Senior Alea Buchanan has embraced her role as a leader, serving as one of the captains of the Lone Grove Longhorn cheer team. For Alea, cheer is about more than just school spirit; it’s about teamwork, discipline, and the pursuit of excellence.
Her biggest motivation comes from competing in game day competitions, where Lone Grove continues to raise the bar. “We always better ourselves as a team so we can hopefully win state one day,” Alea said. Though the Longhorns haven’t yet captured a state title, qualifying for state every year has been a highlight of her career and a constant reminder of the squad’s progress.
Alea credits her influences to both her coaches and past senior cheerleaders, who showed her what it means to be a role model and how to bring a team closer together. She also appreciates her teachers, who have helped shape her academically and personally, saying she couldn’t pick just one who has made the biggest impact.
Becoming successful in cheer, Alea explained, takes effort, teamwork, and plenty of practice. She admires the newest members of the squad, calling them “underrated” for how hard they work to catch up and grow as athletes.
When it comes to rivalries, nothing beats cheering on Lone Grove when the football team faces Plainview. “It’s always a good game to cheer on,” she said with a smile.
A well-rounded student, Alea is involved in the Student Council, National Honor Society, Academic Team, and art club. She balances these responsibilities, along with her job at a cookie store, by sticking to a planned schedule that allows her to stay on top of schoolwork while still participating in everything she loves.
Representing Lone Grove is a responsibility she values deeply. “When I represent my school, I want to show people what it is to be a Longhorn,” she said. “We are a close community, always there for each other, in school and out.”
Looking ahead, Alea plans to attend college and pursue a career as an anesthesiologist, carrying with her the same dedication and work ethic that made her a standout cheerleader and leader at Lone Grove.
