Lauryn Watkins, an Ada High School senior, joined the Couganns as a freshman. She grew up attending nearby Latta.

“I did not grow up going to school at Ada, but as I got older and more focused on dance, I wanted to be involved in a school activity where I could show my love for dance,” Watkins said.

“At [Latta], there was not a dance team and many of my friends at dance told me to come to Ada and try out for Couganns, so I did. I tried out at the end of my eighth grade year and made the team and have loved being a part of the organization ever since.”

The transition wasn’t perfect, but Watkins adapted quickly.

“Dance is made up of many styles, most of which I have been trained under, but pom is a completely different style that I had to learn once I made Couganns,” Watkins said. “Since I have been trained under many other styles of dance, it definitely helped make it easier to catch on, but I never felt ‘behind’ when I made Couganns, instead, just that I was working on mastering a new style!”

Watkins was uniquely built for the challenge, as she has been her whole life. A cancer survivor, Watkins was diagnosed with leukemia at 4 years old.

“That diagnosis caused many setbacks, but I refused to let that affect how I was going to continue to live my life,” Watkins said. “I am now 11 years post-treatment and living my life to the fullest!”

“Being an Ada Cougar, to me, means being part of legacies and continuing to participate in traditions.”

Watkins values hard work, integrity and honesty above all other traits, and she rarely takes her talents for granted. She loves supporting her fellow Cougars whenever she can.

“School pride is definitely something that is important to me because it motivates students to work hard and have a passion for success in the classroom and extracurricular activities,” Watkins said. “It is important to play a sport or be involved in my school because it helps develop teamwork, communication and leadership skills.”

It all comes together on Friday nights, where her discipline, leadership, school pride and natural gifts come to fruition on Ada’s sideline.

“My favorite aspect of dancing under the Friday night lights is when the band plays ‘Light Up’ at the beginning of the fourth quarter,” Watkins said. “Whether the game is going in our favor or not, it’s always an uplifting moment where everyone, Couganns, cheer, band and student section can join in to support our team!”

After high school, Watkins plans to attend the University of Oklahoma and major in biological sciences with pre-med declaration.