Hot Springs World Class High School senior Ta'Laila Cunningham is a cheerleader for the Girls of Troy cheer squad.
Head cheer coach Melissa Quast said Cunningham is the embodiment of a good cheerleader for her school.
"Ta'Laila is a great leader on and off the sideline," Quast said. "She always has a positive attitude and is always a team player."
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Cunningham recently met with The Sentinel-Record to provide a glimpse of what she is like off the sideline.
What do you like most about cheerleading?
My favorite thing is just bonding with the team, going out to games and just supporting our team. We compete; we have a competition season and it is always really fun.
What is your most memorable moment cheering?
Really just watching myself just grow as a cheerleader. Learning new skills and having a coach that is really pushing me is always great.
Why did you start participating in cheer?
I just wanted to see what it was all about. I did not really think anything of it when I first started out and I just instantly fell in love with it.
Who is your all-time favorite athlete in any sport?
Simone Biles
What do you like to do for fun?
If I am not cheering, my favorite thing to do for fun is just binging a TV show.
Are you a morning person or a night owl?
Night, I am not an early bird.
Are you an introvert or an extrovert?
It depends. I like hanging out sometimes, but sometimes I just want to be in my bed.
If you could visit any place in the world, where would you go?
I really want to go to Amsterdam.
What is your favorite restaurant?
Colorado Grill, it is downtown in Hot Springs.
Is a hotdog a sandwich?
Yes, technically it is.
What one person is your biggest inspiration?
My mom is really my biggest inspiration because she just pushes through. She always has just the kindest heart and I just really look up to that.
Other than your cell phone, what is one item you cannot live without?
My family
What is the last television series that you binge-watched, or are currently watching?
"Outer Banks"
What is your all-time favorite movie?
"Freedom Writers"
Who is your celebrity crush?
Justin Bieber
What is your go-to emoji?
The hand-heart
What is your favorite color?
Pink
How would you spend a million dollars?
I would buy a house, with a pool and a basketball court.
Name something about you that most people would be surprised to learn.
I think most people think I am really outgoing and sometimes I am really shy.
What is your biggest pet peeve?
When people smack when they eat.
If you could take three items with you on a desert island, what would you take?
Water purifier, my phone and a hot spot so I can use it.
What is your favorite class in school?
English, I like writing essays.
What are your plans after graduation and what type of career do you plan to pursue?
I want to get my bachelor's of science in nursing because I want to be a labor and delivery nurse.