No matter what the score is on the scoreboard, keeping team and crowd spirits up is an important part of team sports. In Tahlequah, that spirit is embodied in senior cheerleader Meghan Bright, a four-year member of the varsity cheer squad.

“I started cheering when I was about five and one of the things I love about it is the team aspect of a squad and the bonds of friendship you make along the way,” said Bright. “I think one of the things I do to boost school spirit is keep a positive attitude and have fun with it. If things aren’t going well in the game, I like to call some of our favorite cheers and be loud and set a good example and get the student section involved by doing some chants with us and do it with a smile on my face because if people see you smiling no matter what’s going on, they’ll say ‘I guess she’s having fun so I might as well too.’”

Meghan recently represented the cheer squad at homecoming which was exciting and rewarding for her. “I think getting to do that shows that the hard work I’ve put in for the past four years has been worth it and that I’ve set a good example for the younger cheer leaders and that they respected me enough to vote me that honor.”

As you can tell, setting the example is a recurring theme in Meghan’s life whether it’s for the future cheerleaders in the stands or someone closer to her. “One of my biggest motivators is my little sister Micah who is also on the cheer team. She’s always funny and smiling and I really want to set a good example for her to carry forward when I’ve left. What you do on the sidelines influences everyone around you whether you know it or not. It’s just cool to think that the younger kids see you as an example and a role model of what they want to be when they get older.”

After high school, Meghan plans to attend the University of Arkansas and study business and possibly become a paramedic.