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Logan Eddington

10/5/2020

7 Comments

 
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Logan Eddington - Indiana
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by
grin&barrett photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine


​The Nomination: Logan Eddington is a fierce, hardworking young lady. Logan achieved a Black Belt in Karate by the age of 10, while playing every sport imaginable. After, she was a competitive dancer for 6 years, competed in all four years of show choir (women's and mixed), has been a show choir dance captain for three years, cast in every HS musical and HS play, volunteered for several community organizations, member of National Honor Society, taught herself Piano and will now represent Plainfield in the DYW State competition. Logan spends most of her time outside of activities giving back and helping others.
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Photography by grin&barrett photography

​How old were you when you started learning karate and what inspired you to start learning it?
When I first started Karate I was seven years old. The art of Karate inspired me to learn because it looked fun and had many positive impacts in both physical ability and character. Karate teaches strength, agility, confidence, and discipline. Learning Karate not only helped me build confidence in myself, but I have been able to utilize the positive impacts in personal relationships and leadership positions. It has been a pleasure to pass what I have learned about dedication and hard work to my peers, so they can achieve the goals they have set out for them as well.

How much work did it take for you to earn your black belt by the age of 10? Tell me about everything you had to accomplish and the process of getting your black belt?
Earning a black belt took a lot of hard work and dedication. I studied the art of Shorei-Goju-Ryu at least 3-4 times a week after school and on the weekends for four years. In that time, I was trained on six weapons, learned many different self-defense and sparring techniques, and was inducted into the very exclusive SWAT (special winning attitude team) and Masters club. Accomplishing this so young allowed me to apply the leadership skills and discipline in my work, academics, personal relationships, sports, dance, theatre, and music.

Tell me more about how you got started with music/acting/dance and how you got the opportunity to represent Plainfield in DYW state competition and what this competition is!
When I first got started in music I began by participating in choir at school and my church, doing as many musicals as possible and joining a competitive dance team for six years. As I moved on to High School, I was accepted into an all-girls Show Choir as a Freshman. Competing in Show Choir has been one of best decisions I could have made because I was able to apply my love of dancing, singing, and acting all at the same time. I have also been cast in roles in each of our High School Plays and Musicals. Being able to share my love of dance with my peers, by obtaining the role of dance captain for the past three years, has been very rewarding and has allowed me to develop skills in public speaking, cleaning choreography, assessing ability and guiding my peers to success.

As a Junior I was able to participate in the Distinguished Young Women (DYW) program, formerly called Junior Miss, introducing a participant and going through the process with them while they participated. I have also had several friends participate in previous years that were very motivating and successful in the competition. DYW is an organization that provides leadership classes as well as scholarship opportunities for young women. This program teaches young women about important life skills including, leadership, advice on interviewing, public speaking, and self-confidence building. Watching my friends participate and what they learned through joining the program inspired me to participate as a Senior. There are five categories the young women are scored: Interview, Fitness, Self-Expression, Talent, and Scholastics. I was awarded the title of Plainfield’s Distinguished Young Woman of 2021, and was the top scorer in Interview, Fitness, Self-Expression, and Talent. I am honored to represent Plainfield in February in the State DYW competition and hope to continue to learn leadership skills that I can carry with me throughout life into my career.

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Photography by grin&barrett photography

​What are your responsibilities as choir dance captain and what does it mean to you to have been selected as captain?
I am extremely honored to have been chosen as a Show Choir dance captain. This position has provided opportunities in leading practices, teaching choreography, and cleaning choreography. Being able to learn a significant amount about what it means to be a servant leader has been life changing. It has been an honor to be in Show Choir leadership for three years, and through that time my confidence has grown exponentially. Being able to help others with something I am passionate about is such a rewarding feeling, and it has given me many opportunities to broaden my knowledge of dance as well.

What different volunteer projects have you been a part of and which has been your favorite? Why?
To name a few volunteer projects, I have raised money for JDRF, the Leukemia and Lymphoma society, volunteered to tutor my peers, and the GM Get Wise program. Volunteering for the Get WISE program at General Motors has been my favorite experience overall. The Get WISE program encourages 6th grade girls to consider future careers in the STEM field to close the gender gap within the careers. It has been such a rewarding experience the past few years to help these young girls realize their full potential. Mentoring, encouraging, motivating and teaching kids that they can be anything they set their mind to is an extremely important thing, and I am honored to have been selected from many to be a part of that experience.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
If you stay humble and put in the work, you can achieve anything.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plan for the future?
I am not sure where life will take me in five years, but whatever happens I will be working hard and living happily.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love poetry. Whether it is in a book, a song, or spoken word, I love everything about poetry.

Something on your bucket list?
I would like to travel to Europe and learn a new language.

Who do you find inspiring?
My choir teacher. She has been an inspiration in so many ways, and has proved to me the value of kindness, respect, and servant leadership.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I have been told that my positivity and kindness can be inspiring.

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Photography by grin&barrett photography

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I was a competitive dancer for six years where I studied ballet, jazz, lyrical, contemporary, and tap. I am currently trying to study these virtually to stay up to date on the industry, to help further my career.

Currently I am a Consultant for Rodan and Fields. Since I am not 18, I am working with my mother and plan to take over the business after my birthday. It is fun to have a business like this because everyone is aging, and I get to teach youth as well as adults the importance of self-care. Developing a routine in the morning and before bed has been proven to minimize anxiety and what better way than making yourself look more youthful in the process. Having healthy skin helps build self-confidence and gives everyone the ability to put their best self forward.

It is an honor and a privilege to be named Director of County Operations (DCO) for ELM Services, LLC. Not only do I get to change the course of children's lives, but I get to assist guardians of troubled youth in parenting their child better. I may not be able to work directly with the clients right now since I am not 18 years old, but I am able to help develop curriculum that will be used in teaching important life skills. The best part is I get to develop it from a child's perspective while integrating theory and industry standards. Most curriculum throughout the industry is built from an adult perspective and I have the ability to change the industry for the better, to give children a voice and make children's lives better.

Logan will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
7 Comments

Chloe Barber

10/5/2020

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Chloe Barber – Georgia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Brandi Barber
Photography by Blumoon Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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The Nomination: Chloe Barber lives in a very small town but she has big dreams. She is in the 8th grade and Competes Middle School Cheer and Soccer. She also Cheers on an All Star Worlds team “Cheer Savannah” two hours away. She is living her dream at 13 years old. Along with juggling these sports and late nights she never complains and maintains at straight A average in school. She is on student Council, Jr Beta FFA and several other school clubs. Her tumbling is fantastic, and she is already throwing doubles and standing fulls. She always works hard to improve. She is helpful to others and encourages everyone around her. I could not be prouder of her and would love her to know how special I think she is.

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Photography by Blumoon Photograp

What inspired you to want to play soccer and cheer? Is balancing the two sports ever hard for you?
I was inspired to do cheer because I have been in gymnastic since I was 3 and when I got to middle school, I wanted to support my school and be on the Competition team. I had never played Soccer before middle school, but I love to stay active and wanted to give it a try. I love both sports! Balancing both sports is not too hard...I think doing both sports helps me in each sport with my strength and endurance.

What is your favorite memory from cheering with “Cheer Savannah”?
My favorite memory is when I first came to Cheer Savannah, I automatically felt welcome. I started all stars there at level 6. I was nervous to come into a new gym where everyone grew up together, but they all welcomed me like family and I’m so thankful for that. That’s something I’ll never forget.

What is the difference between your school team and cheering with an all star team? Does it ever get confusing for you to remember different routines because you are on different teams?
Both teams are very competitive and are great teams. All stars is a higher level where I can use more of my higher skills and learn new ones. It challenges me and I love to be challenged. I never confuse the two. I guess because I have had plenty practice learning routines my whole life it is something is easy to remember.

What does it mean to you to have your family by your side through everything you do?
I couldn’t do it without them. I am so thankful for everything they do for me to help me be successful.

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Photography by Brandi Barber

What are some goals that you have for you future? Do you hope to continue with cheer and soccer?
At the moment I hope to Cheer in College. Unfortunately, Soccer does have scholarships where Cheer doesn’t have many choices so that makes it harder to choose. Either way, I plan to attend college in a sport because I feel that playing sports actually helps me with school. It helps me stay focused to be active.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
My “full” in tumbling. It was a challenge and there were lots of times where I was discouraged and upset. I had a mental block, But I was determined and once I overcame it then my skills after that seem to come a lot easier.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Don’t give up when you have hard times. To be able to get better and see good results you have to go thru hard times. Times where you want to quit but you don’t. My mom never let me quit or give up and today I am thankful for that. I think it has taught me to not give up on lots of other things in life.

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Photography by Brandi Barber

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In 5 years, I would be in my first year in college. I want to be a pediatrician.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I enjoy hanging out with my friends and going to Friday night football games.

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I would really like to talk about not giving up when times are hard. I think that even though I’m talking about sports, that it really helps you in other areas of life. It makes you think outside the box. That you can do anything!

​Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
When I was 5 , My mom taught me to sew. Now, I can pretty much sew anything without a pattern.

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Photography by Brandi Barber
3 Things on your bucket list
1. Go to bora bora, 2. our cheer team to make it to worlds this year, 3. go parasailing

Who do you find inspiring?
 My tumble Coach, Victoria Brown. Not only does she teach tumbling, but she really shows so much support to everyone around her. She has even prayed with me when I needed it. I’m thankful for her!

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
Well, I can’t say for sure, but I try to help others and encourage them. Especially when it is something I have been thru and I’m able to know how to help. Either way, I try to do what I can.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
I am super excited to be a part of this interview and I hope that I can be a part of helping others with my story.

Chloe will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Nathalie Gutierrez

10/5/2020

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Nathalie Gutierrez - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Katia Lopez
Photography by Gary Hufham Professional Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The nomination: Nathalie Gutierrez, 13 years old is celebrating her 10 years in dance trajectory.
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Photography by Gary Hufham Professional Photography
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​What do you love most about your passion for dance?
My passion for dance honestly started when I was 10. Even though I loved dancing since I was 3, I never really knew why. When I was 10, I joined junior company at my studio. And ever since the first week of me being in that company it made me realize my passion for dance. Dance is all about expressing your feelings of the character you are playing or even yourself. It has always been hard to express my feelings towards others but with dance it has made me conquer that fear. Through the music and arm movements and with the faces you perform with, the audience and you know how you feel.

How has dancing for 10 years impacted your daily life and routine?
Dancing has always been a part of my life ever since I was a little girl. Before I started dancing at a studio, I’d dance all over the house listening to music. When my mom signed me up to classes when I was 3, I’ve never been so happy to finally take dance classes. My love for dance has only gotten bigger. Even though I wasn’t the best dancer in my classes that didn’t matter to me because of the amount of love I have for it. When I was 10, I decided to join the junior company of my studio. And that’s when I started to learn how to dance more professionally which meant more classes per week. I would come home from school get ready for dance and straight out the door to class. Whenever I got older my routine just got more complicated. I had to find space for homework since each grade level assigned more homework and projects. All I thought about every day, every hour was school and dance. And that is still what I think about today.


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Photography by Gary Hufham Professional Photography

Tell me a little bit about one of your favorite memories or experiences you have made through dance that stands out to you.
My life is full of happy memories, especially from dance. Every year we preform our annual Nutcracker. Every year I got a bigger role. But my biggest role yet was the soldier doll. My favorite memory was seeing my name as that part. I never knew I could get my first solo that year. When I saw my name on my home screen next to “Soldier doll”. I’ve felt more accomplished in my life. I knew I made it. To be honest I never really thought I was a good dancer compared to the other girls in my group. But when I saw my name. I knew I was able to do anything.

What type of dance is your favorite and why?
Every type of dance is different in its own way. And I’ve tried almost every type so far. But favorite has to be jazz. Jazz has always been my favorite ever since my first jazz class when I was 7. Jazz has been my favorite because it has all the ballet technique plus the fun arm movements and music. Jazz is all about having fun through the music. And music is something that is very important to me. Ballet is to strict, tap is all about footwork, modern is all about jumps and abstract. While jazz is all basically every type of dance into one.

