As the school year ends, Timberline’s dancers and cheerleaders are preparing for an exciting new chapter beyond the sidelines. Known for their energy, dedication, and school spirit, these athletes are now taking their talents and ambitions to colleges across the country. Whether pursuing degrees in fields like business, healthcare, and education or continuing their passion for dance and cheer at the college level, each student is moving forward with big goals and bright futures.
I contacted all 11 dance seniors and all 4 cheer seniors to learn about their plans after graduation. I wanted to understand their aspirations, whether they planned to attend college, start working, or pursue other interests. It was inspiring to see their ambition and enthusiasm for the future.
Cheer Seniors:
Braelynn Fegel (Sr.)
- College: Oliver Finley Academy Major: Cosmetology.
- Career Path: Beauty and hair. “I love doing hair and making people feel confident about themselves.”
- Cheer Commitments: Will not continue.
Maddie Whitehead (Sr.)
- College: University of Idaho. Major: Conservation Biology.
- Career Path: Undecided. “I’ve always loved studying natural resources.”
- Cheer Commitments: Will continue.
Paige Aslett (Sr.)
- College: Boise State University Honors College. Major: Radiological Sciences.
- Career Path: Medical field. Cheer Commitments: Will not continue.
Delaney Ward (Sr.)
- College: Boise State University. Major: Degree in accounting.
- Career Path: Problem-solving to managing finances. “It’s a very versatile and high-demand career.”
- Cheer Commitments: Will not continue.
Dance seniors posing after a performance on senior night.
Dance Seniors:
Ellery Brewster (Sr.)
- College: Undecided. Major: Business.
- Career Path: Sports. “I’m also considering the more medical side through Kinesiology, and eventually, Radiology.”
- Dance Commitments: Will continue.
Finn Eschen (Sr.)
- College: Oregon State University. Major: Minor in Wildlife Conservation.
- Career Path: Elementary Education. “I’m hoping to get to work as a traveling teacher sometime during or after college so I get to travel a bit and get paid.”
- Dance Commitments: Will not continue.
Aubrey Gertsch (Sr.)
- College: Brigham Young University. Major: Undecided.
- Career Path: Undecided. “I want to be surrounded by people who share similar values, and I’m excited to be close to my brother.”
- Dance Commitments: Will not continue.
River Jensen (Sr.)
- College: University of Arizona. Major: Speech-language pathologist.
- Career Path: Undecided. “After graduation, I plan to take a gap year to work and save some money.”
- Dance Commitments: Will not continue.
Dylan Keyt (Sr.)
- College: Idaho State University. Major: Sports and Exercise.
- Career Path: Physical Therapy. “I want to help people with their recoveries.”
- Dance Commitments: Will continue
Moana Olson (Sr.)
- College: Undecided. Major: Biomedical Engineering.
- Career Path: Patent Lawyer. “ If I have to include a college, then it’s in between NYU and Cal Poly Slo!”
- Dance Commitments: Will continue.
Zoey Richardson (Sr.)
- College: Boise State University. Major: Psychology.
- Career Path: Pediatric Occupational Therapist. “I’m not joining Mane Line, but I do plan on taking the dance classes offered at BSU!”
- Dance Commitments: Will continue.
Molly Ryan (Sr.)
- College: Coastal Carolina University. Major: Criminal Justice.
- Career Path: Undecided. “I made it to the final auditions for the Coastal Carolina University dance team.”
- Dance Commitments: Will Continue.
Barcelona Strawhun (Sr.)
- College: Idaho State University. Major: Environmental Studies & Minor in Political Studies.
- Career Path: Undecided. “I want to work in conservation and be part of positive change in our world.”
- Dance Commitments: Will continue.
Sophia Williams (Sr.)
- College: Washington State University. Major: Nursing.
- Career Path: Nursing. “I want to go into nursing because of the strong earning potential and the lessons that it’ll be able to teach me.”
- Dance Commitments: Undecided.
Audrie Seamons (Sr.)
- College: Brigham Young University, Provo. Major: Pre-law
- Career Path: Criminology. “I am serving a mission for the church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and I am so beyond excited and thrilled.”
- Dance Commitments: Will not continue.
After learning everyone’s paths and commitments, sharing them shows the variety of options available after high school, even if the focus is on academics and not the sport aspect of college. These girls are clearly passionate about the paths they have chosen to pursue, and their determination can inspire the next generation of dancers and cheerleaders.
