A sense of nostalgia rushes through former student Katelynn Clark as she makes her return as the new high school cheerleading coach and math teacher. She distinctly remembers the hallways, the classrooms and even her old teachers. She feels the familiarity as she teaches routines to her freshman cheerleading team, thinking back to when the roles were reversed.
“Everything is so familiar,” Clark said. “It’s definitely a lot to take in, but I feel at home.”
Clark attended Legacy three years after it opened. She cheered at school and competed in All- Star cheer which inspired her to continue her passion into college. She attended Baylor University on a full cheerleading scholarship. Clark cheered for one year at Baylor and transferred to Midwestern University to continue her dream of becoming a teacher and cheerleading coach. After receiving her teaching degree, she applied for a teaching job at Legacy.
“It’s kind of a dream come true,” Clark said. “This is something that I wanted to do since I was little, and I’m glad it’s here at Legacy.”
Growing up, cheerleading was a big part of Clark’s life. She also developed a passion for teaching at a very young age. Being back in Mansfield put her mind at ease and made her feel a lot more comfortable. So when offered a teaching/coaching job here at Legacy, she jumped at the offer.
“We’re family and it’s great knowing I get to come back to my home,” Clark said. “I’ve been here before, so I’m not as nervous.”
Clark teaches fundamental math and coaches the freshman cheerleading team.
With a new perspective, Clark feels that she has many advantages being a recent graduate student of Legacy. Clark thinks being here gives her the confidence to make connections with some of her students.
“Though it’s sometimes challenging to make those connections, I know what students want,” Clark said. “It wasn’t too long ago when I was on the opposite side of the spectrum, so I know what students are looking for.”
Though some aspects appear familiar to Clark, she also notices some changes around Legacy,
The technology advanced over the past few years, which is something new to Clark. She was also introduced to some of the newest school traditions as well as new school spirit.
“It’s grown a lot since I’ve been here,” Clark said. “It’s fun to see how involved the students are at school, because it definitely wasn’t like this when I was here.”
Clark has also inspired some of her cheerleaders to follow her career. Senior Bailey North also aspires to coach cheerleading and become a teacher. She plans on talking to Clark about the similar goals she has set herself.
“I like her a lot,” North said. “She knew some of our routines coming in and adds a lot to our cheer program.”
Clark has been welcomed by many of the teachers here at Legacy. She’s teaching alongside 20 new teachers as well as some teachers that she had when she attended Legacy.
“It’s great teaching with so many familiar faces,” Clark said. “I’m ready for a great year.”
