teen spotlight
photography by Shelby Berry
stats
17, Senior at Macon East Academy
notable
Jimmy Hitchcock Award Nominee; National Honor Society
Member; Universal Cheerleaders Association Member;
American Cheerleader Magazine Featured Athlete 2015;
Alabama Girl’s State Delegate 2016
quotable
“My motto is a Bible verse. It’s short, sweet, and powerful. ‘God
is within her, she will not fall’ (Psalm 46:5). It reminds me that
whatever I do, the Lord is within me and he is igniting a fire in
me that makes me better and stronger as a person.”
her story
Rai has a passion for cheerleading, and it really shows. She
has worked her way up the cheerleading ranks in her years at
Macon East, advancing from co-captain to captain of the varsity
team. She is also a member of the Universal Cheerleaders
Association, and was even featured in a 2015 issue of American
Cheerleader Magazine. Rai has used her love of cheerleading to
give back to her community, serving as both an assistant coach
for a special needs cheer team and a member of the CheerReaders charity organization. When she is not cheering, Rai
enjoys playing soccer, being involved in Macon East’s Student
Government Association, and engaging in the Millbrook First
United Methodist Church youth group.
what’s next
Over the last few years, Rai has developed an interest in design.
She wants to pursue a career in architecture or another design-related field.
rai pritchett
PG (parental guidance) rating
When asked who has provided the most inspiration in her life,
Rai responded, “I think that my mom and dad have both inspired me. They have inspired me to pursue my dreams to cheer
at the next level.” Rai continued on to explain that her parents
always give her excellent advice, adding, “It’s very comforting to
have them here for me through fun times and hard times.”
Montgomery, AL
parents’ perspective
Rai’s parents, Rhonda and Shaw, explain that they admire her love
for and trust in God. Her father continues, “Rai has the ability to
light up the room with her smile and personality.”
parent-to-parent
Rhonda and Shaw have always tried to push Rai to reach
her potential while also allowing her to experience life
on her own and make her own decisions. Rhonda advises
other parents to, “allow (their children) to make their
own choices.” Shaw mirrors her advice, adding, “I think it is a lot
harder to teach something to a child, but putting a child in a situation that will allow them to learn is huge for their development.”
L24 |
Fall 2016
www.potentialmagazine.com