Potential Magazine September 2014 | Page 38

teen spotlight photography by Lauren Childs stats 17, Senior at Saint James School notable National Honor Society; Varsity Cheerleader Captain; SGA President; Student Ambassador; YMCA’s Big Buddy of the Year; UCA All-American Cheerleader; Invited to be on Universal Cheerleading Association staff; UCA Cheer Camp Jump Off Winner; Family of the Year Nominee how it began Sadie Argo has been actively involved in her church and community for years. She’s participated in the Methodist Youth Fellowship, Youth Leadership Team and the Youth Choir, along with serving as a Children’s Church teacher, VBS teacher and Vice-President of her church’s youth group. Sadie has also taken part in the Stop Hunger Now Drive to send food to the needy in other countries and the Joy for Johnny program, that provides respite for parents with special needs children. Her willingness to serve others helped her gain recognition as the YMCA’s Big Buddy of the Year, an Alisa Robert’s Second Mile Service Award for being the City of Montgomery’s Most Outstanding Big Buddy to her mentee at Vaughn Road Elementary. “I would love to be remembered as a strong Christian girl who was full of joy, smiles, happiness, energy and the light of God,” said Sadie. what’s next Sadie is split between wanting to pursue a career in education teaching those with special needs, becoming an elementary school counselor, being a sports newscaster, or an interior and fashion designer. sadie argo PG (parental guidance) rating Sadie values the close relationship she has with her family, especially with her older sister Allyson. “Allyson is my biggest role model,” said Sadie. “She is the best Christian I know and she always knows what to do in any life situation. She is my best friend. Montgomery, AL parents’ perspective Sadie’s dad John Argo grew up in a household of educators, he was obviously taught to value education. His parents also encouraged him to be independent and allowed him to find his own career path. Glenda Argo, a Director of Children’s Ministries, watched as her parents attended church faithfully and saw through them the importance of being a good Christian role model. The Argos believe it’s important for parents to be their child’s biggest fan. They encourage other parents to “tell your child how proud you are and how much you love him or her every day and as often as possible!” parent-to-parent John and Glenda believe their willingness to pray for and with Sadie and to raise her in the church has helped to shape her character. In their eyes, Sadie is full of “compassion toward others, determination to achieve, and joy for life.” 38 www.potentialmagazine.com