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| Power Style Wellness Connections |
Today’s Teen
Be inspired to...
• Overcome obstacles
• Try something new
• Find your voice
Read about how our Today's Teen Top Ten did it!
Sponsored by: The Little Clinic
A 2008 publication of:Today’s Woman
By Tiffany White and Rachel Hartog
PHOTOS: EwaWojtkowska
ARTWORK: Aaron Turner
DESIGN: Kathy Bolger
TODAY’S TEEN
Winner of the $1,500 Shot in the Arm Grant, courtesy of The Little Clinic
NaKhaya Douglas
18 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF DUPONT MANUAL MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE J.B. SPEED SCHOOL“I
would like to see a minority win the Presidency of the United
States! We have landed on the moon, we have sent satellites into
outer space, we have integrated the races, now it’s time to show
diversity works!”
Growing up with challenges is something this year’s winner, NaKhaya Douglas, has
used to her advantage. Born with a spine and leg deformity, she used her time on
numerous volunteer projects such as serving on the Mayor’s Youth Cabinet and in The
Lord’s Kitchen. Now, as she gears up for the University of Louisville Speed School for
Engineering in the fall, she couldn’t be more ready to tackle the new set of challenges it
will present. “For my future, getting a good education is most important. My mom always
says, ‘An education is the only thing that can’t be taken away from you!’”
NaKhaya already has a head start on her way to becoming a civil engineer. She’s
involved with and participated in the YMCA Black Achievers Engineering Cluster,
Women in Science and Engineering, Purdue Minority Engineering Camp, and the U of L
Camp Inspire which is also for engineering. Among her studies, though, NaKhaya also
values her time spent serving the community. “Having been assisted throughout my life,
I try to give back every chance I get. Whether it’s tutoring or serving food, I have a big
heart and desire only to help as others helped me!” She certainly does this, regularly
volunteering at various places such as The Lord’s Kitchen of South Louisville, Baxter
Community Center, the Cabbage Patch Settlement House, and Parkland Boys and Girls
Club.. “I have committed myself to serving others.”
School, service, and her faith are all elements of NaKhaya’s busy life, but she’s still
your all-around teen. She manages to find time to “gab with girlfriends” on the phone
and even laugh over dessert like she did for her most recent birthday celebration.
Using a positive attitude, perseverance, and knack for pushing the limits, NaKhaya
Douglas embodies what Today’s Teen is all about, and she’s using all of her many
talents to help others!
TODAY’S TEEN Top Ten
Elizabeth Brussell
18 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF NELSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT AT WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
“Lizzy” Brussell is a hard-working student who, when not busy volunteering for
numerous programs such as Angel Tree, Vacation Bible School, and Salvation Army,
stays busy participating in FFA, cross country, National Honor Society, her school news
publication, and yearbook staff. Maintaining the balance between her volunteer work,
job, school, and friends is a top priority for Elizabeth who understands the importance
of resisting the drug and alcohol abuse she sees many teens struggle with today. She
enjoys the diversity that the many volunteer work projects she’s participated in have
brought. This fall she will be a freshman in college where she plans to study dental
hygiene. “I very much
enjoy volunteering
for different organizations around my area.I love the feeling I get from helping someone
or helping with activities.”
Chelsea Cardell
16 YEARS OLD
SACRED HEART ACADEMY
“When you set higher standards for yourself in terms of morals, integrity, and spiritual
values, you are not always accepted by the popular crowd. My parents taught me not to
follow the crowd, but to think about my choices and how they will affect my life and
others.”
Dancing her way through the challenges and pressure that teens face is Chelsea
Cardell, a 4.0 student who danced for 11 years at the University of Louisville Dance
Academy as well as the Louisville Ballet School. Chelsea leads by example, and by
emphasizing the “Golden Rule” as well as setting high standards for herself morally and
spiritually. She was recently nominated to represent her school in the Louisville Girls
Leadership Summit and is also a recipient of the Guinness Scholarship. Where might
you find Chelsea these days? Pursuing her newest interest, golf!