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Photography by Rita Harris

In what ways have you balanced school, dance, and other activities you are involved in?
Dance and school take up my whole life to be honest. I wake up early morning and go to school. After school I go home, get ready for dance, and don’t come back from home until 9:40 pm and do my homework and finish projects. It has always been super difficult to balance everything all in one whole week. But I’ve been getting the hang of it ever since I learned how to manage my time. During school hours I’ll try to finish some of my homework and projects, so I don’t have to do as much as I have to do after school. When I get home from school I get dressed quickly and eat something before I go out the door. Since my little sister always has class before me, I always find time to do some homework or study for exams before my classes. And since we always have late night rehearsals, some nights I would try to not do my homework during those days so I can have a break occasionally. When I get back home I would barely have any school work to do so I go shower, eat, and straight to bed, but if I have still have school work to do , I do it right before go to bed.

Nathalie will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Lucas Oyen

10/2/2020

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Lucas Oyen – Wisconsin
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Lucas Oyen will make a change in this world. Over the past year I have gotten to work with this young man in my senior rep program and I am blown away by his drive to help, bring awareness, and achievements. He is an amazing student, involved in music and athletics, and several academic clubs. However, it was his mission to raise money and bring awareness to Autism during the middle of Covid that makes this young man an inspiring teen. When spring sports were canceled, he decided to train and run a self-imposed marathon to raise money for Autism. Not only did he finish the race, but he raised more than $2,000 for the Autism Society of South Central Wisconsin, more than four times his original goal.
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Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

​Tell me about your huge accomplishment of running a self-imposed marathon in honor of Autism Awareness and what inspired you to do so.
Running a full marathon has always been a goal of mine. When COVID-19 hit and everything was cancelled, I decided it would be the perfect time. My inspiration was my six-year-old cousin, Boone. Boone has Autism. Boone is such incredible child who at his young age is able to face challenges with such phenomenal strength and determination. He inspired me to not only have the strength to do this marathon, but he also inspired me to spread awareness to others about Autism. I ended up raising over $2,000 for the Autism Society of South-Central Wisconsin.

What was the process like leading up to the Autism awareness marathon and the responsibilities that came with running it?
While I have always been extremely active in sports, I was not someone who ran daily. I knew to accomplish this goal I was going to need some help. I found a 16-week training plan and started training. I began running six days a week. I developed a system that worked for my body alternating endurance runs with speed workouts. Each week I would slowly increase the distance I was running. I had to be extremely disciplined and make sure I put forth 100% to accomplish this goal.

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Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

​How are you also very involved in your high school including being involved in four sports as well as musical extracurriculars and other clubs?
I am currently a four sport Varsity athlete along with being a member of choir and band. I have been in school musicals and the lead in last year’s school play. I am the student council Treasurer and a very active member of the LEO Club. I help with food and clothing drives, visits with Santa, and other volunteer activities that help members of our community. I organized a breakfast for Autism Awareness this past April that was unfortunately cancelled due to the pandemic.

How do you strive to be active and help make a difference in your community through all that you are involved in?
“When caring people join together, roll up their sleeves and take action to make their community better, it’s a beautiful thing.” This is a quote from lionsclub.org. This is how I choose to look at life and every opportunity that comes my way. It is about more than just doing volunteer work. It is about being kind and respectful to others through the work you do and your actions. It is about holding yourself accountable and being a leader in your school and community. This is what I strive to do each day.

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Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

​Why do you think being involved in many different activities and extracurriculars is important to actively do?
Being involved in many different extracurriculars is important because it makes you a more well-rounded individual. Through working with different people, you learn more about your yourself and others. You learn better communication skills and how to relate to different individuals. You get the opportunity to explore different interests and learn things about yourself you never knew. Being involved can also help you feel more connected and have a sense of purpose.

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Photography by Candid Touch Photography and Design

​What advice would you give to inspire other teens to spread awareness and show kindness to others like you have in your community?
My advice to other inspiring teens is simple. Always remember to be kind. We never know what is going on in someone else’s life. We often do not know the hardships they may be facing. A simple smile, a high five, a “What’s up” can truly change someone’s day. I would also tell others to take advantage of every opportunity they are given.

Lucas will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Kaya Williams

10/1/2020

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Kaya Williams – Texas
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Kwani Williams
Photography by Giantpixel Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Kaya Williams started her influencer career as all-star cheerleader and suffered an injury that set her back with her tumbling and while she is taking a break from the all star cheer world she is still working on her tumbling and discovering other sports and supporting her all-star cheer friends.
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Photography by Giantpixel Photography

​When did you start cheering at your gym in Virginia and what inspired you do want to start cheerleading?
I started cheering in 2014. My mom had a friend who’s daughter was cheering and she took me there to sign up for tumbling and I watch the team practice and wanted to try it

What was the transition like from cheering at a small gym to switching to a big gym? What are the differences between the two?
The transition was scary because I knew everyone at my smaller gym even the girls not on the same team as me so I was worried that I wouldn’t fit in with my team since I had tried out via video from Virginia. I think the main difference is that you have fewer athletes and coaches so it more of second family.

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Photography by Giantpixel Photography

​Tell me about All Star cheer and how it is different from regular cheer! What competitions have you gone to and what were they like?
I have never done any other kind of cheer, the main difference is all star is competition cheer you are not cheering for any sports at all. You are the sport and others are there to watch and cheer you on. We do several competitions around Texas but the two big ones are the NCA in Dallas Texas and The Summit at Disney’s ESPN Sports Complex. These two competitions are very large, and teams come from all across the United States and the World to compete and the atmosphere is electric

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Photography by Giantpixel Photography
How were you injured and what are you doing to make the best of it?
I had an overuse injury to my Right knee in 2018. I was unable to train and compete for 5 months but I was at practice and every competition supporting my teammates. Once the Doctor released me I was able to finish the competition season off but without any of my tumbling skills.

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Photography by Giantpixel Photography

Because you were injured what other sports are you discovering and what are you finding to love about them? Will you continue playing them after your injury heals?
I am going to try Track and field. I found running because it was part of my physical therapy and I enjoyed it, so hopefully this year I will be able to try out for my school team while still working on getting my tumbling back.

Kaya will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Sophie Hamra

10/1/2020

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Sophie Hamra - Missouri
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by 
Jessica Lynn Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Sophie Hamra is an inspiring team because she devotes herself to taking care of everybody else before she takes care of herself. She wants to dedicate her life to taking care of animals as well she wants to become a veterinarian. She strives in school maintaining a 3.9 GPA. While doing extracurricular activities and working a job. She such a sweet beautiful soul.
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Photography by Lucy Vandeven

​If you get the opportunity to be interviewed, what would you most like to be interviewed about?
If I got the opportunity to be interviewed I would personally like to be interviewed about my passion for animals and how I pursue to dedicate my life to taking care of them.

What have you done to help animals and how did you get started?
I’ve grown up around animals, they’re all I really know. My mother and I were always the first to bring injured animals into our home and nurse them back to health. We’ve had animals from squirrels, to rabbits, to horses. It’s always been a life goal to make sure the lives that make me happiest are the healthiest.

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Photography by Michelle Hamra

What about animals made you want to dedicate your life to them?
Animals live a very simple life compared to humans and our pet’s whole lifespan is a very short portion of ours. We are their happiness. Who wouldn’t want to make them as happy as possible?
What is your favorite kind of animal to care for? My favorite animal to take care of is rabbits. My mother has implanted the love of rabbits into my brain since I was a baby. I have taken in wild baby rabbits as well as domestic ones as pets. They are so intelligent and oh so cute!

How have you worked toward your goal of becoming a veterinarian?
 I take a vet assistant class at my high school, as well as an SOE class where I can go and job shadow veterinarians in my area! At the end of the year, I can become a certified vet assistant. It’s such an amazing opportunity and I can’t wait to pursue my dreams ever further.

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Photography by Amanda Zimmerman
Do you ever have fears when it comes to working with animals, if so how do you overcome them?
I try to put all of my fears to the side and worry about the animal before myself. Animals can sense fear, and it makes them anxious to present yourself in a fearful way towards them. I want to make animals comfortable with me, so they can ultimately trust me. It’s part of being an animal lover, truly.

Sophie will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Anna Britton

10/1/2020

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Anna Britton – Georgia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Amy Honea Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Anna Britton is an inspiring teen because she has ability to direct her ambitions and shows encouragement to her peers. She works diligently to remain in the top 8% percent of her class (#33 out 432) with a 4.0 while Duel Enrolled , she serves in student government, she is completing her Gold Award in Girl Scouts and is active in several clubs. She wants a Doctorate in Nursing working with children which is why she works so hard on her grades. She has found a great outlet is modeling and loves being with her photographer and the modeling team just laughing and having fun! She encourages all of her fellow models during photo shoots and always gives her very best!
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Photography by Amy Honea Photography

What do you love about working with children where do you work with them?
I have been working with kids for years at church through many programs like Sunday School or Vacation Bible School, where I knew I was meant to mentor students and later find a career where children are a part of my life.  While growing up in Girl Scouts, I knew earning my Gold Award was a goal I wanted to achieve, so naturally incorporating the two essential parts of my life together was undoubtedly an easy solution for my award.  I worked in an elementary school setting up a mentoring program before the Covid-19 Virus disturbed the program.

What has been your favorite memory from working with kids? Why?
My best memory of working with a student is always the energy.  I cannot ever pick one memory that I love or is my favorite over another because I would be choosing a child over another, and I can't do that.  I enjoy working with all the students and kids I meet, and each time I help a student or have fun and play a game and see them smile, I know I am doing what I am supposed to do. Being able to make a kid smile, even when they are having a bad day, is the best feeling.

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Photography by Amy Honea Photography

When did you find your passion for working with children? When and how did you know that you wanted to get a degree in bruising working with children?
Once I started High School, I was introduced to the medical pathway, and I knew I wanted to heal sick children.  I want to have my Doctorate in Nursing working specifically in the pediatric intensive care unit.  

How long have you been modeling, and what do you love so much about it? What has been your favorite photoshoot?
I have not been modeling but a few months, but I have enjoyed these last few months.  It is such a release of energy and so freeing.  So far, my favorite photoshoot was in the sunflower field. I am so excited about everything my photographer has planned.  I love being with other models when we can, although we cannot be together like we could be.
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Photography by Amy Honea Photography

How do you encourage your fellow models during shoots and how do you make the best of every shoot?
I like to let my model friends know how beautiful they are inside and out.  They are the kindest people with so many talents, and they know all have cool ideas with clothes and make-up.  I love talking to them and seeing their style in play during our different photoshoots.  I am just lucky to be a part of the team.  It is a special time in all of our lives, and it's our Senior Year during Covid-19, so we have to make it the best!

Anna will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
 
click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Shelby Cook

10/1/2020

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Shelby Cook - Arkansas
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Laken Brown Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Shelby Cook is a extremely talented young lady with a huge heart for others, and that shows in all she does. She is the sweetest and most well-mannered girl, and I am proud to say she is someone my daughter looks up to! It is no doubt she is an amazing role model for girls of all ages!
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Photography by Laken Brown Photography

​What is the Arkansas Outstanding Teen program and how did you get involved with them?
The Miss Arkansas Outstanding Teen program is part of the Miss America Organization. It is a state pageant that you have to win a local preliminary to compete at. Although it is a pageant it is so much more than that, the people and role models I have met, the children I have gotten to talk to and the volunteer work I have gotten to do is just a couple of wonderful things this program has given me the opportunity to do. When I was younger, I was terrified to talk to people and my mom wanted to find a way to help get me out of my comfort zone, so she entered me in a local pageant. That was the day I fell in love with pageants, people and being able to be a role model to others.

Tell me about Be the change, your anti- bullying platform. How did you come up with this platform?
As a kid I was bullied constantly, but not by some random kid from a different grade. I was bullied by my best friend. Many times, bullying spawns from people trying to find a way to make their friends laugh and sometimes that ends hurting others. Being the change is about more than holding the door open for someone it’s about being kind to everyone whether you know them or not. Being the change starts with you and your everyday life.

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Photography by Laken Brown Photography

​What inspired you to want to start dancing? How long have you been doing dancing?
My mom put me in my first dance class at the age of three. I hated it. I was not a people person and I was painfully shy. However, as I got older, I quickly began to realize that dance was my outlet and my safe place. It allowed me to express who I was and what I was feeling without having to say it. I am grateful for the opportunities I have been given and the love and support I have received on my journey through dance.

