Written by Connor Tomlinson

School spirit is defined as a sense of identity commonly demonstrated by students

in the exhibition of school colors in dress and decoration, in attendance at athletic events, or verbally in the form of chants or cheers. For Wagoner cheerleader Britley Butler, displaying school spirit is an everyday part of her daily activities.

Ranked among the top 30 in Wagoner’s class of 2022, Butler maintains a 4.0 GPA earning academic honors as a member of the Superintendent’s Honor Roll including recognition as the Outstanding Forensics as well as Anatomy/Physiology student.

“Britley is very focused in all aspects of her life. She excels academically and will graduate high school with approximately 30 hours of college credits,” said Wagoner cheer coach Angie Alexander.

Involved in cheerleading since she was 11, Butler is in her third year as a member of the varsity cheer team at Wagoner. 

“I took a year off during my junior year. I had a lot on my plate taking concurrent classes at Connors while focusing on tennis and my academics,” recalled Butler. “It’s important to me to give my all at whatever I do, and I felt like I just needed to take a step back. Although I wasn’t cheering, I continued to take tumbling classes. But when it was time for tryouts this year, I was focused and ready to jump back in. I jumped in with both feet.”

Butler’s abilities and non-stop energy as a cheerleader draw praise from coach Alexander.

“Her tumbling skills and overall cheerleading skills allow her to shine on the competition mats as well as at all Wagoner athletic events.”

“Brit” displays her love for the Wagoner Bulldogs in a variety of other activities including tennis where she advanced to the Class 4A state championships last spring as well volleyball and archery. She’s also a member of the student council, science club and FCCLA. Butler also stays active playing club volleyball and competitive cheer while heeding the words of her mother’s advice.

“Mom always encourages me. She reminds me every day to just be the best version of myself in everything I do.”

After graduation this spring Butler will continue her chase for success by pursuing a career in speech and language pathology.

“I’ll be attending Kansas Wesleyan University in the fall as a dual sport athlete playing tennis and cheering. “I want my legacy as a Wagoner Bulldog to be someone who was involved in all sports and activities and was very hardworking.”