By Derrick Smith

Athletes have to dedicate themselves to their sport in order to be the best that they can be. You have to be willing to sacrifice some things in order to continue to grow. Hana Norton knows what it takes to be successful in her sports and it is more than just the physical work.
“There is a lot of hard work and practice involved,” she said. “But I have also had to believe in myself and keep telling myself that anything is possible.
Norton is a senior at Velma-Alma High School, where she is a two-sport athlete. She is a main base on the cheer team and on the track team, she throws shot put and disc. Hana has been cheering since the sixth grade and she began competing in track events in the eighth grade.

Throughout her life, Norton has had numerous people that have influenced her and helped her along the way. But there is one person that she says is without a doubt her biggest role model.
“My brother Luke is someone that I look up to,” she said. “No matter how tough situations are, he always knows how to make it through. He has been there with me every step of my life and always helps me make the right decisions.”
Being a student in the classroom, Hana has sat through many lessons taught by a variety of teachers. But for her, there is one teacher that stands out.
“Mrs. Sanders is my favorite teacher,” she said. “She teaches English and she is also my cheer coach. She taught me to push for my dreams and take in every moment.”
Norton is also a member of the Beta Club, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Velma Baptist Church youth group, and captain of the cheer team. Hana already has her sights set on her post-graduation goals.
“After I graduate, I will be attending McPherson College in Kansas,” she stated. “I will be on a cheer scholarship and I will study physical therapy. Finding out that I was offered a cheer scholarship was probably the highlight of my career. I am so excited to be able to cheer at the collegiate level.”