CAPTURING SUMMER: Sunshine, Horses, & Big Dreams

Meet Summer: A Spirited Freshman with a Heart for Animals

Fifteen-year-old Summer is a freshman at Southeast High School and a vibrant new face on Davinda’s Teen Team. With a big heart, a sharp sense of humor, and a passion for animals, she brings energy and joy wherever she goes. Summer may be new to the Teen Team, but she already embodies everything it stands for: confidence, connection, and kindness.

“I’m just proud of my personality,” she says. “I like making people laugh and being happy.”

Her Heroes: Mom, Grandma & Heartfelt Bonds

When asked who inspires her, Summer doesn’t hesitate: her mom and grandma. “They’re such warm, loving people,” she shares. “We always talk about everything together, and they give me advice I really take to heart. I just want to be a reflection of them.”

Her relationship with her grandma is something truly special. They've been close since the day Summer was born — literally. “She was one of the first people to hold me,” Summer says. “We’ve been inseparable ever since.” Her grandma is visually impaired, so Summer reads to her often and brings her joy with shared jokes and phone calls. “She comes to as many of my events as she can. If I had one wish, it would be for her to feel better and to see again.”

Animal Lover & Farm Girl in the Making

Summer’s love for animals runs deep. She works all summer long with her neighbors Ray and Martha, helping care for their miniature horses — and it’s not just brushing and feeding. She jumps, shows in halter classes, drives them, and even takes on obstacle courses in local horse shows. Her efforts haven’t gone unnoticed: she’s earned titles like Grand Reserve and First Place - “I’ve learned so much from Ray and Martha,” she says.

“I also work with my dog on agility and showmanship for 4H, and even served as the Portage County Canine Queen at the Portage County Randolph Fair!“ she says.

At home, she’s surrounded by a furry and feathered family that includes her dog, a cat, two guinea pigs, and three geese — all part of her 4H projects.

One day, Summer hopes to have her own farm and become a traveling veterinarian. Her plan? Head to college, go to vet school, and help animals far and wide.

Traditions Run Deep

When she’s not at the barn or a show ring, Summer’s probably up north in Canada — a beloved family tradition. Every summer, her family loads up and heads to their cabins and her aunt’s boat, adorably named Summer Love.

“We go canoeing to islands, play on the boat, and at night, we watch the meteor shower from the dock,” she says. And in one of their more unique traditions, “we go to the dump to look for bears at night. I know it sounds weird, but it’s kind of our thing.”

One of her favorite memories? Getting her grandma in the canoe and paddling around the shoreline together — just the two of them, surrounded by nature and love.

Camping, Haunted Trails & Birthday Fun

Every fall, Summer’s birthday celebration is anything but ordinary. Her family goes camping at a spot they’ve visited for years — one filled with haunted barns, Halloween trails, and Amish country charm. “Everyone knows us there,” she laughs. “It’s like one big birthday party with people we’ve celebrated with for years.”

That sense of community — of belonging — is something Summer deeply values, and it’s exactly what makes her such a great addition to the Teen Team.

Summer, your love for animals, adventurous heart, and deep family roots make you a beautiful light on the Teen Team. We can’t wait to see how you grow — and what trail you blaze next (maybe on horseback!).