She has always known she’d go to college, but as for what she’ll study, that’s still an open question.

“I’ll start at Rock Valley College to save some money,” she said. “Then I’ll transfer to a four-year school.”

Right now, she’s considering interior design, partly because she has connections in Chicago who could open doors for her. But she’s also thought about architecture—though she admits that advanced math classes like calculus are a bit intimidating.

She has a practical mind, so she’s keeping her options open, taking generalized courses at Rock Valley before committing to a final path.

One possibility? Teaching.

“My mom really wants me to be a teacher,” she said. “She likes how I coach and help my teammates when I’m on the field.”

But Gina knows that whatever she chooses, it has to be her decision.

“I want to make my parents proud,” she said. “But I also have to find what makes me happy.”

And for someone as multifaceted as Gina, that could mean any number of things.

While many know Gina as an athlete, music has been one of her deepest passions.

Since freshman year, she has been part of Byron’s elite Chamber Choir, where students must audition to earn their place.

“I’ve been in Chamber Choir all four years,” she said. “It’s the top-level choir here, and I’ve loved every second of it.”

Her involvement in theater and musical productions has only strengthened her love for performing.

She played a role in Oklahoma! her freshman year, starred as the lead female love interest in Pippin her junior year, and is now preparing for A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.

“I don’t think I can pick a favorite show,” she said. “Each one has been a unique experience.”

Outside of performing, Gina has explored her artistic side in graphic design, taking classes at Stillman Valley—even though she’s the only Byron student who makes the drive there.

“I take Graphics 1 and 2, and we work with Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop,” she said.

That experience has given her skills in digital design, something that could tie into her interest in interior design or set design for theater.

She’s still figuring it all out, but one thing is certain: creativity will always be part of her life.

Gina’s high school experience hasn’t just been about the arts—she’s also been a dedicated athlete.

She plays golf, softball, and competitive cheerleading, embracing the discipline and teamwork each sport requires.

Her most unexpected journey? Cheerleading.

“I never did cheer in middle school,” she said. “But my friends convinced me to try out freshman year, and now it’s a huge part of my life.”

Her love for cheer grew so much that by senior year, she chose to focus on it full-time, hanging up her basketball shoes for cheer shoes instead.

“Cheer gets you so involved in the school,” she said. “You’re at football games, basketball games—you’re setting an example.”

One of her proudest moments? Senior Night for boys' basketball.

“For my senior quote, I said: ‘There’s always a little girl in the crowd watching you. Don’t let her down.’”

That’s what cheer has been for Gina—a way to be a role model, to bring energy, and to inspire younger students.

At the heart of Gina’s experience is Byron itself—the people, the school, and the sense of belonging she has felt here.

“We’ve built a really strong community,” she said. “It’s close-knit, supportive, and people look out for each other.”

She credits Byron’s teachers, principals, and counselors for creating an environment where students feel heard and encouraged.

“Our teachers are so uplifting,” she said. “And our counselors, like Mrs. Swanson, have been fantastic—especially for seniors as we plan for what’s next.”

She has also found strength and inspiration in her family, particularly her 93-year-old grandmother, Aileen Johnson.

“She’s amazing,” Gina said. “She still hosts our family holidays, sews, bakes, and never stops moving. She’s taught my mom so much, and in turn, my mom has passed that down to me.”

Getting her grandmother’s approval on something means the world to her—and in many ways, that has shaped Gina’s strong work ethic and values.

“I like to make sure that whatever I do, it’s worth the time,” she said. “I want to make a positive impact on the people around me.”

As Gina prepares to leave Byron High School, she knows she’ll be back.

“I’m excited to see where life takes me,” she said. “But I know that when I come back for my reunion, it’ll be the people in music, sports, and the teachers I’ve built relationships with that I’ll be most excited to see.”

And when she looks back at her high school years, she’ll remember not just the activities she was part of, but the connections she made.

“I like to treat people like it’s normal to be yourself,” she said. “Like it’s okay to be weird. I don’t want to treat anyone like they don’t belong.”

For Gina Baker, belonging isn’t just something you find—it’s something you help create.

And whether she’s designing spaces, teaching kids, or performing on stage, she’ll carry that sense of inclusion, leadership, and creativity with her wherever she goes.