Addison Patnode – Texas Nomination by Cheyenne Patnode Photography by Olivia Henry Photography Issue 103 of Inspiring Teens Magazine® Nomination: Addison is an exceptional young woman who truly embodies what it means to inspire others. As a future senior in high school, she balances academics, leadership, faith, and service with remarkable dedication. Addison is actively involved in her church, where she faithfully serves and encourages those around her. She works at a Pet Lodge, caring for animals with compassion and responsibility. As an officer in FFA, she demonstrates strong leadership skills and a commitment to agricultural education. In addition, she is already taking college classes while still in high school. Addison’s servant heart, work ethic, and positive influence make her highly deserving of recognition. Photography by Olivia Henry Photography What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about? One thing not mentioned is that the one thing I love the most is to try and brighten others day. Whether that’s by a smile, wave, or a simple conversation on a bad day, I always like to try and help to the best of my ability! What is one act of kindness you have received that inspired you to pay it forward to others? One act of kindness I received was from my pastor at my church. Every morning, even whenever he seems just so exhausted, you’re always greeted with a big smile and wave. Even on the days he preaches and shares some of his week and you can tell he has had a rough week. He still always makes sure to greet everyone with a big smile. That always inspires me to do the same. What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now? My dream I am currently working on right now is becoming a vet. I am currently getting some more experience working in the field with animals in hopes that I can then go forth to college and pursue my dream. What first sparked your passion for caring for animals and wanting to become a veterinarian? Whenever I was little I have always dreamed about becoming a Veterinarian, and I guess that got sparked in me by my grandpa. We used to always find baby bunnies and some of them would be hurt, and we would take them in and nurse them back to health. Since then I have found such a passion in doing everything I can to help animals, no matter what kind. What has been one of the most memorable experiences you have had while working with animals so far? By far the most memorable experience would be the time that we raised a cottontail rabbit. He became so tame, and became like another pet to us, we even named him Bambi. What qualities do you think are most important for someone pursuing a career in veterinary medicine? I feel like one of the most important qualities in this career, is you have to be very resilient. It isn’t always fun and happy, sometimes there nothing you can do to help the animal, and that is where this comes in. You have to be able to move through it, and keep moving after not being able to save one. What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you? This answer hasn’t changed, it will always be my faith! It matters so much to me because it has shaped who I am today. My faith has gotten me through days I couldn’t see the light through, and that is something I could talk about forever. How has your faith influenced the way you handle difficult situations or setbacks? It has helped me to better handle mainly my anxiety. I have always struggled with it, and it has caused major setbacks in my life, by just holding me back from doing things I love. And by growing my faith stronger I have learned that if you build your foundation on the rock, when the wind and rain comes, you will stand firm. And knowing that has helped me to get through very hard times in my life. What Bible verse, quote, or piece of advice has had the greatest impact on your life? Psalms 23:4. “Even Though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff they comfort me”. Has helped me so much in my life to just always remind myself that no matter what I’m going through in life, Christ is always with me. What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year? One thing I have learned about myself is that I tend to always tend to stress out when it comes to someone disagreeing with me, or even just if I can’t reach someone the way I hoped. I know that may sound like a bad answer but it has helped me to learn that it is okay to be different, and has helped me grow as a leader. How has learning to accept different viewpoints helped you become a stronger leader? Because I had to realize that not everyone will see things the same way I do, and with that it helped me to not be as worried about if people will agree with me or not, and to lead stronger by hearing out other people’s opinions, and not just taking it and doing it the way I agree only. What is a challenge you have overcome that taught you an important lesson about yourself? One challenge I have overcoming is stage fright. I used to be terrified to talk to people, with extreme social anxiety. And whenever I was finally able to overcome I learned that I am strong enough to push through it, and that was a lesson that I needed to learn. 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, and my by far favorite memory was whenever we went to this huge outdoor concert down in Alabama. Even though it was so humid we were miserable, it truly is something I will never forget! 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 Olivia Henry. She truly is the best, and every experience with her is nothing short of amazing. She always shoots compliments while shooting and makes sure you never feel awkward or embarrassed behind the camera. Are you part of a model team with your photographer? Yes! I am an OHP Senior Rep and it’s amazing! The girls are amazing, and we’re lucky to have such a great photographer! How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you? I first heard about it last year whenever I got nominated for it. It has become a huge part of my life because it gives me the opportunity to share my story to reach more people that may need help. Without this opportunity, I wouldn’t have been able to take the step to help more people from all over the world. How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you? It would help me a lot because everyone knows college is expensive, and that would be put forth to pay for my education! What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started? Knowing I can share my story to the whole world is what made me say yes, and at first it was terrifying, and a little overwhelming but I don’t regret it one bit. 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 without a doubt it is so worth it! Beyond votes or placements, what are you hoping to gain from this experience—and what would make you feel truly successful at the end? I am hoping to encourage people by my story, and hope that people can see that there is hope in the darkness, and even maybe find their way to the light. Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you get where you are today? I would like to thank my Dad. I wouldn’t be where I am today without him, he always shows up, always supports me no matter what, and is always there for whatever crazy adventure I want to go on. I couldn’t make it through this life without him. Look for Addison in issue 103 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! Want more from Addison? Read her article on finding your place in FFA on the Inspiring Teens® blog. Vote for Addison below for the cover and a scholarship by clicking on her picture! * Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

Addison Patnode – Texas Nomination by Cheyenne Patnode Photography by Olivia Henry Photography Issue 93 of Inspiring Teens Magazine Nomination: Addison Patnode is an incredible young lady and such an inspiration to many. She excels in school and loves Jesus. She is actively involved in her church, FFA and community. She has such a servant heart and always willing to help. She not only excels academically but has shown great social and leadership skills that are an asset in every area of life. Photography by Olivia Henry Photography How has your faith influenced the way you lead or support others in your community and school? My Faith has taught me to be a leader because we are called to imitate Christ. Although we aren’t and never will be perfect, we are supposed to act like him. Being in Faith trying to be a leader supporting the community falls mostly into character on the days that it is the hardest. Whenever I am tired, worn out, left with no energy I have to still be the Christ like example I was made to be, which is how my faith influenced the way I have become a leader. Can you share a specific moment when your desire to help others truly made an impact on someone’s life? I had a friend that was in a very dark spot in life at that time. I had noticed it and I reached out to him. I was just talking to him trying to make sure he was okay and after a couple weeks he started slowly losing the battle again. After a couple months he eventually came back around worse than he was before and came asking me for advice on how to get out of the dark spot. After a sleepless night of talking to him and praying for him, he made a change for the better. What advice would you give to someone who’s struggling to see their own value or purpose? I would advise them to keep their head up and keep walking. Figure out what they want and put blinders on. Don’t listen to the people trying to come in from the sides. If they are struggling to find their purpose or value I would say that it might not come right away but you will find it. It