by M. Howell

Sierra Smith is aware of how vital it is to motivate herself first so she can motivate others as well. A sophomore at Elk City High School, this cheer all-star is also part of the Unsung Hero’s stunt team. Sierra is one of their main bases when doing lifts and knows it is thanks to the trust built between her and her teammates that they can do the more difficult stunt work. Sierra is most proud of how she has been able to overcome the mental blocks regarding her tumbling, though. Cheer has taught her that through self-motivation and discipline, she can reach whatever goals she wants to achieve in her life. 

In school, Sierra approaches her education in much the same manner. She says that Whitney Smith is her favorite teacher from the fourth and sixth grades, because “she is kind, positive, enthusiastic, and always has a huge smile on her face,” Sierra remembered fondly. Her ‘Nanna,’ Karen Graham, is Sierra’s biggest inspiration because she has always worked incredibly hard for everything she wants and always manages to put God first. Though all her teammates have made a big impression on her, she wants to say that Peyton Silas has made the biggest because “she always pushes me to become better and will always call me out when I need it.

Sierra enjoys being able to represent Elk City High School because she truly likes being able to be a positive role model to younger children as well as make a genuinely positive impact on everyone she meets. The best advice she has ever been given, she said was when her father told her, “Results happen over time, not overnight, so work hard, stay consistent, and keep thriving.” Sierra would like to thank God for allowing cheer to be in her life and giving her the ability to cheer, as well as her parents for all the sacrifices they have made to ensure she has the best opportunities available. Be sure to keep an eye on Sierra Smith and watch as she continues to excel in cheer.