The brown and white colors of Elk City carry meaning for Shelby Copeland every time she steps onto the sideline. For the Elk City High School sophomore, cheerleading is more than leading a crowd or performing at an event. It is an opportunity to represent a school and community she values.
“I love representing Elk City and the Brown and White,” Copeland said. “I take pride in my community and my school. When people see me, I want them to know I’m an Elk City cheerleader who takes representing my school very seriously.”
Copeland’s commitment to that role begins long before game day. She understands that success in cheer requires consistent effort, including the work athletes do outside of scheduled practices.
“For me to be successful in my sport, I have to put in work both in and out of practice,” Copeland said. “I have to push myself to work hard every day, even when I don’t feel like it.”
That mindset has helped shape Copeland’s approach not only to cheer, but also to academics and her many school activities. She is involved in FCCLA, Student Council, Interact, FCA and serves as a unified partner in the Special Olympics. Managing those commitments takes discipline, something she works to apply every day.
“I have to make sure I balance cheer and my hobbies while still making sure I am learning and getting my work done in school,” Copeland said. “I strive to be successful in everything I do, so it’s important that I hold myself to a set of standards that will allow me to reach the goals I have for myself moving forward.”
Her family provides much of the encouragement behind that drive.
“My family motivates me,” Copeland said. “They always push me to do my best.”
She also looks to her Aunt Sarah as an example of how to approach life with both effort and enjoyment.
“She puts her all in everything she does, while still having fun doing it,” Copeland said.
Another influential person in Copeland’s life has been Mrs. Sheila Sutton, a teacher who made a lasting impact through her care for students and her ability to challenge them.
“She cared so much about each of her students and pushed us to do our best in everything we do,” Copeland said.
One of Copeland’s favorite cheer memories came during her freshman year, when the team traveled to a Game Day competition. The trip offered much more than the chance to compete.
“We had such fun team bonding moments traveling there and getting to stay in the hotel, preparing to compete the next day,” Copeland said.
As she continues her Elk City career, Copeland plans to keep bringing effort, pride and a positive example to everything she does.
