“Keep pushing through whatever I am going through because there is always something better to come.”

For McAlester High School junior Alyssa Loudermilk, the words serve as inspiration to find success and happiness everyday, on and off the competition mat as a member of the Buffaloes cheer squad.

“Working through the pain and knowing you don’t want to let your teammates down is the toughest thing for me as a cheerleader, both in high school as well as in competitive cheer,” said Loudermilk who also competes as a member of the McAlester Stars competitive cheer squad. “Cheer has taught me how to be hardworking and to push myself to be the best I can be.”

Alyssa’s top level results speak for themselves evidenced by her efforts while competing with the Stars to help her team post the highest score at the Open World cheer competition in 2022. During team competition at the National Cheerleaders Association camp last summer, Alyssa and four other members of the McAlester high school cheer squad earned All-American honors and the team captured the first place team trophy.

“Leadership is caring for others as much or more so than for yourself and being willing to help them to achieve their goals. I strive to example leadership by always being willing to step up and help others whenever they need someone.”

Alyssa gives credit for her success thanks to the example of one of her best friends.

“Rylee Monroe has left the biggest impression on me; she has become like a sister to me and shown me how to be confident and have fun even when you’re struggling with something.”