Hailey Ballard's Inspiring Journey of Leadership, Service & Heart | Inspiring Teens Magazine
- Inspiring Teens Magazine
- Jul 30
- 7 min read
Hailey Ballard – Kentucky
Nomination & Photography by April Manning Photography
Issue 104 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination: Hailey has been part of my teen team for several years, and it has been a privilege to watch her grow into an exceptional young woman. She leads by example, balancing leadership roles in FBLA and DECA, varsity soccer and golf, dual-enrollment college coursework, volunteer service, and a job at Starbucks—all while pursuing an Associate of Science degree during high school. Her kindness, work ethic, and genuine heart make her a role model to those around her. I couldn’t be prouder to have watched her journey, and I’m excited to welcome her to my Senior Team next year.
Photography by April Manning Photography
What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?
One special thing about me is that I love to serve in Children’s Church and I enjoy helping others. I love helping kids at VBS and church Day Camp. I enjoy spending time mentoring kids at my old Elementary school.
What inspired you to begin serving in your church and community?
What inspired me to begin serving my church and community is the following. I grew up in church as a child and I have always loved to serve and help in anyway I possibly can, and I have always loved helping others it makes my day.
What have the children you mentor taught you about kindness and leadership?
I have mentored many children in church and in schools. My favorite part about helping them is seeing that every child is different in their own way. Being able to understand that every child has a different personality, how special connecting with them can be. By working with children I have learned to be more patient, caring, and creative.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
I am currently accepted and enrolled in the Volenteen Program at Baptist Health in Lexington, KY. I am volunteering in Radiation Oncology. I have enjoyed helping patients and making a difference while being there.
What has been the most meaningful experience you've had while volunteering at the hospital?
While Volunteering at Baptist Health in Lexington, KY, I have shadowed many different professions. During my time there I helped people find their way to their ultrasound appointment, helped the sick, and have experienced treatment for the worst sickness. For most people being at the hospital is one of there worst days and others are their best days for instance, having their first baby. My time there I have enjoyed making a difference, by helping in anyway I can. My favorite experience during my time was treating a lady with a brain tumor with a book full of bible verses, and a cat figure to remind her of her cats waiting for her at home.
How has volunteering in the medical field influenced your future career goals?
Volunteering in the medical field has influenced my future career goals insignificantly by, helping me see how important health care really is, and by guiding me to what professions I might be interested in.
What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I could talk about FBLA and DECA for hours. I love Club Days and making them special & unforgettable as well as competition. I love getting new members to join our clubs and become apart of this amazing experience. FBLA and DECA are near and dear to my heart.
What is your favorite memory from competing or participating in FBLA or DECA?
One of my favorite memories from participating in FBLA is having my very first Club Day as an officer.
What would you say to encourage another student to join one of these organizations?
I would encourage every student to join FBLA and DECA. In my opinion these clubs have true changed my life and they have already given me some of my best memories, these clubs are life changing, and unforgettable.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?
I have learned that I really enjoy leading and helping others. I want to make a difference in people’s lives.
How do you balance school, athletics, work, volunteering, and leadership responsibilities?
Being my age and balancing school, athletics, work, volunteering, and leadership responsibilities are not always the easiest. I manage all of my activities and responsibilities by a very organized schedule, hard work, and the help from my Family and Friends. I can honestly say I could not do it without them and I would not have any other way.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a stronger leader?
My advice for someone who would like the become a strong leader is to make their goals their priorities, and to never give up on them.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
One of my favorite memories with April is how fun she makes all of our sessions together. Our Holiday shoots together are my favorites❣️April always makes my ideas come to life.
What is something you admire most about April beyond her photography?
I have always admired April by her amazing personality, her talent, and by always making me laugh.
Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
I have been on April’s Teen Team for years. I love my sessions with April whether it is a group session or a private session. April makes it so unique and fun. I always love our sessions with a good theme or a holiday theme. I enjoy spending time with the other Teens and meeting new friends from different schools.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
April Manning’s Photography & Instagram. This is truly an honor to be nominated for Inspiring Teens Magazine. It means the world to me.
What do you hope readers will remember most after reading your story?
For my readers I hope you remember that anything is possible as long as you do your best and keep working on it.
How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?
Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would be one of my greatest accomplishments. This scholarship would help me pursue a degree in the medical field and help me tremendously.
What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?
When I first heard the offer I surprised that I was nominated, due to me only being a Junior. I accepted the Inspiring Teens Challenge because I think this is an amazing opportunity, and I would be so thankful if I get to be on the front page of the magazine as well as the scholarship.
What is one moment during the challenge so far that has made you feel proud or realize you were growing - in confidence, mindset, or taking action?
One moment during this challenge that I have realized all of my accomplishments so far, and I have created a mindset to continue these challenges and to keep making more goals to achieve.
If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?
If another teen is thinking about joining the challenge I would encourage them to do their best and work hard, and I would also wish them the best of luck.
Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end?
Beyond the magazine and the scholarship, I am hoping to add this to my achievements. I believe this is a amazing achievement and I truly hope I can be accepted to the cover of the magazine as well as the scholarship.
Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today?
I would love to thank my Mom, Dad, Grandparents, and my Friends for everything they have done for me. They have always gone above and beyond and I truly do not know what I would do without them.
Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?
I would like to say thank you so much for the opportunity.
If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you?
I would most likely be at the lake.
What is up next for you that you are super excited about?
I am so excited about becoming a junior and I cannot wait for the year to start.
What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it?
One of the hardest things I have accomplished is becoming the leader I am today.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today?
I would say always go above and beyond and never give up.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans?
In five years I see myself in college working towards my medical degree.
What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination?
A few of my favorite activities is to bake, sow, and paint.
Do you have a hidden talent? What is it?
Painting is one of my hidden talents.
3 Things on your bucket list
I would like to go skydiving, travel, and reach my goals.
Who do you find inspiring?
I find April inspiring.
What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring?
I believe people find me inspiring due to my leadership skills and my working ethic.
Comments