may not be clear right now but every storm will lift and the sun will shine down again. You will be able to see the path of where to go. Until then, you have to keep walking through the storm. How has being involved in FFA helped shape your future goals or career interests? Being in FFA helped to shape me into who I am now. On the path of career goals though it has helped shape me on that road too. I used to have bad social anxiety and wasn't able to talk publicly without freaking out. FFA has helped teach me how to control the worry and become a better public speaker. Now when I think of my career, the publicity part isn't as scary. Tell us about a time when you faced failure or disappointment—how did your mindset or faith help you get through it? To me being a servant leader means to always put others needs before your own. By putting that into action in daily life, there are so many benefits from it. Most people think it's just giving up your seat for someone, but it could be as simple as a smile to someone who needs it even when you don't feel like it just to make their day better. For years no one could figure out what was wrong with my knee. I had to keep a positive mindset after each bad result, knowing and hoping they would figure it out. Who has been one of the biggest inspirations in your life, and what have they taught you? One of the biggest inspirations in my life would be my best friend, Sienna. She is the type of person everyone needs in their life. She has taught me so many things in life but the one i carry around with me the most is how to not give up when times get tough. She showed me that you can make it through and still have a smile on your face. She truly has inspired me in so many more ways than one and taught me so many things I couldn't even count them. If you could create a project or event to bring your community together, what would it be and why? If I could make an event to bring the community together it would be a pet parade. I would get the shelters involved and have some of the puppies out during the parade so that even if some people don't have an animal they could walk an adoptable puppy through the parade. This would bring people together because even if they don't have a pet, pet lovers would still come to watch the parade. It would be an opportunity to just bring the community together over something that wouldn’t cause any arguments or anything. Just peaceful, fun, and paws. How do you balance school, faith, leadership roles, and helping others without burning out? How I have managed to balance all these things without burning out is by using night time as a chance to reset. I let it all go and I don't carry anything bad from the day before into the next day. I've noticed when I carry it to the next day, it makes me burn out faster. Every night I open up my bible, play music and just use that as my reset. I pray about the things I struggled with from the previous day and ask for strength to handle them better the next day. What’s something people might be surprised to learn about you that contributes to who you are today? Something most people don't expect about me is that I love being outdoors. I love hunting and fishing and am pretty active in the ag classes with woodworking and welding. Even though it shocks some people, it has taught me that not everything works the way you think it would and sometimes you have to change plans. That doesn't mean you can give up. These things have taught me patience, a skill of working around the problem and figuring out solutions instead of giving up. What legacy or message do you hope to leave behind for younger students or peers looking up to you? The message I want to leave behind when I'm gone is to just be a good human. Whenever people think of me I hope they think of me as someone who tried to see the good in everyone. I truly do believe there is good inside of everyone, even the ones who try and hide it. I hope my legacy inspires people to always try and be the reason someone smiles that day no matter how bad of a day they had. To just make sure everyone feels and knows they are loved by many. How do you continue to grow your leadership skills, and what are you currently working on improving? I continue to grow my leadership skills by working in the nursery at my church. The kids are the future and if you allow them to grow up learning the right way they'll already know it when they need it. I am currently working on trying to spread the good word. As I continue to try to improve myself, I am teaching the future of us, the youth. Teaching them how to be leaders and learning ways that they can put themselves out there. To use their talents and find their purpose. What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover? In the world we live in today, it is hard to get by, day after day, while also trying to keep your head above water. Sometimes I feel like I'm not inspiring or there is more that I could be doing for people. These days are when I have to remind myself that no one is perfect. We will all mess up it's just a matter of how you handle failure. Something inspiring about me is how I want to watch everyone succeed, I strive to help everyone and be the person there during a time of need. What else would you like to talk about? I am actively involved in FFA at Windthorst High school and it is something that has taught me numerous lessons in life. It has brought me out of my shell, taught me how to be a leader in tough times, gave me lifelong friendships, and memories I will cherish forever. What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever? The thing I feel most passionate about is my faith. If you were to ask me about that I could go on and on and never run out of things to share. My faith is something I feel as if it has saved me many times whenever everything started to get hard. Beng passionate about my faith has helped me not only to get through things that seemed impossible but has helped me to find a purpose and find a meaning to life that I wasn't sure I had before. How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience? My photographer is Olivia Henry, and she truly is amazing. I found her because one of my good friends was involved with her and she would always tell me stories from her shoots with Olivia. To say the least, my experience was nothing short of amazing. What I love most about Olivia is how she always finds a way to bring light into the shoot and always makes me feel comfortable in front of a camera. Are you a part of a model team with your photographer, and if so, tell us about it. Yes, I am on the team with my photographer, Olivia Henry, and the team is amazing. All the girls are able to make each other feel confident and comfortable in front of the camera. What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you? My mom was the one who nominated me for inspiring teens. Although I have many memories to pick from my favorite is going to have to be when we went to Alabama for this HUGE outdoor concert. Even though it was humid and we were sweating through our clothes it was still one of the most memorable moments of my life. Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine? I think it would really help to not only inspire myself but share my story and inspire others in a way that I haven't ever been able to before. If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money? If I were to win a Scholarship, I would put the money to further my education by attending veterinary school. What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today? My ideal dream job is to become an Equine Veterinarian. Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today? Someone I would like to thank for helping me get to where I am today is my Grandpa. He has been there for me when it felt like I had no one else. He is someone who sits there and listens. Even if what I tell him wasn't probably the best decision, he still never makes me feel judged. Is there anything else you’d like to tell us? One other thing I'd like to talk about is an event called BCV (Big Country Veterans). It is an event supporting veterans and helping to remind them there are so many people to support them. This event has become a huge part of my life because getting to meet and talk to some of these veterans will truly further your appreciation for the sacrifice these individuals make on the daily. If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you? If I had nothing to do all day you would probably find me in my room curled up in a blanket binge-watching my favorite show. What is up next for you that you are super excited about? My friends and I are in Ag Mech at our school and are about to start making our project for the county show coming up. What is the hardest thing you have ever accomplished, and how did you do it? One of the hardest things I've ever accomplished was trying to re-learn how to walk after a major knee surgery. I did it by staying positive and knowing I could do it if I just didn't give up. What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? The advice I would give is to surround yourself with people who will encourage you and help you to stay positive even on the days that seem hard. Where do you see yourself in 5 years/what are your plans? In 5 years I hope to be attending college starting my path to becoming a vet. What is your favorite activity or pastime that was not in your nomination? My favorite activity has got to be growing flowers or just plants in general. The joy it brings when the seeds start to sprout is unmatched. Do you have a hidden talent? What is it? My hidden talent would have to be math. Math has always been my strong suit in school and I guess I could consider myself lucky for that one. 3 Things on your bucket list Three things that are at the top of my bucket list are swimming with whale sharks, visiting all 50 of the states, and going to Africa. Who do you find inspiring? I find my parents inspiring because they always put my needs before their own. What about you inspires others/why do you think you are inspiring? The thing that I think is most inspiring about me is how I can always have a smile on my face no matter the circumstance. Look for Addison in issue 93 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! *Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are! Read Addison's article about joining the FFA HERE

