As senior year draws to a close at Oklahoma Bible Academy, Gracie Beth Westfall reflects on a whirlwind high school journey marked by cheerleading, theatre, and a deep commitment to her faith. Over the past three years, she has become known not only for her school spirit on the sidelines but also for her enthusiasm in the classroom, her involvement in the Book Club, and her leadership within her church’s youth group and nursery.
“My faith motivates me to do my best and work hard,” Gracie Beth says. “Also, being part of a team motivates me. I don’t want to let them down.”
That faith has been shaped by several influences, but one stands out above the rest.
“A big influence in my life has been Mr. Reese,” she says. “He has been one of the main contributors to my faith since my freshman year, and he has taught me a lot about the Bible and how to study it. He continues to give me Godly advice and encouragement on how to live my life.”
For Gracie Beth, success in cheerleading comes down to dedication, perseverance, and the ability to communicate well with others. She describes her cheer team as a tight-knit group that has learned to trust one another through both victories and challenges.
“A cheer highlight would be hitting big stunts that I never thought we could hit, but we did because of dedication and hard work,” she says. “We really worked well as a team.”
Balancing all her commitments, from schoolwork to performances to practices, has required some creativity and discipline. “It takes planning and using my time wisely,” she admits. “Sometimes I do homework on the van or during rehearsals.”
Outside of school, Gracie Beth draws inspiration from wildlife conservationist Jim Morris. “He’s dedicated his life to helping animals and protecting the environment. That’s something I’m very passionate about,” she says.
As she prepares for graduation, she looks back with gratitude. “I love cheer, but most of all I love my team,” she smiles. “We’ve made the best memories together, and I’ll treasure them forever.”
