Cadence Sawatzky, a senior at Clinton High School, has been passionate about cheerleading since she first tried out in seventh grade. What began as a way to join her friends quickly turned into a lasting love for the sport. “Going into seventh grade, a lot of my friends were doing cheer, so I decided to try out for cheer,” Cadence recalled. Now, with years of experience under her belt, she has become a cornerstone of Clinton’s cheer squad.

The camaraderie within the Clinton cheer team is something Cadence treasures. “Many of us cheered together for at least a year with the exception of a couple new girls. Since we’ve cheered together before, most of us are pretty close,” she explained. This close-knit bond is key to their success, and Cadence values the friendships she’s built through cheer. As the back spot on the team, Cadence knows the importance of physical strength and teamwork. “Lifting almost every day has definitely helped me become better at that!” she said.

This season, Cadence is focused on leading her team to success. “My goal for this season is for our game day competition squad to make it to state. I think we have a lot of potential, and if we work hard, we can do it!” she said. Balancing her responsibilities, she juggles early morning practices twice a week with daily weightlifting to stay in top form.

Overcoming challenges has been part of her cheer journey, especially during the Covid-19 pandemic. “The most challenging thing I have faced would probably be cheering during Covid,” she said. Despite the restrictions, Cadence and her team pushed through, adapting to new circumstances with determination.

A favorite teacher has also influenced Cadence’s journey: “My favorite teach is Kim Duerksen. She is always encouraging me and checking up on me. I know that if I ever need anything, I can go to her!”

Looking ahead, Cadence is excited for her future, planning to attend Oklahoma State University after high school. While she’s undecided on her major, her dedication to cheer and her growth over the years reflect her unstoppable drive. “In my high school career, I am most proud of how far I have come as a cheerleader,” Cadence says, embodying the perseverance and heart of a true leader.