Life Lessons Take St. Raphael Student to National Stage

Moira S., an eighth-grader at St. Raphael School in Bay Village, excels in Irish Dancing and also in a philosophy of success.

Moira was selected as one of just 60 national semifinalists in the Mott Million Dollar Challenge: a competition that drew more than 5,300 young people and over 3,700 ideas from across the country.

Her big idea? It started with her own story, and she decided to turn her 8th-grade Capstone project into something for all athletes.

Moira has been an Irish dancer for years, competing, achieving, and facing setbacks, too. She knows firsthand how mentally and emotionally demanding it is to be a teenage athlete. And when she went looking for a journal to help her stay focused and motivated, she could never find one that suited her needs.

She stated that nothing out there felt like it was made for someone her age. So she made one herself.

Her idea, The Motivational Goal Setting Journal for Teenage Athletes, is exactly what it sounds like: a practical, encouraging tool built specifically for young athletes. It walks teens through setting short and long-term goals, reflecting on their performances, building a personal mantra, and even tracking their sleep, hydration, and mood. Throughout the journal are quotes from some of the world’s most successful athletes, reminding readers that every champion started somewhere.

Her Capstone Advisor, Mrs. Theibert, quoted, “Moira approached her Capstone project with maturity and curiosity. Her passion for her topic guided her learning and inspired the creation of a meaningful final product. She embraced feedback, worked hard, and created something she is truly proud of.”

What makes Moira’s journal stand out is that her heart is behind it. She created this because she wished she’d had it. And now she’s sharing it with other young athletes at her dance school and beyond.

“Improvement is greater than perfection,” Moira says, and it’s clear she truly believes it.

Along the way, she earned $250 for her Round 1 win, and her semi-finalist selection comes with $5,000 and a fully paid trip to Flint, Michigan, this past weekend. She pitched her idea live on a national stage alongside 84 young innovators from 22 states. She had the chance to compete for an additional $25,000.

She did not make it to the finals, only the top 3 from each category pitched again on Tuesday.

“It was a wonderful experience, we are so proud of the work she has put into developing her journal as well as preparing her pitch,” said parents Kaitlyn and Joe.

Moira dances at Brady Campbell Irish Dance School in Cleveland.