Even when she’s not cheering on Duncan’s sideline or baseline, DHS senior Gena Parker stays busy.

“Along with being a cheerleader for Duncan, I also run track, am a member of (FCA) Leadership, Student Council, Jolly Jill’s Social Club, and enjoy volunteering for Beautiful Day, Kindred Community, Stephens County Humane Society, and Charis Pregnancy Center,” Parker says.

Parker is also a member of Ray of Hope Church. Asked how she balances her responsibilities: “Great Question!”

“I have often times been forced to choose one (activity) over the other. I am only involved in things that make me happy and make me a better person,” Parker says. “It’s easy for me to be involved in so many things because I am passionate about the things I do. Many people get overwhelmed just looking at the things I do, but balancing everything has helped me with my time management.”

Parker first took up cheer in middle school. Then a gymnast, she “wanted to try something different.”

“The best traits a person can bring to a cheer squad is leadership, kindness, positivity and confidence,” Parker says.

Over the years, Parker has picked up some helpful advice that has guided her through her challenging schedule.

“My dad once told me, ‘it’s lonely at the top,’ and that’s probably the most true thing anyone could say,” Parker says. “That advice reminds me to strive for greatness even though doing what’s right usually isn’t popular… These activities make me the person that I am. Without them, I would feel incomplete.”

After high school, Parker plans to attend Oklahoma State University, where she has been accepted into its Honors College. Her desired major is animal science with a pre-veterinary option.

“I want to go graduate school to become a veterinarian and travel,” Parker says.

Gena Parker’s favorite cheer memory: “My favorite memory at Duncan High School is cheering my freshman year at football playoff games.”