MAGGIE WADGINSKI

During high school, Maggie June Wadginski created FearlesslyAuthenticTeens.com, attended the FBI Teen Academy in 2021 and 2022, and was awarded more than $690,000 in merit-based scholarships to 14 colleges and universities. Additionally, Maggie studied at the School of American Ballet in NYC, performed with the national touring company of A Christmas Carol, and appeared in seven seasons of Nutcracker Delights, including as Clara/Marie, Snow Queen, and the Sugar Plum Fairy. Currently, Maggie is part of the College of Business Scholars Academy at the University of Nebraska, Omaha, and she aspires to be a successful entrepreneur.

After completing more than 350 hours of community service, including as an elementary school guest reader, Maggie was inspired to write her true story, Grit is Our Superpower!, a children’s book about having a tumor on her leg surgically removed, using a wheelchair, and then learning to walk - and dance - again. Once her book was on Amazon and Kindle, she wanted to make sure it was available for free, so she formed a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit corporation, published it on her website, and received a grant to give away 1,000 printed copies during a book tour, sharing her message of determination and hope with many children and adults.

Maggie says, “Creating Grit is Our Superpower! is in honor of Jack, my good friend and show choir partner, who died by suicide when we were only 15 years old. His untimely death shook my world and motivated me to persevere through grit. Consequently, he is my reason to ensure others have a superhero no matter their struggle.”

As Miss Nebraska Teen USA, Maggie is partnering with children’s hospitals in ten states, and other organizations. She believes there’s a superhero quality in each of us and to quote Wonder Woman, “You are stronger than you believe. You have greater powers than you know.”