CAPTURING THE NEW YEAR: Celebrating Growth and Connection

As we turn the page on another year, there is something truly special about pausing to reflect on the journey we have shared. The Teen Team has always been about more than just beautiful photographs; it is a community built on support, personal growth, and the unique bonds formed between girls who are all navigating the exciting and sometimes challenging path of high school. This year, I asked the team to share their biggest wins from the past year, their goals for the upcoming one, and a few words of encouragement for their teammates. Their responses remind me why I love what I do.

​Triumphs of the Past Year

​The accomplishments shared by the girls this year range from major life milestones to hard-won personal victories. Several girls celebrated newfound independence by earning their driver’s licenses or learner’s permits, including Mack Richmond, Paisley Nader, Sadie Honeck, Chloe Quick, and Rylee Stoicoiu. Academic and extracurricular achievements were also a major highlight. Keegan Nelson was named a varsity cheer captain and won MVP for the football season, while Mia Damicone celebrated her induction into the National Honor Society.

​Athletic dedication shone through in Emma’s story, as she managed to shave two minutes off her 5k time in cross country. Taylor Wadsworth reached a long-term goal by winning her showman age division at the Ohio State Fair with her lamb. Beyond the accolades, there were deeply personal victories. Ellie Snyder shared that her biggest accomplishment was remembering her worth and choosing herself, and Siena Ross celebrated the courage it took to start a new school and make all the cheer teams.

Visions for the New Year

​Looking forward, the team is focused on self-improvement and pursuing their passions. Physical health and athletic skill are top of mind for many. Siena Ross is determined to get her full, while Ellie Snyder and Haleigh Potts plan to spend more time at the gym. Sadie Honeck is focusing on consistency with her workouts and staying hydrated.

​Others are looking to grow their creative and professional horizons. Kyleigh Smith aims to expand her photography page, and Grace Moulton is challenging herself to try new things. Character-building resolutions were also a common theme. Keegan Nelson resolved to stay honest and true to herself without losing her identity, and Mack Richmond hopes to cultivate a more positive mindset by seeing the good in everything. Addy Ross shared a beautiful goal of becoming a better version of herself and growing closer to God.

Messages of Sisterhood and Support

​The most heartwarming part of this reflection is the way these girls lift each other up. The Teen Team has fostered a sense of "big sisters" and "little sisters" that is evident in their notes to one another.

​Siena Ross sent love to Emma Wagler, "I hope you have the BEST 2026! I hope you continue to thrive at your new school and get that back-handspring!" She also sent an enthusiastic message to Ellie, "I HOPE 2026 IS YOUR BEST YEAR YET! I hope whatever comes your way is filled with positivity and happiness! I love you queen!" Ellie Snyder reached out to Sadie, "you’re so kind and I love you!", and encouraged Haleigh to "stay strong always and I love you so much!" Kyleigh Smith sent a note to Kristen Dillion, "good luck with photography this year, can’t wait to see your work improve even more!"

​Grace Moulton wrote to Emma, "Happy new year Emma! I hope you have the best year yet full of fun memories!" Emma S. celebrated the new year with messages to Addy, "Happy New Year! I hope your goals for the new year are accomplished and you have a great year filled with new opportunities!", and to Teagan, "Happy New Year! I am so excited to play softball with you this year!" Taylor Wadsworth celebrated a lifelong friendship with Grace, "I am so happy we have been friends since we were born and i can’t wait to spend another year with you making the best memories together!" As well as a thanks to Davinda, "I am so grateful to be on the teen team with you. It is so much fun and I can't wait for more photoshoots and to make more memories together!" Chloe also wrote a heartfelt message to Davinda, "I hope to continue being one of your teen team girls it really is one of my favorite things. I love the friends I've made and the ones I've gotten closer with and I just thank you for everything you do Davinda."

Keegan Nelson wrote many touching messages this year. To Teagan, "I hope you have such a good new year because you're such a special person to me. We originally met through the teen team and I'm so grateful for this connection, and being able to grow it through the different classes we have together. Me encanta tu. I hope you get everything you want in life because you really are such a sweet person and the light of so many people's lives. Happy new year!" And to Davinda, "I can not express how very grateful I am for you. Joining the teen team has been one of the best experiences I've ever had in my life and I'm so grateful you chose to take me on your team 2 years now. You are such a joy to be around and you really helped me a lot with my confidence. I used to be incredibly insecure about how I looked and that I clearly don't look like everyone else with my curly hair and the fact that it's red, but you made me love it so much and I've never been more grateful for you, the teen team is such a blessing to be included in and I just want to say thank you and I hope your new year is just as magical as you are." And lastly to Lily, "You are sooo much fun to be around, always making me laugh and feel seen when I talk, no matter how honest you are, it is always appreciated. You've been such a good big sister to me, whether it's creepy gas station runs or being lost on the highway and helping me home, I'm so very grateful to you and I just want to say thank you. Happy new year."

​Mack Richmond sent a message to her "little sisters" Riley Chonko and Rylee Stoicoiu, "Hey little sisters! I hope you both had an amazing year and I hope this new year treats you well, you deserve it. I love you!!" Kristlyn Kehrer encouraged Haleigh, "I hope this year goes better than last year had for you. I hope with the new year comes less drama and more love in your life." Addy Ross wrote, "Dear Chloe, I hope you have the best new year filled with happiness. I wish you the best of luck this year!" Haleigh Potts expressed her joy in meeting Ellie, "To Ellie, I'm so happy we have met this year and i can't wait to keep this friendship going into the new year and forever! I love you so so much." Mia shared her love for Davinda, "Happy New Year, Davinda! Thank you for always capturing our best moments and putting so much effort into what you do for us. I’m so thankful for you and can’t wait for you to do my senior pictures!!"

Sadie Honeck thanked Addy Ross, "You are such a positive person and you lit up my day every time we talked or saw each other!! I am very grateful that you became my little sister this year! You are so strong and talented, keep going!" Teagan sent a note to Ellie, "you're such a good big sister! You make it easy to be around you, you’re also sooo freaking pretty. I hope you have a great new year, and keep working hard in your meets. <3." Finally, Rylee Stoicoiu encouraged Mack to keep striving for the things she loves, "I hope you had a good year and I hope this upcoming year gives you all the goods! Strive for the things you love! I love you."

Dear Davinda, you have truly taught me and the girls that while a camera can capture a moment, it is the heart behind the lens that makes it meaningful. Through the Teen Team, you haven't just taught me the technicalities of photography; you have taught me how to see the world with more kindness and how to find the beauty in the "everyday." You lead with so much love, and it's contagious. You've shown me how to be a mentor, a sister, and a friend, all while encouraging us to be our most authentic selves. Thank you for investing so much of your soul into us and for creating a space where we feel safe to grow, not just as artists, but as young women. I am so incredibly grateful for your guidance, your wisdom, and your heart. Love, Lily

​Reading these messages reminds me that the images we capture are just one part of the story. The real magic happens in the moments in between—confidence being built, friendships forming, and girls learning to truly see their own worth. As I step into the new year, my intention is to be even more present and intentional: creating experiences that matter, fostering deeper connections, and continuing to grow in ways that allow me to serve these girls even better. There’s a lot I’m excited about as the next chapter unfolds, and I’m so grateful to be trusted with their stories and to be a small part of such an important season of their lives.