Quinton High School senior Makailyn Gragg is a firm believer in the adage about falling off a horse and getting right back on it. She is a four-year varsity cheer leader and also plays softball for the Lady Savages.

“For me to be successful I’ve had to realize that it’s okay to fail and being wrong is just another way of learning about patience and giving myself time to grow, “said Gragg.

Perhaps that philosophy is best displayed in what Makailyn calls a “highlight” moment in her cheering career.

“We had worked very hard to get to the state competition and I was getting back into shape after being in Covid quarantine. In our routine I had to do a back handspring tuck and, in my tuck, I didn’t finish rotating and fell flat on my face in front of a stadium full of people. I was sad and upset at the time but looking back at it I can’t help but laugh. But that’s just a part of cheer. We’ve had so many girls fall on their face or get kicked in the face or the nose during a stunt that goes wrong.” 

Mikailyn fell in love with cheer when she was just four and tried out for the first time when she was 12. She ran into some difficulties during her early years but found someone as a role model that really helped her.

“My pastor is the one who inspired me to become the person I am today. He reminds me of myself in a lot of ways. He told me that he was an ornery teen and I also got into some trouble growing up. He’s shown me that you can grow out of that phase and with God in your life there is a better route than thinking I’m always right.”

Her faith is further displayed as she talks about what good character means to her.

“I define character as a strong moral compass where you’re always doing what’s right even in a difficult situation. Being a good athlete is great, but your character defines you as a person no matter what your athletic ability.”

Outside of school Makailyn is active in her church and has helped organize a 5^th Quarter activity that gives kids a safe place to go after Friday games. She’s always had an interest in the beauty industry, is studying cosmetology and plans to take it further after graduation.

And how would she like to be remembered when she leaves Quinton High?
“I’d like to be remembered as not afraid to show school spirit, that your ego isn’t better than kindness and to not be scared to stand out or be different.”