Cheerleading is an activity in which participants cheer for their team as a form of encouragement, ranging from chanting slogans to intense physical activity that can be performed to motivate sports teams, entertain an audience as well as for competition. For Hailie Pittman, being a cheerleader at Atoka High School is all this and more. “Cheerleading takes just as much strength and agility as any other sport. It also takes an immense amount of coordination, control, strategy, trust, and teamwork,” replied Pittman, captain of the Wampus Cats varsity cheer squad. “On top of all of this, athletes in cheer must be able to perform in their sport with a smile on their face and while looking “pretty”.
The honest answers match Pittman’s everyday results according to her coach who calls the Atoka senior a great motivator with endless passion for the sport. “Hailie exemplified all of the characteristics of a cheerleader. She’s extremely energetic and personable on and off the field/court,” said head coach Shawnte Washington. “Greater still, Hailie is dedicated to her team and is always there to lend a helping hand.”
That dedication has resulted in the members of the Atoka cheer squad voting Pittman to be team captain the past two years. The confidence of her teammates and the coach’s words bring a smile to Pittman’s face. “It has taken a lot of work, sacrifice, and passion,” Hailie replied. “I am the type of person who likes to do everything, but to be successful in something I have had to find what I am truly passionate for and work hard at those few things.”
The passion for giving her all is evident in the classroom where Pittman, who maintains a 4.08 GPA, has earned membership in the National Honor Society, Oklahoma Indian Honor Society and National Society of High School Scholars. Altogether her academic passion has resulted in Pittman ranking number one in her senior class.
It’s a reflection of following the example of someone special in the life of Pittman. “The one person who has inspired me most would be my mom. Growing up a teacher’s daughter, I was taught work ethic and respect, and I was also taught a love of growing and learning from a very young age,” said Hailie. “These values have shaped the person I am today.”
A member of Klassy Kats dance, Student Council and FCCLA, Pittman is also Senior Class President and continues to follow the advice of her dad every day. “Dad always told me…do what makes you happy,” smiled Pittman. “As I have grown older I have come to the realization that I will never be able to please everyone no matter how hard I may try. So, no matter what I do or who I’m with, it has always been important to me to be true to myself and who I want to be.”
And for Hailie Pittman, true happiness is creating a legacy of service by helping others find success. “I do not want to be remembered for my honors or accomplishments. All I want is to be remembered as a person who was kind to everyone and was not afraid to lend a helping hand to those who needed it.”
