LILY TAYLOR 

Tahlequah Cheer

Through her involvement in cheerleading, Tahlequah High School sophomore Lily Taylor has experienced significant personal growth in various aspects of her life. 

One of the most crucial lessons she’s learned is the importance of perseverance and overcoming the urge to give up.
 

“Throughout cheer, I’ve learned giving up is never the answer,” Taylor said. “I always find a way to continue through hard things, and it’s okay to fail more than once but you have to keep pushing yourself.”
 

Taylor’s strengths as a cheerleader are multifaceted. 
 

“I am a solid base, and I am able to adjust to new stunt groups without a complaint,” she said. “I am also a good teammate, and a good team player. I always treat my teammates with respect, and hear people out when a disagreement occurs.”
 

Being among the best cheer teams throughout the state this season has left a big impression on Taylor and it’s something she will always cherish. The accomplishment was the result of the group’s collective dedication and hard work.
 

“My proudest moment of being a part of Tahlequah varsity cheer is being the highest placing East 5A cheer team at state during the 2024-25 season,” Taylor said. “Our cheer team put its all into this routine, and I couldn’t be more proud of the outcome.”
 

Teammates Micah Bright and Alayna McAlpine have been two of Taylor’s biggest influences during her cheerleading journey. 
 

“I clicked instantly with both of them my freshman year,” she said. “The reason they are my biggest influences is because they remind me that it is normal to have good days and bad days. Micah and Alayna both greet me with a smile, and remind me that they’re always there for me. I hope to click with underclassmen the next two years and do the same with them.”
 

Following graduation, Taylor plans to attend the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Medicine to pursue a combined bachelor’s and M.D. degree in a six-year program, with the goal of becoming an anesthesiologist. 
 

“I do not plan to cheer at the college level, because I am ready to get into the medical field and help people,” said Taylor, who is also a part of RiverValley Youth, THS S-Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, maintains a 4.0 grade point average, and is a two-year member of the National Honor Society.