Amelia Cho – Virginia Nomination by Sunmin Lee Photography by Lia Hair Issue 99 of Inspiring Teens Magazine Franklin Sherman Elementary Curriculum: Inside SGA President Amelia Cho’s Food Initiative Nomination: Amelia Cho is a youth leader passionate about food advocacy, leadership, and sustainability. Through her own endeavors with food, she has advanced her passion into Mindful Meals, organizing over 3,580 pounds of fresh, sustainable food donations, and providing food education by co-authoring five children's books currently used for a six-week after-school curriculum at Franklin Sherman Elementary School. In addition to her personal work, Amelia is an active leader who works to advance food sustainability initiatives as the president of both the Class Council and the Student Government Association at her high school. What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination? Food education is a large priority for Mindful Meals. However, the impact of food choices on health and lifestyle is not discussed as widely as it should be. Knowing this, I wanted to raise more awareness about food, especially among the young generation, to help them develop healthy habits early. This sparked me to collaborate with Mediquills, a medical literacy organization, to publish 5 children’s books about food, sustainability, and health, called “How Does it Work: The Intersection of Public Health and Nutrition for Kids.” We are excited to donate these to various community centers and libraries across the country! What else would you like to talk about? Mindful Meals started its official after-school program at Franklin Sherman Elementary School on January 15! It is a 6-week program that covers a range of topics in food, including culture, school lunch, cooking, sustainability, and utilizing food to give back to the community. As the founder and organizer of the program, it is a full-circle moment to teach such a bright group of students. Food is often overlooked in education, and I am extremely excited to lead a course and teach the significance and importance of health, culture, and the climate to K-6th-grade students! What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever? As an ambitious sustainable food advocate, I could discuss the importance of prioritizing a diet that is both healthy for people and the earth for days! An individual’s ecological footprint is a major factor in climate change, revealing the lifestyle that requires energy in practices that can challenge sustainability. Food production, especially red meat, is a significant contributor to a high footprint due to its intensive production methods. By prioritizing low-energy-intensive foods like vegetables and fruits, more people will be able to create an everyday food palette that is both fresh for their bodies and the planet! How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience? I met my photographer through one of my favorite hair salons, Lia Hair, who kindly offered an additional service to capture a photo of me after my beautiful haircut. My favorite part of the experience was how patient and comforting they were. Their kind gestures helped me to embrace my most confident self in the moment! What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you? My favorite memory with my nominator, my mother, is our spontaneous recipe-making days every weekend. We start by compiling a list of the most intriguing recipes from social media, then bake or experiment with new ingredients to expand our food palette! This small yet fulfilling tradition of ours has allowed me to learn more about plant-forward eating, as well as various cultural dishes, making food a meaningful part of our everyday lives. Franklin Sherman Elementary Curriculum: Inside SGA President Amelia Cho’s Food Initiative Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine? I want to be a part of the Inspiring Teens Magazine to increase awareness about the importance of prioritizing healthy, sustainable food among other youth leaders across the country through my personal story. Prioritizing the connection between food and the Earth is critical for combating climate change, and progress is only promised if the young generation decides to take action. Food is a vital part of sustainability that is often overlooked. I believe that sharing my story will help others grow awareness of plant-forward eating and encourage them to take small steps to save the planet’s future. If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money? If I win the Inspiring Teens Magazine Scholarship, I want to invest it in my passion for supporting environmentally sustainable food donations, as well as my future education in college. I would love to use a portion of the scholarship money to purchase more food for local food pantries in my neighborhood, in addition to the 3,580 pounds I have already supplied through Mindful Meals. In terms of my education, I hope to use it as a pathway to explore innovative approaches and detailed methods in sustainable agriculture to develop effective solutions to combat climate change. Look for Amelia in issue 99 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! *Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

Kenli Jenkins – Florida Nomination by Kelli Jenkins Photography by Alyssa Chappell Photography Issue 100 of Inspiring Teens Magazine Union County High School Senior Kenli Jenkins Shines in Tennis, FFA, and BSU Nomination: Kenli Jenkins is an 18 year old senior at Union County High School in Lake Butler, Florida. She is an active student at her school- playing tennis, participating in the National Beta Club, FFA, FCA and Black Student Union and with a strong passion for community service, she has over 200 community service hours. Kenli has a passion for beautiful smiles and intends to become a dental hygienist. Photography by Alyssa Chappell Photography What inspiring qualities or accomplishments weren’t highlighted in your nomination? I proudly received my CNA license during my junior year of high school. I am also CPR certified. Although I hadn’t planned to pursue a career in the medical field, this certification has been very rewarding and I’ve had the opportunity to work with private clients where I built sweet relationships. How did earning your CNA license at such a young age challenge you or help you grow? Obtaining my CNA license challenged me to get out of my comfort zone! By completing this through high school, I worked with my peers on matters that were personal and honestly a little uncomfortable at times. In the end, we all grew and learned so much! What have you learned about compassion and responsibility through working with private clients? Compassion comes so easily when help people who are so appreciate and humble. It is the ultimate responsibility to know I am in charge of someone else’s health. Sometimes that means making sure my patient doesn’t fall and other times it may mean getting them a snack and tucked into bed- either way, responsibility is rewarding. Was there a specific moment while working with a client that confirmed you love helping others? One of my very first in home CNA jobs was a sweet lady who needed help while her own husband was recovering from a procedure. He is her normal care taker so they just needed a hand while he was down. After a speedy recovery for him, I was only needed for a few weeks. On my final day, we both shed tears as we said goodbye. This touched my heart so deeply and made me realize how much she appreciated me and how quickly I had come to admire her. What current goals and/or projects are you working on now? Senior year is full of scholarship applications and time spent making memories doing everything “one last time!” I am currently playing on my school varsity tennis team and enjoying every minute. I am also currently providing child care for a local family that is near and dear to my heart. How do you balance academics, athletics, work, and community involvement during such a busy season? Organization!!! I try to keep a monthly calendar as well as a weekly one. I always like to look at my week in advance and see what I am up against. I always strive to hit deadlines early and never procrastinate. Union County High School Senior Kenli Jenkins Shines in Tennis, FFA, and BSU What has tennis taught you about discipline, perseverance, or teamwork? Coming into tennis as a junior was a challenge. There were other team members who had played since their freshman year, so it was a challenge for me “play catch up.” This really gave me the motivation I needed to push hard and make my way to the top. In what ways has childcare strengthened your patience and leadership skills? Similar to working with my CNA, childcare pushed me out of my comfort zone. In a situation where I am in charge, it pushes me to lay down rules, make plans and always be on my toes. Patience is a must with young children, especially when you are with 2-3 siblings, all under the age of 11. Having 3 siblings of my own, I