What has been your favorite memory from competitive dance? Why?
The people and the friends I have met. I have no words to describe the feeling of walking on and off that stage or getting to stand up and receive an award. However, the amazing, talented, and kind people I have met throughout my dance career are indescribable. My entire life everyone has been nothing but loving, encouraging and supportive and I couldn’t be more thankful.

What goals do you have for your future? Do you hope to continue with dance?
Although dance is my passion and I know I will never be able to ever truly give it up, I have decided to go to college to become a physical therapist. I cannot tell you how many times I have been hurt and out of dance for an injury and the physical therapists were nothing but kind and encouraging. I hope to be the light for kids just like myself one day and hopefully get them back to doing what they love most in no time.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Getting over my fear of being perfect. When I was younger, I constantly felt like I needed to be perfect in everybody’s eyes. Whether in dance, school, cheer or just in general. Over the past few years I have learned that nobody is ever truly perfect we have to learn to love ourselves the way we are, regardless of the opinions of others.

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Photography by Laken Brown Photography

​What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
WORK HARD FOR WHAT YOU WANT!!! Nothing is impossible if you want something you have to put in the work because nobody is going to do it for you. A lesson my dance teacher taught me when I was younger is if you are practicing 16 hours a week there is someone, somewhere that is practicing 17 hours. You have to work hard and set goals to accomplish.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In five years I hope to be starting my first year of physical therapy school, hopefully in Northwest Arkansas at UAMS. I hope I have a house a car and I’m close enough to home so I can still come watch my brothers at their games and see my parents. At the end of the day I hope to be living in my hometown and eventually raise my kids in the same town that I grew up in.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
Cheering! I absolutely love going to games and cheering on the players. I’ve always been someone that got super excited at games so when I got old enough, I tried out for the cheer team, and that was the best decision ever. I get to cheer for the boys and girls at my school while showing school pride.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
As a dancer, cheerleader, and pageant girl something about me that throws people off guard is I love to hunt. Specifically bow hunting, I’ve been shooting a bow since the age of six and haven’t looked back.

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Photography by Laken Brown Photography

If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Kindness, it’s so important to be kind whether it’s a big or small act of kindness it never goes to waste. Something I try to always tell myself is just because I’m having an off day doesn’t mean I have to make everybody else have an off day. We all need to start by doing three nice things a day for three different people so we can start a chain reaction of kindness.

3 Things on your bucket list
Number one- drive across the Golden Gate Bridge, in a little red corvette all while blaring the song little red corvette.
Number two- visit Greece so I can get all the Mamma Mia vibes.
Number three- adopt a golden retriever and watch all the air bud movies with him.

Who do you find inspiring?
Now I know this may sound cliche, but my mom. She is the strongest most hard-working person I know all while taking care of three kids. She pushes me to be the best me I can be and I wouldn’t be the person I am today without all the love and support she has showed and continues to show me.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I try to be positive, kind and loving towards everyone. More kind people is something our world needs right now and I hope by being a positive role model and promoting my platform “Be The Change” I can help spread kindness to others.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
All I can say is thank you so much for this amazing opportunity it truly means the world, and I’m so excited for what comes next.

Shelby will be featured in Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Emmie Blanchard

10/1/2020

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Emmie Blanchard - Georgia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination & Photography by Amy Honea Photography
​Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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The Nomination: Emmie Blanchard is a young lady who lives her life on the principles that are pleasing to God. Her goal is not about people thinking well of her but seeing her as always focusing on the right things. Emmie has gained attention for these attributes by winning on several occasions Best Sportsmanship award by her tennis team, serving as Co-Captain on her cheer squad as a Junior and Captain of her cheer team this year, and earning the Faculty award by her teachers. She is continually working with children serving as a mentor in her church leading vacation bible school and assisting in children’s church. She coaches a young girl weekly with tennis lessons.
She focuses on the good and displays strength, confidence, and courage from her faith in Jesus. She is dependable, thoughtful, humble, and trustworthy. Emmie sets goals and works to achieve them. She set out to win a National Championship trophy and jacket when she was 11 years old at the Youth National Arabian Horse Championship Horse Show. She trained daily with her horse and they went to New Mexico and brought home the National Championship ribbon, trophy, and jacket!
Emmie cares for her family with love, kindness, empathy, and a sense of humor. Emmie helped care for her grandmother as she lived in her home battling ovarian cancer.
Emmie has devoted many years with her family rescuing and rehabilitating neglected and injured dogs with their dog rescue.
Emmie always has a smile and is a strong prayer warrior growing into a young lady of noble character.
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Photography by Amy Honea Photography

​What choices have you made and what things have you experienced in life that have helped you grow as a person and in faith?  Some experiences in my life that have helped me grow as a person and in my faith was when both of my grandparents on my mother's side of the family passed away from cancer. These two events were extremely hard for me and the only thing that gave me true peace over those two situations and helped me to get through it was God. Those events helped strengthen my faith and trust in the Lord, because it showed me to trust him even when you do not understand what he is doing at the moment but know that he does everything for a reason as well as has a plan and a purpose for each of our lives and the things that happen. Without the Lord I would not be anywhere near the person I am today, by no means am I perfect because none of us are the only one that is perfect is God, but if I did not have him i would not have the strength to face even half of the bad trials life throws at me but because I know the Lord as my savior I am able to overcome the trials with his help. 
 
How had your grandma influenced you and impacted your life?
My grandma impacted my life by the way she fought her battle of ovarian cancer. She was incredibly strong and never gave up. I watched how the cancer affected her physical health and how it made her very weak, but it never broke her spirit and she never questioned the Lord during it. She had courage, even in the hardest time of her life, she gave it her all and fought as hard as she could. 
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Photography by Amy Honea Photography
​Tell me more about how you have worked with your local dog rescue to take in injured and neglected dogs. What is the process like for you?
When I was in elementary school my mother and another lady started a rescue group in my area called Columbia County Animal Rescue. We would weekly go to our local animal controls and take the dogs into our rescue where they would then be fostered. Our two local animal controls were high kill so when they would get overcrowded the dogs would be euthanized to make space. All dogs that would come into our rescue would be taken to the vet for medical needs and to make sure they are healthy. Then we would give it to one of the people in our rescue group to foster the dog and take care of it until it gets adopted to a new home. After we would put the dog up for adoption on our Facebook and Instagram page and wait for someone to ask about it. On many occasions my parents and I would be fostering multiple dogs at once and keeping them all in our home along with our own dogs as well. When a person is interested in one of our dogs, we always do background checks and make sure that the person has a home that would be a good environment for the dog. If the person checks out, then we would let the person take the dog and see how it goes for a couple of days and if it goes well they can adopt it. Fostering dogs has been such an amazing experience being able to take care of and help these dogs that deserve the best and happiest life.

What do you love about working with kids and what do you do when you work with them? 
What I love about working with kids is how they will look up to you and you can be a good role model for them and set a good example and how much joy and laughter they bring. I mainly work with kids through my church, I am a leader at Vacation Bible School and help in Kids Worship, which is where all the kids from Pre-k to 4th grade go during church. At Vacation Bible School I am assigned a class and I am with them for the week sharing the word of God. In Kids Worship I am in small groups with different grade levels and we play games with them, learn scripture, and learn more about the bible.  
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Photography by Amy Honea Photography

Tell me more about winning the Youth National Arabian Horse Championship, what that meant to you, and what the competition process was like! 
Winning my Youth National Arabian Horse Championship was very special to me and rewarding because it showed me that if you set your mind to something and really work hard and train for it you can accomplish anything. I trained with my coach all year almost every day getting ready for that competition and when I won one of the National Titles I was proud that I had a goal, set out to achieve it, and I attained that goal. The competition lasted a week and you would have classes throughout the week. The first classes would be qualification classes which normally have over 100 riders in them and if you made the cut you would be able to move on to the next round which was the final round for the National Title. In that final round the number of people in the class was cut down to around 20 or 30 and of those 30 you would have 8 that would get a Top Ten and then another person would get a Reserve Champion and one would become Champion, winning the national title.

Emmie will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Anna Claire Hay

10/1/2020

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Anna Claire Hay – Arkansas
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Raygan Sylvester
Photography by Jodie Kelly Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

The Nomination: After Anna Claire Hay watched her brother save someone’s life by saying five simple words -“You can sit with us”- Anna Claire went on a mission that took her all the way to Capitol Hill to lobby state senators about the importance of accepting others for their unique character qualities. Her message has reached the ears of over 15,000 students in numerous countries. She recently published her own book on the topic, available on Amazon. When she’s not volunteering, Anna Claire serves as captain of her cheer, track, and trap shooting teams at school and reigns as the current Miss Arkansas Teen USA.
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Photography by Jodie Kelly Photography
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​Tell me more about the process of how You Can Sit With Us got started?
YCSWU started when I witnessed the impact of my brother saving someone’s life by stating those 5 simple words. I’ve always had a passion for volunteering and had been speaking to schools and civic organizations about anti bullying, inclusion and diversity. What you and how you say can help people develop confidence, competence, and self-control. Words can lift people up to their highest potential or tear them down and bring them down to their lowest lows. After traveling across the state of Arkansas and speaking to over 10,000 students mainly elementary aged kids I realized there were not a-lot of resources out there to help educate the younger generation on the impact of inclusion, so I self-authored a book that I now share when I go to speaking engagements. This book is for sale on Amazon for others to purchase to share.

How can other people spread this same message of inclusion, diversity, and equality that you are spreading?
I believe we all need to make diversity and inclusion more of a priority.
Feeling like you belong satisfies one of the most fundamental of human needs. It’s that sense of belonging that fuels the fundamental idea behind diversity and inclusion at work.
I started an You Can Sit With Us Ambassador program that puts ambassadors in schools and civic groups to ensure there is always a point of contact and go to person to encourage inclusion, diversity and kindness within these organizations.
When you feel included you feel valued and important.

What is it like getting to speak at so many schools and organizations? Can you share with us a little of what you tell them?
I feel honored each time I am asked to speak to a group. Knowing that I have a chance to encourage and empower them and potentially initiate change encourages me. If I can give students access to resources that can help them to build confidence and work in the direction of attaining growth and transformation, then I have done my job. I focus on talking to them about the power of their words, what it means to be B.R.A.V.E, how to be inclusive and encourage diversity. I believe when you can demonstrate a life applicable lesson it’s easier for kids to understand why, so I try to incorporate life applicable lessons when speaking to students.

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Photography by Zac Grimaldo
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​What was going through you head when you found out you won the Arkansas top youth volunteer award? What other volunteer projects have you done?
I had no idea I had been nominated for this award so when I was called into the principal’s office at school, I was somewhat a taken back. To hear I was chosen out of 13,000 applicants out of the state of Arkansas to represent Arkansas in Washington, DC at the National convention I was ecstatic. I can honestly say to date this is the greatest honor I have yet to receive. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards program is the United States’ largest youth recognition program based exclusively on volunteer community service. 
Created in 1995 by Prudential and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP), the program honors middle level and high school students for outstanding service to others at the local, state and national level.
Thus far, it has recognized more than 140,000 young people who’ve made a difference – and inspired countless others to consider how they might contribute to their communities.
The Spirit of Community Awards program also honors youth volunteers in countries outside the U.S. where Prudential has a significant presence: Japan, Taiwan, Ireland, India, China and Brazil.
I also have served two terms on my cities youth council board. While serving on the Springdale Youth Council Board I became involved in the workings of our local government, had the opportunity to job shadow City officials, performed community service projects for the benefit of Springdale residents, offered advise to local government officials on the issues that face young people in our community, and learned about local government and the importance of civic participation.
I stay actively involved with my Teens with Integrity and You Can Sit With Us Platforms speaking time many schools, churches and civic organizations.
I actively volunteer with the Chick-Fil-A Leadership Academy.