Lauren Casada
17 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF PRESENTATION ACADEMY
STUDENT AT GEORGETOWN COLLEGE
“For my senior Spring Break, I went on a mission trip to Eastern Kentucky to help
rebuild homes and lives of poverty-stricken families. After returning from this trip I
realized how fortunate I am...it has inspired me to continue serving in my community.”
Lauren has been ahead of the curve ever since kindergarten, where she only stayed
for a week before being moved to the first grade. Graduating as the youngest of her
class, going “above and beyond the general expectations” is something she strives to
do. Lauren has faced many challenges in her life, including the recent diagnosis of her
mother’s breast cancer, and understands that serving others is a main priority. She
spent her senior Spring Break serving in Appalachia, and also participates in Actors
Theatre of Louisville, is a member of the Tower Chorus, and has been a leader at
Piano Camp. Lauren looks forward to the new challenges that will come with her first
year of college in the fall.
Danielle Cole
20 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF DUPONT MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
“I did not get where I am today without the help of others, and I am thankful for those
people in my life that taught me about giving back.”
For many, breaks from school are chances to kick back and relax, but that isn’t the
case for Danielle Cole. She spent her winter break tutoring elementary and middle
school students, and this past Spring Break was spent participating in ASB (Alternative
Spring Break), serving in the Appalachian Mountains. While there Danielle worked with
the programs Habitat for Humanity as well as Once Upon a Time, and though these
experiences certainly make her distinguished, Danielle insists volunteering is something
we should all take part in. “I think that everyone who is able to give back to their
community or a specific cause that is dear to their heart should, because not only are
they helping someone else, but they are helping themselves.”
Dominique Danielak
17 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF BARDSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT AT CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
“Godly studies have helped me learn the importance of helping and encouraging
others. When I feel self-conscious, my faith helps me step up and carry on.”
Dominique has a big voice, whether it’s being used to sing in the All-State Chorus, or in
preparing worship services for the middle and high school students at her church,
Parkway Baptist, she’s letting it be heard around the world. This summer Dominique will
be in Ecuador on a mission trip, but that’s not the first of her out-of-country travels. This
past year she also went abroad to France and Italy. Dominique is not one to easily give
up. She overcame eight bouts of pneumonia as a child, and has lost three close
relatives to cancer. “That experience gave me an appreciation for the beauty and
bounty life has to offer. Not without struggle, I grew to be a strong person, full of
exhortation and a passion for service.” She’s certainly proving it, and this fall she’ll
attend Campbellsville University to study psychology.
Zoie Feldkamp
16 YEARS OLD
MERCY ACADEMY
“I realize that every moment counts and that at any moment life can be taken away... At
a very young age, I became aware of what family means
and realized the importance of living life to its fullest.”
From an early age Zoie gained a deep appreciation for family and life itself. This lesson
was learned the hard way when her mother passed away when Zoie was only four.
Despite the hardships that came with this experience, she has learned the importance
of giving back and taking time to enjoy the little things in life, as well as being thoughtful
towards others. “One never knows what someone is going through. It’s important to
remember that we all have challenges that we need to overcome.” She participates in
the National Honor Society as well as French Honor Society, and has volunteered over
50 community or school service hours. Several programs she has worked with include
Habitat for Humanity, Knitting for Peace, Kosair Children’s Hospital, and Ministry to the
Homebound.
Brandi M. Jordan
17 YEARS OLD
BUTLER TRADITIONAL
HIGH SCHOOL
“I find joy and beauty in the simplicity of making others smile and feel that making
others feel special and loved is the job of every human.”
You won’t find Brandi out and about around town this summer — she’ll be busy doing
missionary work overseas in Cambodia. While travelling is something she’s grown up
doing, having visited places such as the Taj Mahal in India at an early age, her call to
missionary work came in the eighth grade. Since then, Brandi’s focus has been on
teaching and serving others. She has participated in World Changers in Cincinnati,
where she helped build and repair houses for the underprivileged. She has also been a
leader of a Bible study for middle school girls to help “encourage them to be the
change they wish to see in the world.” Brandi is definitely doing her part to make the
world a better place!