felt very comfortable caring for them. As you prepare for graduation, what are you most excited about in this next chapter of life? I am so excited to get going in college! I am looking forward to meeting with counselors on campus and making a plan on how to execute my goals. What steps are you taking now to prepare for your future career as a dental hygienist? I have been in contact with friends and family in the dental field. So thankful to have already secured a contact at a dental office to apply for a summer job! What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever? I could talk about self confidence and the importance of believing in yourself forever! I truly believe that teenage years are fun for some but not everyone. They can be hard! I love to see everyone succeed and everyone be happy. That begins with self confidence and the ability to choose a path that makes YOU happy. Sometimes that means stepping away from the crowd and making your own way. Where does your confidence come from, and how have you built it over time? My parents have been a huge part of my confidence! They have always coached me and reminded me how strong I am, how smart I am and how beautiful I am. I may not have realized the importance of their words when I was younger, but I see now that they were helping me mentally and emotionally. What advice would you give to a teen who is struggling to believe in themselves? Find a strong group of friends! Surround yourself with people who are like minded and who cheer you on. If your friends can’t be happy for you when you succeed, they aren’t your people! If your friends don’t pick you up when you need a hand, they aren’t your friends. Have you ever had to step away from the crowd and choose your own path? What did that look like for you? Absolutely!! Major shifts in friend groups have been necessary more than once in my life. My freshman year, after playing softball for years, I decided to walk away. It was no longer good for my mental health and was beginning to take a toll on my physical health. Although leaving it behind was hard, I gave myself grace and the patience to close that chapter before I moved on to something else. In the end, I have no regrets. How do you hope to use your career in dental hygiene to impact others beyond just creating beautiful smiles? A beautiful smile is so much more than just cosmetic. Through a career and dental hygiene, I hope to inspire others to use their smile to make other people happy. Smiles are so underestimated whenever it comes to their power to really change someone’s day. How did you find your photographer and what did you love most about the experience? My older sister, who graduated two years before me, was photographed by Alyssa Chappell Photography! Watching her step out of her comfort zone and enjoy taking photos made me realize that I wanted to do the same. Building a relationship with Alyssa has been so much more than just the photographs she has taken. It truly becomes a family experience. I cannot imagine choosing anyone besides her to go through this with me. She is a true hype girl! Are you part of a model team with your photographer? If so, tell us about it. I am! It has been the absolute best experience that I have shared with two other girls from my high school. We have made the best memories and shared so many laughs. Alyssa has gathered us together for multiple holidays to have fun as well as be photographed. As much as I would like to say that being photographed is the best part, it was really the talks about life, eating good food, and laughing uncontrollably that I will remember forever. What is a favorite memory with or thoughts of the person who nominated you? My mom is always my biggest cheerleader! Whether it’s a tennis court, a homecoming queen nomination or prom dress shopping- she always supports me whole heartedly. We have so many amazing memories but my most recent favorite is prom dress shopping out of state, just her and I. We spent the day together and I probably tried on 40 dresses! Why do you want to be in Inspiring Teens Magazine? I have many stories to tell! From having a seizure my freshman year and learning to live life after….to learning to choose friends who choose me back and have similar interests…I feel like high school has taught me SO much. If I can share my stories and help others in similar situations, it would be so rewarding. If you win a scholarship, what will you do with the money? As a second child of four, I would love to put a scholarship directly towards my college education. In middle school and in high school, I always gave 110% so that I would be a good candidate to apply for scholarships when the time came. I would love to be able to take some of the financial burden off of my parents. Independence is a huge goal of mine. What is your ideal dream job if it were offered to you today? A dentist!! Is there anyone you'd like to thank for helping you to get where you are today? My entire immediate family deserves a huge thank you. I have the most supportive parents, siblings, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. They always believe in me and support every crazy idea I come up with. It has never gone unnoticed and I truly hope to be able to repay the favors one day. If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you? Shopping! TJ Maxx is my favorite store! What advice would you give to someone who wants to be where you are today? Make a plan and do your best to stick with it! Be flexible when things don’t go your way, but don’t let that stop you. 3 Things on your bucket list: - Visiting Hawaii - Go skydiving - Go on a mission trip to another country Look for Kenli in issue 100 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! *Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

Caisey Kreg - Pennsylvania Nomination by Megan Huges Photography by April Ohl Photography Issue 79 of Inspiring Teens Magazine ​From the Wings to the Spotlight: How Musical Theater Swing Caisey Kreg Shines at Lincoln Park Nomination: Caisey is the kindest person I know. She comes to school everyday with a smile on her face always making my day. Caisey is transgender and she doesn’t let that stop her from doing anything. She advocates for herself and her classmates and has never failed to make anyone feel less than perfect. Caisey has always helped others to see past what makes them different and find what makes them alike. She is truly inspiring. What inspiring things about you does your nomination not cover? I have been an activist for children and parents who have children that feel that they may be transgender. This includes participating in panels for people to attend to learn more along with reaching out to local LGBTQ+ organizations to provide resources at my school for other students. I also have done multiple environmental justice studies and work in my community. How did you get started in participating in panels and what did you do to prepare? I started doing panels at my church. The first panel I did was for the western Pennsylvania Unitarian Universalist group meeting. this meeting was held at my church called Sunnyhill. I was very nervous about participating in my first panel, but I overcame that fear by having my mom prepare mock questions to ask me so that I was ready for any and all questions I was asked. What did you learn about yourself in the process? In the process of doing my first panel, I realized that it was hard for me talking about being transgender. For a long time I didn’t tell anyone that I was trans and I kept it a secret. at the panel, I got emotional talking about what it was like growing up because it was scary. Doing this first panel prepared me for other panels I would do and it prepared me to become public about my transition. What do you wish people knew about transgender teens? I wish people knew that we are normal people just like anyone else. Another thing I would like people to know is that it’s OK to ask questions there aren’t many transgender people who are young, Asking questions is a normal thing for people to do. However, sometimes people are scared to ask questions because they don’t know if it’s appropriate or not. if someone is scared to ask a question, I tell them, “Would you ask your mom this at a family dinner?” if the answer is no, the question is probably not appropriate. Tell us about the environmental justice studies you have done and how you participate. My youth group at my church has been studying environmental justice for the past year. Some of the things we do to study is, having professionals who work with environmental justice studies come and talk to us in a panel. Another thing we do is take field trips to environmentally friendly and environmentally adapted places around Western PA. What has been the most interesting one and why? The most interesting thing I have done is study the effects of fracking on water. My youth group took a trip to a water center in upper Saint Clair, Pennsylvania, and there we saw the effects of fracking on water and the environment along with filtered water and the environment. The center was split into two so first we looked at the filtered section then we went to the polluted section. I enjoy this because it was an outdoor experience where I got to see many rare things that many people would normally see. One thing I saw was a beaver building a dam because its family was being affected by the polluted water, so it stopped the flow of the water. What else would you like to talk about? I would like to talk about what it’s like growing up as a transgender teen, along with what challenges I faced coming out so early. I came out at the age of 7. It had taken me a while to understand