Sadie Springhetti: Freedom 250 Art Winner, Teen Leader & Future Disney Artist

Sadie Springhetti – Virginia

Nomination & Photography by

Jamie Hinkle Photography

Issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine

Nomination: Sadie has a natural creativity and an ability to see and express things in her own unique way. Whether through art, design, or the ideas she brings to everyday life, she is imaginative, thoughtful, and unafraid to create something that feels authentically hers. Recently, that talent was recognized when she won the Freedom 250 Art Competition for her age division. Sadie also brings that same passion and dedication to varsity volleyball, balancing athletics with her creative interests. Most importantly, she is kind and thoughtful. Her creativity, character, and willingness to pursue what inspires her make Sadie incredibly deserving of this scholarship.

Photography by Jamie Hinkle Photography

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

I am the National Art Honors Society President, FFA Vice President, and am running for the National Honors Society Historian at my high school. I am also a National Morgan's Message ambassador. I stay pretty active and involved at school. In my free time I enjoy painting, listening to music and am an avid Disney fan.

What inspired you to take on leadership roles in organizations like the National Art Honor Society and FFA?

I was inspired to take leadership roles because of the leaders I had the ability to work with and look up to. The leaders who came before me showed me what it is to be a good leader, and that alone inspired me to become one. I also have deep passions for both art and agriculture which helps me be able to be a passionate and determined leader in both organizations.

What does being a National Morgan's Message ambassador mean to you, and how do you hope to make a difference through that role?

As someone who is an athlete who has struggled with mental health challenges in the past and continues to struggle with things like anxiety, being able to be an ambassador for a program who has done so much to end the stigma around mental health, especially in athletes, is so important to me. I hope to continue Morgan's message to end the stigma and make the conversation surrounding mental health more widespread. I want to be someone that people know doesn’t judge them because of their own battles.

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

My sights are set on college. I would love to eventually be a part of the Disney College Program. I'd love to work in the agricultural or art areas of Disney.

What excites you most about the possibility of combining your love for art or agriculture with your dream of working at Disney?

I’ve always been inspired by Disney, so if I got the chance to combine my other interests like art or agriculture it would be a dream come true. I would be so excited to bring important things in my life into a place that is so important to me. Whether it would be one day being a Disney fine artist or designer or working in their agricultural departments the thought of being able to create joy for others like people at Disney have done for me excites me the most.

What skills or experiences are you hoping to gain in college that will help you turn your passion into a career?

I want the experience of learning more about the industries I would like to go into to be my focus. Knowing what it takes to make it in these industries or career paths I think is so important for success, even if down the road I don’t fit into the stereotypical mold, I would like to gain all of the knowledge and skills you need to make it far. I would love to also further my skills in art. Being able to work with more mediums and more types of subjects is something I strive to do. If I'm able to gain those skills it would help so much.

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

I could definitely talk about my love for art, Disney, history, and agriculture for hours. All these thing have shaped who I am and what I would like to do with my life. I absolutely love art and how it allows me to express myself in ways words can't. I have grown up loving Disney and history I can absolutely tell you random facts for hours on hours. Finally, agriculture in the past year has given me a new appreciation for the hard work put into the industry, so much that I found myself beginning to work in the AG industry. It has taught me so much about myself over the last year and I could talk about that for hours, because it has become extremely important to me. So much so that I started my first job, working on a flower farm, this last Spring.

How has working on a flower farm changed the way you view agriculture and the people who work in the industry?

Working on a flower farm taught me so much about the floral industry and everyone who works in it. Learning more about the industry and all that goes into it helped me gain a respect for agriculture and those who dedicate their lives working in it. I’ve also learned this through FFA and getting to meet people in the industry and learning what they all do and how much time and effort goes into it gave me an appreciation for agriculture that I didn't have before.

What is one piece of art you have created that holds special meaning for you, and what inspired it?

An art piece I've made that holds special meaning was the piece that I made for freedom 250 competition. Walt Disney throughout my life has been a big inspiration to me and Disney World has been a place that my family has shared so many memories with. Having a big family that has lived and served overseas, Disney World is a place we can always meet up and share memories with even when for the majority of the year we can’t be together.

How did winning the Freedom 250 Art Competition impact your confidence in your creativity and artistic abilities?

Being recognized for such a big award gave me a confidence boost I needed. It made me realize that other people see the beauty and effort I put into my art. Sometimes as an artist you can doubt your own abilities but winning this award gave me confidence and showed me that people really do appreciate my art.

If you could create an art project or experience at Disney that combined your interests in art, history, and agriculture, what would it look like?

I would love to help create some fun floral pieces for the parks. Epcot has a Garden Festival ad an Art Festival ad being a part of both or either would be a dream come true. Florals, art and beauty all combined.

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

Over the past years my leadership has flourished as I've been involved with NAHS and FFA. I've gotten to learn about how I am as a leader and how I can best use my skills to help guide others. Leading and creating are a highlight for me.

How do you balance your leadership responsibilities, varsity volleyball, schoolwork, and personal interests while still making time for yourself?

It takes a lot, I spend a lot of late nights finishing work after activities or games. I’ve learned to balance it all through time management and choosing what I do wisely. I don’t waste my free time. I'm typically always doing something that helps with something I do. I make time for myself often by spending time with my friends even though I enjoy my down time alone, having time with my friends helps me be able to relax and have fun.

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

I would LOVE to be a Disney fine artist. I know I have a lot of work to do to get there, but that would be my dream job.

What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?

Jamie is a pillar in our small town community. She has always stood for parental rights in education and providing excellent education for the students of Fauquier County. Jamie stands by her truths and values. I hope to be half of the mother and community member she is one day.

What values have you learned from the important women and mentors in your life that you hope to carry into your own future?

I hope to stand strong and carry my beliefs so the women in my life don’t back down on their beliefs and opinions. I hope to carry that with me. I want to be as confident and sure in myself and beliefs as the women in my life are. People like my mom are my biggest inspirations, they constantly push me to be myself and strive for success.

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

Jamie also took my pictures. Her and my mom met in 2020 and have become great friends. I love watching her as a business owner and mother. She made the experience so fun and took the fear away. Posing can be awkward, but not with Jamie's guidance.

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

I had not heard of it until my nomination. I am excited to hopefully show that being a good student and hard worker is just as if not more important than a beautiful picture.

What advice would you give another teen who has a creative passion but is nervous about sharing their work or putting themselves out there?

I would say just do it. The biggest thing for me was just putting myself out there. As an artist you have to be willing to take criticism. You have to learn how to take it and move on. Take the positive feedback and use the negative. Not all negative criticism or feedback is necessarily bad; it has been some of the criticism that has pushed me harder and more toward my goals. Overtime the nerves will vanish.

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

College isn't cheap. My mom sacrificed a career to stay home and raise my brother and I. She has run small business and worked in our school system but we practically run on a single income. My dad has a wonderful career but the cost of college is daunting. Any help I can give with scholarships I know will make it easier on my parents.

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

I felt nervous but as the challenge kept going, I gained more confidence and I’ve enjoyed getting to take part. I didn’t think I would enjoy it as much as I have but so many people ask me about it and are so supportive, which helps a lot.

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?

When I got my vote count after day 1 and it was already so high, I for sure gained a lot of confidence then. I wasn’t expecting to do so well of the get-go.

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, I’ve enjoyed the experience so much and I hope more teens get the chance to experience this.

Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end?

Confidence in myself is the thing I hope to get out of this beyond placement and votes.

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

My parents. They’ve helped me get to where I’m at today and I couldn’t have done any of it without them.

Look for Sadie in issue 106 of Inspiring Teens Magazine!

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