By Derrick Smith

High school student-athletes can have any number of people that they look up to as role models. Whether it is a college or professional athlete, a celebrity, or someone else, the impact that these people can have on young people’s lives can be big. Though she enjoys watching other athletes and famous people, Leah Vaughn says that the biggest role model in her life is someone a little closer to home.

“My biggest role model is my mom,” she stated. “She is the strongest person I know. She has always set a good example for me and has taught me to believe in myself. I would not be the person that I am today without her.”

Vaughn is a junior at Seiling High School where she is a member of the Lady Wildcats cheer squad. She has been in cheer for about six years and knows that getting to the level that she now has not been an overnight thing.

“Cheering is about more than just knowing a few cheers,” she said. “It takes a lot of time and practice to get mentally and physically prepared.”

Seiling cheer coach, Jennifer Hedges, says that Leah is a great person and an outstanding teammate. 

“Leah is a great part of our team,” she said. “She always has a wonderful attitude and will work to do anything necessary for us to succeed.”

As a member of the cheer team, Leah has been able to make a lot of great memories with her teammates, both on and off the mat. But she says that there is one memory out of all of them that stands out as her favorite. 

“The highlight moment of my career so far happened last season,” she said. “Getting to cheer at state was an awesome experience and one that I will not soon forget.”

Along with cheer, Vaughn also serves as the secretary of her class. She is a member of the student council, Beta Club, Art Club, and Family, Career, and Community Leaders of America organization.