the feeling I was having. I want to grow others understanding of what children like that may feel. Tell us about this experience. Growing up transgender was very scary. I remember the day I came out to my parents and was so nervous that they wouldn’t accept me for who I was. However, I was very lucky for them to support me fully. I came out in the summer of 2017. when I came out, I didn’t transition right away. I started slowly by growing up my hair and dressing in more feminine clothing. By October 2017 my mom bought me a purple wig from costume shop and I wore to school. I felt so pretty and feminine having long hair. I remember this experience and I love my parents for supporting me. From the Wings to the Spotlight: How Musical Theater Swing Caisey Kreg Shines at Lincoln Park What do you feel passionate about or could talk about forever? I feel very passionate about musical theater. Ever since I was little I have been participating in musical theater. It helped me express who I was on stage without any judgement whatsoever. When I’m playing a character I feel like I can escape all my troubles and become the character I am playing. What has been your favorite production you've participated in and why? My favorite production I have done was the show “And the World Goes Round” at Lincoln Park Performing Arts Center. my role in the show was a swing. A swing is someone who is ready to step in for anybody who is out or sick. I learned the parts of everybody in the show, And I was able to perform them just as well as if I were in the show. On the day promotional pictures are being taken. I got to fill-in for one of the leading rules. It was a very exciting moment for me in my musical theater career, because I was able to showcase my abilities, improve to my director that I knew what I was doing. What parts have you played and how have they suited you? One part I played that I think did me very well was Violet Beauregard in Willy Wonka Junior. I relate to Violet a lot because I love chewing gum, and I love being sassy. I was able to really connect with the role and perform it to my best ability because I loved Willy Wonka growing up and Violet had always been my favorite character. What is the most challenging thing about being in musical theater vs most rewarding? The most challenging part about musical theater for me is auditioning for shows. When I audition for a show I’m so nervous and I get full of anxiety and fear. for me, the most rewarding part is finding out you got cast in a show. it’s very scary auditioning and when you put your heart and soul into your audition and you don’t get in, it’s really hurtful. However, when you audition and you do your best and you get into a show, it’s the most rewarding feeling in the world because it feels like all the work that you put in was paid off. If you could play any character on Broadway, who would it be/what play and why? If I could play any role on Broadway, I would want to play little red riding hood in Into the Woods. Into the woods has always been my favorite show and I’ve always wanted to play little red. Her song and into the Woods is very exciting and very vocally challenging. If I was to play this role, I would be forever grateful. How did you find your photographer, April Ohl Photography? What was your experience like? What did you love most about it? I found out about my photographer through my friends at school. She has an ambassador team who help her with promotions for her brand. I had a few friends on the team and their pictures always turned out amazing. I then followed her on instagram and interacted with her account for a while. One day she posted a giveaway for a free shoot so I entered, and to my surprise I won! April was an amazing person and she was so professional, while also being able to maintain a fun and supportive environment. If you had nothing to do and all day to do it, where would we find you? if I had nothing to do all day, you would probably find me in my room. I like being surrounded by the people I love, but sometimes it’s good to have a break. When I have nothing to do, I like to sit in my room and go through my audition songs. another thing I like to do is stretch. Stretching is a big part of Dance because if you aren’t flexible it can be hard to do some moves. What is up next for you that you are super excited about? The next project that I will be participating in is the ballet Don Quixote. I will be dancing the rules of Cupid and Townsgirl. I am very excited to do the show because I’ve never been in a ballet before. I started taking ballet last year in January and I’ve worked very hard to improve my skill and now I’m going to be in my first ever ballet. I don’t think I have been more excited to produce a show than I have for this one. Look for Caisey in issue 79 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! *Interviews are not edited after received from our inspiring teens - what you read is who they genuinely are!

Michelle Ye - California Nomination by Diya Mankotia Photography by Zhen Li Issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine Scaling to 15 Countries: How 16-Year-Old Michelle Ye Founded Project EDSA Nomination: Michelle Ye is the Co-Founder of Project EDSA, a youth-led organization that embeds eating disorder prevention and support systems in schools. In less than a year, she scaled the organization to over 100 chapters across 15 countries, serving over 100,000 students worldwide. At just the age of 16, she is an inspiring youth changemaker dedicated to uplifting others beyond her own community. What inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you were not mentioned in your nomination that you’d like readers to know about? In school, I serve as one of two eleventh-grade representatives on the Judiciary Committee, where I help develop restorative approaches. I am also a member of the Social Entrepreneurship Club and our Bring Change to Mind chapter, advocating for mental health, and a dancer. Outside of academics and extracurriculars, I am a friend who’s easy to talk to and always here for you. What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now? As of now, I’m pushing myself beyond my comfort zone by putting myself out there, taking on leadership roles, and learning from new experiences. For Project EDSA, I hope that we establish at least one chapter in every U.S. state. What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you? One individual per 52 minutes die from an eating disorder and one in three youth report lacking reliable access to mental health resources yet less than 10% of schools in the United States offer eating disorder education, leaving teachers unequipped to support students. I am passionate about expanding access to eating disorders and mental health support for youth, and I can talk for hours about how big of an impact awareness and peer support has. This matters to me because without access to resources and support, many students struggle in silence, and I believe no one should have to face that alone. What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year? Over the past year, I’ve learned that being adaptable and open to new ideas makes my leadership more effective. Adjusting our approach to fit a diverse community helps our system thrive, and this flexibility has strengthened both my leadership and the organization. What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you? Some of my favorite moments with Diya are being on calls and yapping about the most random things. She’s one of the kindest, sweetest people I know, and I feel so lucky to have her as my friend. Tell us about the photographer or person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like? My mother took the photo, and I am grateful for all the sacrifices, care, and trust she has put into me. Scaling to 15 Countries: How 16-Year-Old Michelle Ye Founded Project EDSA How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you? I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine through Instagram. Being part of it matters to me because it provides a platform to raise awareness about eating disorders and inspire other teams to lead change. If you win a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine, how would you plan to use it and what goals would it help support? All funding will go to ANAD and Project EDSA’s initiatives, including our chapters, which will help reach more students and provide greater access to mental health resources and eating disorder support. Look for Michelle in issue 101 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! * Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