How did you get your book published one Amazon? Can you share with me more of what the publishing process is like?
Let me just start by saying one of the things I’ve been challenged with my whole life and that’s been hard for me to talk about publicly is my disability. I am dyslexic. Reading, spelling sometimes writing those things are challenging for me. Although I am intelligent I had to understand that I learn differently from most people so if you would of ask me if I thought I would of ever written a book the answer would of been a firm NO!!! I had a wonderful support team to assist, a great family friend to illustrate the book a brother who provided the story for this book as well as a lifetime of character and life lessons and last but not least supportive and loving parents. It is a project I’m super proud of and something I hope helps lots of people.

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Photography by Kelly Hay

​What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
I think the hardest thing I ever accomplished was getting You Can Sit With Us spread internationally. My goal is to have ambassadors and the message of You Can Sit With Us in all 50 states.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
You can really do anything you set your mind too. I know that might sound so cliche but it’s so true. I have made sacrifices missed out on social activities and in many cases lived a little different life than some of my peers but it’s all about choices. I have kept my eye on the prize and my ultimate goals. It takes self-discipline and dedication, it takes perseverance and sometimes reminding yourself that if at first you don’t succeed try again. It takes supportive loving parents and support from friends and family. For me, a key part has been my relationship and walk with my lord and savior.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In the next 5 years I hope I have been accepted to medical school at UAMS and I am on the road to becoming a physician.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
My dad and I duck hunt. I love the spending time with him doing something he enjoys; I love being outdoors and the challenge of the hunt.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
A year ago I learned how to high jump and I absolutely love it... I have enjoyed running on the track team for last couple of years in high school but never considered jumping until last year. I tried it and now I’m hooked.

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Photography by Kelly Hay

​If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
Anti bullying... it’s such a problem on so many levels. It’s in our schools, workplaces, churches, nursing homes, everywhere we go. I encounter women all the time that still remember situations and things that happened to them in high school. All those years later and these things are still impacting them!!! So yes this is something that if I could educate on and talk about I will anytime I’m given a chance.

3 Things on your bucket list
*skydive
*having peanut butter
*getting a banded duck

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I hope my work ethic, ability to connect with others, kindness and passion for my platform is inspiring to others.

Anna Claire will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Aubrey Stewart

10/1/2020

1 Comment

 
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​Aubrey Stewart - Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Tyler Lyons Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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The nomination: I am nominating Aubrey because I have watched her grow as a dancer and a person over the last year and a half. She never stops growing in her skills and she is an inspiration to all the younger dancers at her studio. They look up to her as an example of who they want to be when they grow up.
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Photography by Tyler Lyons Photography

​​My mom was working as a tumbling teacher at United Performing Arts Company, and she wanted me to work on my coordination. She enrolled me into pre-school tap/ballet and tumbling, and I have been tumbling and dancing ever since. My aunt and grandmother were dancers, so I have it in my blood. My cousin is also a dancer and now one of the choreographers at my studio. She works for many local studios in the Metroplex. I believe my passion comes from inside. I have a hard time expressing myself with words, so this is how I can express what I am feeling. I love how dance makes you feel free. Free to move and get out anything that you need to get out. When I was younger we used to shake out our nerves by jumping and shaking, kind of like that with dance. If you are sad, you can dance sad; mad, find song and let that anger out.

I still attend a public fine arts school, so my daily routine revolves around education and dance. The last period of my school day is dance, so I have an 1.5 of dance at school before I head to the studio. I am up at the studio 4-5 days a week, from 3-4 hours a day. Stretching is the most important, and I try to fit that in at some point during the day. I like to attend different master classes, conventions, and intensives to improve my skills. It is always good to learn from different instructors and receive different insights on how to improve your skills. It is a lot of fun too!

Performing a solo called “One Beautiful Evening”. It was the first time I worked with my cousin, and she choreographed my solo. It was a breakthrough year for me in my performance and growing as a dancer.

I don’t really talk and express myself verbally very well, so using movement through dance helps me express myself.

I love working with the younger dancers to show them where they can go with their dreams, and that they can accomplish anything when they put their mind to it.

My cousin Jayci inspires me because she has had some struggles through injuries but keeps on pushing herself and has stayed strong to this day.

​Something that you don't know about me, When I was 5 years old, I had eye surgery. I was diagnosed with strabismus in both eyes. This basically means, to put it simply, that I had two lazy eyes. It was actually one of my dance instructors that suggested to my parents that I might need to go get my eyes check out. I was referred to an ophthalmologist, and was then diagnosed. Since, I was about to be 5 and enter Kindergarten, the doctor and my parents wanted me to have surgery as soon as possible. So, I had surgery the day after my 5th birthday party. Many people do not even know that I have this issue, and sometimes I have to let new teachers know, or remind old teachers or instructors. Even though I can now focus both eyes on objects and see 20/20, I don’t see depth perception as well as others. I also have some problems with 3D and color scale. I have to go to the ophthalmologist twice a year for checkups. My doctor says I’m his best patient. He believes that the reason my eyes have done so well is because of dance. I am exercising my eyes every day, building up the eye muscles and keeping them strong through dance. I want other young people to know that if you have disability, you can do anything you put your mind to, push through it and get stronger. Dance has helped me in so many ways, emotionally and physically, and I love it with my whole heart.
Click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Jordin Kumnog

9/30/2020

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Jordin Kumnog - Florida
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Karen Kumnog
Photography by Robert Rainbow Photography
​Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

​The Nomination: Jordin Kumnog is an inspiration, not only to me but to everyone she meets. I believe that is the reason why she wants to be a nurse when she grows up. If you ask family and friends about Jordin the first thing that comes to mind is how big her heart is, and how her kindness is always consistent. Jordin is an Allstar Cheerleader, she has been cheering since the age of 5 years old. At the age of 9 she won her first Summit ring, which is a big deal in the Cheerleading world. She is also an Ambassador, Elite Model, and a Role Model for the brands she represents. She is a hardworking student in school where she maintains A, B honor roll. The most inspiring characteristic of Jordin, is her sheer will and determination to accomplish her goals.

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Photography by Robert Rainbow Photography

​How did cheerleading transform you into an outgoing person?
Cheerleading has transform me into an outgoing person because I use to be shy and didn't make friends easily. By becoming a cheerleader, I broke out of my shell. As a cheerleader, my talent of flying and tumbling was a skill that came so easy and I excel so fast. The girls and the boys on my teams and the love I have acquired for cheerleading help me be a a more outgoing person. I thank all of my cheer teams that I have been on, my coaches for supporting me, and the countless hours of practices and competitions that cheerleading have made me such an outgoing person.

How are you a Role Model and what does it mean to you to know that so many people look up to you?
I am a Role Model for brands that I represent. I can say it feels awesome to know that someone looks up to me. I look to inspire other girls by believing in themselves through confidence, love kindness, and to be all that they can be, which is the best version of themselves!

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Photography by Robert Rainbow Photography

​Tell me why winning a Summit ring is such a big deal? What was the process like to get to win this?
Summit is a big deal because you work so hard to get to this place in competition. You want to show everyone the routine that made you get this far in this competition. And to win a Summit ring it is so amazing, and the excitement is so unreal. It is like winning the "Super Bowl of Football."

How did you get started volunteering with firemen? What do you do with them and what do you love so much about helping them?
I got started volunteering with firemen when I was 9 years old. It was Hurricane Irma in 2017 that was going to hit Florida. My Dad found out that the firemen was looking for volunteers to fill sandbags for people who need to protect their home from flooding. It was an honor to help the firemen, and knowing that I help my community in a time of need, was an amazing feeling. Making people feel that their property was safe was a great way of giving back to help in any way I can.

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Photography by Robert Rainbow Photography

When did you realize that you wanted to be a nurse when you were older? Why do you want to become one?
I always wanted to be a nurse at an early age of 2 years old. My granddaddy was ill, and a nurse will come to our home every day to take care of him. I would sit at his feet and watch her. If I thought she was hurting him, I would cry and ask him is he okay? After the nurse left, I made sure he was comfortable with his pillows, covers, and help give his medicine. I knew I wanted to be a nurse then. I want to make sure when I become a nurse, that they are in great hands and to make them feel love and care.

Jordin will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Ayanna Moten

9/25/2020

1 Comment

 
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Ayanna Moten – Texas
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Sande Bilton Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​ 
The Nomination:  Ayanna Moten is an inspiring teen with amazing leadership qualities and is also very athletic. Ayanna is captain of the cheer team, the Secretary of the Christian Honor Society, participated in State Final 4 Basketball Tournament, All-Star Cheer Competition, was a State Qualifier in Track, and was nominated as AdvoSports Student Athlete of the Year!
Plus she takes her studies very serious, she had the highest GPA in both 9th Grade and second highest in 10th Grade and is on her second year of taking dual credit classes. She is honorary charter member of ABWA WGTEN chapter, & recently started her own business to inspire girls and young women called Uniquely Colorful.
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Photography by Sande Bilton Photography

​What do you enjoy most about being involved in so many different sports and what achievements have you received from them?
As a junior in high school, the thing I enjoy most about being involved in various sports like basketball, track, and cheer is the ability to socialize with different people. Not every sport holds the same participants, so it is a great way of meeting new people and creating friends from my own school and other schools. Also, I enjoy the spirit of healthy competition in sports. The competitive nature of team and individual sports pushes me to perform my absolute best even when I feel at times that I have nothing more to give. Last year, I played basketball for the first time. There was a definite learning curve in understanding the plays and the game itself. I was blessed to have an exceptional coach who wanted us to understand offense and defense and not just run plays. So, in my first year ever of playing basketball, we placed 3rd in the State Championship. It was an amazing experience! I also made it to the State Track meet in 9th grade with our relay team and it showed me what could be accomplished with hard work and faith. In cheer, I have been in a leadership role for the past 3 years. This past year, I was nominated as Student Athlete of the Year in Cheerleading in our region.
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Photography by Sande Bilton Photography
Tell me a little bit about the different extracurricular activities and clubs you are a part of at your school including being Secretary of the Christian Honor Society.
This is my 3rd year in the Christian Honor Student Association and I am very excited about the upcoming year. First, I am holding an officer position in the organization. Being in leadership will allow me to have a voice in the future direction of our club. Secondly, we have significantly increased the number of service projects we are doing in the community this year and this will help me and my peers become better servant leaders.

I also hold another leadership role as Captain of the Cheer team. This is my 4th year as a cheerleader and 3rd year in leadership. I’ve developed much stronger leadership skills because I must ensure each team member knows how important they are to the team. We don’t always agree but I try to make sure everyone knows they have a voice and their thoughts will be heard. This year I have been significantly more involved in the “business and economics” side of cheer. For example, I sought out multiple vendors and led all communication with them, compared pricing and payment terms, negotiated discounts, designed our uniforms and the customization on our gear, worked out the numbers on the total expense for cheer and helped set up a payment plan for parents to pay out the expense over several months. My mom, who is a business consultant and our Team Mom for the squad, taught me a lot of questions to ask and business things to consider but she always left the final decision to me on which direction to go.

I am also on a recreational competition cheer team and it is helping me exponentially grow my cheer skills and talents. Each week, I have two days of 3 hour practices for our recreational team. For my school cheer team, we have 3-6 hours of practice each week and several of our practices begin at
6 AM. In addition, I am taking 2 dual credit classes for college so I can start getting more college hours under my belt before high school graduation. My academic accomplishments are extremely important to me. In my freshman year, I had the highest GPA in our class and in my sophomore year, I had the second highest GPA. It definitely takes time management skills with all the activities in which I am involved and the study time I need to put in each week.

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Photography by Sande Bilton Photography
How has your faith impacted your life and who you are?
Proverbs 31:30 says “Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised.” It is through God that I have been able to accomplish the things I have in the past 15 years. My dad is a pastor and my mom is a minister so before I was even born, faith was already a very important part of my life. My dad has always stressed the importance of living a saved life. As a teenager, living for Jesus and having fun does not have to be mutually exclusive.

I’ve seen God perform miracles with my dad’s health. He had a massive stroke when I was a baby and he probably should have died, but I saw God heal him. Ten years later he had emergency open heart surgery, and again, he probably should have died, but God healed him. So yes, “bad things do happen to good people” but my faith keeps me believing that God will make a way… even when it seems impossible.

In my 9th grade year of track, I kept believing that our 800m relay team would make it to State. I would not let myself believe otherwise. We were not the fastest team in the District, but we made it to Regionals. We were not the fastest team in the Region, but we made it to State. I just kept believing that if we did our part, God would make a way.