Tierra D. Price
13 YEARS OLD
JEFFERSON COUNTY TRADITIONAL MIDDLE
SCHOOL
“I am a confident and humble leader. My leadership skills
are shown at school, church, and social functions.”
Whether she’s dancing at the Orange Bowl, winning Little Miss Alpha Kappa Alpha,
attending the National Youth Leader Scholars Conference, or being invited to the next
Presidential Inauguration, Tierra Price keeps awfully busy filling her days with these
prestigious events. She still finds time to help the community by volunteering at various
places, such as Bright Beginnings Daycare, Wayside Christian Mission, and also
helped out with her dad’s campaign for judge. Keeping balance between the JCTMS
dance team, school, community service, church, family, and friends is all part of a day
in the life of Tierra, whose aspirations also include becoming a veterinarian.
Christina Sauer
16 YEARS OLD
PRESENTATION ACADEMY
“Everyone faces problems or tragedies in his or her lifetime.
As a teenager, I know how difficult it is to deal with stress and calamity. Yet, I also know
that I cannot let those factors tear me down.”
Christina is the perfect example of getting thrown lemons and making lemonade.
Despite growing up facing the challenges that come with having a sibling who was
diagnosed with cancer, Christina has used these tough experiences to go on to
become active in Smiles for Hope, a fundraiser for pediatric cancer, as well as write an
award-winning essay that will be published nationwide in Catholic Extension Magazine.
Living every day to its full potential is part of what Christina does best. After all, in her
words, “One never knows what another day may bring.”
TODAY’S TEEN Finalists
Erin Alexander — St. Mary's Catholic School • Victorea Austin — St. Francis High
School • Jordan Brittle — Male High School • Amber Bibbs — University of Kentucky •
Ashley Beeler — University of Kentucky • Jasmine Collins — Butler Traditional High
School • Tonie Coleman — duPont Manual High School • Erica Brooke Coulter — South
Central Jr./Sr. High School • Desirae Dalton — Eastern High School • Mary Dohoney —
New Albany Senior High School • Sarah Beth Gillis — Nelson County High School •
Hannah Hartman — Hazlewood Middle School •
Ashley Suzanne Hettinger — Nelson County High School • Cassandra Kolb — Jefferson
County Traditional Middle School • Kristen Lawrence — Western Kentucky University •
Megan Lilly — Bellarmine University • Tess McGrew — St. Agnes • Lauren Neichter —
Assumption High School • Rachel Elizabeth Riley — Lanesville Jr./Sr. High School •
Natalie Price — Western Kentucky University • Tymber Logan Redd — Eastern High
School • Elizabeth Allen Roberts — Kammerer Middle School • Erin Rowan — Northern
Kentucky University • Shanel Taul — Fern Creek Traditional High School • Jazmine
Wiggins — Doss High School • Nachia Woods — University of Louisville
TODAY’S TEEN Judges
The Today's Teen winner and top ten were chosen based on their essay responses,
leadership skills, academic achievements, and community involvement.
Kimberly Garts Crum, MFA, MSW, is a former social worker, a freelance writer for
Today's Woman magazine and other publications. She is also a writing and literature
instructor at Spalding University. Most notably, she is the proud mother of two
daughters,
ages 18 and 22.
Sharis Lattimore is the career and technical education specialist with the School-to-
Career Office in Jefferson County Public Schools. She manages all funding for career
and technical education programs for the district. Sharis has also taught mathematics
and computer programming on the high school level.
Julia Youngblood is the Director of ArtsReach & Community Arts Education at the
Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. She is a photographer and regularly
documents ArtsReach activities for use in publications and presentations about the arts
in community settings. Julia serves on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Center
for Native American Arts and Culture. Youngblood is a writer and visual artist who has
exhibited throughout the country. Recent grants include the Art Meets Activism Grant
from the Kentucky foundation for Women and a Professional Assistant Grant for fiction
from the Kentucky Arts Council.
Be inspired to...
• Overcome obstacles
• Try something new
• Find your voice
Read about how our Today's Teen Top Ten did it!