Abigail Dubois - Missouri Nomination & Photography by Cassidy Sue Photography Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine Nomination: Abby is a fun, passionate and loving person. She looks great whenever in front of the camera. You give her a pose and she never fails to perfect it. I loved working with her! Photography by Cassidy Sue Photography Making a Difference in Healthcare: Meet Future Labor and Delivery Nurse Abigail Dubois What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about? One thing about me is, I like making a difference. No matter how big or small, doing something for the good, is bigger than man kind itself. I find joy in everything and that's the biggest life lesson I've taught myself. What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now? I am currently a high school senior, I plan to graduate and continue my education at Arkansas State University in Jonesboro Arkansas. I am majoring in Nursing and will work for the dream of becoming a labor and delivery nurse. What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you? One thing I could talk about is the power or friendship. The reason this matters to me is because of how much I cherish my own friends and all the things they have done for me. With the power of friendship, it gives you the strength to do anything you put your mind too. Knowing you have someone that has your back, pushes you to do anything beyond your limits and that is why I love it so much. What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year? Over the past year, I have learned about taking action and reaching out. I have learned that by taking action, I can become a big influence to others and encourage them to do so as well. No only is it a big encouragement but it builds confidence in myself, and allowing me to build my publication skills, in a positive manner. 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 was being on her senior rep team. When I first joined, I was scared of how everything would go and whether or not I would have fun. Now that that time has come to an end, I can proudly say every shoot I had with Cassidy is always my best memories. She allowed me to create a bond with 12 other girls and herself as well. It is something I will forever cherish. Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like? Cassidy Winberry- she is one of the most down to earth and sweetest person you will ever meet. She is the type of person to make sure you are happy no matter what. I connected with her by applying to her senior rep team. That experience is like no other. You build life long friends and memories. How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you? I first heard about ITM, was though my photographer. She has had her pictures published by you in the past, and I've always thought it was so cool to be in a magazine. Being apart of ITM is important to me because, I want to show others that no matter your looks, no matter your size, no matter what fears or insecurities you have anything is possible. Making a Difference in Healthcare: Meet Future Labor and Delivery Nurse Abigail Dubois How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you? Growing up in a small town with a population of less than 3,000 people, there isn't many opportunities. Jobs are harder to find, and in this economy nothing is cheap. By winning this scholarship, it will help me by paying for college and any essential needs. I do my best to provide for myself, to make it easier on my parents, but nothing is ever perfect. Look for Abigail in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! * Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

Bella Thompson - Mississippi Nomination by Christie Thompson Photography by Amanda Smith Photography Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine From Varsity Softball to HOSA: Meet Driven Student Leader Bella Thompson Nomination: Bella Thompson is known as God-fearing, loyal, driven, compassionate, empathetic, and kind. She serves as an FCA team leader and is active in Student Council, Sr. Beta, and HOSA. Bella also manages the school volleyball team, plays varsity softball, and enjoys reading. Despite facing multiple health challenges after being diagnosed with a chronic illness in October of 2024, she has remained strong in her faith and committed to her studies. Through her resilience, leadership, and positive spirit, Bella is a true example of an inspiring Christian teen. What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about? I serve on the FCA leadership team and was recognized as a Champion of Character in 2024. I was also honored as Student of the Month by the Collins Rotary Club. After experiencing a serious health challenge that required me to receive three units of blood, I was asked to appear in a commercial for the Blood Services Center. In it, I shared my story and emphasized the importance of blood donation and how it can save lives. Accomplishment to add: Won 1st place in this years state HOSA competition. Goal: Studying and preparing for the International HOSA competition that will be held in Indianapolis this coming June. What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now? I am working toward my goal of being accepted into the William Carey University D.O. program, where I plan to pursue a career as a pediatric gastroenterologist. What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you? I could talk about Jesus for hours. My faith is the most important part of my life, and I believe salvation is the greatest gift we can receive. I’m passionate about sharing His word and helping others come to know Him, especially those who may not have had that opportunity before. What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year? I’ve learned that my actions speak volumes. Since October 2024, I’ve faced several health and personal challenges that could have broken me, but my faith has carried me through each obstacle. Through this journey, I’ve been told by others that I’ve become a strong influence and role model, showing that it’s possible to remain a shining light even in difficult times. What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you? My mom is my biggest supporter. I can’t think of a single time she’s missed a school event, game, or any opportunity to cheer me on. No matter where I am, I know I can always count on her to be there—and to make sure I know she’s proud of me. One of my favorite memories is a simple tradition we’ve had for as long as I can remember: whenever I find her in the crowd, we exchange a special signal to say “I love you.” It’s something small, but it means everything to me. Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like? The photographer is actually a family member, which made the experience even more special. She creates such a fun, comfortable environment during shoots. She has a way of making you feel confident and valued, which really comes through in the photos. How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you? I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine on Instagram, and after following the page and reading the stories of other inspiring teens, I became truly interested in the opportunity. I believe being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine would provide a meaningful platform to amplify my story—encouraging others through faith, resilience, and service, and continuing to advocate for causes like blood donation that have personally impacted my life. From Varsity Softball to HOSA: Meet Driven Student Leader Bella Thompson How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you? Winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would not only help ease the financial burden of pursuing my education, but also allow me to stay focused on my goal of becoming a pediatric gastroenterologist. More importantly, it would give me a platform to continue sharing my story, encouraging others through faith, and inspiring people to overcome challenges while making a difference in their communities. Look for Bella in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! * Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

Sydney Ksenak – Indiana Nomination & Photography by @mitbykimberly Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine Nomination: Sydney Ksenak is inspiring because she leads with kindness and heart. She is sweet to everyone and has quickly won over my entire teen team. Sydney makes sure no one is left out, showing a level of awareness beyond her years. She is bright, hardworking, and always gives her best effort. She loves her sister and treasures her friendships deeply. Outside of the team, Sydney takes dance classes at Elite, plays violin, and enjoys reading and arts and crafts. She values time with her family. As the youngest member, she is stepping forward with strength, and I am ecstatic to watch her confidence shine. From Elite Dance to the Violin: How Academic Standout Sydney Ksenak Leads with Heart What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about? One of my favorite things is being creative through dance, music, reading, and arts and crafts. These activities help me express myself and build confidence. I also love spending time with my family and making memories with the people who matter most to me. What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now? Right now, I am focused on doing my best in school, growing my confidence, and continuing to learn new things. I was proud to pass the IREAD assessment as a second grader, and I enjoy reading and challenging myself academically. I also love dance and violin because they help me build creativity, discipline, and teamwork. One of my biggest goals is to continue being kind to others and making sure everyone feels included. Even though I am still discovering what I want for my future, I hope to continue working hard and helping others. What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you? I could talk for hours about shows like Stranger Things or playing Roblox because they are fun and let me use my imagination. I like Stranger Things because the story is exciting and keeps me guessing what will happen next. I enjoy Roblox because I can be creative, play different games, and connect with friends. These things matter to me because they are something I can enjoy with others and talk about with my friends. They also give me a way to relax and have fun after school. What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year? I have learned that I can be a leader by being kind and including others. Even small actions, like inviting someone to play or making sure no one feels left out, can make a big difference. I’ve also learned that leadership is not about being the loudest person, but about being someone others can trust and feel comfortable around. Being part of a team has helped me realize I can set a good example by how I treat people. I want to keep growing as someone who encourages others and spreads positivity. 