By Derrick Smith

Teachers are instrumental in the lives of their students. They teach them the subject that they are educated in, but they also teach them life lessons and help them when problems arise. Jenson McPherson says that her favorite teacher is one who not only teaches but supports the students.

“My favorite teacher is my Chinese teacher, Tao Lao Shi,” McPherson said. “She has supported me and my team all my years through high school and never fails to put a smile on my face. She is a great teacher.”

Jenson is a senior at Bishop McGuinness Catholic High School. She is a flyer on the cheer squad, a sport she has competed in since she was six years old. Over that time, she has seen a lot of growth and she credits that to the work that she has put in.

“It has taken a lot of time and dedication to be successful,” she said. “It takes passion and the drive to never give up in order to become the best athlete you can be.”

The work that McPherson has put in has already started to show results. She has been a part of three state championships, two game day state championships, and two national championships.

Throughout her life and career Jenson’s life has been influenced by a few different people and she says they are a big reason why she is where she is today. 

“My biggest role models would be my coaches and my parents,” she said. “They have pushed me to become the best person and athlete I could be while always showing me support.”

Along with cheering for her school, McPherson is also a member of Clancy Club. 

She has made a lot of great memories during her years of cheer, but she says that there is one moment that stands out as her favorite. 

“The highlight of my cheer career would be winning the NCA National Championship for the first time my freshman year. It was a great experience, and I will never forget it.”