Grit: courage and resolve; strength of character. That word best describes Junior Lyla Card.

Life without a best friend is a struggle everyday. The person who gave the best advice, the one who you'd talk to while getting nails done at the salon, and the individual who created the tradition of making the Thanksgiving meal together was no longer around. That someone is Lyla's mom; She passed away just 2 years ago. Since then, everything is different for the current 16-year-old and her family.

Two years ago Lyla attended San Marcos High School in California where she was surrounded by many friends in a thriving community. She'd spend her carefree days on her school dance team and enjoyed her social circle. But after her mom passed, the struggle financially to keep a California lifestyle forced the family to move to Michigan. That meant leaving it all for a new start and that new beginning could be scary for anyone. But the change wasn't going to stop Lyla from finding a passion.

Enter Competitive Cheer.

Head Cheer Coach Mrs. Taormina recently nominated Lyla Athlete of the Week and enthusiastically shared why Lyla is a standout. She wrote, "Lyla came to us this summer after moving from California. She has proven herself to be an incredibly driven and hard working athlete. Beginning part way through the fall season, she started on our junior varsity team to become acclimated to the program. What a powerhouse base and tumbler! Lyla came out for competitive tryouts and completely wowed us with new skills and has earned her way into all three varsity competitive rounds this season. So many kids shy away from putting in hard work to achieve their goals--but not Lyla. Her passion shines through all that she does. Hard work pays off and we are so happy to have her in our program and on our team!"

Her advice to others experiencing this time of hardship is to adapt and overcome and that's exactly what she's doing. "I'm excited to visit my friends in California during midwinter break, but enjoy the new ones like Jada Kempkens who I met through cheer."

Her goal is to win 1st place at a competition and make her dad proud. "I seek his approval. It makes me happy knowing that he is happy, too." Lyla said.

Video clip from Stoney Creek Cheer Invite: https://x.com/myLSPS/status/1878250122355593441