I began cheerleading at age 10 and continued to do so until the end of my senior year in highschool. Before cheerleading I would randomly tumble around the house and take dance/gymnastics classes. One Pop Warner team located in Orlando, Florida is where my career began. I was on 2 different pop warner teams before moving to Brandon Allstars; I built the foundation of my skills here along with building bonds that I still keep to this day. After one season there the gym was shut down and I moved to Top Gun Allstars Orlando. Where I stepped into myself socially, athletically and in leadership roles. Top Gun did not have established captains but there were definitely people used as examples or guidance for those who needed help. I was a flyer and oftentimes was asked for help in stunts from other flyers. This role continued as I moved to North Carolina and began my high school cheerleading career. August of 2021, I made the varsity cheerleading team at Panther Creek High School. Along with learning to bond with a new team, I naturally took on a leadership role for our junior varsity team. I would go to every football and requested practice times to assist mainly in stunting and be there as an extra set of hands and eyes to the coach. I would help newer cheerleaders build confidence in their skill set along with teaching cheers. I was soon named the official manager of JV cheerleading and held this role very close to my heart as I bonded with the team. I carried this role to the end of my senior year football season. Even throughout my concussion this season, I did everything I could to help out these girls while recovering. Juggling this was challenging when it came to my personal practice times and making it to junior varsity games and practices, but it did not matter because helping this team meant everything to me. Not only did I learn a true passion for helping others that I had; I also gained some insanely amazing friendships that I hope to carry out lifelong. Hearing our JV team tell me that they genuinely loved having me at their games and practices was one of the best things I've ever heard, and I wouldn’t trade my time as their sister for the world. I plan to use the experiences gained and the skills I've gained to not only coach my own team but guide those around me in their own personal pursuits while ensuring that we understand the importance of the community we build around ourselves.

My name is Eliyah Handy, but I go by Tia. I am a 17-year-old Panther Creek High Schoo graduate and plan to attend North Carolina Central University in the fall of 2024. I plan to Major in Business Administration with a concentration in marketing. As I continue my academic journey, North Carolina Central University stands out in more ways than one. The largely community-based environment initially drew me in, but upon further research, I discovered that NCCU's academic programs perfectly align with my goals for the future. After graduating from NCCU, I plan to join a media marketing team and coach a scholastic cheerleading team. This university has consistently demonstrated its value for preparing students and providing resources for success. The environment they have created sets the optimal foundation for my career, offering the support and education I need. Following graduation, I aim to remain active in the community and assist future students in achieving their goals. I hope to create a welcoming and safe space for everyone around me, mirroring the family-based environment fostered by NCCU. As a student, I am committed to demonstrating the excellence consistently curated at this university. North Carolina Central University represents growth, not only academically, but also culturally. My goal is to utilize the tools provided to cultivate personal growth and contribute positively to the community that has supported me. My eldest sister is where my interest in attending an HBCU derives from but not only that, she is my biggest inspiration in many different sectors of life. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing. It’s easy to compare myself to her and feel as though I won’t accomplish anything as great as her but instead of viewing her success as competition, I see it as motivation. She has always pushed for me to do great things not only in school but also in athletics. She has always been my biggest cheerleader and I hope that one day I can not only make her proud but reciprocate all that she has given me. Knowing that I have someone so incredibly talented to look up to only further motivates me to follow in her professional footsteps as I navigate my career path. With her by my side and my newfound system support at North Carolina Central University, I feel as though I have put myself in a position to truly thrive and do well for not only myself but for those around me, as well.

Growing up in a single-parent household presented its own set of challenges, but my journey through cheerleading has been a transformative force that has shaped my character, resilience, and leadership skills. From the age of 10 until my senior year in high school, cheerleading has been a constant in my life. My early days were marked by tumbling around the house and participating in dance and gymnastics classes. It all began with a Pop Warner team in Orlando, Florida, where I not only honed my skills but also formed lasting bonds that persist to this day. Despite facing adversity when the gym shut down after a season, my journey continued with the Brandon Allstars, laying the foundation for the skills that would carry me through my cheerleading career. A pivotal moment occurred when I joined Top Gun Allstars Orlando. Here, I not only developed athletically but also socially and as a leader. While the gym lacked formal captains, individuals like myself served as examples and guides for those seeking assistance. As a flyer, I often found myself helping others with stunts, a role that continued when I moved to North Carolina and embarked on my high school cheerleading career. In August of 2021, I achieved a significant milestone by making the varsity cheerleading team at Panther Creek High School. This transition brought the challenge of bonding with a new team, and I naturally assumed a leadership role for the junior varsity squad. I dedicated myself to attending every football game and requested practice time to support the team in stunting and coaching. Despite facing personal challenges, such as a concussion during the season, my commitment to the JV team remained unwavering. Balancing personal practice times with attending JV games and practices was demanding, but the gratification of assisting and bonding with the team far outweighed any obstacles. My passion for helping others flourished during this time, and I cultivated profound friendships that I cherish deeply. Serving as the official manager of JV cheerleading became a role close to my heart, and I carried it through the end of my senior year football season. Even during my recovery from a concussion, I remained dedicated to supporting my teammates, showcasing the resilience I had developed over the years. The genuine love expressed by the JV team for having me at their games and practices was incredibly rewarding. The friendships and the sense of sisterhood that emerged from this experience are invaluable, and I wouldn't trade my time with them for anything. Cheerleading, in the context of growing up with a single mother, has not only been a personal passion but a source of strength, personal growth, and enduring connections.