Tell me more about how you strive to be a role model for girls of diversity by uplifting others and making sure they all know their worth.
Growing up, I did not see a lot of women in power or in high positions who looked like me. With that missing, it was very hard to find role models in positions of power. I wanted to make sure other girls, especially Black and Brown girls, had someone they could look up to who would be a positive influence in their lives. I don’t think people really realize how hard it is when Black and Brown girls don’t see images of what they want to become when they grow up. You wouldn’t believe how excited and happy I was when I saw The Princess and the Frog when I was 4 years old. Finally, there was a Princess who looked like me! There was Snow White, Cinderella, Belle, and others but now I finally had a Princess I could call my own.

I want little girls to see me and know they can love God, be smart, be an athlete, respect themselves and each other, and remember they are valuable and beautiful. Finally, I want all girls to know they should uplift each other and not tear each other down. As girls and young women, we have the power to completely destroy one another or lift up and encourage each other. I chose to lift up girls and young women.
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Photography by Sande Bilton Photography

​In what ways has your love for sports influenced what you want to do with your life and what career you want to pursue?
My love of sports has inspired me to look beyond the present and include them in my future. I would like to attend college and study to form a career as a sports medicine physician. I know first hand how tough sports can be on the bodies of athletes and I want to help keep them as healthy as possible so they can pursue what they enjoy for as long as possible. While studying, I would also like to become a cheerleader at the college I am attending. Collegiate cheer is the next level for me and would allow me to reach new heights and skills in a sport that I truly love.

How can you inspire other teens to know the importance of feeling confident in who they are and embracing the comfort of their skin they were blessed with?
No love matters until you first have self-love. Self-love must be taught. It is not automatic. It is not a given. Had it not been for my parents, I would not know how to love myself, be confident in who I am, and embrace the skin I was blessed to be born in. We live in a time when girls and young see standards of “beauty” that other people impose on them. We are inundated daily with images on social media of what “beauty” should look like and it is easy to become depressed or down because you don’t look like the images you see.

But we are all put here for a purpose. Girls should be taught at a young age that beauty begins within. Next they should know they are beautiful when they look in the mirror. We are all uniquely created by God and when girls are taught that concept at a young age, peer pressure and unrealistic images won’t be so harmful to them. This year, when my mom and I were having a conversation about self-confidence, I told her in elementary school, I hated how my knees looked. Then one year I had an accident in the kitchen, cut my knee pretty badly, and ended up with a very noticeable scar. This caused me not to want to wear shorts where my knees could be seen. Even in a house where I was always taught to embrace my skin and have self-confidence, I still had insecurities. Imagine how hard it is for girls who never taught to love themselves, value themselves, appreciate themselves.

I told my mom that I not only wanted to use my voice but I wanted to build a business that would be created to help girls and young women know that they are wonderfully and fearfully made. My business, which I will be launching before the holidays, will be merchandise with positive messages of affirmations to remind the wearers of their unique qualities.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would let others know that regardless of what is going on, you must persevere and keep pushing forward. It’s better to make small baby steps towards your goals versus giving up completely. Trust in God, put in the work, and things will work out.

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom is one of the most inspiring people I know. She does so many things and I don’t know how she manages it all. She works full-time in medical sales, has her own business, does work in the community, is the Team Mom for cheer, and always makes the time for me and my dad. My mom believes in supporting women and being a positive role model in the community. So many people look up to her and I always see her operate in grace and love. I’m proud she is my mom!

Ayanna will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more info on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
1 Comment

Rickayln Rayburn

9/25/2020

1 Comment

 
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Rickayln Rayburn – Kentucky
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Sherri Rayburn
Photography by Paula Yates Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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The Nomination: Rickayln is a very inspirational young lady. She inspires others to do their best and always cheered them on. She has accumulated over 260 community service hours this past year. She has been the class president for the past 3 years. Rickayln is in the top 20 of her class and is in Senior spotlight. Her busy schedule includes, college classes, FFA President, Beta, and Yclub.
She is active in her Archery club where she holds several state titles, 4th in nation and plans to try out for the 2024 US JR Olympic team. Not only does Rickayln serve others, she has over 100 head of cattle, sheep, goats, and a horse.
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Photography by Paula Yates Photography

Tell me about some of the community service projects you have done and what you enjoy about them.
I completed over 260 service hours last year. I serve the elderly, volunteer at a vet clinic, and mentor. I serve on my own time and through clubs.
I enjoy seeing how my help has impacted the lives of others. That look is more precious than all the gold in the world.

What are some of the animals you have on your farm and your responsibilities?
I own 37 head of black Angus beef cattle, 15 goats, 10 sheep, a horse, and 3 Jersey heifers. It takes 2 hours to care for the livestock. I trim hooves and carry 8 5gallon buckets of feed and water daily! During the summer I tetter and rake hay!

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Photography by Paula Yates Photography

How do you balance your busy schedule?
It takes a steady schedule. I prioritize my needs and basics first to succeed. Time and effort go a long way especially waking up at 5 am.

What are some of your greatest archery achievements?
I'm a 3-time State Champion, 8th in the nation, and Shooter of the Year for 2 years. I have over 40 medals and 30 scholarships. I was selected to try out for the Junior USA team a couple of years ago and my team has the largest traditional team in the nation!
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Photography by Paula Yates Photography
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What are your future goals for your archery career?
I plan on becoming a coach after high school and shooting on the USA team.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
Target Panic was hard to overcome. I had to shoot at a blank bale for hours to overcome this stage.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
Never give up. Fight for what you believe in and let your voice be heard.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In college studying Veterinary medicine and shooting for team USA.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I love going to the stockyards, hauling cows, and church.

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Photography by Paula Yates Photography

If you could present any topic to your peers, what would it be and why?
I would give a presentation on cows and the proper ways of caring for them. I have a lot of background knowledge about cattle.

3 Things on your bucket list
Buy a King Ranch truck, attend Auburn University, and own a mini highlander cow.

Who do you find inspiring?
My parents. They made me the person I am today and pushed me to do bright things in life!

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I have an open personality, I laugh and smile all the time, and I try to see the best in people even when others put them down.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
“I never thought I would be in a magazine. I always thought my cows were the models!"

Rickayln will be published in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
Click here to nominate an inspiring teen
1 Comment

Sydney Price

9/24/2020

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Sydney Price - Virginia
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Ainsley Abbitt
Photography by Lindsay Shaffer 
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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 The Nomination: Sydney Price hand makes and sells her candles where 50% of the proceeds go to NSVRC.
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Photography by Sydney Price

​What inspired you to start your own non-profit organization hand-making and selling candles, and what is the cause for?
I naturally enjoy staying busy with school, athletics, work, and social life. My high school soccer season just began in early March and was immediately shut-down due to the pandemic. I subsequently found myself with an increased amount of free time from losing my soccer season, no longer working my part-time job, nor attending school. With the at-home orders in place at the time, I was desperate to find a distraction to fill the void. I started viewing videos on youtube and came across candle making! I began with a basic candle making kit and fell in love with the process. After a few candle orders for friends and family, the attention of the products exploded.
I took custom orders, which allowed them to choose from a small variety of colors and scents of their choice. Before I settled on making the business profession a part of my future goal, I always wanted to be a detective in the special victims unit. I decided to combine my passion for both and promote my business as a non-profit organization to raise money for a cause I felt needed more attention. To date, I have donated over $2000 in proceeds to the National Sexual Assault Resource Center (NSVRC). This organization conducts research and provides education and tools to encourage survivors to find healing from their trauma.

Tell me a little bit about how you have managed your organization and how you have helped make a difference by spreading awareness to the proceeds.
When I first started, I offered twenty fragrances and eight colors to allow close family and friends to choose between. When word spread about my custom candles, I realized I needed to prepare a better variety of supplies. I expanded to fifty scents and twelve colors, which made the business grow tremendously. I designed a business platform on Facebook and Instagram, and in the first week, I had over thirty orders. I keep track of my orders by making an "order board" with sticky notes in my workspace. I deliver 12 candle orders throughout the week, six deliveries on Mondays and another six on Wednesdays, spend Saturday and Sunday working through orders, and make trips to the post office on Fridays if required. I'm so thankful for this business and how loyal and trusting my customers are. Because of the organization I'm supporting, survivors share their stories with me and have looked into the NSVRC for more help. My followers share my post, which draws in more awareness of this crime. Between Facebook and Instagram alone, the NSVRC has reached over 800 dollars strictly in donations.


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Photography by Lindsay Shaffer

​What are some of the pros and cons of originating your own business?
This experience has taught me so much. The most significant gain is giving back to my community. I have met several incredible people in the past five months and have had amazing opportunities to advertise my candles in local businesses. One of my favorite parts of this journey is getting orders that require me to mix scents and provide them with a smell they can't find in stores. As much as I would love to say this journey has been "flawless," I'd be lying. The candle making process to achieve one order takes about four hours. This time frame allows the production and packaging of the order. The packaging alone takes an hour and more prolonged if its a shipment. Trusting the shipment process can be stressful because of how fragile the package is.

As a military child, how are you also involved in your parent's service branches, and what has that experience been like for you?
My dad retired as a senior chief in the navy three years ago. He was very in and out because of all his deployments over his years serving. I cherished being able to attend the family cookouts and functions hosted by his crew members. While he was away, I started applying my time to the Virginia Air National Guard Youth Programs. I began attending conferences for the program, camps, and worked as an assistant for the program's administrator. We packed food bags for troops overseas, participated at the yellow ribbon ceremonies, and created events for military families to bring comfort from missing their loved ones serving abroad. I was elected Youth leader of the year a few years after, and it opened my eyes to how rewarding it is to help people.

PicturePhotography by Kristy Price

​How are you also involved in other passions of yours, including soccer? How has soccer impacted your plans you have for your future?
I have been dedicated to soccer since I was five years old. I joined a club team for Yorktown, Va, during my middle school years. I moved on to play varsity soccer for Menchville Highschool during my freshman year and have treasured every second of it. The sport has taught me patience, discipline, and how rewarding hard work is.

In what ways have you become a sensational inspiration for others to help spread awareness on important topics going on in the world that need to be addressed?
By taking the time to research the NSVRC, I used it in my business platform to gain awareness on the subject. When you claim that your consumer's money is going towards an organization, they generally want to see where their money is going, which gives them the ability to read and inform themselves of the crime. I aspire to get as many eyes on the charity as possible, trusting that we teach the future generations how dehumanizing sexual assault is and do our best as a community to put a stop to it. Survivors and their families have contacted me explaining how appreciative they were of discovering this charity and have used it to find healing.

Sydney will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Anna Riddle

9/24/2020

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Anna Riddle - Canada
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Abbie Riddle
Photography by In His Image Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

 The Nomination: Anna Riddle moved with her family to Canada in 2016 as missionaries. She was in the northern interlake region of Manitoba. At 16 she organized a concert event for the area - the first ever, initially paying for the event from her personal savings. In 2019 she held another much larger one. It is her heart to hold events in Canada like WinterJam in the states. She works with Canadian artists, does all the fundraising, organization and event planning and promotion.

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Photography by In His Image Photography
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​Tell me about your experience moving to Canada as a missionary! What work do you do as a missionary there?
When my parents said that they were considering mission work to Canada I was shocked and upset at first because it meant leaving everything I was familiar with. However, once I got here I realized how big of an opportunity there was to share the Word of God and the Hope found in it. This move stretched my faith, challenged me and caused me to look at the needs of others. I can’t say it was without challenges but I have learned that challenges help us become better people, help us to grow in our faith.

How did you get the idea to hold a concert event for Manitoba?
I had been praying about ways God could use me in this new mission field. I have always loved the music and the impact it has had in my life, how it connects people no matter where they are in life or where they come from. Back home I grew up attending WinterJam, sometimes two or three times a year in Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana and other events like it. I also led a music ministry called Praise In Motion that was an ASL ministry to music. It just seemed natural to take this love of music and bring a concert event to the remote location we were in. No other events take place in the Northern Interlake. This would be opportunity to share the Hope of Christ in a way that transcends religion, race, creed, colour or social status.

