Zimmerman: Cheerleader for her school and its students

Enthusiasm, involvement mark successful career for Mount St. Mary Academy grad

Published: May 23, 2013

By Malea Hargett
Editor

Malea Hargett

Rachel Zimmerman has been a leader at school, parish and diocesan functions because she likes to encourage other students.

Malea Hargett

Rachel Zimmerman has been a leader at school, parish and diocesan functions because she likes to encourage other students.

She doesn’t carry pom-poms or wear a cheerleading skirt, but Rachel Zimmerman is one of the best cheerleaders for Mount St. Mary Academy.

The senior from North Little Rock was nominated by her school as an exceptional senior for her enthusiasm for her girls’ high school, its sporting events and fundraisers.

“I try to see everything in a positive light,” she said. “I try to make everyone excited about everything. This is our school and we need pride for our school. We need to support them at sporting events and we need to support them at fundraisers. I love to see people supporting our basketball or volleyball games. ... Especially as seniors, we need to set the example.”

Her school spirit is obvious at games where Zimmerman tries to rev up the crowd.

“I am so loud,” she said. “I am the loudest person ever. I embarrass myself sometimes. I love being in a crowd of people all cheering for the same thing.”

Her positive attitude is not only exhibited at school. Her birthday May 10 was overshadowed by two unfortunate events. The day before, her mobile phone was stolen and she had to buy a new phone and then she got what she believed to be food poisoning. Her role on the diocese’s Youth Advisory Council necessitated her attending the May 10-12 Catholic Youth Ministry Convention, but Zimmerman was there with a smile and positive attitude. Her birthday ended on a high note when she was named the Young Faith Essay Contest winner and won an iPad from Arkansas Catholic.

“I try and be as positive as possible,” Zimmerman said. “I try not to let people see me have a bad attitude or be negative because everyone needs that one person who can put them in a better spirit. I try to be that for people. Of course, I am not perfect at it. I have bad days just like everyone else does.”

Following graduation May 27, she will attend the University of Central Arkansas. Her goal is to become an occupational therapist working with children in a hospital or school setting.

Outside of school, one can find Zimmerman being a cheerleader for Christ. As a YAC member for two years, she has committed to help the diocese plan statewide youth events.

“It’s a lot of commitment. It’s a lot of leadership,” the Immaculate Heart of Mary parishioner said. “We have a lot of responsibilities put on our shoulders. We are not babied through it. We are expected to handle things ourselves. We essentially run the youth events; we plan them and we run them.”

Click for the Catholic Graduates 2013 index