By Trina Walker

Ellianna Pacheco’s passion for cheer began as a little girl watching the cheerleaders.

“When I see a little girl with her eyes so wide watching cheer it melts my heart knowing that she has the same dream I had,” Ellianna says.

Now a senior at Mannford High School, cheerleading has taught her to be a good example for others to look up to and to develop leadership skills.

The MHS cheer squad took a break from competition this year to concentrate on being a spirit team. Ellianna is the pep assembly coordinator. Pep assemblies are her favorite part of the year.

“They bring people close while cheering on our amazing teams,” she says.

The biggest challenge she faces is negativity toward cheerleading. Ellianna works to earn respect from people who do not understand the sport she loves.

“I respond by explaining to them the things we endure and the pain we go through just to show support for another team! It’s a very intricate sport!” she exclaims.

Ellianna’s biggest accomplishments are earning her All-American medal and getting the opportunity to be in a Walt Disney World parade.

“All because I worked my hardest and I stuck to doing what I do,” she said.

A teammate she admires is Maria Reyna.

“In all my years of cheer she is the sweetest, most inspiring captain I have ever had,” says Ellianna.

The person who most inspires Ellianna is her oldest brother, Nathaniel.

“He has genuinely pushed me to my limits and has been one of my biggest supporters. I don’t know where I would be without him.”

She is thankful to her family, especially her mom.

“Mom does everything possible to make me happy and she has always believed in me!”

Her favorite teacher is Mrs. Gilmore, who goes above and beyond for her students. Ellianna is glad to have Mrs. Gilmore by her side in several student activities. Ellianna is president of Student Council and a yearbook photographer. She is also a spirit club member and a soccer trainer.