This week’s Farmer Focus is senior Santiago Monsivais, a student embracing his last season in cheer.
SNAPSHOTS
Favorite hobbies: Cheer and video games
What do you value more in friendships: The love we have for one another
Favorite month: August
Favorite season: Winter
What you see yourself doing in five years: Practicing nursing and helping others
ZOOMING IN
Q: What inspired you to join the cheer team in the first place?
A: “Something that inspired me to join cheer was my friends. They would encourage me to join because I had always been passionate about cheer, and I loved bringing joy wherever I went.”
Q: What is the biggest lesson cheer has taught you during your high school years?
A: “The biggest lesson cheer has taught me is there is nothing more important than communication and support on a team.”
Q: What does representing the school through cheer mean to you now that you’re experiencing it for the final time?
A: “Representing the school was a truly wonderful experience, and there is nothing more beautiful than the feeling of having the ‘Farmer Pride’ running through your veins.”
Q: If you could describe your entire cheer experience in one sentence to your future self, how would you describe it?
A: “I’d describe my cheer experience to my future self as a journey that pushed me beyond my limits, taught me discipline and trust, and it showed me I’m stronger physically and mentally than I ever thought. Cheer isn’t just about routines, it’s about teamwork and growth.”
Q: What emotions do you feel when you think about stepping off the field or mat for the last time?
A: “It’s honestly a mix of pride and sadness. Pride because of everything I’ve accomplished and the growth I’ve had, but sadness because it means leaving behind something that’s been such a big part of my life and the people who made it so special.”
Q: If you could relive one moment from your senior season, what would it be and why?
A: “I would relive one of our performances where everything felt like home and everyone had a positive energy and the dances were completely in sync. Those types of moments remind me why I love cheer and how powerful teamwork can be.”
Q: What’s the most enjoyable part of being on the cheer team for you ?
A: “The most enjoyable part is the bond with the team. You go through practices, challenges and performances together, and that creates a connection that’s hard to find anywhere else.”
Q: How would you encourage someone who’s unsure about joining the cheer team?
A: “I would tell them to just try it. Cheer is more than what people think. It builds confidence, discipline and friendships. Even if you’re nervous, you might end up loving it and growing in ways you didn’t expect.”
Q: If the opportunity is there, would you want to pursue cheer after high school?
A: “If I have the opportunity, I would definitely consider continuing cheer after high school. It’s something I’m passionate about, and it’s hard to imagine just letting it go. Even if I don’t compete, I’d still want cheer to be part of my life in some way.”