What type of work goes into planning an event like this? Walk me through the step by step process!
By it’s very nature this will be more than 100 words. You will have to take what you want. The first concert event came about quickly. I knew God wanted me to do it so I told my parents. They told me that they supported me but that funding would be an issue. I committed in my heart to pay for the concert myself. First step was to secure a venue – our local Community Hall, and set the date for the event. Next was the more difficult step. I began praying God would open up doors for me to reach Christian bands. I did not know many in Canada so I began to look for artist and send out emails. After several emails and several months and a little bit of a feeling of disappointment I finally got a first response from Canada’s Christian Band ‘The Color’. They agreed to not charge but to make their money from ticket sales. After this I began searching for a speaker, I contacted Tim Hague Jr – from Canda’s Amazing Race. After hearing my heart and my story he agreed to come for a reduced price. Next was working to make sure the event was advertised and tickets were sold (100). After the first event our church association refunded me most of the money I had spent (almost $4000). And doors were opened as the story of what I was doing spread. Bands, Speakers and Artist were contacting me to be a part of something great.
The next event was a little different. I had learned a lot. As soon as event one was over I jumped into planning the next. I knew God was leading me to do something bigger than the last. The following are the steps it now takes to pull off the events:
(1) Securing a date, and venue.
(2) Setting a budget that is detailed. This includes what I will pay for bands, speakers, equipment, accomadations, food, ect.
(3) Securing bands and speakers. The bands for concert two were Ezekiel, Lyndsey Mineker, Fresh I.E., Sky Terminal. The speakers were Ryan from Give the Word, and Anthony Mineker.
(4) Fundraising. For event two I traveled to Texas and spoke at several churches, petitioned friends, family and church members to sponsor the event, and asked for donations from local businesses and people. My budget was $10,000 the second time around.
I also worked this time on writing a grant with the local city government to pay for part of this event.
(5) Advertisement. I advertised on air, in local papers, and with posters. This included on air interviews on the local Christian radio station. I also sent all information to churches to help spread the word and handed out free tickets at schools.
(6) Securing all acommadations and travel.
(7) Securing all rental equipment needed by the bands.
(8) Set up of the event.
(9) Feeding the bands, speakers, and volunteers throughout the weekend long event.
I was in the beginning stages of planning event three when CoVid hit. I was also helping other organizations plan similar events in different areas. This also opened the door to personal relationships with many artists and bands that have opened many opportunities to serve.

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Photography by In His Image Photography
​What is it like for you to see your concerts be such a success and to see the finished product? What advice do you have for others who would like to plan a concert like this in their area?
I can’t really explain how it feels, it is simply an overwhelming and amazing feeling to accomplish what God has called you to do. I would tell someone to always follow God, even when it seems impossible and hard to do. God’s plans are better than ours, the hope that these concerts give to others is life changing. For one night the kids and teens, young and old adults are free from the worries and struggles they face.

What goals do you have for your future? Do you want to work in the ministry like your parents or focus more on music?
I would eventually like to obtain a degree in ASL to help give the Gospel to the deaf community. I surrendered to mission work when I was 13 years so I want to make sure that what I ever do in life glorifies God. Music is a way to bridge the gap and reach people because it transcends barriers and is a universal language. Ministry and music for me are one and the same. Music is the way I can serve in ministry. These concerts and the friendships and relationships I have made have opened so many doors. I have met so many amazing people with a heart to serve others and love on them. It most recently opened the door for me to be able to help a very talented friend get her first album published. In the future I have been invited to work with various artists in planning events and take part in events that they are planning. I was also recently invited to serve in Danny MacKay’s I am Second ministry here in Manitoba.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The first concert was probably the hardest thing I have accomplished on my own. I did it through prayer and the amazing support of my family.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
When God calls you to something – just do it. Trusting His plans are important, and they are better than anything you could dream up on your own. I would say in short – pursue your dreams.

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
It’s hard to really tell. I plan on attending university and go on a mission trip. I also hope to be working on many more concert events, maybe even working with artists to help plan their tours and scheduling.

What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
Baking. I absolutely baking cupcakes. I mean all sorts of fancy filled cupcakes. I also love making cinnamon rolls. Next to this is spending time with my family – which includes 8 siblings, and my friends.

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I don’t know. I haven’t ever thought about this to be honest. I can quickly learn and pick up ASL so learning new praise songs is easy for me
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Photography by In His Image Photography
If you could publicly present any topic to a group of your peers, what would it be and why?
I think the topic of trusting God is big in my life right now because we often think we know better than him or that he might need our assistance in making something happen. And really these periods of waiting we find ourselves in are really important – it is a time to reflect on God’s grace and what he has already done for us.

3 Things on your bucket list
Visit Paris, Finally go on a mission trip (moving to Canada is missionaries does not count), Travel the world or open my own café.

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom. She’s really shown me what it means to have a faith without borders. And the importance of really taking time to spend time in God’s Word and making sure that what I am doing lines up with Him. She has shown me what it means to have a strong faith even when times are difficult and it’s hard to see God at work. And what it looks like to be fully surrendered to God. And my Dad. His heart for outreach and ministry and the desire to want to be exactly where God wants us.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
It’s hard to envision myself as inspiring. What I was doing and am doing is all about what God has called me to do it wasn’t ever about being noticed or making a name for myself. I wanted to share the love of God. My parents have always reached out to others, we grew up with an open door at our home and my parents have a heart of hospitality. They always invited us to walk alongside them in ministry. As children that meant homeless ministry, soup kitchens, ministry to poor and in the bad neighborhoods, it meant inviting anyone and everyone to eat at our table and to talk with us. So…..my life is about that message. I want to love others the way God has loved me, and the way I have seen Him love others through my parents. Maybe I am inspiring because I aspire to live according to the Gospel with a transparent faith and walk - it’s not about denominations or religion. Its all about relationship, transparency, love, faith, hope. It’s about God. I’m just a girl who wants to follow God and I’m okay with being imperfect and falling down because God is the one who lifts us up.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
No, but if you have any questions I’d love to discuss them with you. I am so excited to share with others. Thanks for the opportunity.

Anna will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more info on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Makenzie Cox

9/24/2020

1 Comment

 
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Makenzie Cox – Arkansas
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Amber Aaron Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​The Nomination: Makenzie Cox is such a sweet fun-loving young lady!! She joined my Teen Model Rep team for 2020 and is absolutely amazing to work with! She has really came out of her shell and is blossoming into an amazing young lady. She inspires me to be a better photographer ever session we have!
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Photography by Amber Aaron Photography

How did being a teen model rep help you come out of your shell?
What is your favorite memory so far from it?
I was very skeptical about being a teen rep because I am so shy! I hate being the center of attention and honestly did not think that I would enjoy it as much as I have so far. Being a teen model has given me so much confidence to be myself and be comfortable in my own skin. My favorite memory so far is during the first group photoshoot where I was able to meet all the girls. Everyone was so nice, helpful, and encouraging. I never felt left out or out of place. These girls are like family!

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Photography by Amber Aaron Photography

​Tell me about the work that goes into wanting to graduate high school with 2 years of college credit?
My goal to graduate high school with two years of college is going to take a lot of work, motivation, and dedication. I must be able to focus on my studies while understanding what classes I need to complete for my goals. My first steps in accomplishing this was to determine that I wanted to go to medical school. Once I figured out that I wanted to become a doctor, I researched what classes I needed and what the fastest route to complete these courses were. I spoke with my parents after researching our area high school programs that offered concurrent college credit and made the decision to switch high schools my freshman year. I have started studying for the ACT, taking college preparatory classes, and have even read through my mom’s medical books.

What inspired you to be what to become a surgeon in a rural community?
Growing up in a rural community has proven to be both satisfying and challenging. Small town communities typically do not have a lot to offer when it comes to community events, medical providers, or opportunities for advancement. There are so many people within our community that struggle to find transportation to nearby metroplexes for their healthcare needs. My goal is to bring medical care to them, in their community, to be better serve my community. If we can keep our community members local for their healthcare needs, we can inevitability increase our community’s revenue.

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Photography by Amber Aaron Photography

What helped you push through and overcome bullying? What advice would you give people going through a similar situation?
Over the past year, I have learned that bullies say things to hurt you or bring your down because they are unhappy with themselves. I have always been raised by the “Golden Rule” and strive to achieve this every day. I am always encouraged to push through harsh words from bullies with my Christian faith. My advice to others that are being bullied is to simply stand up for yourself. You are your best advocate and should always be your number one fan.

Tell me more about how you got into fostering animals? What is the process like?
My grandmother retired recently and needed a hobby. We are a pretty close family so when she found puppies one day, we were over the moon excited to help her take care of little babies. Since that time, we have helped several of her foster dogs socialize, give medications, bath them, and deliver them to their new homes. It is sad to see them leave my grandma’s house but I know they are going to a good family with a good life ahead of them.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
My advice to anyone that is given the opportunity to become a teen rep is to take the chance. I have met new friends and become more confident in my abilities to speak with others about standing up for what you believe in and always doing the right thing.

Makenzie will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
1 Comment

Jazlyn Yanssens

9/24/2020

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Jazlyn Yanssens - Pennsylvania
Interview by Olivia Bush
Noination and Photography by Photographybyalessa
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
​

​The Nomination: Jazlyn Yanssens is selfless, helpful, caring and a life saver. One early morning this summer I witnessed a man collapse in the park across the street from our house. After calling 911 I ran to check on him and discovered he was not breathing. The 911 operator asked if I knew CPR and I answered “no, but my daughter does.” I ran to get her, she was asleep, but jumped out of bed, and ran to the park without hesitation. She immediately began CPR, and it WORKED! She saved his life. After a week in the hospital, and many prayers he came to visit her to thank his “Angel”. Thankfully, Jazlyn knew what to do because she was a lifeguard. She has inspired me to take CPR and she hopes she inspired others to do the same.
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Photography by Photographybyalessa

Tell me about the moment when you were woken up by your mom, what was going through your head in that moment?
The moment my mom woke me up, I instantly thought I woke up late for moving my brother into college. I never would have expected to be saving a life.

Why did you decide to get your CPR certification and why do you believe it is important for others to get theirs?
I got my CPR certification during my life guard training. I decided to do this because I thought it would be a fun job to work at our local pool with a bunch of my friends from the swim team. I think it is very important that others get certified because you never know when you’ll need to step into help someone like I did.

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Photography by Photographybyalessa

​What does it mean to you to be an inspiration to many people because you saved this man's life?
It means a lot to me that people see me as an inspiration because I saved a mans life. I love knowing that people feel safe around me because of what I did, it’s also an honor knowing people look up to me and want to learn CPR because of my story.

What different volunteer projects have you participated in and which has been your favorite?
I have also volunteered at school tutoring for middle school students and worked in the tech department. I also walk my elderly neighbor’s dog a couple times a week. My favorite would have to be tutoring though, I love working with the students one on one. I also love hearing feedback that I helped raise their grades.
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Photography by Photographybyalessa
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What inspired you to want to become a lifeguard? How long have you been doing this and where else do you work?
Many of my teammates on the swim team are life guards and our assistant coach is the manager at the pool, so I thought it would be fun to work with my teammates at the pool. I only got to work at the pool one summer, since the pool got closed due to covid this summer. I now work for a sign company.

What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest things I’ve accomplished was qualifying for the district championship for swimming. Our girls team qualified for the 200-freestyle relay. At the beginning of the season we never thought we would’ve made it, but we worked hard as a team and went all out at every meet, and qualified at our very last chance. It was such an amazing feeling we got to experience as a team.
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Photography by Photographybyalessa

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
In the future I plan on going to college and earning a bachelors degree in supply chain management.

Who do you find inspiring?
My mom is my inspiration. She is the hardest worker I know and would love to be half the woman she is one day. She is her own boss, working for her businesses she’s made for herself. She is such a hard worker and deserves everything she receives.

