Kaylee McKee: Leading Through Faith, Service & a Dream of Medicine
Kaylee McKee – Texas
Nomination by Kari McKee
Photography by Daisy Jo Photography
Issue 104 of Inspiring Teens Magazine
Nomination: Kaylee McKee is a compassionate, driven, and servant-hearted young woman who leads with integrity, humility, and purpose. She is known for her strong work ethic, genuine kindness, and ability to encourage those around her. As an academically dedicated student, Kaylee is also actively involved in her Varsity Cheer Squad, competitive cheer team, HOSA, Student Council, NHS, National Charity League, and Debutantes. Through these organizations, she has completed more than 100 hours of philanthropy, reflecting her commitment to serving others with compassion and grace. She strives to make a meaningful impact through leadership, service, and excellence in every opportunity she embraces.
What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?
I did mention my involvement in philanthropy but I would love to expand on my love for serving others and our community. My favorite organization to work with it Second Helpings, where me and my mom serve the less fortunate and the feeling of humbling yourself in front of others in unmatched. These people have gone through and represent a side of humanity that's not seen in some peoples everyday life. So for me to be able to see and help those who may not be able to help themselves, creates a emotional pull to help those even more and continue doing so.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
My goal I am currently working towards is to get into one of my two dream colleges, Auburn University or Texas Christian University. In order to reach these goals I am taking difficult classes and mentally preparing myself for the time and commitment these universites may require. Along with taking these classes, I am also applying to many scholarships, so if I am lucky enough to get into one of these universities, I will have some financial aid to be able to pay for my education and opportunity into one of these colleges.
What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I could talk about my faith and my Family for hours and hours, this is because at the end of the day these are my main priorities and why I am the way I am. Every aspect of my life points me back to these two priorities whether its my education, sports, goals, health, and even friendships. My family never fails to support and comfort me when I try something new or when I fail along the way, but my relationship with Jesus is what keeps me rooted and continues to point me in the right direction. No matter where I end up in life I know I will have my family and the Lord to keep in my pocket.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?
I have learned that in order for me to be a sucessful leader within my life, I have to listen to others and become good at understanding to see the best possible way to lead someone in the right direction. Everyone is built and wired differently, therefore, everyone sees things differently. To be a strong leader I must understand how others take on situations and how I can adapt my leading techniques to best fit their style of following. Making them feel seen and understood to open up a deeper connection.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
The person who nominated me was my mom. My memory is not one specifically but a combination of the same one. Me and my mom do all kinds of things together including shopping, traveling, and even short errands, but no matter what we may do I always find myself sitting in the passenger seat while she listens to me ramble on and on. There is something about being in the car and putting my bare feet on the dash that hits all my emotions and makes me spill my thoughts to my mom. She has never once ignored my thinkings but instead expanded by asking me questions and helping guide me when my thoughts get too big. Sitting in the car and talking will forever be my favorite memory with my mom. I will never be able to replace the times I've spent in her car and times that I will spend in her car.
Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
My photographer's name is Morgan Glaspie. She was my freshman year basketball coach as well as my Biology teacher. She has continued to support me through whatever it may be I decide to take on (even if it is not basketball), and is someone I would trust if I ever needed anything at school. During our photoshoot she said something along the lines of “I cant believe we are taking these”, referring to my senior photos, this showed me that she has seen me grow up and mature throughout my high school years and cares enough to notice. She is one of the sweetest photographers that I have worked with always making me feel pretty and telling me how good the photos looked after they were taken. For anyone looking to take pictures and may be nervous I would immediately send them to Daisy Jo Photography.
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I first heard of Inspiring Teens Magazine from instagram when me and my friend were featured in a fourth of July photoshoot we took together. I began to scroll through all the picture and saw how different they all were, not just the pictures but the people. I love being able to see everyone's differences, and how we all come together by being seniors and taking our next step forward to our futures. I would love to be apart of Inspiring Teens Magazine because of the opportunities it provides and how I can be apart of all the different people it represents coming together for one similar thing. Class of 2027.
How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?
Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine will help me reach my goal of being able to get into my dream colleges. Where I can further my education and be able to make something out of myself. I would love to be able to attend medical school someday and become a doctor, receiving this scholarship would take a huge weight off my shoulders so I would be able to attend college and save/gain money needed to be able to attend medical school later on.
Look for Kaylee in issue 104 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
* Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.
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