By Derrick Smith

Everyone has someone in their life that is impactful to their development and helps shape them into the person they become. Whether the person is a part of their life for a long amount of time or just for a season, the influence they have can be immeasurable. Addison Conner has a few people in her life that have helped her become who she is today.

“The biggest role models in my life are my parents,” Conner says. “They are always pushing me to do my best in everything and have shaped my character. Also, my cheer coach, Stacy Wright, has made the biggest impact on my life. She is always cheering us girls on whether it’s cheer related or even just our day-to-day lives. She has taught me that I can do whatever I set my mind to.”

Conner is in her senior year at Newcastle High School, where she is a member of the cheer team. She is also involved with the National Honor Society. Outside of school, she has been a part of a performing arts company for ten years.

There is a lot of work that goes into being an outstanding cheerleader. Conner says that along with the work, you also have to be motivated.

“It has taken determination and hard work for me to become the cheerleader that I am today,” she says. “The goal of being successful is what keeps me motivated to work hard.”

Throughout her cheer career, Conner says she has enjoyed the group that she has been able to cheer alongside.

“I love working with my stunt groups,” Conner says. “I feel like we all work really well together and can do anything we put our minds to. I think that our back spots are the least appreciated when it comes to cheerleading. They definitely do the most work and are a huge asset to stunts.”

There have been some memorable moments that Conner has shared with her teammates over the years, but she says that a recent one has been the highlight.

“Hitting a perfect routine at state this year has been my favorite moment,” she recalls. “It felt so good to end one of my last competitions with no regrets.”