Jazlyn will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Jenna Kilburg

9/24/2020

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Jenna Kilburg – Michigan
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by debographyphotography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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The Nomination: Jenna is an inspiration, she lost her father at a young age due to a PTSD suicide and has a developmentally disabled little sister.  She is a wonderful soul who always helps others.  In spite of all her challenges, she maintains a high grade point average in addition to working nearly full time to help support her family.  She made Varsity Cheer her freshman year and has maintained her status through senior year. She is a driven young woman, focused on getting to college and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for her!
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Photography by debographyphotography

​How long have you been cheering and what inspired you to start?
 I’ve been cheering since I was five. Cheer has always been apart of my family. My mom was a coach and manager for a local team where we live. My oldest sister also cheered. I was always at practice and games watching and love it, it looked so fun. My sister and her friends would always put me in cool stunts and teach me tumbling skills .

What did it mean to you to have made varsity cheer as a freshman? What is your favorite memory from cheer and why is it your favorite?
It meant so much to make varsity as a freshman because at my high school freshman could only make freshman or junior varsity. It meant even more knowing that I was going to be put in rounds for a very important competition. My favorite memory is being on the sideline with my team cheering on the football players and the fans. Also, being on the mat for competitions, feeling the rush from the nerves but also excitement when everything goes good.

Has it been difficult having to step up and help out around your family? What have you learned from having to do this?
At times it can be a little difficult but I want to help as much as possible. It has definitely made me more mature and responsible growing up compared to other. It also made me realize how no matter what life isn’t going to be easy and sometimes people need a little help here and there.

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Photography by debographyphotography

How do you balance school, clubs. family, and working? What are your tips for others on how to balance many things like you do?
Trying to balance everything is a lot sometimes and not always easy. I balance it by trying to plan out a schedule each week, and understand when and what I have going on each day. Tips for others would be that communication with your bosses, coaches, teachers etc. is very critical. Most of the time as long as you talk it out with them ahead of time, you are more likely to have flexibility and be able to get them all done.

What goals do you have for your future?
My goals for the future are to go to college and maintain a good GPA. I hope to go into medical school, work In a hospital as a neonatal nurse, and hopefully end up as a neonatologist as I become more educated in that field.

Jenna will be published in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more info on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Ashton Short

9/24/2020

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Ashton Short - Kentucky
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination and Photography by Shannon Short
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Ashton Short is an inspiring teen in so many ways. She has a kind heart and always wants to help others. She worked countless hours contacting her school’s athletic director, coaches and coordinated field times to start the very first girl’s lacrosse team in her school’s history. She also applied for and won 2 grants for the team for equipment and supplies. Ashton helps fellow students study, last year she created her own study guide for students in one of her dual credit classes, helping bring up their grades. She is a member of National Honor Society and volunteers throughout our community. Her contagious smile and giving heart make her an inspiration.
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Photography by Ashton Short

Why did you want to start a girl lacrosse team at your school?
I loved watching my brother play the sport, and I wanted a chance to play as well.
It took two years to create the team, what were some setbacks you had to overcome?
There were some apparent setbacks, such as finding a coach and getting team members. The more intensive setbacks were getting field time and funding for the team. Luckily, I applied for a $3,000 equipment grant and I got approved for it. I was so fortunate to be able to present it to my team.

What motivated you to keep going when it came to making the team for your high school?
I heard of other girls from previous years who wanted a team but failed. I thought to myself, if not now then when? I had some connections to the coaches of the boy’s team and used that to best of ability. My hope was that I could be persistent enough that administrators had to listen.

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Photography by Shannon Short

​What is it like knowing you are an inspiration to others?
I cannot take all the credit if I’m inspiring others. There are so many adults, ranging from teachers to coaches, who helped me become the person I am today. These influential people are the ones who taught me to do the best of my ability. I hope that if I am inspiring others, it’s for them to know they have the ability to make a change in the world. Especially being the captain of my team, it is vital to be a positive leader. If I am in charge of the girls on my team, then I want them to have the same leadership skills as me.

Why do you take time out of your day to help others? (I.e. dual credit study guide)
In my mind, I think, “If you have the ability to help others, why not?”. I saw a chance to help teach others a subject they were failing in. I have always been a sucker for volunteering, stretching from elementary school to high school. I think it is so beneficial to yourself and others when you help others. Overall, I think it’s in my DNA to have the want to volunteer and help people. It has always come so easy to me.
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Photography by Shannon Short

​How do you keep a positive and kind attitude while tackling so much throughout school and extracurricular activities?
Growing up, many adults asked me this. I think it is so important to take care of your mental health through difficult and stressful times. I believe it is crucial to look at your life and be so grateful for everything you have. There are so many people out there who don’t have half the things you might have. I just take a look at my life and be so thankful for those who have sacrificed things for the betterment of my life.

Ashton will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

Click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Mara Rouse

9/20/2020

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​Mara Rouse - Ohio
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination by Julie Rouse
Photography by 12.9 Dance
​Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

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​The Nomination: Mara Jade Rouse is a wonderful and beautiful teen who has an even more amazing work and dance ethic. Her compassion and dedication to her friends, family, school and dance is a great attribute. She has been dancing since 4th grade! I love watching her dance and grow. She never gives up when given a task and keeps going!
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Photography by 12.9 Dance
​     What I love most about dance is the feeling I get when I’m on stage. When the lights hit me, and I start dancing. All my worries and stresses slip away as I’m doing what I love most. I don’t have to worry about drama, or any of my other stresses when I walk on that stage. That’s the only place I can get away from it. I also love the drive and the adrenaline rush I get. All my nerves and excitement combined drives me to do a great job. It has impacted who I am by teaching me there are bigger and better things in life, and to be kind to everyone. Dance has taught me more about being human than any school ever did. I haven’t danced for very long. Only 5 going on 6 years. And it was never a huge part of my life until around 7th grade when I quit cheer for dance. Then dance became a whole lot more important when I moved to my studio I’m at now. I have so many memorable experiences but that is the biggest one. Moving from cheer, to dance, then to another dance studio. This new studio made me realize how much I actually love dance and wouldn’t trade it for the world. Some topics I am very passionate about is of course Black Lives Matter, but also Women’s Rights, abortion, and people’s body images, insecurities and how people compare themselves to people on social media. I believe that women should be able to do exactly what men can do simply because they can. Don’t discriminate over gender. I also believe that abortion is murdering a person. If you got pregnant by accident and really didn’t want the baby, there are other options, like adoption. Don’t kill an innocent baby that isn’t even born yet and doesn’t have a choice. My biggest inspiration is my dance instructor Miss Melody. She is my biggest inspiration because she has done so much for me and took me in as though I was her own. She is so kind to people and does everything she can to make people happy. I love her so much and I wish to be like her when I get older. My passion in dance can make other teens be inspired because I am so determined. When I can’t get something right, I do it over and over and over again until it’s right. This can inspire teens to never give up and to always keep pushing themselves to make them better. 
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Photography by 12.9 Dance
​    Some advice I would give to someone who wants to be where I am is to always be humble and always stay determined. Things will get tough and to the point where you think to yourself “Why am I even doing this?” but you can’t let those thoughts get to you. You have to remember that you are doing this because you love it and committed to it and you’re not going to let anything get in the way of that. If I were to publicly present a topic in front of my peers it would be about people’s body images, insecurities, etc. I am passionate about this topic because although I do these things, and I’ve been through them, I hate seeing when, not just a girl, but anyone is down on themselves and hate how they look. I could go on all day about this topic. 3 things on my bucket list are one, to go to Hawaii. My mom used to live there and I’ve heard it’s beautiful. Two, meet Shawn Mendes. I have listened and been obsessed with him since I was little. And three, work as a dancer at Disney. I would love to have this job because I love to dance and I absolutely love Disney. 
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Photography by 12.9 Dance
Mara will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more info on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Gianna DiPasquale

9/18/2020

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Gianna DiPasquale - Ohio
Interview by Claire Plath
Nomination and Photography by Sharon Holy Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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The Nomination: Gianna is beautiful inside and out! She's a very outgoing, positive person and always find the bright side of things. She makes everyone feel so special and important and loves helping people out. Gianna is a Varsity Cheerleader and has been involved in cheerleading in school and/or competitively most of her life. She also plays for the Varsity LaCrosse team. I consider a teen to be inspiring when you can see the goodness in their heart and that's what I see with Gianna!

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​What do you love most about cheerleading, and how has it been a passion of yours for the past 12 years?
Cheer makes me stay positive and grateful for what I have. Cheerleading also has taught me so many valuable life lessons and traits that I think are so important to have. For the past 12 years cheer is one of my biggest passions. It's always been a main priority of mine ever since I was little growing up. Being so passionate about cheer is something I put my 110% percent in to dedicating.

Tell me a little bit about the unforgettable memories you have made through competitive cheerleading.
Over the years I have made so many countless memories in cheer that will last me a lifetime. My absolute favorite memory from competitive cheerleading is my cheer team and I advanced to the finals in Chicago where we competed against other teams around the United States. We performed in front of 10,000 people and won first place. I will never ever forget that feeling I got when I heard my cheer team named 1st place in front of all those people. It’s a feeling you get in the moment that you can't explain.

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​How has cheer helped you move past hard times by becoming a positive outlet in your life?
Cheer has helped me through so many hard times in my life. When I was going through a really hard time in my life, cheer was always there for me. It would keep my mind off things and make me feel like I'm a part of something. Cheer helped me keep going and pick my head up, it made me feel good about what I was doing. Doing competitive cheer helped me become a positive person and helped me shape who I am as a person today. Cheer taught me no matter what be yourself, and express yourself through everything going on in your life. I believe if you have a positive outlook, you will have a positive outcome.

How have the hardships and struggles you have faced made you into the person you are today by growing confident in yourself?
The hardships and struggles only made me stronger. Even though I went through major bullying and terrible times it taught me to be confident in who you are, love yourself, stay positive, and you are so special as you are. The struggles were not easy but if it wasn't for all the bullying It wouldn't have helped me become who I am today or how I view things.

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What advice would you give to other teens who have gone through bullying to encourage and uplift them?
My advice would be never doubt yourself. You are so beautiful and special in everyone, so you need to love yourself. Stay positive and never doubt something or look at the bad, staying positive can keep you in a good mindset to make yourself better and focus on the good things in life. Self-worth, self-confidence, and self-love are more important than you think.

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In what ways can your journey to where you are today inspire others to stay true to who they are no matter what others say?
My journey shaped me into the person I am today. Staying true to yourself helped me overcome my harsh bullying that I went through. At one of my worst moments in life I thought it would never get better, it did. You just have to remember yourself that you are special, loved and important. Just always remind yourself that it will get better just stick with yourself. All of this helped me become who I am today.

Gianna will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Kylie Sandberg

9/18/2020

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Kylie Sandberg – Virginia
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination and Photography by Gray Seniors
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

​The Nomination: Kylie Sandberg is kind to everyone see meets and is so humble. This summer she started a cookie business to raise money for her high school relay for life team. She has raised over $6000.00 and is still baking. She has recently started designing clay earrings to sell as well. Her business right down to the smallest details is impeccable.
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Photography by Gray Seniors

​Why did you decide to take such an astounding leadership role in the Relay for Life club at your school? Tell me all about the club!
Both of my grandfathers passed away from cancer and my dad is a 3-year cancer survivor. I have always wanted to start my own Relay for life team but never really had the right platform to carry it through. In the beginning of my junior year, I decided this was my year and remembering setting a goal to myself saying “2020 will be my year, my best year”. I wanted to get all my friends, teachers, student body and faculty involved. We were able to schedule an ornament fundraiser in December which raised $100! Next, we planned a Winter dance and a fashion show. Unfortunately, due to the global pandemic, we were unable to do any of those fundraisers. I absolutely love being President of this club because I surround myself with dedicated and hardworking people. We plan on having lots of fundraisers throughout our senior year, and we hope to be back in school soon so we can carry out plans from our previous year.

How did Relay for Life lead to the start up of your business Hello Kylie?
When I was 7 years old, my Mom took me to my first Relay For Life event, American Cancer Society’s hallmark fundraiser. A year later, I had a dream of opening a bakery and owning a food truck to sell donuts and cookies. Of course, I wanted the food truck to be pink! During the Summer before starting 2nd grade, I sold cupcakes, cookies, cake pops, and donuts at my summer camp. I made a total of $40 and donated it all to my mom’s Relay For Life team! So, this sparked my interest to fulfil my 8-year-old dream of opening my own bakery.

