Vote for Payton Martin | Official Icon & Scholarship Recipient for Issue 102 ITM Challenge!
Payton Martin - Tennessee
Nomination & Photography by Jessica Coulson Photography
In her mom's words: "Payton is the sweetest and strongest leader that I know. Her passion for service shines bright in all that she does. Winning the cover and scholarship would mean the world to Payton. She would be so thankful to be recognized for her heart, leadership, and service." - Julie
Nomination: Payton is the definition of a kind, confident, and compassionate leader. She leads with both strength and heart, consistently lifting others up while excelling in everything she pursues. Her warmth, integrity, and genuine spirit make her someone people naturally gravitate toward, and it’s impossible to find anyone who has a negative word to say about her. The overwhelming love and admiration others share about Payton speak volumes about the impact she has on everyone around her. As she heads to the University of Tennessee, I have no doubt she will continue to inspire everyone she meets!
What inspiring qualities, achievements, or experiences about you were not mentioned in your nomination that you’d like readers to know about?
I am the president of the Wilson Society Club at my school, one of the largest service clubs in the Memphis area. I have been on mission trips to Ethiopia and Ecuador, which have brought me so much joy. I experienced what service truly means, and we were able to help others and learn about the different cultures! I love to sing, and I have been a part of an Honors Advanced women's choir. We have traveled globally and had the amazing opportunity to perform at Carnegie Hall! I have been a cheer captain for the past 2 years, and being in this position has taught me how to be a good leader and to always put my teammates first.
What goals, dreams, or projects are you currently working toward right now?
My goal is to make a significant impact in this world. I want to continue serving others and spreading love. I am attending the University of Tennessee in the fall, and I am very excited for what the future holds! I am currently planning to major in Broadcast Journalism and want to pursue a career in news and media!
What is something you feel passionate about or could talk about for hours, and why does it matter so much to you?
I have a passion for serving others! Service means so much to me because I have firsthand seen the impact it has had on others and communities. It brings me so much joy and peace knowing that I am doing something bigger than myself. I believe if we all come together with a purpose, we can really make a change in our world.
What is something you have learned about yourself as a leader or person in the past year?
As the president of the Wilson Society Club, I am good at working as part of a team and collaborating. I work with people all over the city and at my school, and I have learned to take charge, be diligent, and I strive to be a reliable person to everyone around me.
What is one of your favorite memories with the person who nominated you, or something about them that means a lot to you?
It means so much to me that Mrs. Jessica Coulson has nominated me for this amazing opportunity. I am immensely grateful to have the ability to be part of Inspiring Teens Magazine!
Tell us about the photographer or person who took your photo — how did you connect, and what was that experience like?
I discovered Mrs. Jessica Coluson on Instagram and also through my friends who are on her rep team! I love her work, and I wanted to reach out to see if she could take my senior photos! She was so diligent with my session and is very detail-oriented. She was so kind throughout the session and did not hesitate to do anything that we requested!
How did you first hear about Inspiring Teens Magazine? Why does being part of Inspiring Teens Magazine matter to you?
I found out about Inspiring Teens Magazine firsthand after Jessica tagged them on my post, and they featured my photo on their Instagram page. Being a part of this magazine means so much to me because I want to make an impact and be a role model for all the girls who will read Inspiring Teens Magazine!
If you win a scholarship through Inspiring Teens Magazine, how would you plan to use it and what goals would it help support?
I would plan to use the scholarship for my college tuition! It would help support my educational goals and my future career.
Payton is working toward her pink or purple graduation cord — earned through this campaign and shipped the moment she earns it.
⭐ MOST SUPPORTERS CHOOSE 10 VOTES — $50
Your votes do more than move Payton up the leaderboard — they leave encouraging words right here that she'll carry with her forever.
Use the quantity field below to cast 10 votes at once. Then type your personal message followed by your name in the "Your Name" section during checkout. We'll add your words right here.
Single votes make a difference. Ten votes make an impact.
- Always believe in your many gifts. Shine on my Granddaughter! - Jean Kirk
- Payton, we are so proud of you and all others nominated for this honor! Best wishes to you all. - Dina Martin
- Connee would be so proud of you! - Sherrie Stiles
- Payton is the sweetest and best person that I know! She is a true servant leader!
- We🩷Payton! - Burgess Babes
- You are beautiful inside and out continue spreading your kindness and joy with the world. -The Ropers
- You are the best thing about this world sweet Payton! - Julie Martin
About the Mission: Inspiring Teens is a national production celebrating young leaders who lead with heart. When you vote, you are funding a scholarship, publishing a story, and leaving a note that will exist in print for the rest of their life. To date, we have awarded $200,000+ in scholarships and donated $100,000+ to nonprofits.
Each $5 vote directly supports:
- Teen scholarships
- National magazine production
- Youth leadership initiatives & nonprofit partners
The Fine Print:
- Note on Voting: To maintain contest integrity, all votes are final. Contributions are processed immediately to the scholarship fund and are non-refundable.
- Eligibility: Teens must be ages 13–19 and reside in the USA. Scholarship winnings are capped at $1,000 per issue.
- Full Details: Learn what this teen can win at InspiringTeens.com/102
Nominate a teen for the next available issue at InspiringTeens.com/nominate