McKinley White: Faith, Leadership & a Dream to Become a UT Majorette

McKinley White – Tennessee

Nomination by Michelle White

Photography by Rural Southern Photography

Issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: McKinley is an exceptional teenager who doesn’t simply participate—she leads, organizes, finds solutions, and makes everything she touches better. She recently revived her school’s Teen Board induction ceremony, collaborating with peers to create a meaningful experience for young teens seeking belonging. She is a dancer, competitive baton twirler, and strong student who loves the Lord and intentionally includes others. Having experienced anxiety, she has worked hard to develop tools to overcome challenges and remain actively involved. She hopes to attend the University of Tennessee, pursue business and law, and ultimately build a career in legal cybersecurity. She also plans to try out for Pride of the Southland Majorette. She has been selected 5x as a top 10 twirler from their summer camp and recently performed halftime at their season opener it was truly an honor for her to perform with such an amazing program!

McKinley White – Tennessee | Photography by Rural Southern Photography

What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about?

Alongside my co-president, I help organize community service projects for our club. This has been one of the most enjoyable and rewarding experiences of my high school career. Through Teenboard, I have accumulated over 450 hours of community service and had the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in my community. I was also selected to represent my club as a Teenboard of Knoxville Presentee, which has been a personal goal of mine for a very long time.

Of the more than 450 hours you’ve dedicated to community service, is there one experience that particularly changed your perspective or made a lasting impact on you?

One experience that made a lasting impact on me was volunteering at Isaiah 117 House. That day opened my eyes to how much good you can do simply by giving your time and energy to help others. I genuinely enjoyed helping them clean, and it reminded me that even the simplest acts of service can make a difference. It made me even more grateful for the opportunities I have through Teenboard to serve my community and showed me how rewarding it is to give back.

You helped organize your school’s Teenboard induction ceremony. What inspired you to create it, and what did you learn?

My co-president, Hannah, and I realized our club needed an induction ceremony, so we decided to create one for our new members. We wanted them to feel welcomed, celebrated, and appreciated as they joined Teenboard. Through organizing the event, I learned that even a small gesture can go a long way in making someone feel special. Leadership is not always about doing something huge; sometimes, it is simply recognizing a need and taking the initiative to make someone’s experience better. I am proud we created something meaningful for our club!

What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?

I am currently working toward my goal of becoming a University of Tennessee Majorette. Between dance and baton, I practice approximately 34 hours a week, dedicating countless hours to improving my skills, growing as a performer, and pushing myself closer to achieving this lifelong dream. All while balancing college-level classes at my high school and maintaining straight A’s, I have learned the importance of discipline, time management, and perseverance as I continue working toward my academic and athletic goals.

What was it like stepping onto the field at Neyland Stadium to perform during halftime?

There are truly no words that can describe that experience. I have grown up volunteering at the University of Tennessee and watching former majorettes perform on that field, so finally stepping onto Neyland Stadium myself was surreal. It was incredible to experience a place I have admired for so long. Performing there strengthened my determination to become a University of Tennessee Majorette and reminded me why I dedicate so much time to dance and baton. It made my dream feel even more real and motivated me to work harder than ever!

With approximately 34 hours of dance and baton practice each week while maintaining straight A’s, what strategies help you stay organized, motivated, and balanced?

One of the most important things I have learned is to not worry about something until you get there. With approximately 34 hours of dance and baton practice each week, along with college-level classes and other responsibilities, it is easy to become overwhelmed. I have learned to enjoy the moment I am in and focus on the assignment, game, or performance in front of me. When the future comes, I will focus on it then. My faith also helps me trust that the Lord will guide me through whatever comes next.

You’re interested in pursuing business and law with a future in legal cybersecurity. What sparked your interest in this career path?

Honestly, my biggest goal is to help others. My interest in legal cybersecurity began after I met a little boy at the beach who introduced me to his parents, who worked in this field. After meeting them, I immediately knew it was what I wanted to pursue. It is amazing how the Lord can use even the smallest interactions to guide your future. I hope to combine business and law to help protect companies from cyber threats and scams. This experience reminded me that God can place opportunities in our lives in ways we never expect.

Where is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today?

My ideal dream job would be working as a cybersecurity and data privacy attorney. I would love to combine my interests in business and law while helping protect companies and the people who depend on them. I hope to build a career where I can solve problems, continue learning, and make a meaningful difference while staying true to my values and faith.

What could you talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?

I could talk for hours about my relationship with the Lord and how important my faith is to me. I truly would not be where I am today without Him and His unwavering faithfulness. My relationship with Christ has shaped who I am, guided me through challenges, and continues to give me strength and purpose in everything I do.

Can you share a moment when your faith helped you overcome a difficult situation or gave you the courage to keep pursuing something important to you?

My faith helps me through difficult situations every day, but I especially feel its importance before performances. My dance team has a tradition of praying together before every performance, and I will never forget praying before the performance that ultimately brought us our state title. We prayed that the Lord would stay with us, help us have fun, and keep everyone safe. He truly did so much more than we could have imagined. That experience reminded me of the importance of trusting Him and keeping God at the center of everything I do.