With COVID-19, I knew whatever I did, it had to be a solo act with mandatory social distancing. I knew the American Cancer Society would struggle without the funding. I knew cancer patients, cancer survivors, families, friends, and the ones who lost their lives to cancer deserved more. During the month of March, I decided to step up to the plate and “Hello Kylie” was conceived. Through social media and word-of-mouth, I sold homemade sugar cookies and clay earrings. 10,000 cookies and 300 earrings later, I am happy to say “Hello Kylie” was a hit. Here I am in September continuing this fundraiser which has raised almost $7,000! I plan to continue this venture with a goal to reach $10,000 by the end of my senior year.

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Photography by Kylie Sandberg

​Tell me all about Hello Kylie, what you sell, and how your business took off!
“Hello Kylie” is my marque name through social media. It was conceived when a simple email popped up opening with “Hello Kylie.” I thought “wow I kind of like that” and there it was, the beginning of an incredible journey. All the products I sell are homemade and proud to say made by myself! I sell my homemade sugar cookies and clay earrings. So far, I have made over 10,000 cookies and 300 pairs of earrings! I had the privilege of opening a Pop-Up Shop at 2 local boutiques during a weekend that raised over $1,000! I have also been given the opportunity to have Hello Kylie at a local Farmers Market next week! My motto is Creating For A Cure.
My fundraiser took off once everyone was sharing my story! After one person shared it was a chain reaction. I am blessed to have the opportunity to be featured in several social media outlets which share my story.


Were you surprised when you surpassed your original fundraising goal of $250 dollars? What is your goal now and is Hello Kylie something you hope to continue for many years even after Relay for life?
Absolutely! I was so surprised by the amount of donations and support I received from my community. This opportunity gave me the chance to meet so many new friends and help to reconnect with old friends. I never thought I would reach the thousands let alone $250. I thought this fundraiser would be completely slow but am grateful for how it took off. I am also grateful for all the kindness and support my community has shown me. My next goal for Hello Kylie is to raise at least $10,000 by the end of my senior year and ultimately inspire others to start their own Relay For Life team. I am also part of my County’s Youth Commission where I hope to use my voice to inspire high schoolers to start their own Relay Team. My goal is to speak at high school and even middle school assemblies to bring more awareness and tell them my story. The more people you get involved the bigger the audience grows to hopefully bring more awareness and donations! I want to encourage other students they have a voice and the ability to make a difference. I want to be the one who pushes them and not be afraid to set big goals.
I do not ever see Hello Kylie retiring soon. I am absolutely continuing this through college and joining my college’s Relay For Life team! The best part being involved with Relay For Life is that everyone shares the same goal to find a cure for cancer. The more money raised, the more opportunities for cancer research.

Tell me more about why you chose to want to pursue a career in nursing? What do you love about helping people?
Helping others has always been one of my biggest priorities. My parents have shown the value of giving back at a young age. I helped with my first Relay For Life serving dinner to cancer survivors when I was 7. Growing up I volunteered walking dogs at the SPCA and in my freshman year I tutored middle schoolers at church after school. I think there is something special about giving back. It gives me so much satisfaction and fulfillment and I also believe giving back gives you a sense of accomplishment. I believe if you have the privilege to give back, why wouldn’t you? My years of giving back and volunteering has been a win-win. It has rewarded me with self-confidence, a feeling of pride and a sense of leadership.
My mom is a nurse and seeing the satisfaction and happiness she brings by helping others inspired me to pursue the same profession. Being a nurse seems rewarding because you are caring for others. I believe and hope the compassion I possess will make me a great nurse like my Mom. I feel becoming a nurse would fit perfectly for the person I am because of the commitment and dedication I put into helping others. Currently I am shadowing a Registered Nurse in my Mentorship class. I am excited for this opportunity and know I will gain insight into a great profession!

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Photography by Gray Seniors
​What is the hardest thing you’ve ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
The hardest thing would have to be overcoming my doubt in accomplishing my goals because of the fear of others judging me. I remember asking students during lunch if they would be interested in purchasing an ornament for a fundraiser we had for Relay for Life. I was laughed at and humiliated. I felt like I was never going to raise even $100 for my Relay team. During quarantine I had the chance to reflect on that situation. I handled it by moving on and writing out all my ideas and everything I was passionate about. I have had to deal with some of the most negative people throughout this fundraiser. Honestly, I feel people wanted to watch me fail. If I let that get to me, I would not be able to be where I am today. One of my most favorite quotes is “haters are my motivators”. As cringey as that is, it truly has helped me become the confident person I am today, and it has helped me grow my fundraiser! Using the people who do not want me to succeed empowers me to just prove them wrong. It is one of my biggest takeaways I have realized from this whole experience.

What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would tell them never let a person, event, or even tragedy hold you back from perusing your goals. I would also tell them that good things come with hard work. Hard work comes with ups and downs, so being able to push past the harder times helps to make you more successful. I also feel that when you love what you’re doing everything after that comes easy, so do what you love not what people tell you to do!

Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans for the future?
I see myself graduating with a Nurse Practitioner’s degree and continuing to complete service throughout my life. I always want to be involved with Relay For Life and eventually I hope to continue baking and spreading awareness in my community and many others. I want to stay connected with all the amazing people I have met through Relay For Life and continue working together until we find a cure for cancer.

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What is your favorite activity or pastime that wasn’t in your nomination?
I really love surfing! My best friend’s dad was a professional surfer, so I have surfed at the Outer Banks, North Carolina and Croatan, Virginia Beach almost every weekend to practice this past Summer. It is something I am not perfect at but I’m still learning!

Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
I am extremely skilled at carnival games! I discovered this hidden talent last year at my State Fair when I won a 6-foot unicorn stuffed animal that weighed about 25 pounds after one toss at a Toss Up game. Not bragging, but I only paid $4 and my friend spent $40 on the game. I still believe to this day, that day was one of the best days of my life.

If you could publicly present any topic to your peers, what would it be and why?
I would simply say get involved with your community, school, clubs, sports, and other activities to find what you are most passionate about. I really found my purpose through fundraising for the American Cancer Society. I think being involved with more things helps to further push you towards the things that give you the most fulfilment.

3 Things on your bucket list
I have always wanted to take kick boxing lessons because that is just the most fun way to learn self-defense. I have also really wanted to learn a traditional Filipino dance so I can be more in touch with my culture. Finally, I would love to write a children’s book. This book would be all about making your dreams come true, and of course it would end with a “happily ever after.”

Who do you find inspiring?
I find the nationally titled Haleigh Ryan Hurst inspiring. She was newly crowned Miss High School America 2020 just last week. She advocates spreading the pageant’s platform B.R.A.V.E. at schools, which is about anti-bullying, Building Respect And Values for Everyone. I find her inspiring because she is passionate about this platform and sharing her story of being bullied herself. I would also love to one day meet her and share ideas.

What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I think I inspire others with the way I carried through my vision of Hello Kylie. After the success of my fundraiser, I had 5 other girls reach out to me asking how to start their projects. I also got messages from other girls thanking me for inspiring them to start their own fundraisers. They saw how my story evolved and how hard work really paid off! I am so happy to know that I inspired many others to start their own charity work because there is a whole community to serve.

Anything else you’d like to tell us?
Another passion I have is cheerleading. I started All-Star cheerleading in Kindergarten at a gym called Fame All-Stars, formerly Paramount Cheer Extreme and now am part of Grafton High School’s competition cheer. In total, I cheered for 12 years. My team holds the title of 2017 and 2018 class 4A state champions and I was awarded the 2018 class 4A Cheerleader of the Year. During my sophomore year, I was given the opportunity to be part of the coaching staff of Grafton Middle School’s cheer program. I volunteered my time to coach their competition routine and in 2019, Grafton Middle School won their competition! With this experience, I currently teach gymnastics class to young girls at my local YMCA and love doing this!

Kylie will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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Madisyn McVay

9/18/2020

1 Comment

 
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Madisyn McVay – Ohio
Interview by Diamond Orin
Nomination by Katie McVay
Photography by Jennifer Grace Studio
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination:  Madisyn McVay is 17 years old. She has been through and seen more than most adults have and has gone through things most young children shouldn't. Through all of this she has always maintained to be a strong, loving, kind, and beautiful person inside and out. She always treats others with respect and is wise beyond her years. We are so proud of all that she has accomplished and cannot wait to see what the future holds!
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Photography by Jennifer Grace Studio

​What are some things you have overcame that many people have not?
Unlike most people my age I have endured many struggles in my lifetime. Having a parent with an addiction is not easy. Most children talk to their parents about the sports they play or how school went; my talks were filled with explaining an overdose and how one of my parents was going away for a while. Nobody ever asks to lose out on childhood experiences because you’re forced to grow up at a young age. Even though it’s caused me emotional trauma, I wouldn’t change it for the world. If I had not gone through the struggles I had as a young child I wouldn’t be the person I am today, and I couldn’t be more grateful to have come out of my situation with a positive outlook on life.

What is something you want people to know about your story and why you do what you do?
I want people to know that what happened to me affects me every day. There is not a day that goes by that I don’t think about the important memories we’ve missed out on and the time we’ll never get back. I don’t let it stop me though, in fact I let it do the exact opposite. I let it push me and inspire me to be my very best. What’s in the past is done with and I’m not going to let it have a negative impact on me. I try and live every day to the fullest and treat others with kindness along the way.

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Photography by Jennifer Grace Studio

​What keeps you going everyday?
My want for a good future is what keeps me going. I want to be the best version of myself. Having a family is a goal of mine and I want to provide my future children a better life than me. I want them to experience a proper childhood and not have any worries. That’s what pushes me everyday to work harder and to do my best in school so I can get into a good college.

What is it like knowing you are an inspiration to others?
It feels very surreal to know that people look up to me. I would have never thought that I would have the power to impact others’ lives. It feels amazing to know that I can impact others who are struggling. I am so thankful to share my story to let others know that they aren’t alone in what they’re going through.

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Photography by KC Photography

What do you like so much about spreading kindness to others?
 I like spreading kindness to others because I know what it feels like to be in a dark place and to think nobody is in your corner. I wish that I had more people show me kindness while I was struggling. I know now that you never will fully understand to the full extent of how another individual is feeling or what they’re going through. Showing a simple act of kindness can go a long way and can make that individuals day or even week.

Madisyn will be published in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
Click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
1 Comment

Dawson Lair

9/18/2020

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Dawson Lair - Ohio
Interview by Olivia Bush
Nomination by Colleen and David Lair
Photography by Marissa Camino Photography
Issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
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​The Nomination: Dawson Lair never gives up. He strives for greatness on and off the baseball field.
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Photography by Marissa Camino Photography

​What inspired you to start playing baseball and how long have you been playing baseball?
I have been playing baseball since I could hold a ball. What inspired me to start playing baseball was my internal drive to be better. I want to see the best; I want to be the best. It is the hard work that you put in to see it pay off in the games.

What is your most memorable moment from playing baseball? Why?
One of my most memorable times that I have had playing baseball was when I was about 12 years old. We beat one of the best teams in our league and I pitched a no hitter and I went 2-3. I ended up getting the game ball. The reason why this is my favorite memory is because the excitement of beating the best team and knowing you had a big part of that feels amazing, It's one of a kind. It is leading your team onto the field and coming off knowing you did the best you could and knowing you achieved your goal and made a memory for all your friends. A moment you will never forget.
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Photography by Marissa Camino Photography

​How has the pandemic changed you as a person and how do you think the pandemic has changed other teens?
The pandemic has taught me to learn how to change. I have had to adapt to everyday life in a way I never thought. I had to change the way I live and learn. I had to create new ways train for baseball. I had to learn by myself due to being quarantined. This has made me stronger. I learned how important my family is.

Why do you believe that our generation is one that can adapt to change and how do you think we can do this?
Our generation can adapt in a minute to change. We have learned to changed how we live. We have become the most adaptable generation. The generation who can create better ways to do things.
We will be the generation who can learn and create better.

What ideas do you have on how we can make this time period the best it can be for our generation?
We need to work together to create better. For all of us to come together as one whole family, To put away our differences and opinions so we can grow together and grow as a nation. To solve the problems of today.

Dawson will be featured in issue 38 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
click here for more information on issue 38
click here to nominate an inspiring teen
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