Student: Cadence Martin
Year In School: Junior
Plans After High School: Cadence wants to attend a four year university close to home and pursue a degree in education so that she can one day become an elementary school teacher.
Toad PRIDE Focus: Integrity, Determination, and Focus
What Cadence Does to Show Toad PRIDE: There is a lot of research that definitively posits that serving and helping others improves individual well-being, deepens community connections, and creates a positive ripple effect of kindness from one person to the next. From a health and wellness standpoint, serving and helping others boosts individual mood, reduces stress, and increases longevity. Most importantly, serving and helping others shifts attention away from personal worries, building a sense of gratitude and with these selfless actions, kindness is passed forward from one person to the next. For Junior Cadence Martin, she is using her position as a Varsity Cheerleader and as a student in the Careers in Education program to serve and help others, bringing positive energy and vibes to Coalinga High School.
For Cadence, cheerleading has been a part of her life since she was 7 years old when she dawned the red and blue for the Coalinga Oilers Youth Cheer program. Throughout the past 9 years, Cadence has developed a bond with her teammates as they have journeyed through cheering for the Oilers to representing the orange and black and as Horned Toad Cheerleaders. “I have been cheering with most of the same girls throughout my seasons with the Oilers and that's one thing that makes the team (at CHS) so special to me,” graciously comments Cadence, “I am glad I was able to bond and grow up with these girls.” Individually, Cadence has experienced her fair share of success as a cheerleader as she has been selected as an All-American Cheerleader the past three years through USA Cheer Camps where she has the opportunity to participate in parades all over the world. This year she will have the privilege of participating in the Pearl Harbor Memorial Parade in Honolulu, Hawaii. Beyond the success she has experienced, Cadence hopes that she can do her part to provide joy to fans, students, and spectators while creating a positive environment for her teammates to benefit from. “I love to cheer because I love to inspire other people,” Cadence humbly states, “I hope that the CHS cheer program continues to grow and I hope to do my part to build a positive, welcoming environment.”
Known for her positive energy and her ability to uplift others, Junior Cadence Martin uses her position as a Horned Toad Varsity Cheerleader to inspire others.
With her positive spirit and energy under the Friday night lights as a cheerleader for the Horned Toads, it should come as no surprise that Cadence wants to become an elementary school teacher for her career path with the hope to inspire and develop learning in children. To prepare for her career as an educator, Cadence is enrolled in the CHS ROP Careers in Education program and is the President of the new Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) Club on campus as well. Through participation in the program, Cadence has learned the nuances of teaching. “I have learned that there is more to teachers than just teaching students,” states Cadence, “Teachers create curriculum, lesson plans, they grade work, they use teamwork and collaboration with one another and there is a lot of leading and guiding involved when you're a teacher. I have had the opportunity to go to the elementary schools and directly help run activities like field days, gold rush, play days as well as help children read who are all at different levels.” The main reason why Cadence wants to teach is that she wants to be a source of help and influence for the future generations. “As a future educator I hope to have a welcoming classroom environment that can accommodate different learning styles whether it's through visuals or hands-on activities. I want to inspire and motivate my future students through my teaching.” For her benevolent spirit, INTEGRITY, DETERMINATION, and EMPATHY she demonstrates as a Horned Toad Cheerleader and as a student in the ROP Careers in Education Program at CHS, Cadence Martin has Toad PRIDE.
Known for her intellectual curiosity, Cadence Martin is inspired by her teachers and hopes to one day be a teacher that provides the same support and inspiration to her students.
What Toad PRIDE Means to Cadence: “To me Toad Pride means being a role model and a good person. It also means challenging myself and committing myself to school and my learning.”
What Teachers and Staff Think of Cadence:
“Cadence truly shows her Toad PRIDE each and every day she comes to class prepared and ready, she helps to keep the classroom running smoothly as she is also my 4th period TA. She is enrolled in AP courses and continually challenges herself academically. Then after school she can be found at cheer practice getting ready to bring that Toad Spirit to life under our Friday night lights. She really is an amazing young lady who has a bright future ahead of her! She is a gift and I know that one day she will be a teacher that touches the lives of her students.” Jennifer Johnson, CTE/ROP Education and Child Development Teacher and CTE/ROP Department Head, Coalinga High School
“Cadence Martin demonstrates Toad pride by bringing positive energy and enthusiasm to every practice and game. She represents CHS with a great attitude, strong school spirit, and pride in her team. Cadence works hard to improve her skills while encouraging and supporting all those around her. Her dedication, positivity, and commitment to representing the Horned Toads make her a wonderful example of what Toad Pride is all about.” Rebecca Urbano, Head Varsity Cheer Coach, Coalinga High School
“Cadence embodies Toad PRIDE wonderfully and she is truly a one of a kind student. She is kind to others, dedicated to growing academically, and bright in every aspect. It has been an absolute pleasure to be her counselor and see her grow. We're so proud of Cadence and so happy she's a horned toad!!!” Julianne Llamas, 9th & 11th Grade Counselor, Coalinga High School
“Cadence is the definition of Toad Pride due to her very levelheaded demeanor. Her attention to detail on and off the track is on another level for example not only is her attendance fantastic but her academics are just as good. She’s kind to everyone and is always willing to help her peers. When you think of Toad Pride Cadence Martin sets the tone.” Gerald Butler II, Assistant Varsity Cheer Coach, Coalinga High School
“Cadence demonstrates the spirit of Toad Pride with the thoroughness of the work she produces, her curiosity, and willingness to contribute.” Josh Sexton, Chemistry Teacher, Coalinga High School