My name is Eliyah Handy, affectionately known as Tia, and I'm a 17-year-old senior at Panther Creek High School. As I eagerly approach the next chapter of my academic journey, I am thrilled to share my plans to attend North Carolina Central University in the fall of 2024. My chosen path is paved with aspirations as I intend to major in Business Administration with a concentrated focus on marketing. Since a young age, I have found myself irresistibly drawn to the world of content creation, both for established brands and my personal projects. This passion has fueled my desire to delve into the intricate realm of marketing strategies and brand management. I envision a future where I can seamlessly blend my creativity with the dynamic field of business, making a meaningful impact in the world of commerce. In addition to my academic pursuits, I have dedicated over seven years of my life to the exhilarating world of cheerleading. My journey in this sport has encompassed both competitive and scholastic endeavors, shaping me into the person I am today. A highlight of my cheerleading journey came in the form of the 2023 UCA All-American award, an accolade that not only celebrates my dedication but also propels me toward my future goals. Eager to contribute to the cheerleading community, I was invited to join the UCA camp staff, a testament to my skills and commitment to the sport. This prestigious opportunity aligns seamlessly with my burgeoning passion for coaching. The prospect of guiding and mentoring a team, coupled with my interest in media marketing, fuels my aspirations for the future. Beyond my athletic endeavors, I am an avid music enthusiast. My free time is often spent exploring new artists and discovering unique sounds that resonate with my eclectic taste. Music serves as a source of inspiration and relaxation in my life, providing a backdrop to my diverse interests and activities. A cornerstone of my personal philosophy revolves around the significance of building strong relationships. I firmly believe that fostering genuine connections with those around me reflects not only my interpersonal skills but also my willingness to pursue my aspirations fearlessly. This belief has evolved significantly throughout my athletic career, where I've learned the importance of collaboration and support. One pivotal experience that solidified my desire to coach was managing my school's junior varsity cheerleading team. Witnessing the positive impact of my guidance and enjoying the camaraderie of the team has been nothing short of exhilarating. As I embark on this exciting journey into college and beyond, my aspirations extend beyond the cheerleading mat. I am committed to continuous growth in my personal, professional, and coaching endeavors, embracing every opportunity to refine and build upon the foundation I've laid.

My sister is my biggest inspiration for not only my professional life but also academically. She graduated from Florida A&M University with a bachelor of science in nursing. It’s easy to compare myself to her and feel as though I won’t accomplish anything as great as her but instead of viewing her success as competition, I see it as motivation. She has always pushed for me to do great things not only in sports but also in athletics. She has always been my biggest cheerleader and I hope that one day I can not only make her proud but reciprocate all that she has given me. Knowing that I have someone so incredibly talented to look up to only further motivates me to follow in her professional footsteps as I navigate my career path. However, sister is not my only source of motivation. A large part of my strive to do well professionally is my desire to build a family. My family and I have always been close and looked out for each other and it is because of this that I would like to carry that on to a family of my own. I have zero plans to bring children into this world if I am not adequately prepared academically and professionally. That includes a stable relationship with my partner and financial stability. I want to be able to provide my family with every resource they could ever need to lead them to an amazing life. This begins with my education. I need a strong foundation to be able to build a career that will not only support myself but set up a bright future for my family. My post secondary school education will not only allow me to carry on my planned career but provide me with preparation for any obstacles that may come my way. My university will give me the tools I need to create my dream foundation for my future family. Family is huge to me and without my current family I wouldn’t be where I am today, let alone planning to build a family of my own. My education is a vital step in my preparation for this family to build. With a better tomorrow I can build a world in which my family can live a happy and peaceful life without financial stressors. With a better tomorrow I can set myself up for a better future.

I began cheerleading at age 10 and continued to do so until the end of my senior year in highschool. Before cheerleading I would randomly tumble around the house and take dance/gymnastics classes. One Pop Warner team located in Orlando, Florida is where my career began. I was on 2 different pop warner teams before moving to Brandon Allstars; I built the foundation of my skills here along with building bonds that I still keep to this day. After one season there the gym was shut down and I moved to Top Gun Allstars Orlando. Where I stepped into myself socially, athletically and in leadership roles. Top Gun did not have established captains but there were definitely people used as examples or guidance for those who needed help. I was a flyer and oftentimes was asked for help in stunts from other flyers. This role continued as I moved to North Carolina and began my high school cheerleading career. August of 2021 I made the varsity cheerleading team at Panther Creek High School. Along with learning to bond with a new team, I naturally took on a leadership role for our junior varsity team. I would go to every football and requested practice times to assist mainly in stunting and be there as an extra set of hands and eyes to the coach. I would help newer cheerleaders build confidence in their skill set along with teaching cheers. I was soon named the official manager of JV cheerleading and held this role very close to my heart as I bonded with the team. I carried this role to the end of my senior year football season. Even throughout my concussion this season, I did everything I could to help out these girls while recovering. Juggling this was challenging when it came to my personal practice times and making it to junior varsity games and practices but it did not matter because helping this team meant everything to me. Not only did I learn a true passion for helping others that I had; I also gained some insanely amazing friendships that I hope to carry out lifelong. Hearing our jv team tell me that they genuinely loved having me at their games and practices was one of the best things I've ever heard and I wouldn’t trade my time as their sister for the world.