Enid High School cheerleader Ava Barby is all about bonding and interactions with her teammates.

“One of my goals this year for cheer is to have better communication and interaction with my teammates and team bonding,” Barby said.

Barby leans on her optimism and enthusiasm, and she made strides in her stunt groups over the summer.

“I believe I’ve improved in my stunt groups during this summer and camp. One of my strengths is optimism and enthusiasm,” she said.

Her mom, a former cheerleader herself, is Barby’s biggest influence.

“She used to be in cheer and she’s always encouraged me when it comes to my interests,” said Barby, who says her most memorable moments in cheer are when the squad had a Bring a Boy to Practice Day and when she got to fly in baskets.

Following high school, Barby plans on attending college and cosmetology school at the same time. She says she would love to do cheer on the next level, but it depends on how big of a school she goes to.