A bright and driven senior at Timnath High School, Danielle Easterday, has called Highland Meadows home for the past four and a half years, after previously living in Ptarmigan for seven.

 

Danielle lives with her parents, Jen and Jeff, and has spent her high school years fully immersing herself in academics, athletics, and preparing for a future in psychology. Her ultimate goal? To attend college and one day pursue research in the field, a reflection of her deep curiosity about the human mind and her desire to help others.

 

But it’s not all books and study sessions for Danielle. She’s also a dedicated varsity cheerleader at Timnath High, where her journey in cheerleading began before the start of high school. “I always wanted to be a cheerleader,” she says, recalling how she made the team after trying out in 8th grade. Since then, her commitment and passion for the sport have continued to grow.

 

That dedication paid off in a big way last year, when her team qualified for nationals for the first time. They proudly brought home 3rd place for their traditional routine and 11th for their game day routine, an achievement that stands out as a highlight of Danielle’s cheer career so far.

 

What sets Danielle apart isn’t just her skill, but her leadership style. “I feel like I’m kind of a silent leader,” she explains. “I just try to lead by example, doing the right thing and encouraging others to do the same.” It’s a quality that’s earned her respect from her teammates and helped forge lasting friendships, which she says are one of the best parts of being on the squad.

 

Balancing the demands of school, cheerleading, and personal life requires more than just talent; it also takes organization and discipline. Danielle manages it all by staying on top of her schedule with reminders and planning ahead for schoolwork around practices and events.

 

When asked who inspires her, Danielle points to Olympic gymnast Simone Biles. “When I was younger, I did gymnastics and thought she was the coolest person ever,” she says. Today, Danielle admires Biles not just for her athletic accomplishments, but for her resilience and strength, qualities Danielle herself seems to embody.

 

As Danielle looks ahead to graduation and a future in psychology, she leaves a lasting impression defined by hard work, quiet leadership, and sincere kindness, a true example for others, both on and off the cheer mat.