BHS has many alumni, but this one, in particular, has some cool things that she went on to do. Recent BHS alum Gracie Bryan is a junior at Mid-America University. She is on the cheer team there and is in her first year, majoring in nursing.  

“I am majoring in Nursing and minoring in Psychology,” Bryan said. 

MNU has many options for earning and graduate programs, like education and nursing. 

“My favorite thing about college has been getting to experience life independently,” she said. “Also getting to meet all kinds of new people through college and gotten to pursue experiences on my own accord.”

She also cheers at MNU. Bryan has been on the cheer team throughout college, high school, and junior high school. That is nine years straight doing cheerleading. 

“Cheer has changed my life drastically,” Bryan said. “It has remained a consistent outlet from any outside stressors and has provided me with so many opportunities. I am so beyond grateful I pursued it and for the coaches I’ve had along the way that have gotten me to the level I am at now.”

Her team was just at the NCA College Nationals in Daytona, where they earned 1st place. 

“To be completely honest, the feeling is surreal,” Bryan said. “Little Gracie would never have guessed she would not only cheer at NCA national competition but won a national title at one of the biggest colligate comps ever.” 

“My favorite part about competing is the adrenaline,” Bryan said. “From the moment you step onto the mat and see the crowd, you’re hit with an immediate rush of adrenaline. Once you get to the final section of the routine, which is the dance, and you know you’ve hit everything, it is so rewarding. Along with seeing the look on your coaches and family’s faces.”

Since she has been cheering for so long, she has a lot of experience and has done many different comps, judging, etc. 

“In high school, I was captain and won the first-ever title for Baldwin at the KSHSAA State Competition,” Bryan said. “My junior year, we were state champions, and my senior year, we were 3rd. In college, I have been on the leadership team and have the opportunity next year to be captain. While here, I judged multiple competitions and tryouts at surrounding schools.” 

She is growing up and has learned lots of new experiences throughout her life. 

 “My favorite thing about college has been getting to experience life independently,” Bryan said. “Also getting to meet all kinds of new people through college and gotten to pursue experiences on my own accord. My favorite part about MNU has been the people I have met here. I have loved all the relationships I have gotten to build, all the roommates I have gotten to live with, and all the members of my team I get to compete with all year.” 

She talks about how cheer has changed her life in so many ways. 

“Cheer has changed my life drastically,” Bryan said. “It has remained a consistent outlet from any outside stressors and has provided me with so many opportunities. I am so beyond grateful I pursued it and for the coaches I’ve had along the way that have gotten to me to the level I am at now.”