Sponsored by: The Little Clinic
A 2008 publication of:Today’s Woman
By Tiffany White and Rachel Hartog
PHOTOS: EwaWojtkowska
ARTWORK: Aaron Turner
DESIGN: Kathy Bolger
TODAY’S TEEN
Winner of the $1,500 Shot in the Arm Grant, courtesy of The Little Clinic
NaKhaya Douglas
18 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF DUPONT MANUAL MAGNET HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY OF LOUISVILLE J.B. SPEED SCHOOL“I
would like to see a minority win the Presidency of the United
States! We have landed on the moon, we have sent satellites into
outer space, we have integrated the races, now it’s time to show
diversity works!”
Growing up with challenges is something this year’s winner, NaKhaya Douglas, has
used to her advantage. Born with a spine and leg deformity, she used her time on
numerous volunteer projects such as serving on the Mayor’s Youth Cabinet and in The
Lord’s Kitchen. Now, as she gears up for the University of Louisville Speed School for
Engineering in the fall, she couldn’t be more ready to tackle the new set of challenges it
will present. “For my future, getting a good education is most important. My mom always
says, ‘An education is the only thing that can’t be taken away from you!’”
NaKhaya already has a head start on her way to becoming a civil engineer. She’s
involved with and participated in the YMCA Black Achievers Engineering Cluster,
Women in Science and Engineering, Purdue Minority Engineering Camp, and the U of L
Camp Inspire which is also for engineering. Among her studies, though, NaKhaya also
values her time spent serving the community. “Having been assisted throughout my life,
I try to give back every chance I get. Whether it’s tutoring or serving food, I have a big
heart and desire only to help as others helped me!” She certainly does this, regularly
volunteering at various places such as The Lord’s Kitchen of South Louisville, Baxter
Community Center, the Cabbage Patch Settlement House, and Parkland Boys and Girls
Club.. “I have committed myself to serving others.”
School, service, and her faith are all elements of NaKhaya’s busy life, but she’s still
your all-around teen. She manages to find time to “gab with girlfriends” on the phone
and even laugh over dessert like she did for her most recent birthday celebration.
Using a positive attitude, perseverance, and knack for pushing the limits, NaKhaya
Douglas embodies what Today’s Teen is all about, and she’s using all of her many
talents to help others!
TODAY’S TEEN Top Ten
Elizabeth Brussell
18 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF NELSON COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT AT WESTERN KENTUCKY UNIVERSITY
“Lizzy” Brussell is a hard-working student who, when not busy volunteering for
numerous programs such as Angel Tree, Vacation Bible School, and Salvation Army,
stays busy participating in FFA, cross country, National Honor Society, her school news
publication, and yearbook staff. Maintaining the balance between her volunteer work,
job, school, and friends is a top priority for Elizabeth who understands the importance
of resisting the drug and alcohol abuse she sees many teens struggle with today. She
enjoys the diversity that the many volunteer work projects she’s participated in have
brought. This fall she will be a freshman in college where she plans to study dental
hygiene. “I very much
enjoy volunteering
for different organizations around my area.I love the feeling I get from helping someone
or helping with activities.”
Chelsea Cardell
16 YEARS OLD
SACRED HEART ACADEMY
“When you set higher standards for yourself in terms of morals, integrity, and spiritual
values, you are not always accepted by the popular crowd. My parents taught me not to
follow the crowd, but to think about my choices and how they will affect my life and
others.”
Dancing her way through the challenges and pressure that teens face is Chelsea
Cardell, a 4.0 student who danced for 11 years at the University of Louisville Dance
Academy as well as the Louisville Ballet School. Chelsea leads by example, and by
emphasizing the “Golden Rule” as well as setting high standards for herself morally and
spiritually. She was recently nominated to represent her school in the Louisville Girls
Leadership Summit and is also a recipient of the Guinness Scholarship. Where might
you find Chelsea these days? Pursuing her newest interest, golf!