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 the person who nominated me was doing a Stranger Things themed birthday photo session. It was so much fun and really creative, and I loved being part of something special like that. They made everyone feel comfortable and included, which made the experience even better. Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like? What means the most to me is how kind and supportive Kim is. She always encourages me and help me feel confident when I try new things. I will always remember that fun day and how happy it made me feel. From Elite Dance to the Violin: How Academic Standout Sydney Ksenak Leads with Heart How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you? I first heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine through the photographer who nominated me. Being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matters to me because it feels really special to be recognized for kindness, effort, and the way I treat others. I try to include people and be a good friend, so it means a lot that those qualities are noticed. It also encourages me to keep growing, working hard in school, and continuing to be kind and positive to everyone around me How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you? Earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine would help me and my family as I continue my education. It would also build my confidence and encourage me to keep working hard in school and in my activities. As I grow, I hope to attend college one day, and this opportunity would help me start thinking about my future goals. Most importantly, it would remind me to keep being kind, focused, and determined as I continue learning and discovering what I love to do. Look for Sydney in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! * Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

Sienna Pickering – Tennessee Nomination & Photography by Rural Southern Photography Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine Heading to Roane State: How Soccer Player Sienna Pickering is Pursuing Physical Therapy Nomination: Sienna is a truly incredible young woman who I’ve had the honor of watching grow up into someone so talented, kind, and deeply driven. She carries herself with grace, works hard in everything she does, and has such a bright future ahead of her. Beyond all of her accomplishments, what stands out most is her heart. She is genuine, inspiring, and a beautiful example of faith in action. God is doing amazing things in her life, and I have no doubt she will continue to impact everyone around her in powerful ways. She is so deserving of this recognition. What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about? I have played soccer my whole life, been a part of HOSA for 4 years, and participate heavily in church activities at east Maryville Baptist. What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now? Currently I am working towards becoming a Physical Therapy Assistant through Roane State. And another dream that I have that i want to accomplish during that time is going on a mission trip to Costa Rica. What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you? How much my faith has kept me stable in my journey so far through the ups and downs God is always faithful and he will always be. This is my belief and he has always been my cornerstone. What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year? That I have a huge impact not only by my words but my actions. Being a captain on the soccer team and a leader for hosa and a senior just in general I have so many kids looking up to me and watching my every move. I have learned to lead by actions and by words which is hard for most people to do. What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you? I have so many memories with Kasey! I’ve grown up with her being a close family friend. But my favorite probably is whenever she came and took my senior pictures in July and it was blistering hot. Even though it was hot and we couldn’t stop sweating, she put a smile on my face instantly and she brought me my favorite snacks ofcourse which made me relax a little. Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like? Kasey has been a family friend for years her and my mom grew up together knowing each other. I joined her Rural Southern Belles team and we go take pictures all the time. The experience is always amazing with Kasey! She has taken all of our family pictures for years and I was so happy she was taking mine for my senior year! Heading to Roane State: How Soccer Player Sienna Pickering is Pursuing Physical Therapy How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you? I heard about it through friends. It just really sounds surreal like everything I’ve worked so hard to get all in a magazine is amazing and it just shows my effort is worth it all. How will earning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you? It will help me after I get my two years at Roane state free to move on and get my Doctorate of Physical Therapy. It’s been a dream of mine since I was little and I can’t wait to achieve it! Look for Sienna in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! * Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

Emma Rackley – Missouri Nomination & Photography by Cassidy Sue Photography LLC Issue 102 of Inspiring teens Magazine Nomination: Emma Rackley is a senior at Malden High School who is ranked first in her class with a 4.0 GPA. She is driven, kind, and always pushing herself to grow. Emma works at a local flower shop and also helps support adults with developmental disabilities in finding meaningful, well-paying jobs in her community. She plans to join the Air Force and study forensic chemistry to help bring justice to others. Emma loves traveling and stepping outside her comfort zone, and she has grown so much in her confidence this past year. From Class Valedictorian to the Air Force: Meet Future Forensic Chemist Emma Rackley What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about? I stay actively involved in school through Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCA), where I serve on the leadership team, and I am also the president of both my FBLA chapter and Student Council. I am involved in other clubs like Beta, Yearbook, and SADD as well. I also ran track for three years and participated in cross country. One of my most impactful experiences was stepping up to help lead my school’s band for a semester when we didn’t have a teacher, which taught me responsibility and leadership. What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now? Right now, I am working toward joining the Air Force and earning a degree in forensic chemistry. I want to use science to help solve crimes and bring justice to people who deserve it. I also want to build a stable future for myself and continue growing into someone who is confident, independent, and able to handle challenges. What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you? I could talk about traveling for hours because I love experiencing new places and learning about different cultures. It’s important to me because it helps me grow, become more independent, and see the world from different perspectives. Traveling has helped shape who I am and continues to push me outside of my comfort zone. What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year? Through my leadership roles like president of Student Council and FBLA, and stepping up to help lead my school’s band for a semester, I’ve learned that leadership is about responsibility and showing up when others need you. It’s not about a title, but about being dependable, taking initiative, and supporting others even in unexpected situations. 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 Cassidy Sue was at Reelfoot Lake. She captured such beautiful photos, but what stood out most was how comfortable and confident she made me feel. I was able to fully express myself, and it helped me grow in my confidence. It was also a great experience getting to connect with her and the other girls. Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like? I met Cassidy Sue when I applied for her senior rep team, and I honestly didn’t expect to make it. Being chosen meant a lot to me, and since then I’ve had such a great experience. She creates such a positive environment and makes everyone feel confident and included. She is inspiring, passionate, and truly cares about the people she works with. From Class Valedictorian to the Air Force: Meet Future Forensic Chemist Emma Rackley How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you? I heard about Inspiring Teens Magazine through other girls in my area who were involved. It stood out to me because it highlights real stories and accomplishments. Being part of it would mean a lot because it’s an opportunity to share my story and show others that hard work, growth, and stepping outside of your comfort zone can lead to amazing opportunities. How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you? A scholarship would help support my education as I work toward a degree in forensic chemistry. It would allow me to focus more on my goals. This opportunity would help me continue working toward a future where I can serve others and make a difference. Look for Emma in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! * Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.

