Presley Cahalen
Jenks Cheer
Jenks High School senior Presley Cahalen is a member of several groups at school including National Honor Society where she serves as an officer, STUCO, NAE, Drug Free Youth, and she is a member of the varsity cheer team. If that wasn’t enough, Cahalen also takes cosmetology classes through tech school.
Jenks is a great place to be a student-athlete because you’re able to be involved in the community and mentor the younger kids. For instance, I’m able to coach my younger sister’s cheer squad, which is so special and only possible because of Jenks Athletics. We have wonderful coaches that always look out for their athletes. Everybody wants the community and school to succeed in and outside of their sport,” said Cahalen.
Cheer has always been the sport choice for Cahalen.
“Cheer has always been my favorite sport. I did dance and tried soccer growing up, but I always loved cheerleading and that is the sport I have done for the last 10 years. I started tumbling when I was five and cheer when I was seven. I also did competitive cheer at Twist and Shout for six years. This is my fourth year on Jenks varsity cheer and my sixth in the program,” said Cahalen.
During her time on the squad, Cahalen said she has enjoyed all the games and activities they get to be part of at Jenks.
“I’ve loved competing and getting to cheer on our amazing football, basketball and many other sports team at Jenks, with my team. Also, I’ve loved building relationships with so many people that I wouldn’t know without cheer. I’ve most enjoyed the competitions and all the work that goes into those two minutes on the mat, it’s the best,” said Cahalen.
As a senior, Cahalen has made many great memories with the team.
“My favorite memory so far this year is the Backyard Bowl game. It was so much fun, and I loved cheering the football team to a win! The crowd and the Superfans were so excited, and we all fed off the energy, making the game that much greater,” said Cahalen. Cahalen said her teammates continue to impress her and she knows the program is in good hands.
“I’m constantly impressed by all my teammates, and everybody always works so hard. This year we had a couple girls come from other sports without any stunting experience and they learned so quickly, which has been super impressive. Lastly, right before State we had two girls injure their foot and they pushed through and still competed for the team,” Cahalen said. “I love how we all can just let loose and have fun with each other. Doing a sport together you really see everyone at their worst and their best, so it’s important to have a solid support system, which I feel like we have. Everyone wants everybody to
succeed and improve; we all love each other. I love how everyone wants to work hard and it pushes me too.”
Cahalen plans to attend college next year and study biochemistry on a pre-med track. At Jenks, her favorite subject in all about the numbers.
“Math has always been my favorite subject in school, but I also loved French class. Mr. Ponder was my favorite math teacher and I loved having him last year. I had Madame Brown for French my sophomore year and I loved her and her class,” said Cahalen.
As for the Class of 2024?
“I hope my class is remembered for having a lot of school spirit and being really involved.
Furthermore, I hope we’re remembered as being inclusive and leave a positive and kind impact on Jenks High School and the underclassmen,” said Cahalen.