Your nomination mentions that you’ve worked hard to manage anxiety while continuing to pursue your goals. What advice would you give other teens facing similar challenges?

My biggest advice is to find your people and remember that quality matters more than quantity in friendships. I am so thankful for my close friends who genuinely support me, care about me, and encourage me through challenges. Having a strong support system is so important, especially when life feels overwhelming. You do not have to change who you are to find those friendships because true friends will love you for exactly who you are. I have learned how valuable it is to surround yourself with people who encourage you and bring positivity into your life.

What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year?

As a leader this past year, I have learned the importance of showing grace, compassion, and understanding toward others. Everyone has different experiences and faces challenges that may not always be visible, including myself. This has taught me to be more patient, less judgmental, and more intentional about supporting those around me. I want to use my leadership to make others feel valued, encouraged, and supported in any way I can.

How do you encourage other teens to feel included and confident, especially those who may be struggling to find where they belong?

I encourage other teens by reminding them to stay true to themselves and their values. Being a high school girl can be difficult when there is so much pressure to fit in and follow what everyone else is doing. However, you have to be willing to go against the current when something does not align with your morals or values. You should never have to compromise who you are just to belong. I want others to know that the right people will appreciate them for who they truly are.

What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you?

One of my favorite experiences with my mom was watching her reaction when I stepped onto the field at Neyland Stadium for the very first time as a Top 10 Twirler. Since she was a University of Tennessee Majorette when she was in college, that moment was especially meaningful to both of us. Seeing how proud she was made the experience even more special, and it is a memory I will always cherish.

What has your mom taught you about pursuing your dreams, and how has sharing a passion for baton twirling strengthened your relationship?

My mom has taught me to always try my hardest for myself and to keep pushing even when it feels like there is nowhere else to go. Her faith has shown me the importance of trusting God and keeping Him at the center of everything I do. Sharing a passion for baton twirling makes my dream of becoming a University of Tennessee Majorette especially meaningful because she was a majorette there herself. Seeing her support and excitement when I perform makes those moments even more special. I am so grateful to have her example as I continue pursuing my dreams.

Tell us about the person who took your photo. How did you connect, and what was that experience like?

The person who took my photo was Kasey Stringfield with Rural Southern Photography. Kasey is so much more than a photographer to me; she is a friend, role model, and supporter. Every time I step in front of her camera, she makes me feel loved and seen, and that is exactly how she captures everyone she photographs. I found Kasey through the Rural Southern Belle Senior Representative Program, which not only introduced me to her but also brought some of the friendships I cherish most into my life. I am so thankful to be part of her team and for the love, encouragement, and memories she has given me.

Tell us about the Rural Southern Belle Senior Representative Program.

Wow, I honestly have no words to describe how much this program has meant to me! So many people encouraged me to apply, and I was not sure it would be worth it, but I could not have been more wrong. I have found a family, team, and sisterhood through this program. Kasey is so much more than a photographer; she makes sure you feel seen, valued, and beautiful in front of her camera. I encourage everyone to check her out and book a session because you are getting more than beautiful photos. You are getting someone who genuinely cares about capturing these important moments for you!

How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of it matter to you?

I have followed Inspiring Teens Magazine for quite some time, and I have often wondered if I would ever be fortunate enough to be featured in one of their issues. I deeply admire their mission of recognizing and celebrating teens who are making a difference in their communities.

How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you?

Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would help me take another step toward becoming the inspiring woman I hope to be. I plan to attend the University of Tennessee in the fall, where I hope to continue growing as a leader, serving others, and making an impact even greater than I imagined in high school. This scholarship would help support my educational goals and allow me to focus on making the most of the opportunities ahead. I am excited to see where this next chapter takes me and how I can continue inspiring others along the way.

What made you say yes to the Inspiring Teens Challenge, and how did you feel when you first started?

I said yes to the Inspiring Teens Challenge because I am always up for a challenge and an opportunity to try something new! When I first started, I was not entirely sure what I was getting myself into, but I am so thankful I kept going. This experience has given me the opportunity to reflect on my accomplishments and challenge myself in a new way. Sometimes, you have to step into something unfamiliar to discover what you can gain from it!

What is one moment during the challenge that made you feel proud or realize you were growing?

One moment that made me especially proud was putting together the list of my accomplishments. I sometimes get so focused on my next goal that I forget to look back at how far I have come. Seeing everything written out reminded me of how much time, effort, and dedication I have put into my goals throughout high school. It also made me grateful for the opportunities I have been blessed with and the people who have supported me along the way.

If another teen is thinking about joining the Inspiring Teens Magazine Leadership Challenge but feels unsure, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to do it anyway! It is always good to step outside your comfort zone and experience something new. You may not know exactly what to expect at first, but that is part of the experience. You do not have to have everything figured out before taking the first step. Be willing to challenge yourself, learn along the way, and make the most of the opportunities that come your way!

Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience?

