Noelle Schnacky, 18

Occupation: Student at Lake Minneola High School and Lake Sumter State College. Also, Founder/ Executive Director of “Hope for Heart Kids” Florida, 501(c)(3) nonprofit

What I do: Fundraising, book distribution, advocacy and awareness, leadership and management and community outreach.

How I got started: I got into this because of a deeply personal experience. I started Hope for Heart Kids in honor of my cousin, Tyler Schnacky, who was born with hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS). He fought a brave battle with congenital heart disease (CHD) but sadly passed away at the age of 15. His journey inspired me to take action and support other children and families facing similar challenges. My cousin’s story made me realize how important it is to raise awareness, provide resources, and fund research for congenital heart defects. This led me to create Hope for Heart Kids as a way to make a difference. Through this organization, I’ve been able to channel my grief into advocacy and support for those impacted by CHD. One of the ways I’m doing this is by distributing the Hope for Heart Kids children’s book collection to spread hope and valuable information. I’m passionate about making sure that families and children affected by CHD receive the care, attention, and resources they need, not just in Florida, but across the country. I have been running “Hope for Heart Kids” since 2022.

I’m passionate about Hope for Heart Kids because: Childhood heart defects (CHD) have deeply affected the people I care about. CHD is the most common birth defect, occurring 60 times more frequently than childhood cancer, yet it often doesn’t receive the same level of awareness. My personal connection began with my cousin, Tyler Schnacky, who bravely fought against hypoplastic left heart syndrome before we lost him at 15. That experience ignited a passion in me to support others affected by this condition. My commitment deepened even further this year when my Miss Florida Director, Rachel Dickhaus, and her husband, John, tragically lost their son, Beckett, to CHD. Beckett’s loss was another reminder of the devastating impact this condition has on families. As an American Heart Association youth ambassador, I’ve learned just how much heart health affects all of us, and I’m determined to raise awareness, fund research, and provide resources to help those battling CHD. This cause means everything to me because I’ve seen firsthand how it changes lives, and I want to make a lasting impact for families going through this journey.

My biggest professional achievement so far: Establishing a lasting legacy for my cousin Tyler through Hope for Heart Kids. I’m incredibly proud that the Hope for Heart Kids children’s book collection has reached children’s hospitals in five states at this point. This is a huge step toward raising awareness and providing support to families affected by congenital heart defects. Seeing the books reach children and families in different parts of the country means that Tyler’s story and the message of hope are making a real difference, which is the most fulfilling part of my career.

When I’m not studying or working: I help lead the Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) and participate in Varsity Cheer at Lake Minneola High School. I’m also involved in the Youth Group at Lakeside Church (Oakland) and have been a competitive dancer for 15 years at Shooting Stars School of Performing Arts under Miss Melissa Stokes. Additionally, I love traveling with my family, with recent trips to Italy, Greece, and Turkey. When I’m not busy with these activities, I love getting out on Lake Minnehaha to wakeboard — it’s one of my favorite ways to unwind — Lake Life!

My first job: I was Miss Winter Park’s Teen for the Miss Florida Organization. It was an incredible opportunity that allowed me to further my advocacy and leadership skills while representing my community.

My local mentors: My family. My dad is the CEO of Recapture Entertainment Group, and my mom has a Doctorate in Pharmacy. My brother is a recording artist with JWLKRS Worship and heads his own social media agency. One of my sisters has her own women’s ministry and hosts the JWLKRS Podcast, which has featured guests like Annie Downs, Jennie Allen, and Maddy Pruitt. My other sister is a singer who has toured with a major gospel collective. They are all entrepreneurs who, with God’s help, have paved their own way, and they inspire me every day. I am also appreciative of several other people in my day-to-day including Principal William Roberts at Lake Minneola, Rachel and John Dickhaus, my directors for Miss Florida Organization, Miss Melissa Stokes, Christine Howell and Mallory Seally — all who believe in my abilities and have pushed me to achieve great things at a young age.

The best advice I’ve received: Paul in the Bible wrote: “Do not let anyone look down on you because you are young,” 1 Timothy 4:12. This reminds me not to be defined by my age and to lead by example in everything I do, regardless of how young I am. It inspires me to pursue my passions and make an impact, knowing that my voice and efforts can still have great influence.

Fun fact: As a senior at Lake Minneola High School, I’m currently planning a “Heart of Lake Minneola High” scholarship pageant to crown a Miss and Mr. Lake Minneola High School each year, allowing them to represent our school in the community and receive scholarship monies for college. I also plan to establish an endowment for the pageant, ensuring it continues long after I graduate. This is my way of showing appreciation for my time at Lake Minneola and leaving a legacy as I move on to achieve even greater things.

If I had a million dollars to give away: If I were given $1 million, there are several causes I would invest in. These include supporting my home church, supporting JWLKRS Ministry, contributing to the UF Congenital Heart Center and to Give Kids the World Village. And I would expand the distribution of my Hope for Heart Kids books to every Children’s Hospital in Florida. These investments would allow me to further the impact of my advocacy and support for children and families affected by congenital heart defects.

Life after 40: In the future, I see myself continuing to grow Hope for Heart Kids, expanding its reach and impact on children and families affected by congenital heart defects. I plan to pursue higher education to further develop my skills in nonprofit work and healthcare advocacy. Additionally, I envision working in ministry and social media alongside my family, using these platforms to inspire and uplift others. My passion for heart health, advocacy, faith, and making a positive difference will drive me as I strive to leave a lasting legacy of hope, change, and service to the world.