Lauren Casada
17 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF PRESENTATION ACADEMY
STUDENT AT GEORGETOWN COLLEGE
“For my senior Spring Break, I went on a mission trip to Eastern Kentucky to help
rebuild homes and lives of poverty-stricken families. After returning from this trip I
realized how fortunate I am...it has inspired me to continue serving in my community.”
Lauren has been ahead of the curve ever since kindergarten, where she only stayed
for a week before being moved to the first grade. Graduating as the youngest of her
class, going “above and beyond the general expectations” is something she strives to
do. Lauren has faced many challenges in her life, including the recent diagnosis of her
mother’s breast cancer, and understands that serving others is a main priority. She
spent her senior Spring Break serving in Appalachia, and also participates in Actors
Theatre of Louisville, is a member of the Tower Chorus, and has been a leader at
Piano Camp. Lauren looks forward to the new challenges that will come with her first
year of college in the fall.
Danielle Cole
20 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF DUPONT MANUAL HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT AT UNIVERSITY OF KENTUCKY
“I did not get where I am today without the help of others, and I am thankful for those
people in my life that taught me about giving back.”
For many, breaks from school are chances to kick back and relax, but that isn’t the
case for Danielle Cole. She spent her winter break tutoring elementary and middle
school students, and this past Spring Break was spent participating in ASB (Alternative
Spring Break), serving in the Appalachian Mountains. While there Danielle worked with
the programs Habitat for Humanity as well as Once Upon a Time, and though these
experiences certainly make her distinguished, Danielle insists volunteering is something
we should all take part in. “I think that everyone who is able to give back to their
community or a specific cause that is dear to their heart should, because not only are
they helping someone else, but they are helping themselves.”
Dominique Danielak
17 YEARS OLD
GRADUATE OF BARDSTOWN HIGH SCHOOL
STUDENT AT CAMPBELLSVILLE UNIVERSITY
“Godly studies have helped me learn the importance of helping and encouraging
others. When I feel self-conscious, my faith helps me step up and carry on.”
Dominique has a big voice, whether it’s being used to sing in the All-State Chorus, or in
preparing worship services for the middle and high school students at her church,
Parkway Baptist, she’s letting it be heard around the world. This summer Dominique will
be in Ecuador on a mission trip, but that’s not the first of her out-of-country travels. This
past year she also went abroad to France and Italy. Dominique is not one to easily give
up. She overcame eight bouts of pneumonia as a child, and has lost three close
relatives to cancer. “That experience gave me an appreciation for the beauty and
bounty life has to offer. Not without struggle, I grew to be a strong person, full of
exhortation and a passion for service.” She’s certainly proving it, and this fall she’ll
attend Campbellsville University to study psychology.
Zoie Feldkamp
16 YEARS OLD
MERCY ACADEMY
“I realize that every moment counts and that at any moment life can be taken away... At
a very young age, I became aware of what family means
and realized the importance of living life to its fullest.”
From an early age Zoie gained a deep appreciation for family and life itself. This lesson
was learned the hard way when her mother passed away when Zoie was only four.
Despite the hardships that came with this experience, she has learned the importance
of giving back and taking time to enjoy the little things in life, as well as being thoughtful
towards others. “One never knows what someone is going through. It’s important to
remember that we all have challenges that we need to overcome.” She participates in
the National Honor Society as well as French Honor Society, and has volunteered over
50 community or school service hours. Several programs she has worked with include
Habitat for Humanity, Knitting for Peace, Kosair Children’s Hospital, and Ministry to the
Homebound.
Brandi M. Jordan
17 YEARS OLD
BUTLER TRADITIONAL
HIGH SCHOOL
“I find joy and beauty in the simplicity of making others smile and feel that making
others feel special and loved is the job of every human.”
You won’t find Brandi out and about around town this summer — she’ll be busy doing
missionary work overseas in Cambodia. While travelling is something she’s grown up
doing, having visited places such as the Taj Mahal in India at an early age, her call to
missionary work came in the eighth grade. Since then, Brandi’s focus has been on
teaching and serving others. She has participated in World Changers in Cincinnati,
where she helped build and repair houses for the underprivileged. She has also been a
leader of a Bible study for middle school girls to help “encourage them to be the
change they wish to see in the world.” Brandi is definitely doing her part to make the
world a better place!
