When Shanya Mckellop thinks about her time in cheer, she remembers the laughter first. Her favorite moments came during ordinary practices with teammates who made those days matter.

“My favorite memory from cheer would be laughing at every practice with all my teammates,” Mckellop said.

Those practices also taught the Wagoner High School senior to trust others, recover after mistakes and keep working when things became difficult. Over time, those lessons changed how she saw herself.

“Cheer has taught me discipline, teamwork, confidence, perseverance and responsibility,” Mckellop said.

Her best friend, Alexus, has been beside her through much of that growth. Mckellop described her as supportive, hardworking and dependable — someone she can count on whether they are on the mat or away from cheer.

“She has always been there for me, both on and off the cheer mat,” Mckellop said. “Having her by my side has made my cheer experience even more special.”

That same kind of belief came from Mrs. Triggs, Mckellop’s favorite teacher. During difficult moments, Mrs. Triggs offered encouragement and advice without giving up on her.

“I’m grateful to have had a teacher who cared about me not only as a student, but also as a person,” Mckellop said.

Her faith has helped hold those lessons together. The words of Philippians 4:13 — “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” — remind her where to turn when her confidence falters or a challenge feels too heavy.

“It reminds me that I should not give up when I face challenges because God gives me the strength to keep going,” Mckellop said.

Mckellop also thanked MaryKaye Boren, Angie Lancaster and her new coaches for believing in her and pushing her to improve. The heart of her cheer experience, however, remains in the ordinary moments: laughing with teammates, leaning on a best friend and learning that she does not have to face difficult things alone.