By Payton Moody
With her unwavering determination and a heart full of passion, Gracen Hawthorne has
become a remarkable leader and athlete at Altus High School. In her journey through the
realm of dance and leadership, Hawthorne shares her experiences and the profound impact
her sport and mentors have had on her life.
Hawthorne’s favorite coach isn’t a distant figure; it’s her father, who coached her in
softball. She highlights how he instilled the “never give up” mindset and the importance of
giving everything 110%.
Among her teammates, Hawthorne finds unwavering support in Calista Pavelchack. As a
fellow four-year member of the team, Calista is not just a teammate but a rock for
Hawthorne. “When I feel overwhelmed or just need a laugh, I can always count on Calista to
be there for me,” she said.
Hawthorne’s favorite teachers aren’t part of her pom team but from her agricultural
classes. She mentions the support and guidance of her three Ag teachers, acknowledging
the countless hours spent working on projects and building cherished high school
memories.
In preparation for the upcoming season, Hawthorne dedicates time to her dance studio,
Cirque. “Being a senior and preparing for the future can be hard so it was important I was
ready mentally to take on my last season,” Hawthorne said.
Hawthorne has learned invaluable life skills from pom, notably resilience in the face of
adversity and change. “Every year, I have had a new coach,” she said. “This has caused me
to learn how to adapt to new environments and lead in a variety of situations.”
Hawthorne’s individual goal is to “leave everything out on the mat.” She aspires to have no
regrets when she steps off the competition floor for the last time, a testament to her
commitment and determination. She values leaving a legacy as the dancer who worked
tirelessly, even when faced with challenges.
After high school, Hawthorne is headed to Oklahoma State University to major in Agri-
Business and Accounting. She aspires to join a Greek organization and plans to establish
her own CPA business while exploring the world through travel.
