Sierra Shrum has put in a lot of work and preparation as a member of the Mangum High School Acaemic Team. But along with all the work, she says that it is just as important to always absorb information.
“For me to be successful on the academic team, I’d say it’s listening to my surroundings and just absorbing the information in my classes, in movies, or even a conversation in the grocery store line,” she said.
Shrum is a junior and has been on the Academic Team for six years, starting in middle school. She decided to join the team after seeing how much her sister enjoyed it. And that is someone that she looks up to in life.
“My sister was on the academic team through middle school and high school and always told me how much fun it was,” Sierra said. “I honestly think my sister is my biggest role model. She’s always worked her hardest to be the best she can be, and I strive for that. She always knows the smart way out and doesn’t ever cave under pressure.”
She has also had some outstanding teachers during her educational journey, but she has two people who had a big influence on her.
“I think the teacher with the biggest impact was actually the librarians in elementary school,” she said. “That would be Mrs. Matthews and Mrs. Hamilton. When I was in first and second grade, they would check out books from the high school library so I could expand my knowledge further.”
Over the years, Shrum has enjoyed making a lot of memories on the team, but she has one memory that stands out as her favorite.
“My highlight moment was probably my sophomore year when I got put in for a lightning round that was eighties movies and I answered eight out of ten correct by myself and earned my place as a starter,” she recalled.
Along with being on the Academic Team, Shrum is also a member of the Business Professionals of America and the Student Council, and she is the drum major of the school’s band.
