In just a few short days she’ll be walking under the Friday night lights hand in hand with her family across the football field, signifying the end of her 5-year journey.

Kyleigh Powell, a three-year varsity cheerleader and two-time All American is planning on going to Tulane in the fall and majoring in Biochemistry on the Pre-Med track. Throughout her time at Summer Creek, Kyleigh has taken on many leadership roles.

“It has taught me how to be a collaborative leader, to always be understanding, and willing to hear both sides, to try and find common ground, and it’s taught me to be very patient and just open,” Kyleigh said when asked how cheerleading has helped her leadership experience.

High school is a time of constant changing and growth, though throughout all there are a few people that have stuck by her side.

“My favorite bond I have gained is my friend group that we call Maroon 6,” she said. “It’s just like a little group of six of us and we’ve been sticking together through all four years.”

Alongside those friendships, cheer has offered her many fun experiences with her teammates.

“Comp season my sophomore year,” she said about her favorite cheer memory. “The traveling part when we would travel to go to the competitions and we went to Great Wolf Lodge. We’d just hang around and have a great time, and it was a good bonding time for me and my teammates.”

Kyleigh has many accomplishments under her belt, but she wasn’t always a senior who ruled the school. Her best advice to freshmen scared for high school is “Get involved, meet people, don’t be nervous and be willing to step out of your comfort zone.”

Kyleigh has made a name for herself here at Summer Creek, whether it’s on the football field or in the classroom. The lights on that football field may be bright, but her future is brighter and we can’t wait to see her chase her dreams beyond those Friday night lights.