Tierra D. Price
13 YEARS OLD
JEFFERSON COUNTY TRADITIONAL MIDDLE
SCHOOL
“I am a confident and humble leader. My leadership skills
are shown at school, church, and social functions.”
Whether she’s dancing at the Orange Bowl, winning Little Miss Alpha Kappa Alpha,
attending the National Youth Leader Scholars Conference, or being invited to the next
Presidential Inauguration, Tierra Price keeps awfully busy filling her days with these
prestigious events. She still finds time to help the community by volunteering at various
places, such as Bright Beginnings Daycare, Wayside Christian Mission, and also
helped out with her dad’s campaign for judge. Keeping balance between the JCTMS
dance team, school, community service, church, family, and friends is all part of a day
in the life of Tierra, whose aspirations also include becoming a veterinarian.
Christina Sauer
16 YEARS OLD
PRESENTATION ACADEMY
“Everyone faces problems or tragedies in his or her lifetime.
As a teenager, I know how difficult it is to deal with stress and calamity. Yet, I also know
that I cannot let those factors tear me down.”
Christina is the perfect example of getting thrown lemons and making lemonade.
Despite growing up facing the challenges that come with having a sibling who was
diagnosed with cancer, Christina has used these tough experiences to go on to
become active in Smiles for Hope, a fundraiser for pediatric cancer, as well as write an
award-winning essay that will be published nationwide in Catholic Extension Magazine.
Living every day to its full potential is part of what Christina does best. After all, in her
words, “One never knows what another day may bring.”
TODAY’S TEEN Finalists
Erin Alexander — St. Mary's Catholic School • Victorea Austin — St. Francis High
School • Jordan Brittle — Male High School • Amber Bibbs — University of Kentucky •
Ashley Beeler — University of Kentucky • Jasmine Collins — Butler Traditional High
School • Tonie Coleman — duPont Manual High School • Erica Brooke Coulter — South
Central Jr./Sr. High School • Desirae Dalton — Eastern High School • Mary Dohoney —
New Albany Senior High School • Sarah Beth Gillis — Nelson County High School •
Hannah Hartman — Hazlewood Middle School •
Ashley Suzanne Hettinger — Nelson County High School • Cassandra Kolb — Jefferson
County Traditional Middle School • Kristen Lawrence — Western Kentucky University •
Megan Lilly — Bellarmine University • Tess McGrew — St. Agnes • Lauren Neichter —
Assumption High School • Rachel Elizabeth Riley — Lanesville Jr./Sr. High School •
Natalie Price — Western Kentucky University • Tymber Logan Redd — Eastern High
School • Elizabeth Allen Roberts — Kammerer Middle School • Erin Rowan — Northern
Kentucky University • Shanel Taul — Fern Creek Traditional High School • Jazmine
Wiggins — Doss High School • Nachia Woods — University of Louisville
TODAY’S TEEN Judges
The Today's Teen winner and top ten were chosen based on their essay responses,
leadership skills, academic achievements, and community involvement.
Kimberly Garts Crum, MFA, MSW, is a former social worker, a freelance writer for
Today's Woman magazine and other publications. She is also a writing and literature
instructor at Spalding University. Most notably, she is the proud mother of two
daughters,
ages 18 and 22.
Sharis Lattimore is the career and technical education specialist with the School-to-
Career Office in Jefferson County Public Schools. She manages all funding for career
and technical education programs for the district. Sharis has also taught mathematics
and computer programming on the high school level.
Julia Youngblood is the Director of ArtsReach & Community Arts Education at the
Kentucky Center for the Performing Arts. She is a photographer and regularly
documents ArtsReach activities for use in publications and presentations about the arts
in community settings. Julia serves on the Board of Directors for the Kentucky Center
for Native American Arts and Culture. Youngblood is a writer and visual artist who has
exhibited throughout the country. Recent grants include the Art Meets Activism Grant
from the Kentucky foundation for Women and a Professional Assistant Grant for fiction
from the Kentucky Arts Council.
