying new things. It helps me stay motivated and focused on what I love.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would like to raise awareness of the importance of helping the less fortunate. This is because I have helped out and heard many stories from kids and adults who are in poverty and how they have had to deal with living a less fortunate life. I want to help people out who aren't as fortunate as I am and do as much as I can even if it's as small as buying them a pair of socks to helping supply items for their education.

Look for Bella in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Nomination: Lillian is inspiring...
Lillian is truly beautiful on the inside and on the outside.
Lillian is kind, thoughtful and caring.
Lillian is a good friend, and even better daughter.
Lillian is an excellent role model to her peers, and the younger kids in the neighborhood.
Lillian is a hard working student and is loved by her teachers. Lillian plays Lacrosse and volunteers her time at The Sharing Place food and clothing pantry.....
Lillian volunteers to serve food to those in need downtown. Lillian is the perfect inspiring choice for your magazine for teens all over the world.
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​What would you most like to be interviewed about?
I would like to be interviewed about my extra curricular activities. I love service, sports and my school Cathedral High School. I spend hours serving at the Sharing Place, playing lacrosse and participating in a few clubs. A few of these clubs are Riley Dance Marathon and Math club.

Tell us more about the service you have done. 
I have been serving for The Sharing Place for almost 4 years. We collect food for those less fortunate. While I volunteer, I help put together food baskets and organize clothes. I have also organized Thanksgiving food baskets through my parish, Saint Simon. I find it is very important to help gather necessities for those who are unable to obtain them.

What do you love most about service at the Sharing Place?
I love meeting everyone and seeing the smiles on their faces as they receive their food. Helping my community is the main reason I love service. Seeing the amount of joy from things we take for granted is an amazing gift.

Share with us your lacrosse career.
I started playing lacrosse my freshman year and have loved it ever since. I play the defensive position which focuses on stopping the other team from scoring. I participate in a winter league called Max Lax which takes place in January. Normal season starts in February and goes until May. We practice Monday through Friday after school.

What is the Riley Dance Marathon club and what is a favorite memory from it?
Riley dance marathon is a fundraiser for Riley hospital. Through my school, students help put together a fundraiser dance. Students can come to the dance and donate to help raise money for the Riley kids.

What is your favorite accomplishment from Math Club?
Math club taught me to challenge myself through math problems to better my academic career. A lot of these questions were advanced, so it helped me tackle harder math questions.

What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover? 
I love to learn about leadership and how I can be a better role model for my community. I attended Notre Dame vision leadership over the summer of 2019. I had plans to attend last year but sadly it was canceled due to Covid. I want to be a leader for younger classmates and my friends.

What do you think is your best leadership quality?
I believe my best leadership quality is responsibility. A good leader is put together and has a plan. I believe when someone is responsible they are also trustworthy. These two characteristics help make a well-rounded leader.

What leadership qualities do you look for in your peers when choosing to let other people lead?
When I look for a leader, I look for someone who is organized, responsible, confident and trustworthy. These qualities are found in role models which make great leaders.

​Tell us about your photo shoot experience with Erica Robinson seniors. 
I absolutely loved my photo shoot experience with Erica Robinson seniors. We had previously planned where we were going to shoot so everything was very organized. I had so much fun taking photos with different scenery and outfits.

What did you love best about your senior portrait session?
My favorite aspect of the senior portrait session was how we were able to incorporate nature and a town look. I had pictures with flowers but then also brick. I loved how we were able to capture two different concepts.

If you were to present a topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why? 
I feel very passionate about the environment and reducing plastic waste. I think it is very important to replace single use plastic for reusable ware. Biodegradable materials are very important and can save our planet.

What are some other easy suggestions you have for saving the planet?
A few easy suggestions on saving the planet would be using reusable water bottles instead of one time use plastic. Metal, steel, glass and aluminum items are a great way to eliminate plastic.

Look for Lillian in issue 48 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!