A Day in the Life of a Champion
By: Olivia Neal
Being a Cascade Champion means more than wearing a name on a t-shirt or showing up for class each morning. It is a commitment towards growth- academic, personal, and public. Each day offers opportunities to demonstrate resilience, responsibility, and curiosity. From the first bell to the last class, the rhythm of the day reflects what it means to seek excellence in an environment constructed on meaningful relationships among the students and educators and high expectations.
The morning for me begins in American History with Mr. Holt, a class that challenges students to look beyond events and dates and toward the first and accounts that shaped what we know today. Mr. Holt’s discussions are rarely meaningless, instead, they often require students to think about the past, and it’s impact on the present day. As a Cascade Champion, the mindset is not to simply memorize historical facts, but to engage in dialogue, question assumptions, and understand the complexities of our citizenship.
From there, the day transitions to science with Mr. Dial, where curiosity takes the center stage. Whether exploring chemical reactions, the functions of living systems, or the laws that govern motion, the class encourages students to observe the world with systematic precision. Mr. Dial’s emphasis on hands-on learning reminds students that science is not just a subject but a method of thinking. For a Cascade Champion, it becomes a a habit to approach challenges with questions and to rely on evidence rather than assumption.
The journey continues to ELA with Mrs. Parker, a space where words, ideas, and perspectives meet. Through literature, writing, and discussion, students learn to articulate their thoughts clearly and to appreciate the power of communication. Mrs. Parker’s classroom often becomes a place of reflection where students like me develop not only stronger writing skills but also an understanding of themselves and others. In countless ways, it is here that a Cascade Champion strengthens the voice that they will use to influence the world.
Math with Mrs. Turner offers a different type of discipline, one built on logic, structure, and perseverance. Math requires patience, and Mrs. Turner’s teaching helps her students understand that progress often comes from the mistakes you make. For a Cascade Champion, this class reinforces the importance of resilience. Every equation solved is not just a win academically, but a small reminder that perseverance leads to clarity.
Lunch provides a moment to breathe, recharge, and reconnect. It is this unstructured time that students often practice the social skills that shape leadership, collaboration, empathy, and the ability to build positive relationships among classmates. Even in this brief break, the habits of a champion continue to form.
Afterwards comes band with Mrs. Arnold, a class that demands focus, discipline, and most importantly teamwork, Performing music requires students to listen as intentionally as they play,
contributing to an overall sound that is greater than any individual part. Under Mrs. Arnold’s guidance, students learn responsibility not only for their own performance, but for the success of everyone. For a Cascade Champion, this is a powerful lesson that achievement is rarely done alone.
The day concludes with career exploration with Mrs. Spears., a course dedicated to future pathways. Whether students are considering trades, higher education, or specialized fields, Mrs. Spears helps them connect personal strengths with long-term goals. This final class ensures that students leave each day with a clearer vision of what the future holds and the confidence to pursue it.
By the final bell, the life of a Cascade Champion reveals itself- not in a single moment but in the consistent effort woven throughout each class. It is a day built on learning, reflection, and character. More importantly, it is a reminder that excellence is not a destination but a daily practice.