I met this cutie way before she even remembers because I did her oldest sister, Bri's, senior pictures back in 2017. (She was only 11) Then when she was 14 our paths crossed again when I photographed her other sister, Katie's, sweet 16 pictures. Even then I couldn't help but snap some photos because I thought she was the cutest and sweetest little sister ever.
Fast forward to 2021 and she applies for my Teen Team. Imagine how excited I was to receive that application.
Starting the Teen Team meant asking a group of girls to advocate for kindness, inclusion, and camaraderie in their schools and communities. Bailey's application soared to the top of the pile as I read that she considered herself honest, compassionate, hardworking, and trustworthy. She continued by saying she wanted to be a leader and wanted to spread kindness and positivity among her peers. Bailey quickly became one of the leaders and spokes models of my Teen Team doing just that. I was very proud to have her on my Teen Team and she exceeded my expectations. She is always willing to step up to participate or help me any time I ask.
Bailey attends Southeast High School and is currently in her sophomore year. She is a busy girl playing sports year-round and working a part-time job at our local ice cream parlor. Those sports include soccer, basketball, and most recently lacrosse as she joined her school's first girls' lacrosse team last spring. She volunteered and coached a youth basketball camp over the summer. She also sat down with a young tween about to enter middle school who needed some mentoring and advice navigating her way through dealing with some "mean girls" at school. Watching her with that young girl made me the proudest of all. Bailey is a perfect role-model for other young girls and tweens.
I can't wait to continue to work with Bailey as a model on my Teen Team and watch her grow and advocate for what matters most to her heart, which I know will align perfectly with the goals and missions I have set for my Teen Team. Bailey just celebrated her sweet 16 birthday and her and I had a fun day playing at a beautiful flower farm to celebrate. Every time I take a new photo of Bailey it becomes my new favorite.
Happy Sweet 16 Bailey