LEIGHTON AUGENSTEIN: THE 13-YEAR-OLD VOICE INSPIRING OHIO, ONE PERFORMANCE AT A TIME

Every generation produces young people whose gifts remind us of the remarkable potential that resides within children when their talents are recognized, nurtured, and supported.

This month, our Ohio Children Spotlight shines on Leighton Augenstein, a 13-year-old singer, dancer, athlete, and artist from Central Ohio whose powerful voice has captured the attention of audiences across the state and beyond.

What makes Leighton’s story remarkable is not simply the standing ovations she receives after performing the National Anthem at major sporting events. It is the story of a child who discovered her passion early, committed herself to excellence, embraced opportunities for growth, and continues to pursue her dreams while remaining grounded in family support, discipline, and hard work.

Her journey offers valuable lessons for children, parents, educators, and communities about the transformative power of encouragement and purposeful talent development.

A LOVE FOR MUSIC FROM THE VERY BEGINNING

For Leighton, music was never a passing interest. From the time she was a toddler, singing was a natural part of who she was.

Like many children, she found joy in music through beloved songs and movies. Family members quickly noticed that she had a remarkable ability to learn songs and perform them with enthusiasm and confidence.

Her passion became so strong that by the age of seven, she repeatedly asked her mother for singing lessons. Eventually, her persistence paid off.

Her mother enrolled her in professional vocal training with Shawna Corder of Corder Entertainment LLC, a decision that would become a turning point in her development as a young performer.

Under Shawna’s guidance, Leighton learned not only vocal technique but also stage presence, performance discipline, and audience engagement. These foundational lessons prepared her for opportunities that would soon follow.

FROM LOCAL EVENTS TO MAJOR SPORTS ARENAS

At just eight years old, Leighton began performing the National Anthem at local sporting events.

What started with appearances within her own school district gradually expanded into performances for:

• High school athletic competitions
• Community celebrations
• Regional sporting events
• State championship tournaments
• Ohio State University athletic events

Over time, her performances attracted increasing attention.

One of her most memorable opportunities came when she was invited to sing the National Anthem at the Ohio State versus Iowa Women’s Basketball game featuring basketball superstar Caitlin Clark.

The event exposed her talent to one of the largest audiences of her young career.

Since then, she has performed at numerous prestigious sporting events, including Ohio State basketball games and Ohio High School Athletic Association championship competitions.

Each performance has strengthened her reputation as one of Ohio’s most promising young vocal talents.

OVERCOMING FEAR AND BUILDING CONFIDENCE

While audiences often see a confident performer standing before thousands of people, Leighton’s journey has not been entirely free from challenges.

Like many young performers, she experienced moments of nervousness and self-doubt.

Before major performances, she sometimes worried about making mistakes or disappointing others.

Yet, rather than allowing fear to stop her, she learned how to manage it.

Through preparation, repetition, and experience, she gradually transformed anxiety into confidence.

Her story illustrates an important lesson for children everywhere:

Courage is not the absence of fear. Courage is moving forward despite fear.

Today, performing before large crowds feels natural to her, but that confidence was built through years of practice, persistence, and resilience.

MORE THAN A SINGER

Although singing has become one of her most visible talents, it represents only one part of who Leighton is.

She is also an accomplished athlete and dancer.

Her interests include:

• Competitive dance
• Basketball
• Softball
• Cheerleading

Managing multiple activities requires discipline, commitment, and effective time management.

As her singing career has continued to grow, she has made thoughtful decisions about how to balance her commitments and focus more intentionally on her long-term goals.

This ability to prioritize and make strategic choices reflects a level of maturity that is admirable in someone so young.

A CREATIVE SPIRIT

Many people know Leighton for her voice.

Fewer realize that she also possesses strong artistic abilities beyond music and dance.

She enjoys painting, drawing, and other forms of visual art.

These creative pursuits allow her to express herself in different ways while strengthening the imagination and creativity that support her work as a performer.

Her story reminds us that children’s talents are often interconnected.

When one gift is nurtured, it frequently strengthens others.

THE POWER OF SUPPORTIVE ADULTS

Behind every thriving child is a network of adults who believe in them. Leighton’s journey demonstrates the profound impact that supportive relationships can have on a young person’s development.

Her parents have consistently encouraged her interests and provided opportunities for growth.

Her mother, who also enjoyed theatre and singing as a young person, has played a particularly important role in helping her pursue her dreams.

Leighton has also benefited from the guidance of dedicated mentors, including vocal coach Shawna Corder and singer-songwriter Timothy Paul.

Leighton dreams of one day performing in New York City. Given her dedication, work ethic, and growing experience, that dream appears well within reach. Yet her success cannot be measured solely by future achievements.

Already, she is demonstrating qualities that deserve recognition:

• Determination
• Courage
• Creativity
• Discipline
• Gratitude
• Excellence

These qualities will serve her well regardless of where her journey leads.

At Children InfoBank, we believe that every child possesses unique gifts that can enrich families, communities, and society when properly nurtured. Leighton Augenstein’s story is not merely about singing.

It is about what becomes possible when children are encouraged to pursue their passions, supported by caring adults, and given opportunities to grow.

Her journey reminds us that children are not waiting to become extraordinary someday. Many are already demonstrating extraordinary potential today. As we celebrate Leighton Augenstein as our Ohio Children Spotlight of the Month, we applaud her dedication, her talent, and the family and mentors who continue to help her flourish.