Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Ariyanna’ Burton

As LEAD Girls of NC’s very first High School Ambassador, Ariyanna’ Burton has an impressive resume for being only a junior at North Forsyth High School. After becoming involved in LEAD (Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams) in the sixth grade, she has gained confidence, sharpened her social skills, and strengthened her leadership capabilities, which prepared her […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Madison Edmunds

PHOTOS BY JODIE BRIM CREATIVE Madison “Maddy” Edmunds carries a full plate at only 14 years of age. After becoming involved in LEAD Girls of NC (Learning Everyday Accomplishing Dreams) at age 11, she has gained confidence, sharpened her social skills, and strengthened her leadership capabilities. An organization designed to prepare low-income and/or at-risk preteen […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Ava Shearin

West Forsyth High School senior Ava Shearin has demonstrated a tremendous passion for helping her community throughout her middle and high school careers. Having been involved in Key Club and Crosby Scholars, she has mastered the art of balancing a prolific academic and philanthropic workload with her social life. Through Crosby Scholars, Ava was involved […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Janie Peterson

As a senior at West Forsyth High School, Janie Peterson keeps a full schedule packed with academics, volunteer work, sports, and hobbies. As the president of West Forsyth High School’s Mindfulness and Meditation Club, Janie has learned helpful techniques for staying grounded and managing stress and anxiety. After working her way up from a charter […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Kelly Mills

Calvary Day School student Kelly Mills is ambitious, intelligent, and possesses a passion for giving back to her community. By speaking to Kelly on the phone, you would never detect that she is only a senior in high school. As a well-spoken member of five National Honor Societies and the National Speech & Debate […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Myla Dent

At only 12 years old, Hanes Magnet School student Myla Dent succeeds academically, athletically, and philanthropically. As an honor roll student and a member of her school’s Diversity Book Club, Myla has a passion for reading and language. In fact, her favorite subject to study is Spanish, which she thoroughly enjoys learning and speaking. […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Ainsley Williams

Mount Tabor High School senior Ainsley Williams knew from a young age that she had a knack for the arts, having self-taught herself how to sew, crochet, and embroider. With the help of a supportive family who encouraged her to embrace her creative side and enroll in various art courses, Ainsley has used her […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Olivia Moore

The COVID-19 pandemic might have kept Americans inside their homes, but it didn’t stop America’s youth from speaking out and making a change. Reagan High School senior Olivia Moore turned the year 2020’s lemons into lemonade for the community. A Winston-Salem native, Olivia was so moved by the distressing death of George Floyd on […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Emma Cate Burhans

West Forsyth High School senior Emma Cate Burhans carries a full plate of academia, athletics, and philanthropy, while simultaneously making time for her friends and family. From a young age, Emma Cate has felt called to lead others and set a positive example for youth in her community. As co-president of West Forsyth’s Fellowship […]
Exceptional Young Women in the Community: Meet Bridgette Kelley

PHOTO BY ARIEL PEREZ Winston-Salem native Bridgette Kelley has found her purpose in life by combining her passion for helping others with her knack for all things fitness. In August 2020, Bridgette transitioned from working as a certified nursing assistant to earning her current role as an NCSF certified personal trainer at Phenom Fitness in Clemmons. […]