Katie Prouty is committed. At least that's what Champlain Valley Union (CVU) head cheerleading coach Michelle Filardi says about the lone senior on her cheer squad. "Katie is a great girl and a very committed cheerleader. She attended our numerous practices each week and our NCA cheer camp. She worked hard to learn more than 20 cheers and an extensive dance routine."

Born on May 9, 1994, Prouty and her family moved to Shelburne from Bristol when she was 12 years old. Her family includes parents, Melissa and Glen, older sister Amanda, a CVU graduate, younger brother Chris, a sophomore at CVU, and Mittens and Leah, the family cats.

Prouty chose to become involved with cheerleading at the same time the squad was established two years ago. Prouty explains what sparked her interest in cheerleading. "I always wanted to do a sport at CVU," she shared. "One of the reasons I got involved with the cheer squad is because a friend of mine got involved too. That I was able to cheerlead with a friend made it even more appealing."

And she has stayed involved. "The friendships I have made from the cheer squad are so amazing," the dedicated athlete enthused. "Not only that, but cheerleading keeps me active and in shape," she added.

Although it's hard to believe, Prouty gets especially nervous before a football game. "I have stage fright," she insists. Fortunately, it's a fear Prouty has learned to overcome. Her secret is to focus on the task at hand - cheering. Once the game begins, her instincts take over. It's a skill she can be proud of. "Katie was a valuable back spot of her stunting group," Coach Filardi said adding, "She will be missed and we all wish her the best."

Prouty has also brought her ability to focus into other areas of her life. Her senior Grad Challenge project is in digital photography. "Last year I signed up for a class at Tech and fell in love with photography," she said. "Although I am on the yearbook staff, my photographs are mainly of landscapes. I am hooked on photography."

For now, Prouty is mulling over her options after graduation and assessing her future. Although the landscape before her is vast, I'm confident that when Prouty has her lens on the right setting, she is sure to capture the moment.