Jenks High School junior Harper Neely has spent most of her life dancing, but her time with the Jenks varsity pom squad has helped turn that longtime passion into a place of growth, competition and connection.
Now in her third year in the Jenks Pom program, Neely began dancing at age 3 at That’s Dancing Studio and became a competitive dancer in fifth grade. She joined the pom program as a freshman, made junior varsity that year and moved to varsity as a sophomore.
“This is my third year being a part of the Jenks Pom program. I have been dancing since I was three at Thats Dancing Studio and have been a competitive dancer since 5th grade. I decided to make the transition over to Pom my freshman year, because that’s what was best for me to improve my dancing skills! I was lucky enough to make Junior Varsity my freshman year and then moved up to Varsity sophomore year.”
For Neely, the demanding schedule is worthwhile because of the support she receives from her teammates. She values the leadership of the program’s seniors, the encouragement of her fellow juniors and the promise she sees in the underclassmen.
“I am truly so grateful to be a part of something so special. JVP brings me so much joy-even though practices are difficult, my teammates help me through each and every day! The seniors bring so much leadership to the team, and I look up to them in so many ways. My fellow juniors are my biggest supporters, and I am forever indebted to them and their kindness! The sophomores and freshman are amazing people to pass the torch to and will do wonders.”
Neely enjoys both the competitive and game-day sides of pom. She has competed in events including OSSAA Game Day State, OSDTDA and UDA Nationals. Her team won the Large Varsity DI Game Day category at UDA Nationals last year.
“I have enjoyed competitions, such as OSSAA Game Day Stare, OSDTDA, and UDA Nationals, where this year my team won the Large Varsity DI Game Day category this past year! And you cannot beat Friday Night Lights!”
Away from pom, Neely is involved in Student Council, Student Body Leadership, French Club, Drug Free Youth, FCCLA and National Honor Society. She also credits coach Kristin Phibbs with teaching her the importance of full commitment.
“I learned how to commit fully to what you are doing 100 of the time. My coach, Kristin Phibbs, taught me that if I am dedicating so much time to something, I should give my absolute all. It truly has followed me through not only Pom, but also day to day life.”
After graduation, Neely hopes to attend a four-year university on a pre-dental track and pursue a career as an orthodontist.