Liliana Huston - Indiana Nomination & Photography by @mitbykimberly Issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine ​Nomination: Liliana Huston is an inspiring teen because through my lens, I see more than achievement; I witness quiet dedication shaping character. For five years she has committed to diving, pairing discipline with grace, while pouring equal heart into theater production, art communities, and service. She builds, paints, leads, and uplifts, whether on a set or beside younger athletes. In coaching middle school divers, she offers patience and knowledge, sparking confidence that lingers long after practice. Her generosity extends into volunteer work, leaving every space brighter. Liliana’s inner beauty is a steady current that draws others to rise, believe, and begin. Photography by @mitbykimberly Discipline and Drama: How Liliana Huston Excels in Competitive Diving and Theater Production What other inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you, not mentioned in your nomination, would you like readers to know about? At RipFest Dive Camp, the connections to others who love the sport like me and the opportunity to dive outside and do dryland training with different coaches means a lot to me. I have gone for 4 years now, making friends I have gone to camp with multiple times now. I received the Superintendents Award and a Best of Category Award for some of my art in the district art show. I also had the honor of making an ink drawing of the school for my Principal that is retiring. What has it meant to you to build friendships through diving over the years? The friendships I have built through diving have meant the world to me. There is something special about connecting with others who love the same thing as you and have/are facing similar challenges as you. Friends I’ve made while competing in high school are always a friendly, supportive face at competitions that make it easier to just have fun. Meeting other divers at summer camp forms a close connection because we are training and doing fun activities together. It’s really fun when we get to have fun using diving skills during free time or activities, like doing flips. How has art given you another way to express yourself outside of athletics? I am all about the details and the little moments in life. Art serves as a unique medium where I can express an idea while incorporating smaller details that connect with each other and expand the extent of the meaning. When I make something that others enjoy seeing or find sentimental value in, it makes me feel proud of my work and what I’m capable of. That is why it was a huge opportunity when my teacher thought of me to do a drawing of the school for my Principal after I previously made an ink landscape. What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now? Right now, my main goal is to finish off my senior year strong while enjoying as much of it as I can. When I start college, my goal is to get involved and meet as many people as I can without worrying about everything being perfect or my expectations not being met. I want to embrace a new chapter without getting stuck up on the what-ifs and what could have been. I am working towards improving my communication and ability to make lasting connections. What are you most excited about as you prepare to attend Purdue this fall? I am most excited about all the new people I will get to meet. My relationships and connections with other people are extremely important to me, but sometimes it can be hard to make them. In college, most students are trying to make friends, get involved, and just talk with others just like you are. I also can’t wait to participate in different clubs and campus activities. Though there is not a diving club at Purdue, I plan to stay involved with it. There is also an architecture club that I am very interested in. What is something you hope to learn about yourself during your college years? During my college years, I hope I can learn more about how I interact and how others perceive me. Being aware of things like that is important for successful communication, connections, and performance. Discipline and Drama: How Liliana Huston Excels in Competitive Diving and Theater Production What could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you? I could talk about diving for hours. I absolutely love everything about the sport. I love teaching others about the physics and mechanics behind it and the precision and mindset required to perform dives. Diving is a big deal in Indiana and my dive club has connections to Olympians and so does Purdue, the college I will be attending in the fall. The sport has become a huge part of my life, challenging me and teaching me how to regulate my mindset so I can do hard things even when I am scared. What is one of the biggest lessons diving has taught you about overcoming fear? When someone tells you just have to do it, you might think they don’t understand how you feel, but in reality the only way to truly overcome fear is by making a move. When doing a new dive, I have to trust my training, lead-ups, and preparation. After the first, every repetition feels less scary. It definitely takes practice and time to feel comfortable doing things despite fear. of I am still scared when I do a new dive, but I know the only way to get over that fear is to chuck it. What do you enjoy most about coaching and encouraging younger divers? I did karate for 7 years and had to quit in 8th grade. Something I did there was teach, so it had become natural to me to coach others. I love to see younger divers able to overcome their fears and get excited when they succeed. It also makes me personally excited when they ask me questions and want to learn more. How do you stay mentally focused before a difficult dive or competition? It has taken multiple years of competition for me to feel comfortable and relaxed. As I have become more comfortable with diving, I have learned to not think too hard about the things that go wrong or what others are doing. I only have to focus on myself and the next dive. I get done warming up early so I am not stressed and do not try too hard to fix things. Then, in between dives I listen to music, color, or do some other activity that keeps me from worrying about my next dive until it’s time to go. What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or influencer in the past year? In the past year, I have learned that I have the capability to bring ideas to the table and get people involved with a movement. Throughout all of my high school years I have wanted to make a mural to display in the school that represents it. We started a branch of the National Art Honor Society this year, so I brought up my desire to make a mural. As a team, we made a design that represents what our school is about and all the students in it and are in the process of painting it now! How do you hope your mural will impact students who see it for years to come? In the years to come, I hope that students will see the mural and feel represented. The goal of the mural is to show the things that represent our school and the biggest part of that is the students. The mural incorporates items and symbols to represent all the groups in our school. What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you? My photographer was the one who nominated me and something about them that means a lot to me is her ability to make anyone feel comfortable. I was nervous to do pictures at first, and even now I still feel awkward sometimes, but Kimberly always makes it fun. Tell us about the person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like? I connect with my photographer, Kimberly, through my older friends who had done their senior pictures with her. She has made doing pictures feel easy and natural for me by making it fun and working with things I would like to try out during a photoshoot. There has never been something to stress me out. How long have you been in the model team and what do you love most about it? My first shoot with the team was last October, 2025. It honestly still feels new to me at times but I love getting to create amazing photos with my photographer that show my personality in them. 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 my senior photographer. Being a part of the magazine, to me, means that I have the opportunity to share my unique story and connect to others who relate to it. How will winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine help you? Winning a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine will help me to pay for college so I can get my degree without worrying about huge debt. With my major, I plan to work within the field of construction, design, and architecture. To me, the environment we live in everyday is extremely important both in how it makes us feel and functions. A scholarship will help me reach my goals to graduate with a good degree and be prepared to enter the work force so I can be a part of creating our built world. What made you say “yes” to the Inspiring Teens challenge, and how did you feel when you first started? When leading into college, any chance for a scholarship is a valuable opportunity. What really interested me though was the opportunity to be showcased in a magazine and share my experiences with my friends, family, and community. I was definitely a bit overwhelmed because there was so many things to do, but the guides and suggestion resources were really helpful. 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? I was proud that I was able to go to my local business and ask if they would be interested in sponsoring me. I definitely have a hard time talking to people in that kind of manner, but the ability to pitch yourself and your abilities are fundamental to success, so any practice doing so is helpful for me. 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 just do it. Like I explained before, the only way to overcome fear is through action. There is nothing to lose by joining the challenge, only the opportunity to gain something whether that is a scholarship, leadership experience, or just life skills. Look for Liliana in issue 102 of Inspiring Teens Magazine! * Each interview is shared in the teen’s own words, so their authentic voice shines through.