Beyond votes or placements, I hope to inspire someone else to keep going when things get hard. I want my story to remind other teens that they can continue pursuing their goals even when the journey is not easy. More than anything, I hope to use this opportunity to lead others toward the Lord and encourage them in their faith. If someone is inspired to trust God, stay true to their values, or keep working toward a dream because of my story, I would consider that a success. Earning a scholarship would be an incredible blessing, too!

Is there anyone you’d like to thank for helping you get where you are today?

I would especially like to thank my community for allowing me to represent you in so many different ways and always showing up for me when it matters most. Whether it is voting, donating, supporting my activities, or simply showing up, I am truly so thankful. It means more than you know to have people who believe in me and encourage me as I pursue my goals. I would not be where I am today without the love and support of my community, and I never want to take that for granted!

Is there anything else you’d like to tell us?

I am incredibly thankful for the opportunity to share my story and be part of this experience!

Awards and Achievements by McKinley White

1.    Top 10% of Class – Seymour High School (School,2023-2027) – Ranked among the highest-performing students in the graduating class.

2.    4.0 GPA – Seymour High School (School,2023-2027) – Maintained a 4.0 grade point average.

3.    Dual Enrollment Student – Walters State Community College (College,2025-2027) – Earned college credit while completing high school coursework.

Dance, Majorette, and Competition Achievements

4.    Five-Time Top 10 Twirler – University of Tennessee Majorette Camp (Regional, 2022–2026) – Selected among the camp’s top ten twirlers five times.

5.    Three-Time UDA High School All-American – Universal Dance Association (National, 2024, 2025, 2026) – Earned All-American recognition three times for dance ability.

6.    UDA Junior Team All-American – Universal Dance Association (National, 2022) – Earned All-American recognition as a junior team dancer.

7.    State Champion in Medium Varsity Pom – Tennessee State Competition (State, 2023) – Earned a state championship competing in medium varsity pom.

8.    State Dance Competition Placements – Tennessee State Competition (State, 2025) – Placed third in jazz and fourth in pom.

9.    UDA Dance Team Nationals Finalist– Universal Dance Association (National,2023-2026) – Various Finalist placements with the Seymour High school Dance Team

10.  Seymour High School Feature Twirler – Seymour High School (School,2026-2027) – Represented the school as a feature twirler during performances.

11.  Seymour High School Majorette – Seymour High School (School,2023-2026) – Represented the school through majorette performances.

Leadership and School Involvement

12.  Co-President – Seymour Teenboard (School/Community,2025-2027) – Helped lead members, coordinate activities, and organize service initiatives.

13.  Social Media Coordinator – Seymour Teenboard (School/Community,2025-2027) – Managed social media communications and promoted club activities.

14.  Teenboard Initiation Ceremony Organizer – Seymour Teenboard (School/Community, September 2026) – Helped create a ceremony celebrating and welcoming new members.

15.  Leadership Council Member – Beta Club (School,2025-2027) – Supported club organization, leadership initiatives, and service projects.

16.  Class Secretary – Student Government Association, Seymour High School (School,2024-2027) – Represented classmates and assisted with student government responsibilities.

17.  National Honor Society Leadership Council Member – National Honor Society (School,2026-2027) – Contributed to student leadership and school service initiatives.

18.  Graduate – Smoky Mountain Youth Leadership, Class of 2025–2026 (Regional,2025-2026) – Completed a leadership program focused on community involvement and civic responsibility.

19.  Tri-M Member – Tri-M Music Honor Society (School,2025-2027) – Participated in music-related leadership and service activities.

Community Service and Civic Engagement

20.  450+ Community Service Hours – Seymour Teenboard and Community Service Organizations (Community, 2025-2027) – Contributed more than 450 hours serving local organizations and families.

21.  Volunteer Girls State Representative – Tennessee Girls State (State, 2026) – Represented her school while learning about citizenship and  school and community initiatives.

Special Honors and Recognition

24.  Tennessee State Cinderella Cameo – Cinderell Scholarship Program (State,Nov,2026) – Selected as a Cinderella Cameo representative in the 15–17 age division.

25.  Rural Southern Belle Senior Representative – Rural Southern Belle (Regional, 2026-2027) – Selected to represent the program during senior year.

26.  Knoxville Teenboard Court Member – Knoxville Teenboard (Regional, 2023-2025) – Selected to serve on the Teenboard Court.

27.  Teen board of Knoxville Presentee-Knoxville Teen board(Regional, 2026)- Selected to represent Seymour Teenboard and be presented at the Teen board of Knoxville, chosen for leadership and community service hours

Additional Dance and Competition Achievements

28.  Beta Talent Performance Choreographer – Beta Club (State/National, 2025-2027) – Helped choreograph talent performances for state and national Beta Convention competitions.

29.  Competitive Dance Team Member – Premier Dance Studio (Regional,Age:2-18) – Competed in solo, duet, and group routines across multiple dance styles.

Nomination by Michelle White

Look for McKinley in issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

* Interviews are shared in the teen’s own words so their authentic voice shines through.