by Trina Walker
For Tanaya McDowell cheerleading is about working together to make something beautiful. “I enjoy the fact that every person matters in order for the puzzle to become complete. I also love how much a family a team is,” she says.

A senior at Anadarko High School, Tanaya says cheerleading has always been a part of her life. “It’s always been an escape for me. I’ve had lots of times in my life where cheer was all that I had. It’s made me gain so much love for this sport. Cheer has taught me how to properly communicate with people without being embarrassed. I’ve also learned a lot of self control and patience,” said Tanaya.

When Tanaya was eight-years-old her parents signed her up for little league cheer as a surprise. “Ever since I was a little girl, I’ve always admired cheer and have never stopped. I have done school cheer for seven years and competitive cheer for one!” she said.

Tanaya is most thankful to her older sister, Courtney Stone, whom she refers to as her sister-mom. Their special bond has given Tanaya the support and strength needed to reach her goals not only in cheer but in life.

“She’s been my biggest push, she’s always been there to push me past my limits and that’s something I’ll always be thankful for. She’s pushed past huge obstacles in life, experienced things that most people never will. We went through so many tragic events, but even when our world was crumbling she always kept a smile on her face and kept pushing. Seeing her smile, gives me inspiration to always be the person that people need. She never fails to cheer me up on a horrible day,” says Tanaya.

Tanaya is thankful to many people who have impacted her life starting with teammates, Celestina Araujo and Monica Martinez. “They made me believe in myself more than any other teammate could, even when I didn’t think I could do it, they pushed me to become the cheerleader I am today,”she says.

Tanaya’s favorite teacher was her sixth and seventh grade AVID teacher, Adrian Davis.

“He made a huge impact in the classroom, as well as my personal life. He was someone I’d always be able to go to for advice and he was always there for me when I needed it,” she says.

Past tragic events have not stopped Tanaya from seeing the beauty in the world. “I would love to spend the summer in Florida. It’s basic, but it’s so beautiful. The palm trees mixed with the rain; it’s probably the most beautiful place on Earth.”

When needing a bit of encouragement Tanaya remembers this advice, “don’t sweat what I can’t change. Just be myself, and let the rest fall in place.”