For Saige Philpot, being a cheerleader isn’t just about pompoms and game-day excitement—it’s about athleticism, teamwork, and leadership.

She has spent six years dedicating herself to Vandalia’s cheer program, and this year, she stepped into the role of captain, leading her team with grace, determination, and a fierce competitive spirit.

“This year, I really had to step into a leadership role,” Saige said. “I’ve never been a captain before, so I had to figure out what it meant to be a role model and set an example.”

That leadership is something she takes seriously—and it’s something she learned from watching her mom.

“My mom always told us, ‘Whatever you do, give it everything you have.’ That’s how I approach cheer,” she said.

While many people picture cheerleading as a sideline sport, Saige knows better.

“People think we just wave poms and cheer at games, but competitive cheer is a completely different world,” she said. “Our practices are intense, our routines are demanding, and it takes a lot of athleticism and teamwork to pull everything off.”

As a base, Saige is one of the strongest athletes on the team, responsible for lifting, balancing, and supporting her teammates.

“It’s a huge responsibility,” she said. “You have to be strong, steady, and fearless.”

Her dedication has helped push Vandalia’s cheer program forward, and as captain, she makes sure every team member feels supported.

“I always try to lead by example,” she said. “I don’t believe in being bossy—I believe in working just as hard as I expect my teammates to work.”

That leadership, that commitment to teamwork, is something she plans to carry into her future career.

Like her mom, Saige is drawn to education.

She plans to become a teacher, specializing in third through fifth grade, because those were the years that shaped her the most.

“I struggled in elementary school, and I had teachers who helped me believe in myself,” she said. “I want to be that person for other kids.”

Right now, she’s weighing two college paths:

1. Attending Kaskaskia College as a student ambassador, gaining experience in leadership while starting her education degree.

2. Going to McKendree University, where she could also continue cheerleading at the collegiate level.

“I haven’t made a final decision yet,” she said. “But no matter what, I know I’m going into education.”

Her dream is simple but powerful:

“I want to be a teacher that makes a difference,” she said. “I want kids to know that no matter what they’re struggling with, they have someone in their corner.”

Misty and Saige share more than just a last name—they share a relentless drive, a deep love for education, and a commitment to giving their best in everything they do.

Misty has spent her life adapting, learning, and building connections with students—first in the classroom, then through technology, always finding ways to reach more kids and make a greater impact.

Saige has taken those same values into cheer, leadership, and her future career as an educator, proving that strength and resilience run deep in the Philpot family.

As Saige steps forward into her future, she does so with the foundation her mother built for her, knowing that whatever she chooses to do, she’ll give it everything she has—just like she was taught.