A group of 4- and 5-year-olds might seem like a much different audience than a Durant High School crowd, but Kinlee Rae Goza has found something she loves about both — the chance to encourage someone else.
The Durant senior is a varsity cheerleader and teaches the 4- and 5-year-old class at her church. Both are part of something that matters deeply to Goza: serving others.
“I strive to live my life with purpose every day,” Goza said. “As a varsity cheerleader, I’ve dedicated countless hours to supporting my school, encouraging others, and representing Durant with pride.”
Goza is especially proud of developing what she describes as a servant’s heart. She volunteers at community events, looks for opportunities to help and tries to make kindness part of her everyday life.
“Whether I’m volunteering at community events, helping someone without being asked, or simply showing kindness to those around me, I try to put others before myself,” she said.
Cheerleading has strengthened that mindset. Early mornings, long practices and difficult moments have taught Goza discipline, commitment and perseverance, but some of the biggest lessons have come from learning what it means to be part of a team.
“True leadership is about encouraging others, working together, and putting the team’s success ahead of my own,” Goza said.
Teammate Khloe Akinde has shown Goza what that kind of leadership looks like. Goza said Akinde has supported her through good and difficult times.
“She leads by example, works hard, and always makes people feel included,” Goza said.
Goza also credits Mr. Bledsoe, her favorite teacher, with encouraging her to work hard and believe in herself. Her greatest inspiration, however, is her mom.
“She is one of the hardest-working, most selfless people I know,” Goza said. “She has taught me the importance of faith, compassion, integrity, and treating everyone with kindness.”
That example fits the advice Goza tries to follow each day: Always be kind because you never know what someone else is going through.
Goza is proud of what cheerleading has given her, but she hopes her impact reaches beyond athletics.
“My goal is to leave every person and every place a little better than I found it,” Goza said.
