By Payton Moody
In the world of high school cheerleading, one name shines brightly: Sydney Currie. Currie, a dedicated cheerleader with a passion for her sport, embodies the essence of teamwork, camaraderie and perseverance.
When asked about her favorite coach, Currie mentions Coach Robbie Martin. “She is inspiring, kind, and full of positive energy,” Currie said. “She has influenced me in far too many ways to count throughout my life. She’s an excellent coach and friend.”
Currie’s bond with her teammates, especially her senior class, runs deep. “My senior class, in particular, has been there for me through all of life’s ups and downs,” she reflects. “We’ve known each other since elementary school, and I’m proud to call them teammates and best friends.”
While Coach Allie McCrary is known for her role as a cheer coach, she also holds a special place in Currie’s heart as a teacher. “She has always been there for me no matter what,” Currie said. “She is constantly encouraging us and teaching us about life.”
For cheerleaders, there’s no true off-season. Currie and her team put in the work during the summer, rising early every morning to work out and practice. “We all grew stronger, learned new skills and formed bonds,” Currie recalls.
Being on the cheer team isn’t just about pompoms and chants; it’s about instilling valuable life lessons. “Cheer has taught me to be responsible, to be a leader, and to be encouraging to people around me,” Currie said.
As the new cheerleading season dawns, Currie has lofty goals. “This cheer competition season, I’m hoping to hear our name called at the performance and/or game day state competitions,” she shares. “I also aspire to be selected for the all-region and all-state cheer squads.”
In this season’s matchups, Currie is particularly looking forward to competing in the Small Co-Ed division of the performance competition. “Sallisaw hasn’t been co-ed in a long time,” she explains. “I’m excited to compete against teams we’ve never faced before.”
Beyond the cheerleading mat, Currie envisions an exciting future. “After high school, I plan to attend Oklahoma State University for college,” she said. “I can’t wait to meet new people and embark on my new adventure. Go Pokes!”